Relation Between Cochlear Mechanics and Performance of Temporal Fine Structure-Based Tasks

ABSTRACT

This study examined whether the mechanical characteristics of the cochlea could influence individual variation in the ability to use temporal fine structure (TFS) information. Cochlear mechanical functioning was evaluated by swept-tone evoked otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), which are thought to comprise linear reflection by micromechanical impedance perturbations, such as spatial variations in the number or geometry of outer hair cells, on the basilar membrane (BM). Low-rate (2 Hz) frequency modulation detection limens (FMDLs) were measured for carrier frequency of 1000 Hz and interaural phase difference (IPD) thresholds as indices of TFS sensitivity and high-rate (16 Hz) FMDLs and amplitude modulation detection limens (AMDLs) as indices of sensitivity to non-TFS cues. Significant correlations were found among low-rate FMDLs, low-rate AMDLs, and IPD thresholds (R = 0.47–0.59). A principal component analysis was used to show a common factor that could account for 81.1, 74.1, and 62.9 % of the variance in low-rate FMDLs, low-rate AMDLs, and IPD thresholds, respectively. An OAE feature, specifically a characteristic dip around 2–2.5 kHz in OAE spectra, showed a significant correlation with the common factor (R = 0.54). High-rate FMDLs and AMDLs were correlated with each other (R = 0.56) but not with the other measures. The results can be interpreted as indicating that (1) the low-rate AMDLs, as well as the IPD thresholds and low-rate FMDLs, depend on the use of TFS information coded in neural phase locking and (2) the use of TFS information is influenced by a particular aspect of cochlear mechanics, such as mechanical irregularity along the BM.

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

Estimation of Disability Weights in the General Population of South Korea Using a Paired Comparison

by Minsu Ock, Jeonghoon Ahn, Seok-Jun Yoon, Min-Woo Jo

We estimated the disability weights in the South Korean population by using a paired comparison-only model wherein ‘full health’ and ‘being dead’ were included as anchor points, without resorting to a cardinal method, such as person trade-off. The study was conducted via 2 types of survey: a household survey involving computer-assisted face-to-face interviews and a web-based survey (similar to that of the GBD 2010 disability weight study). With regard to the valuation methods, paired comparison, visual analogue scale (VAS), and standard gamble (SG) were used in the household survey, whereas paired comparison and population health equivalence (PHE) were used in the web-based survey. Accordingly, we described a total of 258 health states, with ‘full health’ and ‘being dead’ designated as anchor points. In the analysis, 4 models were considered: a paired comparison-only model; hybrid model between paired comparison and PHE; VAS model; and SG model. A total of 2,728 and 3,188 individuals participated in the household and web-based survey, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficients of the disability weights of health states between the GBD 2010 study and the current models were 0.802 for Model 2, 0.796 for Model 1, 0.681 for Model 3, and 0.574 for Model 4 (all P-values

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2cwJt27
via IFTTT

A self-reciprocity calibration method for broadband focused transducers

A procedure is developed for self-calibration of broadband, spherically focused ultrasonic transducers based on reciprocity. The input and received signals are measured in a pulse-echo configuration. These signals are used in conjunction with a multi-Gaussian beam model to obtain the electromechanical transfer function of the transducer. This calibration procedure is advantageous because it reduces the experimental configuration to a single transducer and a reflector. Experimental results indicate that the transfer function is insensitive to on-axis reflector placement. This result supports the feasibility of integrating the calibration procedure into actual testing in some situations.

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2cw5OwE
via IFTTT

Semitendinosus muscle morphology and gait kinematics after medial hamstring lengthening in children with spastic diplegia

Publication date: Available online 7 September 2016
Source:Gait & Posture





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

Semitendinosus muscle morphology and gait kinematics after medial hamstring lengthening in children with spastic diplegia

Publication date: Available online 7 September 2016
Source:Gait & Posture





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

Semitendinosus muscle morphology and gait kinematics after medial hamstring lengthening in children with spastic diplegia

Publication date: Available online 7 September 2016
Source:Gait & Posture





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

Tinnitus Habituation

Tinnitus is a problem where a person hears constant ringing, buzzing, humming or whistling in their ears that has nothing to do with outside noises. It can be incredibly distressing to those who suffer from it. While the condition isn’t life threatening, it is life altering. Sufferers can end up with depression, stress and constant agitation. Over 50 million people are afflicted with some form of tinnitus.

