Effects of Within-Talker Variability on Speech Intelligibility in Mandarin-Speaking Adult and Pediatric Cochlear Implant Patients

Cochlear implant (CI) speech performance is typically evaluated using well-enunciated speech produced at a normal rate by a single talker. CI users often have greater difficulty with variations in speech production encountered in everyday listening. Within a single talker, speaking rate, amplitude, duration, and voice pitch information may be quite variable, depending on the production context. The coarse spectral resolution afforded by the CI limits perception of voice pitch, which is an important cue for speech prosody and for tonal languages such as Mandarin Chinese. In this study, sentence recognition from the Mandarin speech perception database was measured in adult and pediatric Mandarin-speaking CI listeners for a variety of speaking styles: voiced speech produced at slow, normal, and fast speaking rates; whispered speech; voiced emotional speech; and voiced shouted speech. Recognition of Mandarin Hearing in Noise Test sentences was also measured. Results showed that performance was significantly poorer with whispered speech relative to the other speaking styles and that performance was significantly better with slow speech than with fast or emotional speech. Results also showed that adult and pediatric performance was significantly poorer with Mandarin Hearing in Noise Test than with Mandarin speech perception sentences at the normal rate. The results suggest that adult and pediatric Mandarin-speaking CI patients are highly susceptible to whispered speech, due to the lack of lexically important voice pitch cues and perhaps other qualities associated with whispered speech. The results also suggest that test materials may contribute to differences in performance observed between adult and pediatric CI users.

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Effects of Within-Talker Variability on Speech Intelligibility in Mandarin-Speaking Adult and Pediatric Cochlear Implant Patients

Cochlear implant (CI) speech performance is typically evaluated using well-enunciated speech produced at a normal rate by a single talker. CI users often have greater difficulty with variations in speech production encountered in everyday listening. Within a single talker, speaking rate, amplitude, duration, and voice pitch information may be quite variable, depending on the production context. The coarse spectral resolution afforded by the CI limits perception of voice pitch, which is an important cue for speech prosody and for tonal languages such as Mandarin Chinese. In this study, sentence recognition from the Mandarin speech perception database was measured in adult and pediatric Mandarin-speaking CI listeners for a variety of speaking styles: voiced speech produced at slow, normal, and fast speaking rates; whispered speech; voiced emotional speech; and voiced shouted speech. Recognition of Mandarin Hearing in Noise Test sentences was also measured. Results showed that performance was significantly poorer with whispered speech relative to the other speaking styles and that performance was significantly better with slow speech than with fast or emotional speech. Results also showed that adult and pediatric performance was significantly poorer with Mandarin Hearing in Noise Test than with Mandarin speech perception sentences at the normal rate. The results suggest that adult and pediatric Mandarin-speaking CI patients are highly susceptible to whispered speech, due to the lack of lexically important voice pitch cues and perhaps other qualities associated with whispered speech. The results also suggest that test materials may contribute to differences in performance observed between adult and pediatric CI users.

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Effects of Within-Talker Variability on Speech Intelligibility in Mandarin-Speaking Adult and Pediatric Cochlear Implant Patients

Cochlear implant (CI) speech performance is typically evaluated using well-enunciated speech produced at a normal rate by a single talker. CI users often have greater difficulty with variations in speech production encountered in everyday listening. Within a single talker, speaking rate, amplitude, duration, and voice pitch information may be quite variable, depending on the production context. The coarse spectral resolution afforded by the CI limits perception of voice pitch, which is an important cue for speech prosody and for tonal languages such as Mandarin Chinese. In this study, sentence recognition from the Mandarin speech perception database was measured in adult and pediatric Mandarin-speaking CI listeners for a variety of speaking styles: voiced speech produced at slow, normal, and fast speaking rates; whispered speech; voiced emotional speech; and voiced shouted speech. Recognition of Mandarin Hearing in Noise Test sentences was also measured. Results showed that performance was significantly poorer with whispered speech relative to the other speaking styles and that performance was significantly better with slow speech than with fast or emotional speech. Results also showed that adult and pediatric performance was significantly poorer with Mandarin Hearing in Noise Test than with Mandarin speech perception sentences at the normal rate. The results suggest that adult and pediatric Mandarin-speaking CI patients are highly susceptible to whispered speech, due to the lack of lexically important voice pitch cues and perhaps other qualities associated with whispered speech. The results also suggest that test materials may contribute to differences in performance observed between adult and pediatric CI users.

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A Two-Year Randomized Trial of Interventions to Decrease Stress Hormone Vasopressin Production in Patients with Meniere’s Disease—A Pilot Study

by Tadashi Kitahara, Hidehiko Okamoto, Munehisa Fukushima, Masaharu Sakagami, Taeko Ito, Akinori Yamashita, Ichiro Ota, Toshiaki Yamanaka

Meniere's disease, a common inner ear condition, has an incidence of 15–50 per 100,000. Because mental/physical stress and subsequent increase in the stress hormone vasopressin supposedly trigger Meniere's disease, we set a pilot study to seek new therapeutic interventions, namely management of vasopressin secretion, to treat this disease. We enrolled 297 definite Meniere's patients from 2010 to 2012 in a randomized-controlled and open-label trial, assigning Group-I (control) traditional oral medication, Group-II abundant water intake, Group-III tympanic ventilation tubes and Group-IV sleeping in darkness. Two hundred sixty-three patients completed the planned 2-year-follow-up, which included assessment of vertigo, hearing, plasma vasopressin concentrations and changes in stress/psychological factors. At 2 years, vertigo was completely controlled in 54.3% of patients in Group-I, 81.4% in Group-II, 84.1% in Group-III, and 80.0% in Group-IV (statistically I Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01099046

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Initial Stop Voicing in Bilingual Children With Cochlear Implants and Their Typically Developing Peers With Normal Hearing

Purpose

This study focuses on stop voicing differentiation in bilingual children with normal hearing (NH) and their bilingual peers with hearing loss who use cochlear implants (CIs).

Method

Twenty-two bilingual children participated in our study (11 with NH, M age = 5;1 [years;months], and 11 with CIs, M hearing age = 5;1). The groups were matched on hearing age and a range of demographic variables. Single-word picture elicitation was used with word-initial singleton stop consonants. Repeated measures analyses of variance with three within-subject factors (language, stop voicing, and stop place of articulation) and one between-subjects factor (NH vs. CI user) were conducted with voice onset time and percentage of prevoiced stops as dependent variables.

Results

Main effects were statistically significant for language, stop voicing, and stop place of articulation on both voice onset time and prevoicing. There were no significant main effects for NH versus CI groups. Both children with NH and with CIs differentiated stop voicing in their languages and by stop place of articulation. Stop voicing differentiation was commensurate across the groups of children with NH versus CIs.

Conclusions

Stop voicing differentiation is accomplished in a similar fashion by bilingual children with NH and CIs, and both groups differentiate stop voicing in a language-specific fashion.

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Initial Stop Voicing in Bilingual Children With Cochlear Implants and Their Typically Developing Peers With Normal Hearing

Purpose

This study focuses on stop voicing differentiation in bilingual children with normal hearing (NH) and their bilingual peers with hearing loss who use cochlear implants (CIs).

Method

Twenty-two bilingual children participated in our study (11 with NH, M age = 5;1 [years;months], and 11 with CIs, M hearing age = 5;1). The groups were matched on hearing age and a range of demographic variables. Single-word picture elicitation was used with word-initial singleton stop consonants. Repeated measures analyses of variance with three within-subject factors (language, stop voicing, and stop place of articulation) and one between-subjects factor (NH vs. CI user) were conducted with voice onset time and percentage of prevoiced stops as dependent variables.

Results

Main effects were statistically significant for language, stop voicing, and stop place of articulation on both voice onset time and prevoicing. There were no significant main effects for NH versus CI groups. Both children with NH and with CIs differentiated stop voicing in their languages and by stop place of articulation. Stop voicing differentiation was commensurate across the groups of children with NH versus CIs.

Conclusions

Stop voicing differentiation is accomplished in a similar fashion by bilingual children with NH and CIs, and both groups differentiate stop voicing in a language-specific fashion.

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Initial Stop Voicing in Bilingual Children With Cochlear Implants and Their Typically Developing Peers With Normal Hearing

Purpose

This study focuses on stop voicing differentiation in bilingual children with normal hearing (NH) and their bilingual peers with hearing loss who use cochlear implants (CIs).

Method

Twenty-two bilingual children participated in our study (11 with NH, M age = 5;1 [years;months], and 11 with CIs, M hearing age = 5;1). The groups were matched on hearing age and a range of demographic variables. Single-word picture elicitation was used with word-initial singleton stop consonants. Repeated measures analyses of variance with three within-subject factors (language, stop voicing, and stop place of articulation) and one between-subjects factor (NH vs. CI user) were conducted with voice onset time and percentage of prevoiced stops as dependent variables.

Results

Main effects were statistically significant for language, stop voicing, and stop place of articulation on both voice onset time and prevoicing. There were no significant main effects for NH versus CI groups. Both children with NH and with CIs differentiated stop voicing in their languages and by stop place of articulation. Stop voicing differentiation was commensurate across the groups of children with NH versus CIs.

Conclusions

Stop voicing differentiation is accomplished in a similar fashion by bilingual children with NH and CIs, and both groups differentiate stop voicing in a language-specific fashion.

