Evaluation of Long-Term Cochlear Implant Use in Subjects With Acquired Unilateral Profound Hearing Loss: Focus on Binaural Auditory Outcomes.

Introduction: Cochlear implantation (CI) in subjects with unilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss was investigated. The authors of the present study demonstrated the binaural auditory outcomes in a 12- and 36-month prospective cohort outcome study. The present study aimed to do a long-term (LT) evaluation of the auditory outcomes in an analogous study group. Design: LT evaluation was derived from 12 single-sided deaf (SSD) CI recipients and from 11 CI recipients with asymmetric hearing loss (AHL). A structured interview was conducted with each subjects. Speech perception in noise and sound localization were assessed in a CIOFF and in a CION condition. Four binaural effects were calculated: summation effect (S0N0), squelch effect (S0NCI), combined head shadow effect (SCIN0), and spatial release from masking (SRM). At the LT evaluation, the contribution of a CI or a bone conduction device on speech perception in noise was investigated in two challenging spatial configurations in the SSD group. Results: All (23/23) subjects wore their CI 7 days a week at LT follow-up evaluation, which ranged from 3 to 10 years after implantation. In the SSD group, a significant combined head shadow effect of 3.17 dB and an SRM benefit of 4.33 dB were found. In the AHL group, on the other hand, the summation effect (2.00 dB), the squelch effect (2.67 dB), the combined head shadow effect (3.67 dB), and SRM benefit (2.00 dB) were significant at LT testing. In both the spatial challenging configurations, the speech in noise results was significantly worse in the condition with the bone conduction device compared with the unaided condition. No negative effect was found for the CION condition. A significant benefit in the CION condition was found for sound localization compared with the CIOFF condition in the SSD group and in the AHL group. Conclusion: All subjects wore their CI 7 days a week at LT follow-up evaluation. The presence of binaural effects has been demonstrated with speech in noise testing, sound localization, and subjective evaluation. In the AHL group, all investigated binaural effects were found to be significant. In the SSD group on the other hand, only SRM and the head shadow, the two most robust binaural effects, were significantly present. However, it took 12M before the SSD and the AHL subjects significantly benefit from the head shadow effect. These reported results could guide counseling of future CI candidates with SSD and AHL in general. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2bkx2Hq
via IFTTT

Evaluation of Long-Term Cochlear Implant Use in Subjects With Acquired Unilateral Profound Hearing Loss: Focus on Binaural Auditory Outcomes.

Introduction: Cochlear implantation (CI) in subjects with unilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss was investigated. The authors of the present study demonstrated the binaural auditory outcomes in a 12- and 36-month prospective cohort outcome study. The present study aimed to do a long-term (LT) evaluation of the auditory outcomes in an analogous study group. Design: LT evaluation was derived from 12 single-sided deaf (SSD) CI recipients and from 11 CI recipients with asymmetric hearing loss (AHL). A structured interview was conducted with each subjects. Speech perception in noise and sound localization were assessed in a CIOFF and in a CION condition. Four binaural effects were calculated: summation effect (S0N0), squelch effect (S0NCI), combined head shadow effect (SCIN0), and spatial release from masking (SRM). At the LT evaluation, the contribution of a CI or a bone conduction device on speech perception in noise was investigated in two challenging spatial configurations in the SSD group. Results: All (23/23) subjects wore their CI 7 days a week at LT follow-up evaluation, which ranged from 3 to 10 years after implantation. In the SSD group, a significant combined head shadow effect of 3.17 dB and an SRM benefit of 4.33 dB were found. In the AHL group, on the other hand, the summation effect (2.00 dB), the squelch effect (2.67 dB), the combined head shadow effect (3.67 dB), and SRM benefit (2.00 dB) were significant at LT testing. In both the spatial challenging configurations, the speech in noise results was significantly worse in the condition with the bone conduction device compared with the unaided condition. No negative effect was found for the CION condition. A significant benefit in the CION condition was found for sound localization compared with the CIOFF condition in the SSD group and in the AHL group. Conclusion: All subjects wore their CI 7 days a week at LT follow-up evaluation. The presence of binaural effects has been demonstrated with speech in noise testing, sound localization, and subjective evaluation. In the AHL group, all investigated binaural effects were found to be significant. In the SSD group on the other hand, only SRM and the head shadow, the two most robust binaural effects, were significantly present. However, it took 12M before the SSD and the AHL subjects significantly benefit from the head shadow effect. These reported results could guide counseling of future CI candidates with SSD and AHL in general. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2bkx2Hq
via IFTTT

Evaluation of Long-Term Cochlear Implant Use in Subjects With Acquired Unilateral Profound Hearing Loss: Focus on Binaural Auditory Outcomes.