Becoming Habituated to Tinnitus

When you move into a new home close to a highway, you might be overwhelmed with the traffic sounds. After a few months though, you fail to notice the noise anymore. A friend might even visit and point out how loud the traffic is, and you’ll find that you’d tuned it out completely. You are habituated to other sensations and noises, so it’s possible to achieve tinnitus habituation too. It’s the same concept, but differs for every person who suffers.

When you hear your first humming, ringing or buzzing sounds, you’re hyper focused on them because you’re worried. Once you’re worried about the sounds, you might find that you can’t stop focusing on them, which can make them worse. After seeing a doctor to make sure there’s no underlying cause, you’ll have to find a way to achieve tinnitus habituation.

Relaxation for Habituation
Many people who suffer from tinnitus notice that it will get worse when they’re stressed. Worrying and being overwhelmed with tinnitus can actually make the symptoms worse. Relaxation techniques can bring some relief to those who suffer since it’ll lessen the symptoms.

Yoga and Massage
While yoga and massage might lean more towards relaxation techniques, they are great ways to take the focus off the sounds you’re experiencing. While relaxing, performing yoga or getting a massage, it’s best to avoid silence. Play some soft music in the background.

Sound Therapy
Choosing a sound that counteracts the tinnitus is often a part of sound therapy and tinnitus habituation. Some people like the sounds of the beach. Others like rainfall in a forest. You’ll have to experiment with sounds to find what best suits your needs.

Some people use a variety of sounds like the television during the day and soothing sounds at night, so they can sleep. The noise you pick to counteract the tinnitus should not be irritating or annoying, since that will defeat the purpose.

It can take weeks to months to become habituated to the sounds of tinnitus. That’s after weeks of trying to find the right sounds to soothe and mask the sounds generated in your ears. While it takes some, it’s definitely possible.

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

Identification of a methylation profile for DNMT1-associated autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia, deafness, and narcolepsy.

Identification of a methylation profile for DNMT1-associated autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia, deafness, and narcolepsy.

Clin Epigenetics. 2016;8:91

Authors: Kernohan KD, Cigana Schenkel L, Huang L, Smith A, Pare G, Ainsworth P, Care4Rare Canada Consortium, Boycott KM, Warman-Chardon J, Sadikovic B

Abstract
BACKGROUND: DNA methylation is an essential epigenetic mark, controlled by DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) proteins, which regulates chromatin structure and gene expression throughout the genome. In this study, we describe a family with adult-onset autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia with deafness and narcolepsy (ADCA-DN) caused by mutations in the maintenance methyltransferase DNMT1 and assess the DNA methylation profile of these individuals.
RESULTS: We report a family with six individuals affected with ADCA-DN; specifically, patients first developed hearing loss and ataxia, followed by narcolepsy, and cognitive decline. We identified a heterozygous DNMT1 variant, c.1709C>T [p.Ala570Val] by Sanger sequencing, which had been previously reported as pathogenic for ADCA-DN and segregated with disease in the family. DNA methylation analysis by high-resolution genome-wide DNA methylation array identified a decrease in CpGs with 0-10 % methylation and 80-95 % methylation and a concomitant increase in sites with 10-30 % methylation and >95 % methylation. This pattern suggests an increase in methylation of normally unmethylated regions, such as promoters and CpG islands, as well as further methylation of highly methylated gene bodies and intergenic regions. Furthermore, a regional analysis identified 82 hypermethylated loci with consistent robust differences across ≥5 consecutive probes compared to our large reference cohort.
CONCLUSIONS: This report identifies robust changes in the DNA methylation patterns in ADCA-DN patients, which is an important step towards elucidating disease pathogenesis.

