How to Implement Itemization in an Audiology Practice

Semin Hear 2016; 37: 137-147
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1579704

The hearing aid delivery landscape has dramatically changed over the past several years, with a commercial payer, the Internet, and big box stores dispensing hearing aids directly to patients. The audiology community needs to modify the bundled billing model. This session will describe how to optimize the services you provide to current and new patients and change the hearing aid delivery and hearing aid pricing model to remain competitive with these new market trends. This activity will educate participants on itemized billing, sometimes referred to as unbundling, its pros and cons, and how it could aid audiologists in differentiating themselves in the hearing aid delivery landscape.
[...]

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1PZvNr6
via IFTTT

How to Implement Itemization in an Audiology Practice

Semin Hear 2016; 37: 137-147
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1579704

The hearing aid delivery landscape has dramatically changed over the past several years, with a commercial payer, the Internet, and big box stores dispensing hearing aids directly to patients. The audiology community needs to modify the bundled billing model. This session will describe how to optimize the services you provide to current and new patients and change the hearing aid delivery and hearing aid pricing model to remain competitive with these new market trends. This activity will educate participants on itemized billing, sometimes referred to as unbundling, its pros and cons, and how it could aid audiologists in differentiating themselves in the hearing aid delivery landscape.
[...]

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1PZvNr6
via IFTTT

Application of the Consumer Decision-Making Model to Hearing Aid Adoption in First-Time Users

Semin Hear 2016; 37: 103-119
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1579706

Since 1980, hearing aid adoption rates have remained essentially the same, increasing at a rate equal to the organic growth of the population. Researchers have used theoretical models from psychology and sociology to determine those factors or constructs that lead to the adoption of hearing aids by first-time impaired listeners entering the market. In this article, a theoretical model, the Consumer Decision-Making Model (CDM), premised on the neobehavioral approach that considers an individual's psychological and cognitive emphasis toward a product or service, is described. Three theoretical models (i.e., transtheoretical, social model of disability, Health Belief Model), and their relevant findings to the hearing aid market, are initially described. The CDM is then presented, along with supporting evidence of the model's various factors from the hearing aid literature. Future applications of the CDM to hearing health care also are discussed.
[...]

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1PZvPz6
via IFTTT

Self-Assessment Questions

Semin Hear 2016; 37: C1-C8
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1579708

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Full text

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1PZvNqU
via IFTTT

Interventional Audiology: Broadening the Scope of Practice to Meet the Changing Demands of the New Consumer

Semin Hear 2016; 37: 120-136
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1579705

Given the growth in the aging population, low hearing uptake rates and the emerging science indicating that age-related hearing loss has long term consequences to health and wellness, an interventional audiology strategy is needed. This paper will define interventional audiology and offer guidance on bringing an interventional audiology to life in clinical practice.
[...]

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1PZvNaA
via IFTTT

Patient Complexity Charge Matrix for Audiology Services: A New Perspective on Unbundling

Semin Hear 2016; 37: 148-160
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1579703

Traditional approaches to unbundling hearing aid services often take existing bundled charges and then separate the charges across all potential services associated with dispensing the devices. However, this method results in every patient being charged the same amount even though the complexity of the service varies across patients. We describe a model of charging for hearing aid services that takes into account three elements associated with patient services (i.e., assessing hearing status, audiologic decision making and interpretation, and counseling and treatment options) and two levels of complexity (straightforward and complex). Using this approach, there is negligible long-term financial impact on a practice however patients will perceive a lower overall cost for amplification. Additionally, this approach provides a payment structure more representative of the professional value of each visit.
[...]

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1PZvMDx
via IFTTT

Delivery of Audiology Services: Differentiation in an Evolving Health Care Marketplace

Semin Hear 2016; 37: 101-102
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1579707

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Full text

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1MlpJ1y
via IFTTT

How to Implement Itemization in an Audiology Practice

Semin Hear 2016; 37: 137-147
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1579704

The hearing aid delivery landscape has dramatically changed over the past several years, with a commercial payer, the Internet, and big box stores dispensing hearing aids directly to patients. The audiology community needs to modify the bundled billing model. This session will describe how to optimize the services you provide to current and new patients and change the hearing aid delivery and hearing aid pricing model to remain competitive with these new market trends. This activity will educate participants on itemized billing, sometimes referred to as unbundling, its pros and cons, and how it could aid audiologists in differentiating themselves in the hearing aid delivery landscape.
[...]