Introduction: Cochlear implantation (CI) in subjects with unilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss was investigated. The authors of the present study demonstrated the binaural auditory outcomes in a 12- and 36-month prospective cohort outcome study. The present study aimed to do a long-term (LT) evaluation of the auditory outcomes in an analogous study group. Design: LT evaluation was derived from 12 single-sided deaf (SSD) CI recipients and from 11 CI recipients with asymmetric hearing loss (AHL). A structured interview was conducted with each subjects. Speech perception in noise and sound localization were assessed in a CIOFF and in a CION condition. Four binaural effects were calculated: summation effect (S0N0), squelch effect (S0NCI), combined head shadow effect (SCIN0), and spatial release from masking (SRM). At the LT evaluation, the contribution of a CI or a bone conduction device on speech perception in noise was investigated in two challenging spatial configurations in the SSD group. Results: All (23/23) subjects wore their CI 7 days a week at LT follow-up evaluation, which ranged from 3 to 10 years after implantation. In the SSD group, a significant combined head shadow effect of 3.17 dB and an SRM benefit of 4.33 dB were found. In the AHL group, on the other hand, the summation effect (2.00 dB), the squelch effect (2.67 dB), the combined head shadow effect (3.67 dB), and SRM benefit (2.00 dB) were significant at LT testing. In both the spatial challenging configurations, the speech in noise results was significantly worse in the condition with the bone conduction device compared with the unaided condition. No negative effect was found for the CION condition. A significant benefit in the CION condition was found for sound localization compared with the CIOFF condition in the SSD group and in the AHL group. Conclusion: All subjects wore their CI 7 days a week at LT follow-up evaluation. The presence of binaural effects has been demonstrated with speech in noise testing, sound localization, and subjective evaluation. In the AHL group, all investigated binaural effects were found to be significant. In the SSD group on the other hand, only SRM and the head shadow, the two most robust binaural effects, were significantly present. However, it took 12M before the SSD and the AHL subjects significantly benefit from the head shadow effect. These reported results could guide counseling of future CI candidates with SSD and AHL in general. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2bkx2Hq
via IFTTT

Does Neuromonics Work?

We often ask ourselves does Neuromonics work. Neuromonics is a therapy developed to minimize the mental, physical and emotional repercussions “perceived” as a result of tinnitus. The minds behind Neuromonics use a proprietary type of sound therapy that ostensibly has the support of multiple clinical studies (it’s unclear to me how they were funded, it seems, at least in part, that they were funded by Neuromonics itself with additional grant funds from the VA).

Unfortunately, the idea that disturbances associated with tinnitus are “perceived” is a misconception. As any sufferer with the condition will attest, there is no perception. Tinnitus is a distinct – and real – condition where individuals hear noises directly inside the ear drum. While this is usually some form of buzzing, there are also cases of ringing, hissing and whistling. It can be continuous or intermittent. The condition can go away for a time and return. There is the rare occasion when doctors will hear the sound if they put a stethoscope to the patient’s ear.

Tinnitus is often accompanied by states of dizziness. There can be pain or drainage from the ear. Tinnitus could be a sign of other health issues, including an underactive thyroid, high blood pressure or Meniere’s disease. This makes tinnitus far more than a “perception.” And one has to wonder does Neuromonics work as its initial approach seems to be that tinnitus is something imagined.

Neuromonics administrators admit this treatment not being a good choice for all sufferers. It is only for those with normal or moderate hearing loss. The majority of tinnitus sufferers have no hearing loss at all. Also, according to the site itself, Neuromonics requires between two and, preferably, four hours when the sufferer is relaxed. The therapy cannot work “if you are caught up in the frenetic morning rush hour, if you are jogging on your treadmill, or if you are frazzled with a high stress job and never have a moment to yourself.” We cannot imagine a lifestyle where this is typical. Based on that criteria alone, wondering the question of does Neuromonics work answers itself.

