Insights on different analysis techniques in the monothermal and bithermal caloric test - which parameter should we use to quantify vestibular function?

Insights on different analysis techniques in the monothermal and bithermal caloric test - which parameter should we use to quantify vestibular function?

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jul 14;:1-8

Authors: Radomskij P, Smith S, Kuttva S

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of maximum slow component velocity (MSCV) and time-constant duration (TCd) of elicited nystagmus in quantifying the caloric response and to assess the efficacy of these parameters in the monothermal screening test.
DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of caloric results obtained from 150 patients. Bithermal unilateral weakness (UW), directional preponderance (DP), monothermal caloric asymmetry (MCA) based on warm or cool irrigations only, were calculated using both MSCV and TCd.
STUDY SAMPLE: 66 males and 84 females, aged 16-88 years (μ = 50, σ = 17), who underwent vestibular assessment.
RESULTS: The correlation-coefficient between bithermal caloric unilateral weaknesses calculated using either MSCV or TCd is 0.155 (p < 0.01). Using MSCV and setting significant MCA at 10%, the sensitivity and specificity were respectively 100% and 34% for monothermal warm and 82% and 53% for monothermal cool tests. Using TCd and setting significant MCA at 5%, the sensitivity and specificity were respectively 90% and 77% for monothermal warm and 100% and 74% for monothermal cool tests.
CONCLUSIONS: In the monothermal warm caloric test, MSCV can be used more reliably than monothermal cool to predict normal bithermal caloric response. The reverse is true if using TCd. Unilateral-weakness calculated using TCd and MSCV were poorly correlated and therefore likely to be demonstrating different aspects of vestibular function.

PMID: 27414985 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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A review of the perceptual effects of hearing loss for frequencies above 3 kHz.

A review of the perceptual effects of hearing loss for frequencies above 3 kHz.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jul 14;:1-8

Authors: Moore BC

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hearing loss caused by exposure to intense sounds usually has its greatest effects on audiometric thresholds at 4 and 6 kHz. However, in several countries compensation for occupational noise-induced hearing loss is calculated using the average of audiometric thresholds for selected frequencies up to 3 kHz, based on the implicit assumption that hearing loss for frequencies above 3 kHz has no material adverse consequences. This paper assesses whether this assumption is correct.
DESIGN: Studies are reviewed that evaluate the role of hearing for frequencies above 3 kHz.
RESULTS: Several studies show that frequencies above 3 kHz are important for the perception of speech, especially when background sounds are present. Hearing at high frequencies is also important for sound localization, especially for resolving front-back confusions.
CONCLUSIONS: Hearing for frequencies above 3 kHz is important for the ability to understand speech in background sounds and for the ability to localize sounds. The audiometric threshold at 4 kHz and perhaps 6 kHz should be taken into account when assessing hearing in a medico-legal context.

PMID: 27414746 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Hearing protector fit testing with off-shore oil-rig inspectors in Louisiana and Texas.

Hearing protector fit testing with off-shore oil-rig inspectors in Louisiana and Texas.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jul 14;:1-11

Authors: Murphy WJ, Themann CL, Murata TK

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This field study aimed to assess the noise reduction of hearing protection for individual workers, demonstrate the effectiveness of training on the level of protection achieved, and measure the time required to implement hearing protector fit testing in the workplace.
DESIGN: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted field studies in Louisiana and Texas to test the performance of HPD Well-Fit.
STUDY SAMPLE: Fit tests were performed on 126 inspectors and engineers working in the offshore oil industry.
RESULTS: Workers were fit tested with the goal of achieving a 25-dB PAR. Less than half of the workers were achieving sufficient protection from their hearing protectors prior to NIOSH intervention and training; following re-fitting and re-training, over 85% of the workers achieved sufficient protection. Typical test times were 6-12 minutes.
CONCLUSIONS: Fit testing of the workers' earplugs identified those workers who were and were not achieving the desired level of protection. Recommendations for other hearing protection solutions were made for workers who could not achieve the target PAR. The study demonstrates the need for individual hearing protector fit testing and addresses some of the barriers to implementation.

PMID: 27414471 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Validation of list equivalency for Mandarin speech materials to use with cochlear implant listeners.