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1PZvNr6
via IFTTT

Application of the Consumer Decision-Making Model to Hearing Aid Adoption in First-Time Users

Semin Hear 2016; 37: 103-119
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1579706

Since 1980, hearing aid adoption rates have remained essentially the same, increasing at a rate equal to the organic growth of the population. Researchers have used theoretical models from psychology and sociology to determine those factors or constructs that lead to the adoption of hearing aids by first-time impaired listeners entering the market. In this article, a theoretical model, the Consumer Decision-Making Model (CDM), premised on the neobehavioral approach that considers an individual's psychological and cognitive emphasis toward a product or service, is described. Three theoretical models (i.e., transtheoretical, social model of disability, Health Belief Model), and their relevant findings to the hearing aid market, are initially described. The CDM is then presented, along with supporting evidence of the model's various factors from the hearing aid literature. Future applications of the CDM to hearing health care also are discussed.
[...]

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1PZvPz6
via IFTTT

Application of the Consumer Decision-Making Model to Hearing Aid Adoption in First-Time Users

Semin Hear 2016; 37: 103-119
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1579706

Since 1980, hearing aid adoption rates have remained essentially the same, increasing at a rate equal to the organic growth of the population. Researchers have used theoretical models from psychology and sociology to determine those factors or constructs that lead to the adoption of hearing aids by first-time impaired listeners entering the market. In this article, a theoretical model, the Consumer Decision-Making Model (CDM), premised on the neobehavioral approach that considers an individual's psychological and cognitive emphasis toward a product or service, is described. Three theoretical models (i.e., transtheoretical, social model of disability, Health Belief Model), and their relevant findings to the hearing aid market, are initially described. The CDM is then presented, along with supporting evidence of the model's various factors from the hearing aid literature. Future applications of the CDM to hearing health care also are discussed.
[...]

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1PZvPz6
via IFTTT

Self-Assessment Questions

Semin Hear 2016; 37: C1-C8
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1579708

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Full text

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1PZvNqU
via IFTTT

Interventional Audiology: Broadening the Scope of Practice to Meet the Changing Demands of the New Consumer

Semin Hear 2016; 37: 120-136
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1579705

Given the growth in the aging population, low hearing uptake rates and the emerging science indicating that age-related hearing loss has long term consequences to health and wellness, an interventional audiology strategy is needed. This paper will define interventional audiology and offer guidance on bringing an interventional audiology to life in clinical practice.
[...]

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1PZvNaA
via IFTTT

Self-Assessment Questions

Semin Hear 2016; 37: C1-C8
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1579708

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Full text

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1PZvNqU
via IFTTT

Patient Complexity Charge Matrix for Audiology Services: A New Perspective on Unbundling

Semin Hear 2016; 37: 148-160
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1579703

Traditional approaches to unbundling hearing aid services often take existing bundled charges and then separate the charges across all potential services associated with dispensing the devices. However, this method results in every patient being charged the same amount even though the complexity of the service varies across patients. We describe a model of charging for hearing aid services that takes into account three elements associated with patient services (i.e., assessing hearing status, audiologic decision making and interpretation, and counseling and treatment options) and two levels of complexity (straightforward and complex). Using this approach, there is negligible long-term financial impact on a practice however patients will perceive a lower overall cost for amplification. Additionally, this approach provides a payment structure more representative of the professional value of each visit.
[...]

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1PZvMDx
via IFTTT

Interventional Audiology: Broadening the Scope of Practice to Meet the Changing Demands of the New Consumer

Semin Hear 2016; 37: 120-136
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1579705

Given the growth in the aging population, low hearing uptake rates and the emerging science indicating that age-related hearing loss has long term consequences to health and wellness, an interventional audiology strategy is needed. This paper will define interventional audiology and offer guidance on bringing an interventional audiology to life in clinical practice.
[...]