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Minimal Hearing Loss: From a Failure-Based Approach to Evidence-Based Practice

Purpose

A representative sample of the literature on minimal hearing loss (MHL) was reviewed to provide evidence of challenges faced by children with MHL and to establish the need for evidence-based options for early intervention.

Method

Research articles published from 1950 to 2013 were searched in the Medline database using the keywords minimal hearing loss, unilateral hearing loss, and mild hearing loss. References cited in retrieved articles were also reviewed.

Results

In total, 69 articles contained relevant information about pediatric outcomes and/or intervention for unilateral hearing loss, 50 for mild hearing loss, and 6 for high-frequency hearing loss. Six challenges associated with MHL emerged, and 6 interventions were indicated. Evidence indicates that although some individuals may appear to have no observable speech-language or academic difficulties, others experience considerable difficulties. It also indicates that even though children with MHL may appear to catch up in some areas, difficulties in select domains continue into adulthood.

Conclusions

Evidence indicates significant risks associated with untreated MHL. Evidence also demonstrates the need for early intervention and identifies several appropriate intervention strategies; however, no single protocol is appropriate for all children. Therefore, families should be educated about the impact of MHL and about available interventions so that informed decisions can be made.

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Minimal Hearing Loss: From a Failure-Based Approach to Evidence-Based Practice

Purpose

A representative sample of the literature on minimal hearing loss (MHL) was reviewed to provide evidence of challenges faced by children with MHL and to establish the need for evidence-based options for early intervention.

Method

Research articles published from 1950 to 2013 were searched in the Medline database using the keywords minimal hearing loss, unilateral hearing loss, and mild hearing loss. References cited in retrieved articles were also reviewed.

Results

In total, 69 articles contained relevant information about pediatric outcomes and/or intervention for unilateral hearing loss, 50 for mild hearing loss, and 6 for high-frequency hearing loss. Six challenges associated with MHL emerged, and 6 interventions were indicated. Evidence indicates that although some individuals may appear to have no observable speech-language or academic difficulties, others experience considerable difficulties. It also indicates that even though children with MHL may appear to catch up in some areas, difficulties in select domains continue into adulthood.

Conclusions

Evidence indicates significant risks associated with untreated MHL. Evidence also demonstrates the need for early intervention and identifies several appropriate intervention strategies; however, no single protocol is appropriate for all children. Therefore, families should be educated about the impact of MHL and about available interventions so that informed decisions can be made.

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Minimal Hearing Loss: From a Failure-Based Approach to Evidence-Based Practice

Purpose

A representative sample of the literature on minimal hearing loss (MHL) was reviewed to provide evidence of challenges faced by children with MHL and to establish the need for evidence-based options for early intervention.

Method

Research articles published from 1950 to 2013 were searched in the Medline database using the keywords minimal hearing loss, unilateral hearing loss, and mild hearing loss. References cited in retrieved articles were also reviewed.

Results

In total, 69 articles contained relevant information about pediatric outcomes and/or intervention for unilateral hearing loss, 50 for mild hearing loss, and 6 for high-frequency hearing loss. Six challenges associated with MHL emerged, and 6 interventions were indicated. Evidence indicates that although some individuals may appear to have no observable speech-language or academic difficulties, others experience considerable difficulties. It also indicates that even though children with MHL may appear to catch up in some areas, difficulties in select domains continue into adulthood.

Conclusions

Evidence indicates significant risks associated with untreated MHL. Evidence also demonstrates the need for early intervention and identifies several appropriate intervention strategies; however, no single protocol is appropriate for all children. Therefore, families should be educated about the impact of MHL and about available interventions so that informed decisions can be made.

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Case Studies of Multilingual/Multicultural Asian Deaf Adults: Strategies for Success.

Related Articles

Case Studies of Multilingual/Multicultural Asian Deaf Adults: Strategies for Success.

Am Ann Deaf. 2016;161(1):67-88

Authors: Wang Q, Andrews J, Liu HT, Liu CJ

Abstract
Case studies of adult d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing Multilingual Learners (DMLs) are few, especially studies of DMLs who learn more than one sign language and read logographic and alphabetic scripts. To reduce this paucity, two descriptive case studies are presented. Written questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, and self-appraisals of language-use rubrics were used to explore (a) the language and literacy histories of two adult Asian DMLs who had learned multiple languages: Chinese (spoken/written), English (written), Chinese Sign Language, and American Sign Language; and (b) how each language was used in different cultural communities with diverse conversational partners. Home literacy environment, family support, visual access to languages, peer and sibling support, role models, encouragement, perseverance, and Deaf identity all played vital roles in the participants' academic success. The findings provide insights into the acquisition of multiple languages and bi-literacy through social communication and academic content.

PMID: 27156919 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Assessment and d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Multilingual Learners: Considerations and Promising Practices.

Related Articles

Assessment and d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Multilingual Learners: Considerations and Promising Practices.

Am Ann Deaf. 2016;161(1):56-66

Authors: Pizzo L, Chilvers A

Abstract
The authors address considerations and promising practices relating to assessment of d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Multilingual Learners. DMLs' unique culture(s), language(s), and learning needs must be considered when assessments of this population are being planned, conducted, and interpreted. The authors address theory and research on (a) general considerations for the overarching assessment process, (b) specific assessment approaches used to assess DMLs, and (c) assessment of language proficiency for diverse language learners. In addition, basic recommendations for the assessment of DMLs are made, including increased availability of assessments in various languages, use of multiple sources of individual and family data, assessment of all languages, and incorporation of a strong assessment component (that includes nondiscrimination practices) into teacher preparation programs.

PMID: 27156918 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Early Intervention: A Multicultural Perspective on d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Multilingual Learners.

Related Articles

Early Intervention: A Multicultural Perspective on d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Multilingual Learners.

Am Ann Deaf. 2016;161(1):33-40

Authors: Sandy KB

Abstract
Today's pluralistic society is characterized by families from many linguistic and cultural backgrounds, including families with infants and toddlers who are deaf or hard of hearing (d/Dhh). Taking a multicultural perspective, the author examines family-centered early intervention (FCEI) and the transition to school services for children who are d/Dhh. Working with d/Dhh Multilingual Learners (DMLs) and their families presents a unique challenge to early intervention professionals: ensuring that families have adequate information and resources to make informed choices, particularly regarding communication. The author presents information and research related to (a) family and professional partnerships, (b) cultural contexts for early intervention,

PMID: 27156916 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Multilingual Learners: The Development of Communication and Language.

Related Articles

d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Multilingual Learners: The Development of Communication and Language.

Am Ann Deaf. 2016;161(1):17-32

Authors: Pizzo L

Abstract
The author examines the theory and research relevant to educating d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Multilingual Learners (DMLs). There is minimal research on this population, yet a synthesis of related theory, research, and practice on spoken-language bilinguals can be used to add to the body of knowledge on these learners. Specifically, the author reports on three major areas: (a) population characteristics of DMLs, (b) theories relevant to understanding the language development of DMLs, and (c) considerations for programs in designing and implementing educational services for DMLs. In the interest of ensuring that children receive the foundation for linguistic success, aspects of linguistically responsive teaching (Lucas & Villegas, 2013) are addressed, with a focus on adopting an asset-based perspective on educating DMLs that honors all of a child's language, identity, and cultural memberships.

PMID: 27156915 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Effort and Displeasure in People Who Are Hard of Hearing.

Effort and Displeasure in People Who Are Hard of Hearing.

Ear Hear. 2016 Jul-Aug;37 Suppl 1:28S-34S

Authors: Matthen M

Abstract
Listening effort helps explain why people who are hard of hearing are prone to fatigue and social withdrawal. However, a one-factor model that cites only effort due to hardness of hearing is insufficient as there are many who lead happy lives despite their disability. This article explores other contributory factors, in particular motivational arousal and pleasure. The theory of rational motivational arousal predicts that some people forego listening comprehension because they believe it to be impossible and hence worth no effort at all. This is problematic. Why should the listening task be rated this way, given the availability of aids that reduce its difficulty? Two additional factors narrow the explanatory gap. First, we separate the listening task from the benefit derived as a consequence. The latter is temporally more distant, and is discounted as a result. The second factor is displeasure attributed to the listening task, which increases listening cost. Many who are hard of hearing enjoy social interaction. In such cases, the actual activity of listening is a benefit, not a cost. These people also reap the benefits of listening, but do not have to balance these against the displeasure of the task. It is suggested that if motivational harmony can be induced by training in somebody who is hard of hearing, then the obstacle to motivational arousal would be removed. This suggests a modified goal for health care professionals. Do not just teach those who are hard of hearing how to use hearing assistance devices. Teach them how to do so with pleasure and enjoyment.

PMID: 27355767 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Effort and Displeasure in People Who Are Hard of Hearing.

Effort and Displeasure in People Who Are Hard of Hearing.