Validation of list equivalency for Mandarin speech materials to use with cochlear implant listeners.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jul 14;:1-10

Authors: Li Y, Wang S, Su Q, Galvin JJ, Fu QJ

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Speech materials validated with normal-hearing listeners may not be appropriate for clinical assessment of cochlear implant (CI) users. The aim of this study was to validate list equivalency of the Mandarin Speech Perception (MSP) sentences, disyllables, and monosyllables in Mandarin-speaking CI patients.
DESIGN: Recognition of MSP sentences, disyllables, and monosyllables each were measured for all 10 lists.
STUDY SAMPLE: 67 adult and 32 pediatric Mandarin-speaking CI users.
RESULTS: There was no significant difference between adult and pediatric subject groups for all test materials. Significant differences were observed among lists within each test. After removing one or two lists within each test, no significant differences were observed among the remaining lists. While there was equal variance among lists within a given test, the variance was larger for children than for adults, and increased from monosyllables to disyllables to sentences.
CONCLUSIONS: Some adjustment to test lists previously validated with CI simulations was needed to create perceptually equivalent lists for real CI users, suggesting that test materials should be validated in the targeted population. Differences in mean scores and variance across test materials suggest that CI users may differ in their ability to make use of contextual cues available in sentences and disyllables.

PMID: 27414242 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Insights on different analysis techniques in the monothermal and bithermal caloric test - which parameter should we use to quantify vestibular function?

Insights on different analysis techniques in the monothermal and bithermal caloric test - which parameter should we use to quantify vestibular function?

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jul 14;:1-8

Authors: Radomskij P, Smith S, Kuttva S

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of maximum slow component velocity (MSCV) and time-constant duration (TCd) of elicited nystagmus in quantifying the caloric response and to assess the efficacy of these parameters in the monothermal screening test.
DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of caloric results obtained from 150 patients. Bithermal unilateral weakness (UW), directional preponderance (DP), monothermal caloric asymmetry (MCA) based on warm or cool irrigations only, were calculated using both MSCV and TCd.
STUDY SAMPLE: 66 males and 84 females, aged 16-88 years (μ = 50, σ = 17), who underwent vestibular assessment.
RESULTS: The correlation-coefficient between bithermal caloric unilateral weaknesses calculated using either MSCV or TCd is 0.155 (p < 0.01). Using MSCV and setting significant MCA at 10%, the sensitivity and specificity were respectively 100% and 34% for monothermal warm and 82% and 53% for monothermal cool tests. Using TCd and setting significant MCA at 5%, the sensitivity and specificity were respectively 90% and 77% for monothermal warm and 100% and 74% for monothermal cool tests.
CONCLUSIONS: In the monothermal warm caloric test, MSCV can be used more reliably than monothermal cool to predict normal bithermal caloric response. The reverse is true if using TCd. Unilateral-weakness calculated using TCd and MSCV were poorly correlated and therefore likely to be demonstrating different aspects of vestibular function.

PMID: 27414985 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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A review of the perceptual effects of hearing loss for frequencies above 3 kHz.

A review of the perceptual effects of hearing loss for frequencies above 3 kHz.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jul 14;:1-8

Authors: Moore BC

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hearing loss caused by exposure to intense sounds usually has its greatest effects on audiometric thresholds at 4 and 6 kHz. However, in several countries compensation for occupational noise-induced hearing loss is calculated using the average of audiometric thresholds for selected frequencies up to 3 kHz, based on the implicit assumption that hearing loss for frequencies above 3 kHz has no material adverse consequences. This paper assesses whether this assumption is correct.
DESIGN: Studies are reviewed that evaluate the role of hearing for frequencies above 3 kHz.
RESULTS: Several studies show that frequencies above 3 kHz are important for the perception of speech, especially when background sounds are present. Hearing at high frequencies is also important for sound localization, especially for resolving front-back confusions.
CONCLUSIONS: Hearing for frequencies above 3 kHz is important for the ability to understand speech in background sounds and for the ability to localize sounds. The audiometric threshold at 4 kHz and perhaps 6 kHz should be taken into account when assessing hearing in a medico-legal context.

PMID: 27414746 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Hearing protector fit testing with off-shore oil-rig inspectors in Louisiana and Texas.

Hearing protector fit testing with off-shore oil-rig inspectors in Louisiana and Texas.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jul 14;:1-11

Authors: Murphy WJ, Themann CL, Murata TK

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This field study aimed to assess the noise reduction of hearing protection for individual workers, demonstrate the effectiveness of training on the level of protection achieved, and measure the time required to implement hearing protector fit testing in the workplace.
DESIGN: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted field studies in Louisiana and Texas to test the performance of HPD Well-Fit.
STUDY SAMPLE: Fit tests were performed on 126 inspectors and engineers working in the offshore oil industry.
RESULTS: Workers were fit tested with the goal of achieving a 25-dB PAR. Less than half of the workers were achieving sufficient protection from their hearing protectors prior to NIOSH intervention and training; following re-fitting and re-training, over 85% of the workers achieved sufficient protection. Typical test times were 6-12 minutes.
CONCLUSIONS: Fit testing of the workers' earplugs identified those workers who were and were not achieving the desired level of protection. Recommendations for other hearing protection solutions were made for workers who could not achieve the target PAR. The study demonstrates the need for individual hearing protector fit testing and addresses some of the barriers to implementation.