PMID: 27602171 [PubMed - in process]

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2bW8RBK
via IFTTT

Delayed diagnosis of MYH-9–related disorder and the role of light microscopy in congenital macrothrombocytopenias.

Related Articles

Delayed diagnosis of MYH-9–related disorder and the role of light microscopy in congenital macrothrombocytopenias.

Blood. 2016 Apr 14;127(15):1940

Authors: Perez Botero J, Patnaik MM

PMID: 27540618 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2bUXy7N
via IFTTT

Logopedia en paciente con mapeo cortical intraoperatorio

Publication date: Available online 7 September 2016
Source:Revista de Logopedia, Foniatría y Audiología
Author(s): José Luis Acevedo Pérez, Amalia Sánchez López, Concepción Núñez Núñez
El mapeo cortical intraoperatorio es una técnica segura y de alta fiabilidad para la resección de tumores en el área elocuente sensitivo-motriz sin producir más déficit. Cada día se está implantando en más hospitales. Se necesita de un equipo multidisciplinar con profesionales altamente cualificados. La incorporación del médico foniatra y del logopeda a este equipo puede ser clave en cualquiera de sus fases. Durante la cirugía el paciente se mantiene despierto y colabora de forma activa cuando se trata de resecciones en áreas del lenguaje. Antes de extirpar se realiza el mapeo aplicando estimulación eléctrica cortical mientras se va explorando continuamente el lenguaje con el fin de minimizar secuelas. Finalizada la exéresis se vuelve a explorar lingüísticamente al paciente antes de dormirle para el cierre. El postoperatorio suele transcurrir sin complicaciones y el control con resonancia magnética postoperatoria confirma si la extirpación ha sido completa o no. Posteriormente se evalúa al paciente en planta y en consultas externas y se plantea un tratamiento precoz que identifique, recupere y/o compense los posibles déficits lingüísticos diagnosticados. El tratamiento de logopedia es de menor duración y con mejor pronóstico. La labor del servicio de foniatría-logopedia se torna relevante para colaborar antes, durante y después de la cirugía. Es importante conocer en profundidad esta técnica para abordar al paciente con mejores resultados. En el presente artículo se ilustra la técnica de mapeo cerebral intraoperatorio y la posterior rehabilitación a partir de un caso clínico.The intraoperative cortical mapping is a safe and highly reliable technique for tumor resection in the eloquent sensorimotor cortex. This technique is currently being implemented in hospitals worldwide. For its implementation, a multidisciplinary team of highly qualified professionals is required and the incorporation of a phoniatrician and a speech therapist into this team may be crucial in any of its stages. During the surgical procedure, the patient remains awake and actively collaborates when it comes to language areas resections. While the mapping is applied, the patient performs a language test in order to minimize sequelae. Once the excision is complete, the patient is re-evaluated linguistically before putting to sleep in order to perform the closure of the craniotomy. Postoperative complications are rare and MRI controls can confirm whether the removal was complete or not. Eventually, the patient must be checked for any superimposed neurological deficits during admission or outpatient visits. Early treatment must be applied to identify, recover and/or compensates the possible linguistic deficits previously diagnosed. The speech and language therapy is shorter and with a better prognosis. The role of the phoniatry and speech therapy are significant before, during and after the surgical procedure. It is important to profoundly know this technique in order to treat the patient with better results. This article illustrates the intraoperative brain mapping technique and the subsequent rehabilitation process with phoniatry and speech therapy based on a clinical case.