Ear Hear. 2016 Jul-Aug;37 Suppl 1:28S-34S

Authors: Matthen M

Abstract
Listening effort helps explain why people who are hard of hearing are prone to fatigue and social withdrawal. However, a one-factor model that cites only effort due to hardness of hearing is insufficient as there are many who lead happy lives despite their disability. This article explores other contributory factors, in particular motivational arousal and pleasure. The theory of rational motivational arousal predicts that some people forego listening comprehension because they believe it to be impossible and hence worth no effort at all. This is problematic. Why should the listening task be rated this way, given the availability of aids that reduce its difficulty? Two additional factors narrow the explanatory gap. First, we separate the listening task from the benefit derived as a consequence. The latter is temporally more distant, and is discounted as a result. The second factor is displeasure attributed to the listening task, which increases listening cost. Many who are hard of hearing enjoy social interaction. In such cases, the actual activity of listening is a benefit, not a cost. These people also reap the benefits of listening, but do not have to balance these against the displeasure of the task. It is suggested that if motivational harmony can be induced by training in somebody who is hard of hearing, then the obstacle to motivational arousal would be removed. This suggests a modified goal for health care professionals. Do not just teach those who are hard of hearing how to use hearing assistance devices. Teach them how to do so with pleasure and enjoyment.

PMID: 27355767 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Subcortical correlates of auditory perceptual organization in humans

Publication date: Available online 29 June 2016
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Shimpei Yamagishi, Sho Otsuka, Shigeto Furukawa, Makio Kashino
To make sense of complex auditory scenes, the auditory system sequentially organizes auditory components into perceptual objects or streams. In the conventional view of this process, the cortex plays a major role in perceptual organization, and subcortical mechanisms merely provide the cortex with acoustical features. Here, we show that the neural activities of the brainstem are linked to perceptual organization, which alternates spontaneously for human listeners without any stimulus change. The stimulus used in the experiment was an unchanging sequence of repeated triplet tones, which can be interpreted as either one or two streams. Listeners were instructed to report the perceptual states whenever they experienced perceptual switching between one and two streams throughout the stimulus presentation. Simultaneously, we recorded event related potentials with scalp electrodes. We measured the frequency-following response (FFR), which is considered to originate from the brainstem. We also assessed thalamo-cortical activity through the middle-latency response (MLR). The results demonstrate that the FFR and MLR varied with the state of auditory stream perception. In addition, we found that the MLR change precedes the FFR change with perceptual switching from a one-stream to a two-stream percept. This suggests that there are top-down influences on brainstem activity from the thalamo-cortical pathway. These findings are consistent with the idea of a distributed, hierarchical neural network for perceptual organization and suggest that the network extends to the brainstem level.



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Correlation between word recognition score and intracochlear new bone and fibrous tissue after cochlear implantation in the human

Publication date: Available online 29 June 2016
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Takefumi Kamakura, Joseph B. Nadol
Cochlear implantation is an effective, established procedure for patients with profound deafness. Although implant electrodes have been considered as biocompatible prostheses, surgical insertion of the electrode induces various changes within the cochlea. Immediate changes include insertional trauma to the cochlea. Delayed changes include a tissue response consisting of inflammation, fibrosis and neo-osteogenesis induced by trauma and an immunologic reaction to a foreign body. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of these delayed changes on the word recognition scores achieved post-operatively. Seventeen temporal bones from patients who in life had undergone cochlear implantation were prepared for light microscopy. We digitally calculated the volume of fibrous tissue and new bone within the cochlea using Amira^® three-dimensional reconstruction software and assessed the correlations of various clinical and histologic factors. The postoperative CNC word score was positively correlated with total spiral ganglion cell count. Fibrous tissue and new bone were found within the cochlea of all seventeen specimens. The postoperative CNC word score was negatively correlated with the % volume of new bone within the scala tympani, scala media/vestibuli and the cochlea, but not with the % volume of fibrous tissue. The % volume of new bone in the scala media/vestibuli was positively correlated with the degree of intracochlear insertional trauma, especially trauma to the basilar membrane.Our results revealed that the % volume of new bone as well as residual total spiral ganglion cell count are important factors influencing post-implant hearing performance. New bone formation may be reduced by limiting insertional trauma and increasing the biocompatibility of the electrodes.



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Subcortical correlates of auditory perceptual organization in humans

Publication date: Available online 29 June 2016
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Shimpei Yamagishi, Sho Otsuka, Shigeto Furukawa, Makio Kashino
To make sense of complex auditory scenes, the auditory system sequentially organizes auditory components into perceptual objects or streams. In the conventional view of this process, the cortex plays a major role in perceptual organization, and subcortical mechanisms merely provide the cortex with acoustical features. Here, we show that the neural activities of the brainstem are linked to perceptual organization, which alternates spontaneously for human listeners without any stimulus change. The stimulus used in the experiment was an unchanging sequence of repeated triplet tones, which can be interpreted as either one or two streams. Listeners were instructed to report the perceptual states whenever they experienced perceptual switching between one and two streams throughout the stimulus presentation. Simultaneously, we recorded event related potentials with scalp electrodes. We measured the frequency-following response (FFR), which is considered to originate from the brainstem. We also assessed thalamo-cortical activity through the middle-latency response (MLR). The results demonstrate that the FFR and MLR varied with the state of auditory stream perception. In addition, we found that the MLR change precedes the FFR change with perceptual switching from a one-stream to a two-stream percept. This suggests that there are top-down influences on brainstem activity from the thalamo-cortical pathway. These findings are consistent with the idea of a distributed, hierarchical neural network for perceptual organization and suggest that the network extends to the brainstem level.



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Correlation between word recognition score and intracochlear new bone and fibrous tissue after cochlear implantation in the human

Publication date: Available online 29 June 2016
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Takefumi Kamakura, Joseph B. Nadol
Cochlear implantation is an effective, established procedure for patients with profound deafness. Although implant electrodes have been considered as biocompatible prostheses, surgical insertion of the electrode induces various changes within the cochlea. Immediate changes include insertional trauma to the cochlea. Delayed changes include a tissue response consisting of inflammation, fibrosis and neo-osteogenesis induced by trauma and an immunologic reaction to a foreign body. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of these delayed changes on the word recognition scores achieved post-operatively. Seventeen temporal bones from patients who in life had undergone cochlear implantation were prepared for light microscopy. We digitally calculated the volume of fibrous tissue and new bone within the cochlea using Amira^® three-dimensional reconstruction software and assessed the correlations of various clinical and histologic factors. The postoperative CNC word score was positively correlated with total spiral ganglion cell count. Fibrous tissue and new bone were found within the cochlea of all seventeen specimens. The postoperative CNC word score was negatively correlated with the % volume of new bone within the scala tympani, scala media/vestibuli and the cochlea, but not with the % volume of fibrous tissue. The % volume of new bone in the scala media/vestibuli was positively correlated with the degree of intracochlear insertional trauma, especially trauma to the basilar membrane.Our results revealed that the % volume of new bone as well as residual total spiral ganglion cell count are important factors influencing post-implant hearing performance. New bone formation may be reduced by limiting insertional trauma and increasing the biocompatibility of the electrodes.



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Subcortical correlates of auditory perceptual organization in humans

Publication date: Available online 29 June 2016
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Shimpei Yamagishi, Sho Otsuka, Shigeto Furukawa, Makio Kashino
To make sense of complex auditory scenes, the auditory system sequentially organizes auditory components into perceptual objects or streams. In the conventional view of this process, the cortex plays a major role in perceptual organization, and subcortical mechanisms merely provide the cortex with acoustical features. Here, we show that the neural activities of the brainstem are linked to perceptual organization, which alternates spontaneously for human listeners without any stimulus change. The stimulus used in the experiment was an unchanging sequence of repeated triplet tones, which can be interpreted as either one or two streams. Listeners were instructed to report the perceptual states whenever they experienced perceptual switching between one and two streams throughout the stimulus presentation. Simultaneously, we recorded event related potentials with scalp electrodes. We measured the frequency-following response (FFR), which is considered to originate from the brainstem. We also assessed thalamo-cortical activity through the middle-latency response (MLR). The results demonstrate that the FFR and MLR varied with the state of auditory stream perception. In addition, we found that the MLR change precedes the FFR change with perceptual switching from a one-stream to a two-stream percept. This suggests that there are top-down influences on brainstem activity from the thalamo-cortical pathway. These findings are consistent with the idea of a distributed, hierarchical neural network for perceptual organization and suggest that the network extends to the brainstem level.



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Correlation between word recognition score and intracochlear new bone and fibrous tissue after cochlear implantation in the human

Publication date: Available online 29 June 2016
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Takefumi Kamakura, Joseph B. Nadol
Cochlear implantation is an effective, established procedure for patients with profound deafness. Although implant electrodes have been considered as biocompatible prostheses, surgical insertion of the electrode induces various changes within the cochlea. Immediate changes include insertional trauma to the cochlea. Delayed changes include a tissue response consisting of inflammation, fibrosis and neo-osteogenesis induced by trauma and an immunologic reaction to a foreign body. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of these delayed changes on the word recognition scores achieved post-operatively. Seventeen temporal bones from patients who in life had undergone cochlear implantation were prepared for light microscopy. We digitally calculated the volume of fibrous tissue and new bone within the cochlea using Amira^® three-dimensional reconstruction software and assessed the correlations of various clinical and histologic factors. The postoperative CNC word score was positively correlated with total spiral ganglion cell count. Fibrous tissue and new bone were found within the cochlea of all seventeen specimens. The postoperative CNC word score was negatively correlated with the % volume of new bone within the scala tympani, scala media/vestibuli and the cochlea, but not with the % volume of fibrous tissue. The % volume of new bone in the scala media/vestibuli was positively correlated with the degree of intracochlear insertional trauma, especially trauma to the basilar membrane.Our results revealed that the % volume of new bone as well as residual total spiral ganglion cell count are important factors influencing post-implant hearing performance. New bone formation may be reduced by limiting insertional trauma and increasing the biocompatibility of the electrodes.