PMID: 27414471 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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via IFTTT

Validation of list equivalency for Mandarin speech materials to use with cochlear implant listeners.

Validation of list equivalency for Mandarin speech materials to use with cochlear implant listeners.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jul 14;:1-10

Authors: Li Y, Wang S, Su Q, Galvin JJ, Fu QJ

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Speech materials validated with normal-hearing listeners may not be appropriate for clinical assessment of cochlear implant (CI) users. The aim of this study was to validate list equivalency of the Mandarin Speech Perception (MSP) sentences, disyllables, and monosyllables in Mandarin-speaking CI patients.
DESIGN: Recognition of MSP sentences, disyllables, and monosyllables each were measured for all 10 lists.
STUDY SAMPLE: 67 adult and 32 pediatric Mandarin-speaking CI users.
RESULTS: There was no significant difference between adult and pediatric subject groups for all test materials. Significant differences were observed among lists within each test. After removing one or two lists within each test, no significant differences were observed among the remaining lists. While there was equal variance among lists within a given test, the variance was larger for children than for adults, and increased from monosyllables to disyllables to sentences.
CONCLUSIONS: Some adjustment to test lists previously validated with CI simulations was needed to create perceptually equivalent lists for real CI users, suggesting that test materials should be validated in the targeted population. Differences in mean scores and variance across test materials suggest that CI users may differ in their ability to make use of contextual cues available in sentences and disyllables.

PMID: 27414242 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Strategies for Teachers to Manage Stuttering in the Classroom: A Call for Research

Purpose

This clinical focus article highlights the need for future research involving ways to assist children who stutter in the classroom.

Method

The 4 most commonly recommended strategies for teachers were found via searches of electronic databases and personal libraries of the authors. The peer-reviewed evidence for each recommendation was subsequently located and detailed.

Results

There are varying amounts of evidence for the 4 recommended teacher strategies outside of the classroom, but there are no data for 2 of the strategies, and minimal data for the others, in a classroom setting. That is, there is virtually no evidence regarding whether or not the actions put forth influence, for example, stuttering frequency, stuttering severity, participation, or the social, emotional, and cognitive components of stuttering in the classroom.

Conclusion

There is a need for researchers and speech-language pathologists in the schools to study the outcomes of teacher strategies in the classroom for children who stutter.

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The Role of Socioeconomic Status in the Narrative Story Retells of School-Aged English Language Learners

Purpose

We examined the relationship between maternal level of education as an index of socioeconomic status (SES) on the narrative story retells of school-aged children who are English language learners (ELLs) to guide interpretation of results.

Method

Using data available from the Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts database (Miller & Iglesias, 2012), we were able to compare the language samples of 907 ELL students in kindergarten and 2nd grade whose parents had different levels of education. We used a simple linear regression to see if maternal level of education was predictive of measures of vocabulary, syntax, and narrative structure in Spanish and English narrative story retells.

Results

There were no differences in language measures between children from different SES backgrounds for the Spanish language samples. There were differences with the English language samples in four of the five measures for the kindergarten sample and only three of five measures for the older children, with a smaller percentage of the variance explained.

Conclusion

Despite common knowledge that SES has a negative influence on language, the actual influence on the narrative productions of school-aged ELLs was less than anticipated for English and absent for Spanish. The implications for assessment are discussed and concluded.

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Strategies for Teachers to Manage Stuttering in the Classroom: A Call for Research

Purpose

This clinical focus article highlights the need for future research involving ways to assist children who stutter in the classroom.

Method

The 4 most commonly recommended strategies for teachers were found via searches of electronic databases and personal libraries of the authors. The peer-reviewed evidence for each recommendation was subsequently located and detailed.

Results

There are varying amounts of evidence for the 4 recommended teacher strategies outside of the classroom, but there are no data for 2 of the strategies, and minimal data for the others, in a classroom setting. That is, there is virtually no evidence regarding whether or not the actions put forth influence, for example, stuttering frequency, stuttering severity, participation, or the social, emotional, and cognitive components of stuttering in the classroom.

Conclusion

There is a need for researchers and speech-language pathologists in the schools to study the outcomes of teacher strategies in the classroom for children who stutter.

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The Role of Socioeconomic Status in the Narrative Story Retells of School-Aged English Language Learners

Purpose

We examined the relationship between maternal level of education as an index of socioeconomic status (SES) on the narrative story retells of school-aged children who are English language learners (ELLs) to guide interpretation of results.