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1PZvNaA
via IFTTT

Delivery of Audiology Services: Differentiation in an Evolving Health Care Marketplace

Semin Hear 2016; 37: 101-102
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1579707

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Full text

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1MlpJ1y
via IFTTT

Patient Complexity Charge Matrix for Audiology Services: A New Perspective on Unbundling

Semin Hear 2016; 37: 148-160
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1579703

Traditional approaches to unbundling hearing aid services often take existing bundled charges and then separate the charges across all potential services associated with dispensing the devices. However, this method results in every patient being charged the same amount even though the complexity of the service varies across patients. We describe a model of charging for hearing aid services that takes into account three elements associated with patient services (i.e., assessing hearing status, audiologic decision making and interpretation, and counseling and treatment options) and two levels of complexity (straightforward and complex). Using this approach, there is negligible long-term financial impact on a practice however patients will perceive a lower overall cost for amplification. Additionally, this approach provides a payment structure more representative of the professional value of each visit.
[...]

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1PZvMDx
via IFTTT

Delivery of Audiology Services: Differentiation in an Evolving Health Care Marketplace

Semin Hear 2016; 37: 101-102
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1579707

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Full text

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1MlpJ1y
via IFTTT

Complexity of human gait pattern at different ages assessed using multiscale entropy: from development to decline

Publication date: Available online 8 April 2016
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): M.C. Bisi, R. Stagni
Multiscale entropy (MSE) has been applied in biomechanics to evaluate gait stability during human gait and was found to be a promising method for evaluating fall risk in elderly and/or pathologic subjects. The hypothesis of this work is that gait complexity is a relevant parameter of gait development during life, decreasing from immature to mature gait and then increasing again during old age. In order to verify this hypothesis, MSE was applied on trunk acceleration data collected during gait of subjects of different ages: toddlers at the onset of walking, pre-scholar and scholar children, adolescents, young adults, adults and elderlies. MSE was estimated by calculating Sample Entropy (SEN) on raw unfiltered data of L5 acceleration along the three axes, using values of τ ranging from 1 to 6. In addition, other performance parameters (cadence, stride time variability and harmonic ratio) were evaluated. The results followed the hypothesized trend when MSE was applied on the vertical and/or anteroposterior axis of trunk acceleration: an age effect was found and adult SEN values were significantly different from children ones. From young adults to elderlies a slight increase in SEN values was shown although not statistically significant. While performance gait parameters showed adolescent gait similar to the one of adults, SEN highlighted that their gait maturation is not complete yet. In conclusion, present results suggest that the complexity of gait, evaluated on the sagittal plane, can be used as a characterizing parameter of the maturation of gait control.



from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1PZlFi0
via IFTTT

Complexity of human gait pattern at different ages assessed using multiscale entropy: from development to decline

Publication date: Available online 8 April 2016
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): M.C. Bisi, R. Stagni
Multiscale entropy (MSE) has been applied in biomechanics to evaluate gait stability during human gait and was found to be a promising method for evaluating fall risk in elderly and/or pathologic subjects. The hypothesis of this work is that gait complexity is a relevant parameter of gait development during life, decreasing from immature to mature gait and then increasing again during old age. In order to verify this hypothesis, MSE was applied on trunk acceleration data collected during gait of subjects of different ages: toddlers at the onset of walking, pre-scholar and scholar children, adolescents, young adults, adults and elderlies. MSE was estimated by calculating Sample Entropy (SEN) on raw unfiltered data of L5 acceleration along the three axes, using values of τ ranging from 1 to 6. In addition, other performance parameters (cadence, stride time variability and harmonic ratio) were evaluated. The results followed the hypothesized trend when MSE was applied on the vertical and/or anteroposterior axis of trunk acceleration: an age effect was found and adult SEN values were significantly different from children ones. From young adults to elderlies a slight increase in SEN values was shown although not statistically significant. While performance gait parameters showed adolescent gait similar to the one of adults, SEN highlighted that their gait maturation is not complete yet. In conclusion, present results suggest that the complexity of gait, evaluated on the sagittal plane, can be used as a characterizing parameter of the maturation of gait control.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1PZlFi0
via IFTTT