Neuromonics not only asks its patients to live a life of tranquility to get the most out of its treatment, it asks you to pay thousands more than typical treatments. And while a lot of tinnitus suffers have periodic episodes, Neuromonics needs symptoms to be continuous. Lastly, Neuromonics asks its patients to have realistic expectations, that tinnitus may not “miraculously” go away. The truth is there is no cure for tinnitus. Smart clinicians understand treatments are about the management of tinnitus, not the elimination.
<br><hr>

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2b2uj5u
via IFTTT

Analysis of the Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Hearing Loss in Korean Adolescents

by Seok Min Hong, Il-Seok Park, Yong Bok Kim, Seok Jin Hong, Byungho Lee

Background

Hearing loss can lead to a number of disabilities, subsequently reducing the quality of life. In general, hearing thresholds of adolescents are better than adults and the elderly. However, occasionally, adolescents acquire hearing loss for a number of reasons. In this study, our goal was to estimate the prevalence of hearing loss in the Korean population and to investigate the factors related to hearing thresholds in adolescents.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) between 2010 and 2012. We enrolled a total of 1,658 participants, ages 13 to 18 years. We investigated the prevalence of hearing loss and the factors associated with hearing thresholds at various frequencies (0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 KHz).

Results

Weighted prevalence of unilateral and bilateral hearing loss in Korean adolescents was 2.2% and 0.4%, respectively. Weighted prevalence of hearing thresholds ≥ 20 dB at speech and high frequencies were 3.1% and 5.0%, respectively, for unilateral hearing loss and 0.7% and 1.9%, respectively, for bilateral. Age group, tympanometric data, and household income were significantly related to unilateral or bilateral hearing thresholds ≥ 20 dB at speech frequencies. Earphone use in noisy places was associated with bilateral hearing thresholds ≥ 20 dB at high frequencies.

Conclusions

The prevalence of hearing loss in Korean adolescents was 2.6% using the general standard threshold associated with hearing loss. However, the prevalence of hearing thresholds ≥ 20 dB for speech and high frequencies was much higher. The results from this study provide an estimate of hearing loss in adolescents and suggest the need for early detection and hearing preservation programs among adolescents.

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2bkA6pZ
via IFTTT

The Interaction of Surface Hydration and Vocal Loading on Voice Measures

Publication date: Available online 10 August 2016
Source:Journal of Voice
Author(s): Robert Brinton Fujiki, Abigail Chapleau, Anusha Sundarrajan, Victoria McKenna, M. Preeti Sivasankar
ObjectivesVocal loading tasks provide insight regarding the mechanisms underlying healthy laryngeal function. Determining the manner in which the larynx can most efficiently be loaded is a complex task. The goal of this study was to determine if vocal loading could be achieved in 30 minutes by altering phonatory mode. Owing to the fact that surface hydration facilitates efficient vocal fold oscillation, the effects of environmental humidity on vocal loading were also examined. This study also investigated whether the detrimental effects of vocal loading could be attenuated by increasing environmental humidity.MethodsSixteen vocally healthy adults (8 men, 8 women) completed a 30-minute vocal loading task in low and moderate humidity. The order of humidities was counterbalanced across subjects. The vocal loading task consisted of reading with elevated pitch and pressed vocal quality and low pitch and pressed and/or raspy vocal quality in the presence of 65 dB ambient, multi-talker babble noise.ResultsSignificant effects were observed for (1) cepstral peak prominence on soft sustained phonation at 10th and 80th pitches, (2) perceived phonatory effort, and (3) perceived tiredness ratings. No loading effects were observed for cepstral peak prominence on the rainbow passage, although fundamental frequency on the rainbow passage increased post loading. No main effect was observed for humidity.ConclusionsFollowing a 30-minute vocal loading task involving altering laryngeal vibratory mode in combination with increased volume. Also, moderate environmental humidity did not significantly attenuate the negative effects of loading.



from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2blOmea
via IFTTT

Derivation of the state matrix for dynamic analysis of linear homogeneous media

A method to obtain the state matrix of an arbitrary linear homogeneous medium excited by a plane wave is proposed. The approach is based on projections on the eigenspace of the governing equations matrix. It is an alternative to manually obtaining a linearly independent set of equations by combining the governing equations. The resulting matrix has been validated against previously published derivations for an anisotropic poroelastic medium.