Method

Using data available from the Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts database (Miller & Iglesias, 2012), we were able to compare the language samples of 907 ELL students in kindergarten and 2nd grade whose parents had different levels of education. We used a simple linear regression to see if maternal level of education was predictive of measures of vocabulary, syntax, and narrative structure in Spanish and English narrative story retells.

Results

There were no differences in language measures between children from different SES backgrounds for the Spanish language samples. There were differences with the English language samples in four of the five measures for the kindergarten sample and only three of five measures for the older children, with a smaller percentage of the variance explained.

Conclusion

Despite common knowledge that SES has a negative influence on language, the actual influence on the narrative productions of school-aged ELLs was less than anticipated for English and absent for Spanish. The implications for assessment are discussed and concluded.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/29Nyzqq
via IFTTT

Strategies for Teachers to Manage Stuttering in the Classroom: A Call for Research

Purpose

This clinical focus article highlights the need for future research involving ways to assist children who stutter in the classroom.

Method

The 4 most commonly recommended strategies for teachers were found via searches of electronic databases and personal libraries of the authors. The peer-reviewed evidence for each recommendation was subsequently located and detailed.

Results

There are varying amounts of evidence for the 4 recommended teacher strategies outside of the classroom, but there are no data for 2 of the strategies, and minimal data for the others, in a classroom setting. That is, there is virtually no evidence regarding whether or not the actions put forth influence, for example, stuttering frequency, stuttering severity, participation, or the social, emotional, and cognitive components of stuttering in the classroom.

Conclusion

There is a need for researchers and speech-language pathologists in the schools to study the outcomes of teacher strategies in the classroom for children who stutter.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/29JCEZf
via IFTTT

The Role of Socioeconomic Status in the Narrative Story Retells of School-Aged English Language Learners

Purpose

We examined the relationship between maternal level of education as an index of socioeconomic status (SES) on the narrative story retells of school-aged children who are English language learners (ELLs) to guide interpretation of results.

Method

Using data available from the Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts database (Miller & Iglesias, 2012), we were able to compare the language samples of 907 ELL students in kindergarten and 2nd grade whose parents had different levels of education. We used a simple linear regression to see if maternal level of education was predictive of measures of vocabulary, syntax, and narrative structure in Spanish and English narrative story retells.

Results

There were no differences in language measures between children from different SES backgrounds for the Spanish language samples. There were differences with the English language samples in four of the five measures for the kindergarten sample and only three of five measures for the older children, with a smaller percentage of the variance explained.

Conclusion

Despite common knowledge that SES has a negative influence on language, the actual influence on the narrative productions of school-aged ELLs was less than anticipated for English and absent for Spanish. The implications for assessment are discussed and concluded.

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GeneReviews(®)

GeneReviews(®)

Book. 1993

Authors: Pagon RA, Adam MP, Ardinger HH, Wallace SE, Amemiya A, Bean LJH, Bird TD, Fong CT, Mefford HC, Smith RJH, Stephens K

Abstract
CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Burn-McKeown syndrome (BMKS) is characterized by typical craniofacial features (bilateral choanal atresia/stenosis, short palpebral fissures, coloboma of the lower eyelids, prominent nasal bridge and widely spaced eyes, and large and protruding ears), congenital heart defects, and short stature. Intellect is usually normal. To date, the diagnosis of BMKS has been molecularly confirmed in 14 individuals from 11 families.
DIAGNOSIS/TESTING: The diagnosis of BMKS is difficult to establish solely on clinical findings and thus is established in a proband with biallelic pathogenic variants in TXNL4A. All probands described to date have had at least one copy of one of the two partially overlapping 34-bp deletions in the TXNL4A promoter.
MANAGEMENT: Treatment of manifestations: Neonates with airway compromise at delivery may require intubation or surgical correction of choanal stenosis/atresia. Defects of the lower eyelids that can result in corneal exposure require care by an ophthalmologist to reduce the risk of corneal scarring. Treatment of hearing loss is individualized and may involve conventional hearing aids. Treatment of craniofacial manifestations (e.g., cleft lip and/or palate, preauricular tags, prominent ears) is individualized and managed by a multidisciplinary team. Cardiac defects are managed in a routine manner. Surveillance: Monitoring of development by a physician with expertise in craniofacial disorders; routine measurements of height and weight, hearing assessment, and ophthalmologic examination.
GENETIC COUNSELING: BMKS is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. At conception, each sib of an affected individual has a 25% chance of being affected, a 50% chance of being an asymptomatic carrier, and a 25% chance of being unaffected and not a carrier. Once the TXNL4A pathogenic variants have been identified in an affected family member, prenatal testing for a pregnancy at increased risk and preimplantation genetic diagnosis are possible options.