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Prevalence and Predictors of Persistent Speech Sound Disorder at Eight Years Old: Findings From a Population Cohort Study

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine prevalence and predictors of persistent speech sound disorder (SSD) in children aged 8 years after disregarding children presenting solely with common clinical distortions (i.e., residual errors).

Method

Data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (Boyd et al., 2012) were used. Children were classified as having persistent SSD on the basis of percentage of consonants correct measures from connected speech samples. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors.

Results

The estimated prevalence of persistent SSD was 3.6%. Children with persistent SSD were more likely to be boys and from families who were not homeowners. Early childhood predictors identified as important were weak sucking at 4 weeks, not often combining words at 24 months, limited use of word morphology at 38 months, and being unintelligible to strangers at age 38 months. School-age predictors identified as important were maternal report of difficulty pronouncing certain sounds and hearing impairment at age 7 years, tympanostomy tube insertion at any age up to 8 years, and a history of suspected coordination problems. The contribution of these findings to our understanding of risk factors for persistent SSD and the nature of the condition is considered.

Conclusion

Variables identified as predictive of persistent SSD suggest that factors across motor, cognitive, and linguistic processes may place a child at risk.

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The Development of Morphological Awareness in Young Bilinguals: Effects of Age and L1 Background

Purpose

Current understanding about the effect of first language (L1) background on morphological awareness (MA) development in those who are bilingual is largely limited to school-aged second-language learners. This study examined the development of MA in bilingual Mandarin–English (ManEngBi) and Spanish–English (SpaEngBi) children ages 4 to 7 years, whose L1 is predominated by compounding and derivation, respectively.

Method

We targeted specific word formation rules that develop within different developmental time frames. Forty-two ManEngBi, 30 SpaEngBi, and 27 English monolingual children divided into 4- to 5-year-old and 6- to 7-year-old age groups produced English words using compounding, the derivational agentive –er suffix, and the derivational characteristic –y suffix for both real and novel word roots.

Results

The characteristic –y suffix consistently elicited the poorest performance. This finding held true regardless of language group, age, or novelty of prompts. Both older SpaEngBi and English monolingual children outperformed older ManEngBi children in the characteristic –y suffix, whereas the three groups performed comparably on the other two rules at both age intervals. Error analysis further suggested influence of cross-linguistic features.

Conclusions

L1 influence on English MA development is sensitive to the developmental time frame of word formation rules. Future studies on the development of MA in bilingual children should adopt a more fine-grained approach and include a wider age range.

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Prevalence and Predictors of Persistent Speech Sound Disorder at Eight Years Old: Findings From a Population Cohort Study

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine prevalence and predictors of persistent speech sound disorder (SSD) in children aged 8 years after disregarding children presenting solely with common clinical distortions (i.e., residual errors).

Method

Data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (Boyd et al., 2012) were used. Children were classified as having persistent SSD on the basis of percentage of consonants correct measures from connected speech samples. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors.

Results

The estimated prevalence of persistent SSD was 3.6%. Children with persistent SSD were more likely to be boys and from families who were not homeowners. Early childhood predictors identified as important were weak sucking at 4 weeks, not often combining words at 24 months, limited use of word morphology at 38 months, and being unintelligible to strangers at age 38 months. School-age predictors identified as important were maternal report of difficulty pronouncing certain sounds and hearing impairment at age 7 years, tympanostomy tube insertion at any age up to 8 years, and a history of suspected coordination problems. The contribution of these findings to our understanding of risk factors for persistent SSD and the nature of the condition is considered.

Conclusion

Variables identified as predictive of persistent SSD suggest that factors across motor, cognitive, and linguistic processes may place a child at risk.

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The Development of Morphological Awareness in Young Bilinguals: Effects of Age and L1 Background

Purpose

Current understanding about the effect of first language (L1) background on morphological awareness (MA) development in those who are bilingual is largely limited to school-aged second-language learners. This study examined the development of MA in bilingual Mandarin–English (ManEngBi) and Spanish–English (SpaEngBi) children ages 4 to 7 years, whose L1 is predominated by compounding and derivation, respectively.

Method

We targeted specific word formation rules that develop within different developmental time frames. Forty-two ManEngBi, 30 SpaEngBi, and 27 English monolingual children divided into 4- to 5-year-old and 6- to 7-year-old age groups produced English words using compounding, the derivational agentive –er suffix, and the derivational characteristic –y suffix for both real and novel word roots.

Results

The characteristic –y suffix consistently elicited the poorest performance. This finding held true regardless of language group, age, or novelty of prompts. Both older SpaEngBi and English monolingual children outperformed older ManEngBi children in the characteristic –y suffix, whereas the three groups performed comparably on the other two rules at both age intervals. Error analysis further suggested influence of cross-linguistic features.

Conclusions

L1 influence on English MA development is sensitive to the developmental time frame of word formation rules. Future studies on the development of MA in bilingual children should adopt a more fine-grained approach and include a wider age range.

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Prevalence and Predictors of Persistent Speech Sound Disorder at Eight Years Old: Findings From a Population Cohort Study

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine prevalence and predictors of persistent speech sound disorder (SSD) in children aged 8 years after disregarding children presenting solely with common clinical distortions (i.e., residual errors).

Method

Data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (Boyd et al., 2012) were used. Children were classified as having persistent SSD on the basis of percentage of consonants correct measures from connected speech samples. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors.

Results

The estimated prevalence of persistent SSD was 3.6%. Children with persistent SSD were more likely to be boys and from families who were not homeowners. Early childhood predictors identified as important were weak sucking at 4 weeks, not often combining words at 24 months, limited use of word morphology at 38 months, and being unintelligible to strangers at age 38 months. School-age predictors identified as important were maternal report of difficulty pronouncing certain sounds and hearing impairment at age 7 years, tympanostomy tube insertion at any age up to 8 years, and a history of suspected coordination problems. The contribution of these findings to our understanding of risk factors for persistent SSD and the nature of the condition is considered.

Conclusion

Variables identified as predictive of persistent SSD suggest that factors across motor, cognitive, and linguistic processes may place a child at risk.

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The Development of Morphological Awareness in Young Bilinguals: Effects of Age and L1 Background

Purpose

Current understanding about the effect of first language (L1) background on morphological awareness (MA) development in those who are bilingual is largely limited to school-aged second-language learners. This study examined the development of MA in bilingual Mandarin–English (ManEngBi) and Spanish–English (SpaEngBi) children ages 4 to 7 years, whose L1 is predominated by compounding and derivation, respectively.

Method

We targeted specific word formation rules that develop within different developmental time frames. Forty-two ManEngBi, 30 SpaEngBi, and 27 English monolingual children divided into 4- to 5-year-old and 6- to 7-year-old age groups produced English words using compounding, the derivational agentive –er suffix, and the derivational characteristic –y suffix for both real and novel word roots.

Results

The characteristic –y suffix consistently elicited the poorest performance. This finding held true regardless of language group, age, or novelty of prompts. Both older SpaEngBi and English monolingual children outperformed older ManEngBi children in the characteristic –y suffix, whereas the three groups performed comparably on the other two rules at both age intervals. Error analysis further suggested influence of cross-linguistic features.

Conclusions

L1 influence on English MA development is sensitive to the developmental time frame of word formation rules. Future studies on the development of MA in bilingual children should adopt a more fine-grained approach and include a wider age range.

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Stop, Drop and Talk – The Importance of Talking to Your Child; Contributions by Dr. Sonja Pruitt-Lord

“In a world where emoji’s are beginning to replace words and expressions — conveying a message to someone has taken on a new meaning. Public settings have become a little less chatty and it’s not uncommon to find rows of people in the bent-neck, plugged-in posture. Very little human-to-human communication, no eye-contact, minimal speech.”

• See the full article on Huffington Post!

 

 

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Stop, Drop and Talk – The Importance of Talking to Your Child; Contributions by Dr. Sonja Pruitt-Lord

“In a world where emoji’s are beginning to replace words and expressions — conveying a message to someone has taken on a new meaning. Public settings have become a little less chatty and it’s not uncommon to find rows of people in the bent-neck, plugged-in posture. Very little human-to-human communication, no eye-contact, minimal speech.”

• See the full article on Huffington Post!

 

 

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Stop, Drop and Talk – The Importance of Talking to Your Child; Contributions by Dr. Sonja Pruitt-Lord

“In a world where emoji’s are beginning to replace words and expressions — conveying a message to someone has taken on a new meaning. Public settings have become a little less chatty and it’s not uncommon to find rows of people in the bent-neck, plugged-in posture. Very little human-to-human communication, no eye-contact, minimal speech.”

• See the full article on Huffington Post!

 

 

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Analysis of p.V37I compound heterozygous mutations in the GJB2 gene in Chinese infants and young children.

Related Articles

Analysis of p.V37I compound heterozygous mutations in the GJB2 gene in Chinese infants and young children.