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2aNW0iD
via IFTTT

A novel nonsense mutation in the NOG gene causes familial NOG-related symphalangism spectrum disorder.

A novel nonsense mutation in the NOG gene causes familial NOG-related symphalangism spectrum disorder.

Hum Genome Var. 2016;3:16023

Authors: Takano K, Ogasawara N, Matsunaga T, Mutai H, Sakurai A, Ishikawa A, Himi T

Abstract
The human noggin (NOG) gene is responsible for a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations of NOG-related symphalangism spectrum disorder (NOG-SSD), which include proximal symphalangism, multiple synostoses, stapes ankylosis with broad thumbs (SABTT), tarsal-carpal coalition syndrome, and brachydactyly type B2. Some of these disorders exhibit phenotypes associated with congenital stapes ankylosis. In the present study, we describe a Japanese pedigree with dactylosymphysis and conductive hearing loss due to congenital stapes ankylosis. The range of motion in her elbow joint was also restricted. The family showed multiple clinical features and was diagnosed with SABTT. Sanger sequencing analysis of the NOG gene in the family members revealed a novel heterozygous nonsense mutation (c.397A>T; p.K133*). In the family, the prevalence of dactylosymphysis and hyperopia was 100% while that of stapes ankylosis was less than 100%. Stapes surgery using a CO2 laser led to a significant improvement of the conductive hearing loss. This novel mutation expands our understanding of NOG-SSD from clinical and genetic perspectives.

PMID: 27508084 [PubMed]

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2aOgTJD
via IFTTT

Across-site patterns of electrically evoked compound action potential amplitude-growth functions in multichannel cochlear implant recipients and the effects of the interphase gap

Publication date: Available online 10 August 2016
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Kara C. Schvartz-Leyzac, Bryan E. Pfingst
Electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) measures of peak amplitude, and amplitude-growth function (AGF) slope have been shown to reflect characteristics of cochlear health (primarily spiral ganglion density) in anesthetized cochlear-implanted guinea pigs. Likewise, the effect of increasing the interphase gap (IPG) in each of these measures also reflects SGN density in the implanted guinea pig. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that suprathreshold ECAP measures, and also how they change as the IPG is increased, have the potential to be clinically applicable in human subjects. However, further work is first needed in order to determine the characteristics of these measures in humans who use cochlear implants.The current study examined across-site patterns of suprathreshold ECAP measures in 10 bilaterally-implanted, adult cochlear implant users. Results showed that both peak amplitude and slope of the AGF varied significantly from electrode to electrode in ear-specific patterns across the subjects’ electrode arrays. The pattern of across-site performance within each measure (e.g., peak amplitude or slope) varied across subjects and ears. As expected, increasing the IPG on average increased the peak amplitude and slope. Across ears, there was a significant, negative correlation between the slope of the ECAP AGF and the duration of hearing loss. Across-site patterns of ECAP peak amplitude and AGF slopes were also compared with common ground impedance values and significant correlations were observed in some cases, depending on the subject and condition. The results of this study, coupled with previous studies in animals, suggest that it is feasible to measure the change in suprathreshold ECAP measures as the IPG increases on most electrodes. Further work is needed to investigate the relationship between these measures and cochlear implant outcomes, and determine how these measures might be used when programming a cochlear-implant processor.



from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2bkPf6w
via IFTTT

Across-site patterns of electrically evoked compound action potential amplitude-growth functions in multichannel cochlear implant recipients and the effects of the interphase gap

Publication date: Available online 10 August 2016
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Kara C. Schvartz-Leyzac, Bryan E. Pfingst
Electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) measures of peak amplitude, and amplitude-growth function (AGF) slope have been shown to reflect characteristics of cochlear health (primarily spiral ganglion density) in anesthetized cochlear-implanted guinea pigs. Likewise, the effect of increasing the interphase gap (IPG) in each of these measures also reflects SGN density in the implanted guinea pig. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that suprathreshold ECAP measures, and also how they change as the IPG is increased, have the potential to be clinically applicable in human subjects. However, further work is first needed in order to determine the characteristics of these measures in humans who use cochlear implants.The current study examined across-site patterns of suprathreshold ECAP measures in 10 bilaterally-implanted, adult cochlear implant users. Results showed that both peak amplitude and slope of the AGF varied significantly from electrode to electrode in ear-specific patterns across the subjects’ electrode arrays. The pattern of across-site performance within each measure (e.g., peak amplitude or slope) varied across subjects and ears. As expected, increasing the IPG on average increased the peak amplitude and slope. Across ears, there was a significant, negative correlation between the slope of the ECAP AGF and the duration of hearing loss. Across-site patterns of ECAP peak amplitude and AGF slopes were also compared with common ground impedance values and significant correlations were observed in some cases, depending on the subject and condition. The results of this study, coupled with previous studies in animals, suggest that it is feasible to measure the change in suprathreshold ECAP measures as the IPG increases on most electrodes. Further work is needed to investigate the relationship between these measures and cochlear implant outcomes, and determine how these measures might be used when programming a cochlear-implant processor.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2bkPf6w
via IFTTT