PMID: 27413799

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Insights on different analysis techniques in the monothermal and bithermal caloric test - which parameter should we use to quantify vestibular function?

Insights on different analysis techniques in the monothermal and bithermal caloric test - which parameter should we use to quantify vestibular function?

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jul 14;:1-8

Authors: Radomskij P, Smith S, Kuttva S

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of maximum slow component velocity (MSCV) and time-constant duration (TCd) of elicited nystagmus in quantifying the caloric response and to assess the efficacy of these parameters in the monothermal screening test.
DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of caloric results obtained from 150 patients. Bithermal unilateral weakness (UW), directional preponderance (DP), monothermal caloric asymmetry (MCA) based on warm or cool irrigations only, were calculated using both MSCV and TCd.
STUDY SAMPLE: 66 males and 84 females, aged 16-88 years (μ = 50, σ = 17), who underwent vestibular assessment.
RESULTS: The correlation-coefficient between bithermal caloric unilateral weaknesses calculated using either MSCV or TCd is 0.155 (p < 0.01). Using MSCV and setting significant MCA at 10%, the sensitivity and specificity were respectively 100% and 34% for monothermal warm and 82% and 53% for monothermal cool tests. Using TCd and setting significant MCA at 5%, the sensitivity and specificity were respectively 90% and 77% for monothermal warm and 100% and 74% for monothermal cool tests.
CONCLUSIONS: In the monothermal warm caloric test, MSCV can be used more reliably than monothermal cool to predict normal bithermal caloric response. The reverse is true if using TCd. Unilateral-weakness calculated using TCd and MSCV were poorly correlated and therefore likely to be demonstrating different aspects of vestibular function.

PMID: 27414985 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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via IFTTT

A review of the perceptual effects of hearing loss for frequencies above 3 kHz.

A review of the perceptual effects of hearing loss for frequencies above 3 kHz.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jul 14;:1-8

Authors: Moore BC

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hearing loss caused by exposure to intense sounds usually has its greatest effects on audiometric thresholds at 4 and 6 kHz. However, in several countries compensation for occupational noise-induced hearing loss is calculated using the average of audiometric thresholds for selected frequencies up to 3 kHz, based on the implicit assumption that hearing loss for frequencies above 3 kHz has no material adverse consequences. This paper assesses whether this assumption is correct.
DESIGN: Studies are reviewed that evaluate the role of hearing for frequencies above 3 kHz.
RESULTS: Several studies show that frequencies above 3 kHz are important for the perception of speech, especially when background sounds are present. Hearing at high frequencies is also important for sound localization, especially for resolving front-back confusions.
CONCLUSIONS: Hearing for frequencies above 3 kHz is important for the ability to understand speech in background sounds and for the ability to localize sounds. The audiometric threshold at 4 kHz and perhaps 6 kHz should be taken into account when assessing hearing in a medico-legal context.

PMID: 27414746 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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via IFTTT

Hearing protector fit testing with off-shore oil-rig inspectors in Louisiana and Texas.

Hearing protector fit testing with off-shore oil-rig inspectors in Louisiana and Texas.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jul 14;:1-11

Authors: Murphy WJ, Themann CL, Murata TK

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This field study aimed to assess the noise reduction of hearing protection for individual workers, demonstrate the effectiveness of training on the level of protection achieved, and measure the time required to implement hearing protector fit testing in the workplace.
DESIGN: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted field studies in Louisiana and Texas to test the performance of HPD Well-Fit.
STUDY SAMPLE: Fit tests were performed on 126 inspectors and engineers working in the offshore oil industry.
RESULTS: Workers were fit tested with the goal of achieving a 25-dB PAR. Less than half of the workers were achieving sufficient protection from their hearing protectors prior to NIOSH intervention and training; following re-fitting and re-training, over 85% of the workers achieved sufficient protection. Typical test times were 6-12 minutes.
CONCLUSIONS: Fit testing of the workers' earplugs identified those workers who were and were not achieving the desired level of protection. Recommendations for other hearing protection solutions were made for workers who could not achieve the target PAR. The study demonstrates the need for individual hearing protector fit testing and addresses some of the barriers to implementation.

PMID: 27414471 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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via IFTTT

Validation of list equivalency for Mandarin speech materials to use with cochlear implant listeners.