Complexity of human gait pattern at different ages assessed using multiscale entropy: from development to decline

Publication date: Available online 8 April 2016
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): M.C. Bisi, R. Stagni
Multiscale entropy (MSE) has been applied in biomechanics to evaluate gait stability during human gait and was found to be a promising method for evaluating fall risk in elderly and/or pathologic subjects. The hypothesis of this work is that gait complexity is a relevant parameter of gait development during life, decreasing from immature to mature gait and then increasing again during old age. In order to verify this hypothesis, MSE was applied on trunk acceleration data collected during gait of subjects of different ages: toddlers at the onset of walking, pre-scholar and scholar children, adolescents, young adults, adults and elderlies. MSE was estimated by calculating Sample Entropy (SEN) on raw unfiltered data of L5 acceleration along the three axes, using values of τ ranging from 1 to 6. In addition, other performance parameters (cadence, stride time variability and harmonic ratio) were evaluated. The results followed the hypothesized trend when MSE was applied on the vertical and/or anteroposterior axis of trunk acceleration: an age effect was found and adult SEN values were significantly different from children ones. From young adults to elderlies a slight increase in SEN values was shown although not statistically significant. While performance gait parameters showed adolescent gait similar to the one of adults, SEN highlighted that their gait maturation is not complete yet. In conclusion, present results suggest that the complexity of gait, evaluated on the sagittal plane, can be used as a characterizing parameter of the maturation of gait control.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1PZlFi0
via IFTTT

A Futuristic Suit that Mimics Untreated Hearing Loss

An exhibit opened last week at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City that uses data-collecting gear to simulate the vision, hearing, and mobility of an 85-year-old person.

Tweet

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1SFoxTc
via IFTTT

Dysarthria in Adults With Cerebral Palsy: Clinical Presentation and Impacts on Communication

Purpose

Although dysarthria affects the large majority of individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and can substantially complicate everyday communication, previous research has provided an incomplete picture of its clinical features. We aimed to comprehensively describe characteristics of dysarthria in adults with CP and to elucidate the impact of dysarthric symptoms on parameters relevant for communication.

Method

Forty-two adults with CP underwent speech assessment by means of standardized auditory rating scales. Listening experiments were conducted to obtain communication-related parameters—that is, intelligibility and naturalness—as well as age and gender estimates.

Results

The majority of adults with CP showed moderate to severe dysarthria with symptoms on all dimensions of speech, most prominently voice quality, respiration, and prosody. Regression analyses revealed that articulatory, respiratory, and prosodic features were the strongest predictors of intelligibility and naturalness of speech. Listeners' estimates of the speakers' age and gender were predominantly determined by voice parameters.

Conclusion

This study provides an overview on the clinical presentation of dysarthria in a convenience sample of adults with CP. The complexity of the functional impairment described and the consequences on the individuals' communication call for a stronger consideration of dysarthria in CP both in clinical care and in research.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1V8JNYa
via IFTTT

Sentence Repetition Accuracy in Adults With Developmental Language Impairment: Interactions of Participant Capacities and Sentence Structures

Purpose

We asked whether sentence repetition accuracy could be explained by interactions of participant processing limitations with the structures of the sentences. We also tested a prediction of the procedural deficit hypothesis (Ullman & Pierpont, 2005) that adjuncts are more difficult than arguments for individuals with developmental language impairment (DLI).

Method

Forty-four young adults participated, 21 with DLI. The sentence repetition task varied sentence length and the use of arguments and adjuncts. We also administered measures of working memory and processing speed. Our regression models focused on these interactions: group and argument status; processing speed, length, and argument status; and working memory capacity, length, and argument status.

Results

Language ability group was a significant predictor of sentence repetition accuracy but did not interact with argument status. Processing speed interacted with sentence length and argument status. Working memory capacity and its separate interactions with argument status and sentence length predicted sentence repetition accuracy.