Biosci Trends. 2016 Jun 27;

Authors: Du Y, Huang L, Cheng X, Zhao L, Ruan Y, Ni T

Abstract
The p.V37I (c.109G>A) mutation in the GJB2 gene is the common frequent cause of congenital deafness; however, its pathogenicity is debated. The present study investigated the prevalence of p.V37I in Chinese infants and young children and associated clinical characteristics. The subjects of the present study were screened for mutations in GJB2 (235delC, 299delAT, 176dell6, 35delG), SLC26A4 (IVS7-2A>G, 2168A>G), GJB3 (538C>T), and in the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene (1555A>G, 1494C>T). Subjects with p.V37I underwent an audiological evaluation. GJB2 exon sequencing revealed that 20 subjects had p.V37I compound heterozygous mutations, one of whom had a family history; the mutations included c.235delC/p.V37I (n = 12), c.299AT/p.V37I (n = 7), and c.176del16/p.V37I (n = 1). Of the 20 subjects, 12 were referred for Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS). Nine of the 20 subjects had mild hearing loss in the better ear and 5 had moderate hearing loss in the better ear while 4 had normal hearing. Among subjects with the c.235delC/p.V37I mutation, 5 had mild hearing loss and 2 had moderate hearing loss while 3 had normal hearing. Among subjects with the c.299AT/p.V37I mutation, 3 had mld hearing loss and 3 had moderate hearing loss while 1 had normal hearing. One subject with the c.176del16/p.V37I mutation had mild hearing loss. Few studies have reported on the clinical characteristics of Chinese infants with p.V37I compound heterozygous mutations identified via screening for deafness genes and GJB2 sequencing. The c.235delC/p.V37I mutation was the most prevalent mutation found in subjects. The degree of hearing loss associated with p.V37I compound heterozygous mutations was mainly mild to moderate.

PMID: 27350192 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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HLAA 2016 Convention Highlights the Academies and PCAST Reports

​The Hearing Loss As​sociation of America (HLAA) kicked off its 2016 National Convention in Washington, DC with a plenary session on recent groundbreaking reports issued by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the Academies) and the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology Policy (PCAST).

More than 1,200 people attended the convention, which was also a joint event with The International Federation of Hard of Hearing People (IFHOH). Leading the plenary session was the Academies' Committee Chairperson Dr. Dan G. Blazer, who gave a comprehensive account of their findings and recommendations on hearing health care affordability and accessibility.

"Our goal was to say, 'People who are purchasing services, including purchases for hearing aid, need to know what they're paying for,' and that's the bottom line," said Dr. Blazer on the recommendation to unbundle audiologist and hearing aid charges.

"What we love about this report is that the person with hearing loss is front and center, and it really makes hearing loss a primary health concern – and that's what we've been talking about for a long time," HLAA Executive Director Barbara Kelley told The Hearing Journal. "Now we have a report that is evidence-based to back us up and we are really happy about that."

Dr. Susan Graham discussed the implications of the PCAST report, including the recommendation to modify FDA guidelines to allow over-the-counter "basic" hearing aid sale.

"Within the FDA, they have a lot of differing opinions about these issues – just as the audiology community has a lot of different opinions," Dr. Graham said. "But having the public speak up is always helpful."

Much of the PCAST report recommendations were sounded off in the Academies report.

"I think it's rather amazing that two very independent groups came to very similar conclusions," Dr. Blazer said. "These reports have the potential to have the legs to move if there is willingness to work together."

"There are oppositions from audiologists who are afraid of change in the business model and afraid they will lose their patients," Dr Graham told The Hearing Journal. "But they will have to change."

The two reports also stressed the importance of boosting access to hearing aid technology and personal sound amplification products.

"Our convention goers are people who want to learn about technology. They want to use amplification. They are motivated. They want to stay in the hearing world and they will do anything to help themselves hear well," explained Director Kelley. "We want to educate everybody and we hope to be able to take the lead in seeing that these recommendations be implemented."

Tags: convention, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, PCAST

Published: 6/27/2016 2:07:00 PM

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HLAA 2016 Convention Highlights the Academies and PCAST Reports

​The Hearing Loss As​sociation of America (HLAA) kicked off its 2016 National Convention in Washington, DC with a plenary session on recent groundbreaking reports issued by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the Academies) and the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology Policy (PCAST).

More than 1,200 people attended the convention, which was also a joint event with The International Federation of Hard of Hearing People (IFHOH). Leading the plenary session was the Academies' Committee Chairperson Dr. Dan G. Blazer, who gave a comprehensive account of their findings and recommendations on hearing health care affordability and accessibility.

"Our goal was to say, 'People who are purchasing services, including purchases for hearing aid, need to know what they're paying for,' and that's the bottom line," said Dr. Blazer on the recommendation to unbundle audiologist and hearing aid charges.

"What we love about this report is that the person with hearing loss is front and center, and it really makes hearing loss a primary health concern – and that's what we've been talking about for a long time," HLAA Executive Director Barbara Kelley told The Hearing Journal. "Now we have a report that is evidence-based to back us up and we are really happy about that."

Dr. Susan Graham discussed the implications of the PCAST report, including the recommendation to modify FDA guidelines to allow over-the-counter "basic" hearing aid sale.

"Within the FDA, they have a lot of differing opinions about these issues – just as the audiology community has a lot of different opinions," Dr. Graham said. "But having the public speak up is always helpful."

Much of the PCAST report recommendations were sounded off in the Academies report.

"I think it's rather amazing that two very independent groups came to very similar conclusions," Dr. Blazer said. "These reports have the potential to have the legs to move if there is willingness to work together."

"There are oppositions from audiologists who are afraid of change in the business model and afraid they will lose their patients," Dr Graham told The Hearing Journal. "But they will have to change."

The two reports also stressed the importance of boosting access to hearing aid technology and personal sound amplification products.

"Our convention goers are people who want to learn about technology. They want to use amplification. They are motivated. They want to stay in the hearing world and they will do anything to help themselves hear well," explained Director Kelley. "We want to educate everybody and we hope to be able to take the lead in seeing that these recommendations be implemented."

Tags: convention, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, PCAST

Published: 6/27/2016 2:07:00 PM

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HLAA 2016 Convention Highlights the Academies and PCAST Reports

​The Hearing Loss As​sociation of America (HLAA) kicked off its 2016 National Convention in Washington, DC with a plenary session on recent groundbreaking reports issued by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the Academies) and the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology Policy (PCAST).

More than 1,200 people attended the convention, which was also a joint event with The International Federation of Hard of Hearing People (IFHOH). Leading the plenary session was the Academies' Committee Chairperson Dr. Dan G. Blazer, who gave a comprehensive account of their findings and recommendations on hearing health care affordability and accessibility.

"Our goal was to say, 'People who are purchasing services, including purchases for hearing aid, need to know what they're paying for,' and that's the bottom line," said Dr. Blazer on the recommendation to unbundle audiologist and hearing aid charges.

"What we love about this report is that the person with hearing loss is front and center, and it really makes hearing loss a primary health concern – and that's what we've been talking about for a long time," HLAA Executive Director Barbara Kelley told The Hearing Journal. "Now we have a report that is evidence-based to back us up and we are really happy about that."

Dr. Susan Graham discussed the implications of the PCAST report, including the recommendation to modify FDA guidelines to allow over-the-counter "basic" hearing aid sale.

"Within the FDA, they have a lot of differing opinions about these issues – just as the audiology community has a lot of different opinions," Dr. Graham said. "But having the public speak up is always helpful."

Much of the PCAST report recommendations were sounded off in the Academies report.

"I think it's rather amazing that two very independent groups came to very similar conclusions," Dr. Blazer said. "These reports have the potential to have the legs to move if there is willingness to work together."

"There are oppositions from audiologists who are afraid of change in the business model and afraid they will lose their patients," Dr Graham told The Hearing Journal. "But they will have to change."

The two reports also stressed the importance of boosting access to hearing aid technology and personal sound amplification products.

"Our convention goers are people who want to learn about technology. They want to use amplification. They are motivated. They want to stay in the hearing world and they will do anything to help themselves hear well," explained Director Kelley. "We want to educate everybody and we hope to be able to take the lead in seeing that these recommendations be implemented."

Tags: convention, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, PCAST

Published: 6/27/2016 2:07:00 PM

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The World’s Most Powerful Pair of Glasses—Part 2 of 3

We asked if you had been to seen the movie Finding Dory last week. Our specific interest was the marvelous capability of Bailey the beluga to use sound to locate objects. This bio sonar capability in toothed whales and dolphins has evolved to be so sophisticated that dolphins can detect a steel plate 1 square inch in size 100 meters away. After extolling the virtues of the use of bio sonar in these animals we left the readers with a puzzle.

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IU study finds testicular cancer survivors may have hearing loss after cisplatin therapy

Many testicular cancer survivors experience hearing loss after cisplatin-based chemotherapy, according to researchers at Indiana University.The researchers, led by Lois B. Travis, M.D., Sc.D.

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IU study finds testicular cancer survivors may have hearing loss after cisplatin therapy

Many testicular cancer survivors experience hearing loss after cisplatin-based chemotherapy, according to researchers at Indiana University.The researchers, led by Lois B. Travis, M.D., Sc.D.