Validation of list equivalency for Mandarin speech materials to use with cochlear implant listeners.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jul 14;:1-10

Authors: Li Y, Wang S, Su Q, Galvin JJ, Fu QJ

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Speech materials validated with normal-hearing listeners may not be appropriate for clinical assessment of cochlear implant (CI) users. The aim of this study was to validate list equivalency of the Mandarin Speech Perception (MSP) sentences, disyllables, and monosyllables in Mandarin-speaking CI patients.
DESIGN: Recognition of MSP sentences, disyllables, and monosyllables each were measured for all 10 lists.
STUDY SAMPLE: 67 adult and 32 pediatric Mandarin-speaking CI users.
RESULTS: There was no significant difference between adult and pediatric subject groups for all test materials. Significant differences were observed among lists within each test. After removing one or two lists within each test, no significant differences were observed among the remaining lists. While there was equal variance among lists within a given test, the variance was larger for children than for adults, and increased from monosyllables to disyllables to sentences.
CONCLUSIONS: Some adjustment to test lists previously validated with CI simulations was needed to create perceptually equivalent lists for real CI users, suggesting that test materials should be validated in the targeted population. Differences in mean scores and variance across test materials suggest that CI users may differ in their ability to make use of contextual cues available in sentences and disyllables.

PMID: 27414242 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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via IFTTT

Insights on different analysis techniques in the monothermal and bithermal caloric test - which parameter should we use to quantify vestibular function?

Insights on different analysis techniques in the monothermal and bithermal caloric test - which parameter should we use to quantify vestibular function?

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jul 14;:1-8

Authors: Radomskij P, Smith S, Kuttva S

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of maximum slow component velocity (MSCV) and time-constant duration (TCd) of elicited nystagmus in quantifying the caloric response and to assess the efficacy of these parameters in the monothermal screening test.
DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of caloric results obtained from 150 patients. Bithermal unilateral weakness (UW), directional preponderance (DP), monothermal caloric asymmetry (MCA) based on warm or cool irrigations only, were calculated using both MSCV and TCd.
STUDY SAMPLE: 66 males and 84 females, aged 16-88 years (μ = 50, σ = 17), who underwent vestibular assessment.
RESULTS: The correlation-coefficient between bithermal caloric unilateral weaknesses calculated using either MSCV or TCd is 0.155 (p < 0.01). Using MSCV and setting significant MCA at 10%, the sensitivity and specificity were respectively 100% and 34% for monothermal warm and 82% and 53% for monothermal cool tests. Using TCd and setting significant MCA at 5%, the sensitivity and specificity were respectively 90% and 77% for monothermal warm and 100% and 74% for monothermal cool tests.
CONCLUSIONS: In the monothermal warm caloric test, MSCV can be used more reliably than monothermal cool to predict normal bithermal caloric response. The reverse is true if using TCd. Unilateral-weakness calculated using TCd and MSCV were poorly correlated and therefore likely to be demonstrating different aspects of vestibular function.

PMID: 27414985 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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via IFTTT

A review of the perceptual effects of hearing loss for frequencies above 3 kHz.

A review of the perceptual effects of hearing loss for frequencies above 3 kHz.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jul 14;:1-8

Authors: Moore BC

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hearing loss caused by exposure to intense sounds usually has its greatest effects on audiometric thresholds at 4 and 6 kHz. However, in several countries compensation for occupational noise-induced hearing loss is calculated using the average of audiometric thresholds for selected frequencies up to 3 kHz, based on the implicit assumption that hearing loss for frequencies above 3 kHz has no material adverse consequences. This paper assesses whether this assumption is correct.
DESIGN: Studies are reviewed that evaluate the role of hearing for frequencies above 3 kHz.
RESULTS: Several studies show that frequencies above 3 kHz are important for the perception of speech, especially when background sounds are present. Hearing at high frequencies is also important for sound localization, especially for resolving front-back confusions.
CONCLUSIONS: Hearing for frequencies above 3 kHz is important for the ability to understand speech in background sounds and for the ability to localize sounds. The audiometric threshold at 4 kHz and perhaps 6 kHz should be taken into account when assessing hearing in a medico-legal context.

PMID: 27414746 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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via IFTTT

Hearing protector fit testing with off-shore oil-rig inspectors in Louisiana and Texas.