Conclusions

Many adults with DLI may have difficulty with adjuncts as a result of their working memory limitations rather than their language ability. Cognitive limitations common to individuals with DLI are revealed more by particular sentence structures, suggesting ways to construct more diagnostically accurate sentence repetition tasks.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1SkAzkg
via IFTTT

Dysarthria in Adults With Cerebral Palsy: Clinical Presentation and Impacts on Communication

Purpose

Although dysarthria affects the large majority of individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and can substantially complicate everyday communication, previous research has provided an incomplete picture of its clinical features. We aimed to comprehensively describe characteristics of dysarthria in adults with CP and to elucidate the impact of dysarthric symptoms on parameters relevant for communication.

Method

Forty-two adults with CP underwent speech assessment by means of standardized auditory rating scales. Listening experiments were conducted to obtain communication-related parameters—that is, intelligibility and naturalness—as well as age and gender estimates.

Results

The majority of adults with CP showed moderate to severe dysarthria with symptoms on all dimensions of speech, most prominently voice quality, respiration, and prosody. Regression analyses revealed that articulatory, respiratory, and prosodic features were the strongest predictors of intelligibility and naturalness of speech. Listeners' estimates of the speakers' age and gender were predominantly determined by voice parameters.

Conclusion

This study provides an overview on the clinical presentation of dysarthria in a convenience sample of adults with CP. The complexity of the functional impairment described and the consequences on the individuals' communication call for a stronger consideration of dysarthria in CP both in clinical care and in research.

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1V8JNYa
via IFTTT

Sentence Repetition Accuracy in Adults With Developmental Language Impairment: Interactions of Participant Capacities and Sentence Structures

Purpose

We asked whether sentence repetition accuracy could be explained by interactions of participant processing limitations with the structures of the sentences. We also tested a prediction of the procedural deficit hypothesis (Ullman & Pierpont, 2005) that adjuncts are more difficult than arguments for individuals with developmental language impairment (DLI).

Method

Forty-four young adults participated, 21 with DLI. The sentence repetition task varied sentence length and the use of arguments and adjuncts. We also administered measures of working memory and processing speed. Our regression models focused on these interactions: group and argument status; processing speed, length, and argument status; and working memory capacity, length, and argument status.

Results

Language ability group was a significant predictor of sentence repetition accuracy but did not interact with argument status. Processing speed interacted with sentence length and argument status. Working memory capacity and its separate interactions with argument status and sentence length predicted sentence repetition accuracy.

Conclusions

Many adults with DLI may have difficulty with adjuncts as a result of their working memory limitations rather than their language ability. Cognitive limitations common to individuals with DLI are revealed more by particular sentence structures, suggesting ways to construct more diagnostically accurate sentence repetition tasks.

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1SkAzkg
via IFTTT

Dysarthria in Adults With Cerebral Palsy: Clinical Presentation and Impacts on Communication

Purpose

Although dysarthria affects the large majority of individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and can substantially complicate everyday communication, previous research has provided an incomplete picture of its clinical features. We aimed to comprehensively describe characteristics of dysarthria in adults with CP and to elucidate the impact of dysarthric symptoms on parameters relevant for communication.

Method

Forty-two adults with CP underwent speech assessment by means of standardized auditory rating scales. Listening experiments were conducted to obtain communication-related parameters—that is, intelligibility and naturalness—as well as age and gender estimates.

Results

The majority of adults with CP showed moderate to severe dysarthria with symptoms on all dimensions of speech, most prominently voice quality, respiration, and prosody. Regression analyses revealed that articulatory, respiratory, and prosodic features were the strongest predictors of intelligibility and naturalness of speech. Listeners' estimates of the speakers' age and gender were predominantly determined by voice parameters.

Conclusion

This study provides an overview on the clinical presentation of dysarthria in a convenience sample of adults with CP. The complexity of the functional impairment described and the consequences on the individuals' communication call for a stronger consideration of dysarthria in CP both in clinical care and in research.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1V8JNYa
via IFTTT

Sentence Repetition Accuracy in Adults With Developmental Language Impairment: Interactions of Participant Capacities and Sentence Structures

Purpose

We asked whether sentence repetition accuracy could be explained by interactions of participant processing limitations with the structures of the sentences. We also tested a prediction of the procedural deficit hypothesis (Ullman & Pierpont, 2005) that adjuncts are more difficult than arguments for individuals with developmental language impairment (DLI).