Across-site patterns of electrically evoked compound action potential amplitude-growth functions in multichannel cochlear implant recipients and the effects of the interphase gap

Publication date: Available online 10 August 2016
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Kara C. Schvartz-Leyzac, Bryan E. Pfingst
Electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) measures of peak amplitude, and amplitude-growth function (AGF) slope have been shown to reflect characteristics of cochlear health (primarily spiral ganglion density) in anesthetized cochlear-implanted guinea pigs. Likewise, the effect of increasing the interphase gap (IPG) in each of these measures also reflects SGN density in the implanted guinea pig. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that suprathreshold ECAP measures, and also how they change as the IPG is increased, have the potential to be clinically applicable in human subjects. However, further work is first needed in order to determine the characteristics of these measures in humans who use cochlear implants.The current study examined across-site patterns of suprathreshold ECAP measures in 10 bilaterally-implanted, adult cochlear implant users. Results showed that both peak amplitude and slope of the AGF varied significantly from electrode to electrode in ear-specific patterns across the subjects’ electrode arrays. The pattern of across-site performance within each measure (e.g., peak amplitude or slope) varied across subjects and ears. As expected, increasing the IPG on average increased the peak amplitude and slope. Across ears, there was a significant, negative correlation between the slope of the ECAP AGF and the duration of hearing loss. Across-site patterns of ECAP peak amplitude and AGF slopes were also compared with common ground impedance values and significant correlations were observed in some cases, depending on the subject and condition. The results of this study, coupled with previous studies in animals, suggest that it is feasible to measure the change in suprathreshold ECAP measures as the IPG increases on most electrodes. Further work is needed to investigate the relationship between these measures and cochlear implant outcomes, and determine how these measures might be used when programming a cochlear-implant processor.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2bkPf6w
via IFTTT

Meniere's Disease: Molecular Analysis of Aquaporins 2, 3 and Potassium Channel KCNE1 Genes in Brazilian Patients.

Objectives: Meniere's disease (MD) is a complex disease of unknown etiology characterized by a symptomatic tetrad of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. In addition to factors related to homeostasis of the inner ear, genetic factors have been implicated in its pathophysiology, including genes related to the transport of water and ionic composition maintenance of the endolymph, such as the aquaporin genes AQP2 and AQP3, and the potassium channel gene KCNE1. The aim of this study was to identify polymorphisms of these genes and determine their association with clinical characteristics of patients with MD. Design: A case-control genetic association study was carried out, including 30 patients with definite Meniere's disease and 30 healthy controls. The coding regions of the target genes were amplified from blood samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by direct sequencing. The associations of polymorphisms with clinical characteristics were analyzed with logistic regression. Results: Five polymorphisms were identified: rs426496 in AQP2; rs591810 in AQP3; and rs1805127, rs1805128, and rs17173510 in KCNE1. After adjustment, rs426496 was significantly associated with tinnitus during the initial crisis and with altered electronystagmography, and rs1805127 was significantly associated with nephropathy. Conclusions: The genetic variant rs426496 in AQP2; rs591810 in AQP3 and rs1805127, rs1805128, and rs17173510, in KCNE1 were found in patients with Meniere's disease. The polymorphism rs426496, in AQP2, is associated with tinnitus at the onset of Meniere's disease and altered electronystagmography. In addition, rs1805127, in KCNE1, is associated with the presence of nephropathy. Copyright (C) 2016 by Otology & Neurotology, Inc. Image copyright (C) 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health/Anatomical Chart Company

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2bkAbWD
via IFTTT