Hearing protector fit testing with off-shore oil-rig inspectors in Louisiana and Texas.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jul 14;:1-11

Authors: Murphy WJ, Themann CL, Murata TK

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This field study aimed to assess the noise reduction of hearing protection for individual workers, demonstrate the effectiveness of training on the level of protection achieved, and measure the time required to implement hearing protector fit testing in the workplace.
DESIGN: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted field studies in Louisiana and Texas to test the performance of HPD Well-Fit.
STUDY SAMPLE: Fit tests were performed on 126 inspectors and engineers working in the offshore oil industry.
RESULTS: Workers were fit tested with the goal of achieving a 25-dB PAR. Less than half of the workers were achieving sufficient protection from their hearing protectors prior to NIOSH intervention and training; following re-fitting and re-training, over 85% of the workers achieved sufficient protection. Typical test times were 6-12 minutes.
CONCLUSIONS: Fit testing of the workers' earplugs identified those workers who were and were not achieving the desired level of protection. Recommendations for other hearing protection solutions were made for workers who could not achieve the target PAR. The study demonstrates the need for individual hearing protector fit testing and addresses some of the barriers to implementation.

PMID: 27414471 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Validation of list equivalency for Mandarin speech materials to use with cochlear implant listeners.

Validation of list equivalency for Mandarin speech materials to use with cochlear implant listeners.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jul 14;:1-10

Authors: Li Y, Wang S, Su Q, Galvin JJ, Fu QJ

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Speech materials validated with normal-hearing listeners may not be appropriate for clinical assessment of cochlear implant (CI) users. The aim of this study was to validate list equivalency of the Mandarin Speech Perception (MSP) sentences, disyllables, and monosyllables in Mandarin-speaking CI patients.
DESIGN: Recognition of MSP sentences, disyllables, and monosyllables each were measured for all 10 lists.
STUDY SAMPLE: 67 adult and 32 pediatric Mandarin-speaking CI users.
RESULTS: There was no significant difference between adult and pediatric subject groups for all test materials. Significant differences were observed among lists within each test. After removing one or two lists within each test, no significant differences were observed among the remaining lists. While there was equal variance among lists within a given test, the variance was larger for children than for adults, and increased from monosyllables to disyllables to sentences.
CONCLUSIONS: Some adjustment to test lists previously validated with CI simulations was needed to create perceptually equivalent lists for real CI users, suggesting that test materials should be validated in the targeted population. Differences in mean scores and variance across test materials suggest that CI users may differ in their ability to make use of contextual cues available in sentences and disyllables.

PMID: 27414242 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Deficits in medio-lateral balance control and the implications for falls in individuals with multiple sclerosis

Publication date: September 2016
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 49
Author(s): S. Morrison, C.A. Rynders, J.J. Sosnoff
A major health concern faced by individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the heightened risk of falling. Reasons for this increased risk can often be traced back to declines in neurophysiological mechanisms underlying balance control and/or muscular strength. The aim of this study was to assess differences between persons with MS and age-matched healthy adults in regards to their falls risk, strength, reactions and directional control of balance. Twenty-two persons with multiple sclerosis (mean age 56.3±8.9 years) and 22 age-matched healthy adults (mean age 59.1±7.1 years) participated in the study. Assessments of falls risk, balance, fear of falling, lower limb strength, and reaction time were performed. Balance control was assessed under four conditions where the combined effects of vision (eyes open/closed) and standing surface (firm/pliable surface) were evaluated. Results demonstrated that, in comparison to healthy older adults, persons with MS had a significantly higher falls risk, slower reaction times, and weaker lower- limb strength. For balance, persons with MS exhibited greater overall COP motion in both the medio-lateral (ML) and anterior-posterior (AP) directions compared to older adults. Additionally, during more challenging balance conditions, persons from the MS group exhibited greater ML motion compared to sway in the AP direction. Overall, the results confirm that persons with MS are often at a heightened risk of falling, due to the multitude of neuromuscular changes brought about by this disease process. However, the increased ML sway for the MS group could reflect a decreased ability to control side-to-side motion in comparison to controlling AP sway.



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Shod wear and foot alignment in clinical gait analysis

Publication date: September 2016
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 49
Author(s): Melissa Gar Yee Louey, Morgan Sangeux
Sagittal plane alignment of the foot presents challenges when the subject wears shoes during gait analysis. Typically, visual alignment is performed by positioning two markers, the heel and toe markers, aligned with the foot within the shoe. Alternatively, software alignment is possible when the sole of the shoe lies parallel to the ground, and the change in the shoe’s sole thickness is measured and entered as a parameter. The aim of this technical note was to evaluate the accuracy of visual and software foot alignment during shod gait analysis. We calculated the static standing ankle angles of 8 participants (mean age: 8.7 years, SD: 2.9 years) wearing bilateral solid ankle foot orthoses (BSAFOs) with and without shoes using the visual and software alignment methods. All participants were able to stand with flat feet in both static trials and the ankle angles obtained in BSAFOs without shoes was considered the reference. We showed that the current implementation of software alignment introduces a bias towards more ankle dorsiflexion, mean=3°, SD=3.4°, p=0.006, and proposed an adjusted software alignment method. We found no statistical differences using visual alignment and adjusted software alignment between the shoe and shoeless conditions, p=0.19 for both. Visual alignment or adjusted software alignment are advised to represent foot alignment accurately.