Method

Forty-four young adults participated, 21 with DLI. The sentence repetition task varied sentence length and the use of arguments and adjuncts. We also administered measures of working memory and processing speed. Our regression models focused on these interactions: group and argument status; processing speed, length, and argument status; and working memory capacity, length, and argument status.

Results

Language ability group was a significant predictor of sentence repetition accuracy but did not interact with argument status. Processing speed interacted with sentence length and argument status. Working memory capacity and its separate interactions with argument status and sentence length predicted sentence repetition accuracy.

Conclusions

Many adults with DLI may have difficulty with adjuncts as a result of their working memory limitations rather than their language ability. Cognitive limitations common to individuals with DLI are revealed more by particular sentence structures, suggesting ways to construct more diagnostically accurate sentence repetition tasks.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1SkAzkg
via IFTTT

Empowering the family during the first months after identification of permanent hearing impairment in children.

Empowering the family during the first months after identification of permanent hearing impairment in children.

Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2016 Feb;36(1):64-70

Authors: Ciciriello E, Bolzonello P, Marchi R, Falzone C, Muzzi E, Orzan E

Abstract
The latest international guidelines highlight the importance of involving the family in the diagnositic and rehabilitation process of children affected by permanent hearing impairment. This emphasises how meaningful this approach is for the development of the deaf child. So far, there is very little evidence about this approach in Italy, and there are still some barriers to its practical management. The aim of this paper is to report the results of a strategic analysis, which identifies the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the family empowerment process during early auditory diagnosis and rehabilitation. The audiology programme should have the goal to offer information and support to families in order to achieve a conscious decision about the use and type of auditory prosthesis and rehabilitation choice within three months after audiologic diagnosis. Within the framework of the Ministry of Health project CCM 2013 "Preventing Communication Disorders: a Regional Program for Early Identification, Intervention and Care of Hearing Impaired Children", a group of professionals identified three main recommendations that can be useful to foster the natural communicative development of the child by strengthening the therapeutic alliance and empowerment of the family. The recommendations obtained with this analysis can help to develop new Italian guidelines with the aim to foster natural communicative development of the child by strengthening the therapeutic alliance and empowerment of the family.

PMID: 27054393 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Whn7E5
via IFTTT

Achieving early functional auditory access in paediatric cochlear implantation.

Achieving early functional auditory access in paediatric cochlear implantation.

Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2016 Feb;36(1):45-50

Authors: Orzan E, Muzzi E, Marchi R, Falzone C, Battelino S, Ciciriello E

Abstract
Cochlear implantation (CI) is a viable option for providing access to auditory stimulation in severe-to-profound hearing loss/impairment of cochlear origin. It has been demonstrated that CI is safe and effective for deaf children. Younger age at activation after CI is linked with better outcomes. It is important to study variables and issues that can interfere with an early fitting and access to sound after CI. They range from patient characteristics, family compliance and support, to technical, medical or organisational problems. A SWOT analysis and a subsequent TOWS matrix was conducted to discuss issues and propose recommendations to be considered when operating an early switch on of the CI.

PMID: 27054390 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1oIeLaO
via IFTTT

Childhood hearing surveillance activity in Italy: preliminary recommendations.

Childhood hearing surveillance activity in Italy: preliminary recommendations.

Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2016 Feb;36(1):15-20

Authors: Orzan E, Ruta F, Bolzonello P, Marchi R, Ceschin F, Ciciriello E

Abstract
Following the positive outcomes of the newborn hearing screening programmes already underway in several Italian regions, it is now necessary to address the identification of childhood hearing impairments that missed the neonatal screening programme or have delayed onset. Within the framework of the Ministry of Health project CCM 2013 "Preventing Communication Disorders: a Regional Program for early Identification, Intervention and Care of Hearing Impaired Children", a group of professionals identified three main recommendations that can be useful to improve hearing surveillance activity within the regional and state Italian Health System. The family paediatrician is recognised as having a key role in ongoing monitoring of hearing capacity and development of the growing child.

PMID: 27054386 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/23orsaq
via IFTTT

Hearing Profile in Patients with Dilated and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathies.

Hearing Profile in Patients with Dilated and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathies.