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IU study finds testicular cancer survivors may have hearing loss after cisplatin therapy

Many testicular cancer survivors experience hearing loss after cisplatin-based chemotherapy, according to researchers at Indiana University.The researchers, led by Lois B. Travis, M.D., Sc.D.

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Amplification of transcutaneous and percutaneous bone-conduction devices with a test-band in an induced model of conductive hearing loss.

Related Articles

Amplification of transcutaneous and percutaneous bone-conduction devices with a test-band in an induced model of conductive hearing loss.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jun 27;:1-5

Authors: Park MJ, Lee JR, Yang CJ, Yoo MH, Jin IS, Choi CH, Park HJ

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Transcutaneous devices have a disadvantage, the dampening effect by soft tissue between the bone and devices. We investigated hearing outcomes with percutaneous and transcutaneous devices using test-bands in an induced unilateral conductive hearing loss.
DESIGN: Comparison of hearing outcomes of two devices in the same individuals.
STUDY SAMPLE: The right ear was plugged in 30 subjects and a test-band with devices (Cochlear™ Baha® BP110 Power and Sophono® Alpha-2 MPO™) was applied on the right mastoid tip with the left ear masked. Sound-field thresholds, speech recognition thresholds (SRTs), and word recognition scores (WRSs) were compared.
RESULTS: Aided thresholds of Sophono were significantly better than those of Baha at most frequencies. Sophono WRSs (86 ± 12%) at 40 dB SPL and SRTs (14 ± 5 dB HL) were significantly better than those (73 ± 24% and 23 ± 8 dB HL) of Baha. However, Sophono WRSs (98 ± 3%) at 60 dB SPL did not differ from Baha WRSs (95 ± 12%).
CONCLUSION: Amplifications of the current transcutaneous device were not inferior to those of percutaneous devices with a test-band in subjects with normal bone-conduction thresholds. Since the percutaneous devices can increase the gain when fixed to the skull by eliminating the dampening effect, both devices are expected to provide sufficient hearing amplification.

PMID: 27347717 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Paediatric tinnitus: The unmet clinical need.

Related Articles

Paediatric tinnitus: The unmet clinical need.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jun 27;:1-2

Authors: Humphriss R, Hall A, Baguley D

PMID: 27347601 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Spectrum of DNA variants for non-syndromic deafness in a large cohort from multiple continents.

Related Articles

Spectrum of DNA variants for non-syndromic deafness in a large cohort from multiple continents.

Hum Genet. 2016 Jun 25;

Authors: Yan D, Tekin D, Bademci G, Foster J, Cengiz FB, Kannan-Sundhari A, Guo S, Mittal R, Zou B, Grati M, Kabahuma RI, Kameswaran M, Lasisi TJ, Adedeji WA, Lasisi AO, Menendez I, Herrera M, Carranza C, Maroofian R, Crosby AH, Bensaid M, Masmoudi S, Behnam M, Mojarrad M, Feng Y, Duman D, Mawla AM, Nord AS, Blanton SH, Liu XZ, Tekin M

Abstract
Hearing loss is the most common sensory deficit in humans with causative variants in over 140 genes. With few exceptions, however, the population-specific distribution for many of the identified variants/genes is unclear. Until recently, the extensive genetic and clinical heterogeneity of deafness precluded comprehensive genetic analysis. Here, using a custom capture panel (MiamiOtoGenes), we undertook a targeted sequencing of 180 genes in a multi-ethnic cohort of 342 GJB2 mutation-negative deaf probands from South Africa, Nigeria, Tunisia, Turkey, Iran, India, Guatemala, and the United States (South Florida). We detected causative DNA variants in 25 % of multiplex and 7 % of simplex families. The detection rate varied between 0 and 57 % based on ethnicity, with Guatemala and Iran at the lower and higher end of the spectrum, respectively. We detected causative variants within 27 genes without predominant recurring pathogenic variants. The most commonly implicated genes include MYO15A, SLC26A4, USH2A, MYO7A, MYO6, and TRIOBP. Overall, our study highlights the importance of family history and generation of databases for multiple ethnically discrete populations to improve our ability to detect and accurately interpret genetic variants for pathogenicity.

PMID: 27344577 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Identification of Adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) that target neonatal and adult mammalian inner ear cell subtypes.

Related Articles

Identification of Adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) that target neonatal and adult mammalian inner ear cell subtypes.

Hum Gene Ther. 2016 Jun 24;

Authors: Shu Y, Tao Y, Wang Z, Tang Y, Li H, Dai P, Gao G, Chen ZY

Abstract
The mammalian inner ear consists of diverse cell types with important functions. Gene mutations in these diverse cell types have been found to underlie different forms of genetic hearing loss. Targeting these mutations for gene therapy development represents a future therapeutic strategy to treat hearing loss. Adeno-associated viral vectors have become the vector of choice for gene delivery in animal models in vivo. To identify AAV vectors that target inner ear cell subtypes, we systemically screened 12 AAV vectors with different serotypes including AAV1, 2, 5, 6, 6.2, 7, 8, 9, rh.8, rh.10, rh.39 and rh.43 that carry a reporter gene GFP in neonatal and adult mice by microinjection in vivo. We found that most AAVs infect both neonatal and adult inner ear, with different specificities and expression levels. The inner ear cochlear sensory epithelial region, which includes auditory hair cells and supporting cells, is most frequently targeted for gene delivery. Expression of the transgene is sustained, and neonatal inner ear delivery does not adversely affect hearing. Adult inner ear injection of AAV has a similar infection pattern as the younger inner ear, with the exception that outer hair cell death caused by the injection procedure can lead to hearing loss. In the adult, more so than in the neonatal mice, cell types infected and efficiency of infection are correlated with the site of injection. Most infected cells survive in neonatal and adult inner ears. The study adds to the list of AAV vectors that transduce the mammalian inner ear efficiently, providing the tools that are important to study inner ear gene function and for the development of gene therapy to treat hearing loss.

PMID: 27342665 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Uncovering the acoustic vowel space of a previously undescribed language: The vowels of Nambo

This study presents the first acoustic description of the vowel space of a Papuan language—Nambo, spoken in southern Papua New Guinea—based on duration and first and second formant measurements from 19 adult male and female speakers across three age groups (young, middle-aged, senior). Phonemically, Nambo has six full vowels /i, e, æ, ɑ, o, u/ and a reduced vowel tentatively labeled /ə/. Unlike the full vowels, the quality of /ə/ showed great variation: seniors' and young females' realizations tended to be more open and retracted than those by young males, while middle-aged speakers' productions fell between these two variants.

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Amplification of transcutaneous and percutaneous bone-conduction devices with a test-band in an induced model of conductive hearing loss.

Related Articles

Amplification of transcutaneous and percutaneous bone-conduction devices with a test-band in an induced model of conductive hearing loss.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jun 27;:1-5

Authors: Park MJ, Lee JR, Yang CJ, Yoo MH, Jin IS, Choi CH, Park HJ

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Transcutaneous devices have a disadvantage, the dampening effect by soft tissue between the bone and devices. We investigated hearing outcomes with percutaneous and transcutaneous devices using test-bands in an induced unilateral conductive hearing loss.
DESIGN: Comparison of hearing outcomes of two devices in the same individuals.
STUDY SAMPLE: The right ear was plugged in 30 subjects and a test-band with devices (Cochlear™ Baha® BP110 Power and Sophono® Alpha-2 MPO™) was applied on the right mastoid tip with the left ear masked. Sound-field thresholds, speech recognition thresholds (SRTs), and word recognition scores (WRSs) were compared.
RESULTS: Aided thresholds of Sophono were significantly better than those of Baha at most frequencies. Sophono WRSs (86 ± 12%) at 40 dB SPL and SRTs (14 ± 5 dB HL) were significantly better than those (73 ± 24% and 23 ± 8 dB HL) of Baha. However, Sophono WRSs (98 ± 3%) at 60 dB SPL did not differ from Baha WRSs (95 ± 12%).
CONCLUSION: Amplifications of the current transcutaneous device were not inferior to those of percutaneous devices with a test-band in subjects with normal bone-conduction thresholds. Since the percutaneous devices can increase the gain when fixed to the skull by eliminating the dampening effect, both devices are expected to provide sufficient hearing amplification.

PMID: 27347717 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Paediatric tinnitus: The unmet clinical need.

Related Articles

Paediatric tinnitus: The unmet clinical need.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jun 27;:1-2

Authors: Humphriss R, Hall A, Baguley D

PMID: 27347601 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Establishing a "Vestibular Migraine Diagnosis Questionnaire" and Testing Its Validity.

Related Articles

Establishing a "Vestibular Migraine Diagnosis Questionnaire" and Testing Its Validity.