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Deficits in medio-lateral balance control and the implications for falls in individuals with multiple sclerosis

Publication date: September 2016
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 49
Author(s): S. Morrison, C.A. Rynders, J.J. Sosnoff
A major health concern faced by individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the heightened risk of falling. Reasons for this increased risk can often be traced back to declines in neurophysiological mechanisms underlying balance control and/or muscular strength. The aim of this study was to assess differences between persons with MS and age-matched healthy adults in regards to their falls risk, strength, reactions and directional control of balance. Twenty-two persons with multiple sclerosis (mean age 56.3±8.9 years) and 22 age-matched healthy adults (mean age 59.1±7.1 years) participated in the study. Assessments of falls risk, balance, fear of falling, lower limb strength, and reaction time were performed. Balance control was assessed under four conditions where the combined effects of vision (eyes open/closed) and standing surface (firm/pliable surface) were evaluated. Results demonstrated that, in comparison to healthy older adults, persons with MS had a significantly higher falls risk, slower reaction times, and weaker lower- limb strength. For balance, persons with MS exhibited greater overall COP motion in both the medio-lateral (ML) and anterior-posterior (AP) directions compared to older adults. Additionally, during more challenging balance conditions, persons from the MS group exhibited greater ML motion compared to sway in the AP direction. Overall, the results confirm that persons with MS are often at a heightened risk of falling, due to the multitude of neuromuscular changes brought about by this disease process. However, the increased ML sway for the MS group could reflect a decreased ability to control side-to-side motion in comparison to controlling AP sway.



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Introduction

10.1080/14992027.2016.1203565<br/>

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Insights on different analysis techniques in the monothermal and bithermal caloric test – which parameter should we use to quantify vestibular function?

10.1080/14992027.2016.1204668<br/>Paul Radomskij

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A review of the perceptual effects of hearing loss for frequencies above 3 kHz

10.1080/14992027.2016.1204565<br/>Brian C. J. Moore

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Hearing protector fit testing with off-shore oil-rig inspectors in Louisiana and Texas

10.1080/14992027.2016.1204470<br/>William J. Murphy

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Validation of list equivalency for Mandarin speech materials to use with cochlear implant listeners

10.1080/14992027.2016.1204564<br/>Yongxin Li

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Introduction

10.1080/14992027.2016.1203565<br/>

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Insights on different analysis techniques in the monothermal and bithermal caloric test – which parameter should we use to quantify vestibular function?

10.1080/14992027.2016.1204668<br/>Paul Radomskij

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A review of the perceptual effects of hearing loss for frequencies above 3 kHz

10.1080/14992027.2016.1204565<br/>Brian C. J. Moore

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Hearing protector fit testing with off-shore oil-rig inspectors in Louisiana and Texas

10.1080/14992027.2016.1204470<br/>William J. Murphy

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Validation of list equivalency for Mandarin speech materials to use with cochlear implant listeners

10.1080/14992027.2016.1204564<br/>Yongxin Li

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Introduction

10.1080/14992027.2016.1203565<br/>

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Insights on different analysis techniques in the monothermal and bithermal caloric test – which parameter should we use to quantify vestibular function?

10.1080/14992027.2016.1204668<br/>Paul Radomskij

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A review of the perceptual effects of hearing loss for frequencies above 3 kHz

10.1080/14992027.2016.1204565<br/>Brian C. J. Moore

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Hearing protector fit testing with off-shore oil-rig inspectors in Louisiana and Texas

10.1080/14992027.2016.1204470<br/>William J. Murphy

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Validation of list equivalency for Mandarin speech materials to use with cochlear implant listeners

10.1080/14992027.2016.1204564<br/>Yongxin Li

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Letter to the editor: Whole scalp EEG power change is not a prerequisite for further EEG processing

Publication date: Available online 14 July 2016
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Dirk De Ridder, Marco Congedo, Jae-Jin Song, Sven Vanneste




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Letter to the editor: Whole scalp EEG power change is not a prerequisite for further EEG processing

Publication date: Available online 14 July 2016
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Dirk De Ridder, Marco Congedo, Jae-Jin Song, Sven Vanneste




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Letter to the editor: Whole scalp EEG power change is not a prerequisite for further EEG processing

Publication date: Available online 14 July 2016
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Dirk De Ridder, Marco Congedo, Jae-Jin Song, Sven Vanneste




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