Electron Physician. 2016 Feb;8(2):2030-8

Authors: El-Zarea GA, Hassan YE, Mahmoud AM

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Cardiomyopathy may cause disruptions in the micro-vascular system of the stria vascularis in the cochlea, and, subsequently, may result in cochlear degeneration. Degeneration in the stria vascularis affects the physical and chemical processes in the organ of Corti, thereby causing a possible hearing impairment. The objective of this study was to assess the hearing profiles of patients with dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathies to determine the relationship between the degree of hearing loss and the degree and duration of the disease and to compare the dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathies as regards hearing profile.
METHODS: In this case control study, we studied 21 patients (cases/study group/group 1) and 15 healthy individuals (controls/group 2). Six patients (group 1a) had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and 15 patients (group 1b) had dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The data were analyzed using the t-test, chi-squared test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and the Multiple Mann-Whitney test.
RESULTS: The results of this study showed that 80% of those patients with DCM (group 1b) had bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), and 100% of the patients with HCM (group 1a) had mild to severe bilateral sloping SNHL. Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs) were present in 14% of the study group and in 100 % of the control group. The results of the measurements of auditory brainstem response (ABR) showed that 50% of the study group had abnormal latencies compared to the control group, and there was no correlation between the duration of the disease and the degree of hearing loss or DPOAE. Fifty percent of the patients with HCM and 35% of the patients with DCM had positive family histories of similar conditions, and 35% of those with HCM had a positive family history of sudden death.
CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggested that the link between heart disease and hearing loss and early identification of hearing loss in patients with cardiomyopathy may reduce morbidity since hearing deficits sometimes precede heart disease.

PMID: 27054015 [PubMed]

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Whn7DP
via IFTTT

The Effect of Microphone Placement on Interaural Level Differences and Sound Localization Across the Horizontal Plane in Bilateral Cochlear Implant Users.

The effect of microphone placement on the interaural level differences available to bilateral cochlear implant users, and subsequent effects on horizontal-plane sound localization were investigated. Presently, microphones are most commonly placed behind the ear in adults, and sometimes on the shoulders in children. While efforts to position microphones in the ear exist, the impact of such placements on sound localization in bilateral cochlear implant users is not well understood. Sound localization was tested for these three microphone placements using virtual acoustic stimuli created from individual acoustic measurements made for each participant and placement. Acoustical analysis revealed a significant reduction in interaural level differences for behind the ear and shoulders placements compared with in the ear placement, which was correlated with a decrease in localization performance. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Mjr9cS
via IFTTT

The Effect of Microphone Placement on Interaural Level Differences and Sound Localization Across the Horizontal Plane in Bilateral Cochlear Implant Users.

The effect of microphone placement on the interaural level differences available to bilateral cochlear implant users, and subsequent effects on horizontal-plane sound localization were investigated. Presently, microphones are most commonly placed behind the ear in adults, and sometimes on the shoulders in children. While efforts to position microphones in the ear exist, the impact of such placements on sound localization in bilateral cochlear implant users is not well understood. Sound localization was tested for these three microphone placements using virtual acoustic stimuli created from individual acoustic measurements made for each participant and placement. Acoustical analysis revealed a significant reduction in interaural level differences for behind the ear and shoulders placements compared with in the ear placement, which was correlated with a decrease in localization performance. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Mjr9cS
via IFTTT

The Effect of Microphone Placement on Interaural Level Differences and Sound Localization Across the Horizontal Plane in Bilateral Cochlear Implant Users.

The effect of microphone placement on the interaural level differences available to bilateral cochlear implant users, and subsequent effects on horizontal-plane sound localization were investigated. Presently, microphones are most commonly placed behind the ear in adults, and sometimes on the shoulders in children. While efforts to position microphones in the ear exist, the impact of such placements on sound localization in bilateral cochlear implant users is not well understood. Sound localization was tested for these three microphone placements using virtual acoustic stimuli created from individual acoustic measurements made for each participant and placement. Acoustical analysis revealed a significant reduction in interaural level differences for behind the ear and shoulders placements compared with in the ear placement, which was correlated with a decrease in localization performance. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Mjr9cS
via IFTTT