Neurologist. 2016 Jul;21(4):51-54

Authors: Celebisoy N, Karapolat H, Gokcay F, Bilgen C, Ozgen G, Kirazli T, Kose T

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To establish a questionnaire and check its validity and reliability for the diagnosis of vestibular migraine in patients reporting recurrent vestibular symptoms.
BACKGROUND: Vestibular migraine is the most common cause for recurrent spontaneous vertigo. However, it is still underdiagnosed needing validated and reliable screening instruments such as ID Migraine, that can be used in primary care settings, dizziness, and migraine clinics.
MATERIALS AND METHOD: Sixty consecutive patients referred to our dizziness clinic with recurring vestibular symptoms were given a questionnaire that they filled in, consisting of 8 short and simple questions. The questionnaire-based diagnosis was compared with the diagnosis based on face-to-face interview and clinical examination. Test stability was evaluated by asking the patients to fill in the questionnaire a week later during a second visit. κ analysis was used to assess item-specific test-retest reliability and also the conformity between the questionnaire-based diagnosis and the clinical diagnosis.
RESULTS: The conformity between the clinical diagnosis and the diagnosis based on the questionnaire was 83.3% and the κ coefficient was 0.666 (good). Sensitivity of the questionnaire was 82.8% (24/29) and the specificity was 83.9% (26/31). The κ values in test-retest repetition were good to excellent (0.71 to 0.87) when each question was considered.
CONCLUSIONS: The validity of the "Vestibular Migraine Diagnosis Questionnaire" was good and its reliability was good to excellent indicating that it can be used as a screening tool in identifying patients with vestibular migraine in our country.

PMID: 27348138 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Amplification of transcutaneous and percutaneous bone-conduction devices with a test-band in an induced model of conductive hearing loss.

Related Articles

Amplification of transcutaneous and percutaneous bone-conduction devices with a test-band in an induced model of conductive hearing loss.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jun 27;:1-5

Authors: Park MJ, Lee JR, Yang CJ, Yoo MH, Jin IS, Choi CH, Park HJ

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Transcutaneous devices have a disadvantage, the dampening effect by soft tissue between the bone and devices. We investigated hearing outcomes with percutaneous and transcutaneous devices using test-bands in an induced unilateral conductive hearing loss.
DESIGN: Comparison of hearing outcomes of two devices in the same individuals.
STUDY SAMPLE: The right ear was plugged in 30 subjects and a test-band with devices (Cochlear™ Baha® BP110 Power and Sophono® Alpha-2 MPO™) was applied on the right mastoid tip with the left ear masked. Sound-field thresholds, speech recognition thresholds (SRTs), and word recognition scores (WRSs) were compared.
RESULTS: Aided thresholds of Sophono were significantly better than those of Baha at most frequencies. Sophono WRSs (86 ± 12%) at 40 dB SPL and SRTs (14 ± 5 dB HL) were significantly better than those (73 ± 24% and 23 ± 8 dB HL) of Baha. However, Sophono WRSs (98 ± 3%) at 60 dB SPL did not differ from Baha WRSs (95 ± 12%).
CONCLUSION: Amplifications of the current transcutaneous device were not inferior to those of percutaneous devices with a test-band in subjects with normal bone-conduction thresholds. Since the percutaneous devices can increase the gain when fixed to the skull by eliminating the dampening effect, both devices are expected to provide sufficient hearing amplification.

PMID: 27347717 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Paediatric tinnitus: The unmet clinical need.

Related Articles

Paediatric tinnitus: The unmet clinical need.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jun 27;:1-2

Authors: Humphriss R, Hall A, Baguley D

PMID: 27347601 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Multicenter Clinical Trial of Vibroplasty Couplers to Treat Mixed/Conductive Hearing Loss: First Results

Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of round window (RW), oval window (OW), CliP and Bell couplers for use with an active middle ear implant. Methods: This is a multicenter, long-term, prospective trial with consecutive enrollment, involving 6 university hospitals in Germany. Bone conduction, air conduction, implant-aided warble-tone thresholds and Freiburger monosyllable word recognition scores were compared with unaided preimplantation results in 28 moderate-to-profound hearing-impaired patients after 12 months of follow-up. All patients had previously undergone failed reconstruction surgeries (up to 5 or more). In a subset of patients, additional speech tests at 12 months postoperatively were used to compare the aided with the unaided condition after implantation with the processor switched off. An established quality-of-life questionnaire for hearing aids was used to determine patient satisfaction. Results: Postoperative bone conduction remained stable. Mean functional gain for all couplers was 37 dB HL (RW = 42 dB, OW = 35 dB, Bell = 38 dB, CliP = 27 dB). The mean postoperative Freiburger monosyllable score was 71% at 65 dB SPL. The postimplantation mean SRT₅₀ (speech reception in quiet for 50% understanding of words in sentences) improved on average by 23 dB over unaided testing and signal-to-noise ratios also improved in all patients. The International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA)quality-of-life questionnaire was scored very positively by all patients. Conclusion: A significant improvement was seen with all couplers, and patients were satisfied with the device at 12 months postoperatively. These results demonstrate that an active implant is an advantage in achieving good hearing benefit in patients with prior failed reconstruction surgery.
Audiol Neurotol 2016;21:212-222

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Amplification of transcutaneous and percutaneous bone-conduction devices with a test-band in an induced model of conductive hearing loss.

Related Articles

Amplification of transcutaneous and percutaneous bone-conduction devices with a test-band in an induced model of conductive hearing loss.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jun 27;:1-5

Authors: Park MJ, Lee JR, Yang CJ, Yoo MH, Jin IS, Choi CH, Park HJ

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Transcutaneous devices have a disadvantage, the dampening effect by soft tissue between the bone and devices. We investigated hearing outcomes with percutaneous and transcutaneous devices using test-bands in an induced unilateral conductive hearing loss.
DESIGN: Comparison of hearing outcomes of two devices in the same individuals.
STUDY SAMPLE: The right ear was plugged in 30 subjects and a test-band with devices (Cochlear™ Baha® BP110 Power and Sophono® Alpha-2 MPO™) was applied on the right mastoid tip with the left ear masked. Sound-field thresholds, speech recognition thresholds (SRTs), and word recognition scores (WRSs) were compared.
RESULTS: Aided thresholds of Sophono were significantly better than those of Baha at most frequencies. Sophono WRSs (86 ± 12%) at 40 dB SPL and SRTs (14 ± 5 dB HL) were significantly better than those (73 ± 24% and 23 ± 8 dB HL) of Baha. However, Sophono WRSs (98 ± 3%) at 60 dB SPL did not differ from Baha WRSs (95 ± 12%).
CONCLUSION: Amplifications of the current transcutaneous device were not inferior to those of percutaneous devices with a test-band in subjects with normal bone-conduction thresholds. Since the percutaneous devices can increase the gain when fixed to the skull by eliminating the dampening effect, both devices are expected to provide sufficient hearing amplification.

PMID: 27347717 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Paediatric tinnitus: The unmet clinical need.

Related Articles

Paediatric tinnitus: The unmet clinical need.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jun 27;:1-2

Authors: Humphriss R, Hall A, Baguley D

PMID: 27347601 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Amplification of transcutaneous and percutaneous bone-conduction devices with a test-band in an induced model of conductive hearing loss

10.1080/14992027.2016.1193234<br/>Marn Joon Park

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Paediatric tinnitus: The unmet clinical need

10.1080/14992027.2016.1190467<br/>Rachel Humphriss

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Amplification of transcutaneous and percutaneous bone-conduction devices with a test-band in an induced model of conductive hearing loss

10.1080/14992027.2016.1193234<br/>Marn Joon Park

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Paediatric tinnitus: The unmet clinical need

10.1080/14992027.2016.1190467<br/>Rachel Humphriss

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Amplification of transcutaneous and percutaneous bone-conduction devices with a test-band in an induced model of conductive hearing loss

10.1080/14992027.2016.1193234<br/>Marn Joon Park

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Paediatric tinnitus: The unmet clinical need

10.1080/14992027.2016.1190467<br/>Rachel Humphriss

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An Easy and Reliable Method to Locate the Dehiscence During Middle Fossa Superior Canal Dehiscence Surgery: It is a (C)inch.

Objective: The middle fossa floor lacks reliable surface landmarks. In cases of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD), multiple skull base defects may be present, further confounding the location of the labyrinth. Misidentification of the SSCD during surgery may lead to treatment failure or sensorineural hearing loss. Anecdotally, the authors have observed the distance from the lateral edge of the craniotomy to the SSCD to be consistently 1 inch. Herein, we present radiologic evidence of this practical and clinically useful relationship. Patients: All patients at two tertiary care academic referral centers with high-resolution temporal bone computed tomography (CT) evidence of SSCD were retrospectively reviewed. Intervention(s): Review of high-resolution temporal bone CT. Main Outcome Measures: The horizontal distance from the outer cortex of the squama temporalis immediately superior to the bony external auditory canal (approximating lateral edge of craniotomy) to the SSCD was measured in the coronal plane by two independent reviewers. Results: A total of 151 adult ears with SSCD were analyzed. A Shapiro-Wilk goodness-of-fit test confirmed that measurements were normally distributed. Pearson inter-rater correlation was 0.95, confirming very strong agreement. The mean distance between the outer cortex of the squama temporalis and SSCD was 25.9 mm, or 1.02 inches. Sixty-eight percent of the SSCD population would fall between 0.92 and 1.12 inches and 95% would lie between 0.83 and 1.21 inches. Conclusions: The horizontal distance from the outer cortex of the squama temporalis to the SSCD consistently approximates 1 inch. This easily remembered distance can aid surgeons in locating or confirming the SSCD during middle fossa surgery. Copyright (C) 2016 by Otology & Neurotology, Inc. Image copyright (C) 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health/Anatomical Chart Company

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National Utilization and Forecasting of Ototopical Antibiotics: Medicaid Data Versus "Dr. Google".

Objectives: To forecast national Medicaid prescription volumes for common ototopical antibiotics, and correlate prescription volumes with internet user search interest using Google Trends (GT). Study Design: National United States Medicaid prescription and GT user search database analysis. Methods: Quarterly national Medicaid summary drug utilization data and weekly GT search engine data for ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone (CD), ofloxacin (OF), and Cortisporin (CS) ototopicals were obtained from January 2008 to July 2014. Time series analysis was used to assess prescription seasonality, Holt-Winter's method for forecasting quarterly prescription volumes, and Pearson correlations to compare GT and Medicaid data. Results: Medicaid prescription volumes demonstrated sinusoidal seasonality for OF (r2 = 0.91), CS (r2 = 0.71), and CD (r2 = 0.62) with annual peaks in July, August, and September. In 2017, OF was forecasted to be the most widely prescribed ototopical, followed by CD. CS was the least prescribed, and volumes were forecasted to decrease 9.0% by 2017 from 2014. GT user search interest demonstrated analogous sinusoidal seasonality and significant correlations with Medicaid data prescriptions for CD (r = 0.38, p = 0.046), OF (r = 0.74, p

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Electrode Location and Angular Insertion Depth Are Predictors of Audiologic Outcomes in Cochlear Implantation.

Objectives: 1) Investigate the impact of electrode type and surgical approach on scalar electrode location; and 2) examine the relation between electrode location and postoperative audiologic performance. Setting: Tertiary academic hospital. Patients: Two hundred twenty post-lingually deafened adults undergoing cochlear implant (CI). Main Outcome Measures: Primary outcome measures of interest were scalar electrode location and postoperative audiologic performance. Results: In 68% of implants, electrodes were observed to be located solely in the scala tympani (ST). Multivariate analysis demonstrated perimodiolar (PM) and mid-scala (MS) electrodes were 22.4 (95% CI: 6.3-80.0, p

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Revision Surgery for Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome.

Objective: To identify factors associated with surgical failure for superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) and define rates of complications and cure after revision SCDS repair. Study Design: Retrospective patient series. Setting: Tertiary care referral center. Patients: Adults who underwent revision surgery for SCDS. Interventions: None. Main Outcome Measures: Initial surgical approach, intraoperative findings at the time of revision, persistence of symptoms, and complications for revision surgery. Results: Two hundred twenty-two surgical SCDS patients were identified, including 21 subjects who underwent 23 revision surgeries. Fourteen (61%) underwent previous middle fossa and nine (39%) underwent previous transmastoid approaches. Intraoperative findings showed that in 17 (74%) the previous material used to plug or resurface the canal was present but not entirely covering the dehiscence. In one (4%) the material was not present. In one (4%) the material was in proper position, whereas in four (17%) the material was in proper position with very thin bone adjacent. After revision surgery, symptoms were completely resolved in eight (35%), partially resolved in seven (30%), and not resolved in seven (30%). Findings of thin bone adjacent to the previous plug was associated with failure of symptom resolution (p = 0.03). Hearing outcomes were compared to a previously studied cohort of primary surgery patients, and outcomes were similar. Three subjects (13%) had a significant decrease in their word recognition score after revision surgery (p=0.52), and seven (30%) had a significant increase in their pure-tone average (p=0.78). Conclusion: Revision surgery for SCDS can be curative in carefully selected patients, but there may be a higher failure rate than primary surgery, with similar hearing outcomes. Copyright (C) 2016 by Otology & Neurotology, Inc. Image copyright (C) 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health/Anatomical Chart Company

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Risk Assessment and Prevention of Corneal Complications After Lateral Skull Base Surgery.

Objective: To analyze the rate of corneal complications after lateral skull base surgery, and the relative risk of each potential contributing factor. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Tertiary care center. Patients: Adult patients who had undergone lateral skull base surgery involving an otolaryngologist at our institution from 2007 to 2015. Intervention: None. Main Outcome Measure: Relative risk (RR) for each potential contributing factor to corneal complications. Results: Four hundred sixty nine patients met inclusion criteria. Of those, 35 developed mild exposure keratopathy, 13 developed moderate exposure keratopathy, and 5 developed severe exposure keratopathy. Age, sex, previous eye surgery, tumor side, and pathology were not significant predictors of keratopathy. Tumor size greater than 30 mm (RR 4.75), postoperative trigeminal palsy (RR 3.42), postoperative abducens palsy (RR 9.08), House-Brackman score 5-6 (RR 4.77), lagophthalmos (RR 11.85), ectropion (RR 4.29), and previous eye disease (RR 1.83) were all significantly associated with the development of corneal complications. On multivariate analysis, lagophthalmos, abducens palsy, and tumor size were independent predictors of keratopathy. Conclusions: There are several important risk factors for exposure keratopathy after lateral skull base surgery, and knowledge of these risk factors can help identify high-risk patients in whom early, aggressive preventative therapy is warranted. Copyright (C) 2016 by Otology & Neurotology, Inc. Image copyright (C) 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health/Anatomical Chart Company

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Tinnitus Cures That Work

If you are a victim of tinnitus, you know how frustrating it can be. Tinnitus is a condition that causes a ringing or buzzing in the ears. It can also be described as a hissing, clicking, or roaring sound that you hear all the time. It is not produced by any external source. Tinnitus is often referred to as a phantom sound that can be a soft noise in the background or it could be so loud that it is impossible for you to concentrate. You may hear it in one ear or both. Each case is unique. You may suffer from these phantom noises as a constant companion or on occasion. The condition may be caused by damage to the hairs that are in your inner ear. Blockages from earwax, exposure to noise at an excessive volume over a long period of time, problems with your blood vessels, illness, injury, and the aging process may also result in tinnitus.

What are Cures for Tinnitus?
Unfortunately, there is no known tinnitus cures that work. However, there are various treatments and remedies that may help to make the condition more bearable. In most cases, the main goal is to find a way to manage with the background noise that you hear as a result of tinnitus so that you can continue to have a good quality of life.

Possible Treatments for Tinnitus
While tinnitus cures that work haven’t been discovered yet, several therapy alternatives have been found to be helpful in dealing with the condition. Tinnitus retraining therapy, otherwise referred to as TRT, is one of the most popular approaches used to manage tinnitus. It involves wearing a device that plays music that is meant to cover, or mask, the bothersome noises that are produced by your condition. Eventually, you may not notice your tinnitus anymore as it fades into the background. Sound therapy is another technique that provides you with a distraction from your condition. A device is placed on a table or stand and produces nature sounds, white noise, or pleasant sounds that will draw your attention away from your tinnitus. You can also try running a fan or purchase a small fountain that produces a constant sound of running water, anything to cover the phantom noises in your ears. Medication, the removal of earwax, or treatment of any type of condition affecting your blood vessels may be helpful as well. You may discover that alternative medicine, such as hypnosis or acupuncture, offers you relief from this troubling condition. You may not ever experience tinnitus cures that work, but treatments can improve how you handle your condition.

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Mistuning detection performance of ferrets in a go/no-go task

The harmonic structure of sounds is an important grouping cue in auditory scene analysis. The ability of ferrets to detect mistuned harmonics was measured using a go/no-go task paradigm. Psychometric functions plotting sensitivity as a function of degree of mistuning were used to evaluate behavioral performance using signal detection theory. The mean (± standard error of the mean) threshold for mistuning detection was 0.8 ± 0.1 Hz, with sensitivity indices and reaction times depending on the degree of mistuning. These data provide a basis for investigation of the neural basis for the perception of complex sounds in ferrets, an increasingly used animal model in auditory research.

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Integration of partial information for spoken and written sentence recognition by older listeners

Older adults have difficulty understanding speech in challenging listening environments. Combining multisensory signals may facilitate speech recognition. This study measured recognition of interrupted spoken and written sentences by older adults for different preserved stimulus proportions. Unimodal performance was first examined when only interrupted text or speech stimuli were presented. Multimodal performance with concurrently presented text and speech stimuli was tested with delayed and simultaneous participant responses. Older listeners performed better in unimodal speech-only compared to text-only conditions across all proportions preserved. Performance was also better in delayed multimodal conditions. Comparison to a younger sample suggests age-related amodal processing declines.

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Is markerless acquisition technique adequate for speech production?

In this study, the precision of markerless acquisition techniques have been assessed when used to acquire articulatory data for speech production studies. Two different markerless systems have been evaluated and compared to a marker-based one. The main finding is that both markerless systems provide a reasonable result during normal speech and the quality is uneven during fast articulated speech. The quality of the data is dependent on the temporal resolution of the markerless system.

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The acoustic power of a vibrating clamped circular plate revisited in the wide low frequency range using expansion into the radial polynomials

This study deals with the classical problem of sound radiation of an excited clamped circular plate embedded into a flat rigid baffle. The system of the two coupled differential equations is solved, one for the excited and damped vibrations of the plate and the other one—the Helmholtz equation. An approach using the expansion into radial polynomials leads to results for the modal impedance coefficients useful for a comprehensive numerical analysis of sound radiation. The results obtained are accurate and efficient in a wide low frequency range and can easily be adopted for a simply supported circular plate. The fluid loading is included providing accurate results in resonance.

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