from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2cviy6W
via IFTTT

Logopedia en paciente con mapeo cortical intraoperatorio

Publication date: Available online 7 September 2016
Source:Revista de Logopedia, Foniatría y Audiología
Author(s): José Luis Acevedo Pérez, Amalia Sánchez López, Concepción Núñez Núñez
El mapeo cortical intraoperatorio es una técnica segura y de alta fiabilidad para la resección de tumores en el área elocuente sensitivo-motriz sin producir más déficit. Cada día se está implantando en más hospitales. Se necesita de un equipo multidisciplinar con profesionales altamente cualificados. La incorporación del médico foniatra y del logopeda a este equipo puede ser clave en cualquiera de sus fases. Durante la cirugía el paciente se mantiene despierto y colabora de forma activa cuando se trata de resecciones en áreas del lenguaje. Antes de extirpar se realiza el mapeo aplicando estimulación eléctrica cortical mientras se va explorando continuamente el lenguaje con el fin de minimizar secuelas. Finalizada la exéresis se vuelve a explorar lingüísticamente al paciente antes de dormirle para el cierre. El postoperatorio suele transcurrir sin complicaciones y el control con resonancia magnética postoperatoria confirma si la extirpación ha sido completa o no. Posteriormente se evalúa al paciente en planta y en consultas externas y se plantea un tratamiento precoz que identifique, recupere y/o compense los posibles déficits lingüísticos diagnosticados. El tratamiento de logopedia es de menor duración y con mejor pronóstico. La labor del servicio de foniatría-logopedia se torna relevante para colaborar antes, durante y después de la cirugía. Es importante conocer en profundidad esta técnica para abordar al paciente con mejores resultados. En el presente artículo se ilustra la técnica de mapeo cerebral intraoperatorio y la posterior rehabilitación a partir de un caso clínico.The intraoperative cortical mapping is a safe and highly reliable technique for tumor resection in the eloquent sensorimotor cortex. This technique is currently being implemented in hospitals worldwide. For its implementation, a multidisciplinary team of highly qualified professionals is required and the incorporation of a phoniatrician and a speech therapist into this team may be crucial in any of its stages. During the surgical procedure, the patient remains awake and actively collaborates when it comes to language areas resections. While the mapping is applied, the patient performs a language test in order to minimize sequelae. Once the excision is complete, the patient is re-evaluated linguistically before putting to sleep in order to perform the closure of the craniotomy. Postoperative complications are rare and MRI controls can confirm whether the removal was complete or not. Eventually, the patient must be checked for any superimposed neurological deficits during admission or outpatient visits. Early treatment must be applied to identify, recover and/or compensates the possible linguistic deficits previously diagnosed. The speech and language therapy is shorter and with a better prognosis. The role of the phoniatry and speech therapy are significant before, during and after the surgical procedure. It is important to profoundly know this technique in order to treat the patient with better results. This article illustrates the intraoperative brain mapping technique and the subsequent rehabilitation process with phoniatry and speech therapy based on a clinical case.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2cviy6W
via IFTTT

Logopedia en paciente con mapeo cortical intraoperatorio

Publication date: Available online 7 September 2016
Source:Revista de Logopedia, Foniatría y Audiología
Author(s): José Luis Acevedo Pérez, Amalia Sánchez López, Concepción Núñez Núñez
El mapeo cortical intraoperatorio es una técnica segura y de alta fiabilidad para la resección de tumores en el área elocuente sensitivo-motriz sin producir más déficit. Cada día se está implantando en más hospitales. Se necesita de un equipo multidisciplinar con profesionales altamente cualificados. La incorporación del médico foniatra y del logopeda a este equipo puede ser clave en cualquiera de sus fases. Durante la cirugía el paciente se mantiene despierto y colabora de forma activa cuando se trata de resecciones en áreas del lenguaje. Antes de extirpar se realiza el mapeo aplicando estimulación eléctrica cortical mientras se va explorando continuamente el lenguaje con el fin de minimizar secuelas. Finalizada la exéresis se vuelve a explorar lingüísticamente al paciente antes de dormirle para el cierre. El postoperatorio suele transcurrir sin complicaciones y el control con resonancia magnética postoperatoria confirma si la extirpación ha sido completa o no. Posteriormente se evalúa al paciente en planta y en consultas externas y se plantea un tratamiento precoz que identifique, recupere y/o compense los posibles déficits lingüísticos diagnosticados. El tratamiento de logopedia es de menor duración y con mejor pronóstico. La labor del servicio de foniatría-logopedia se torna relevante para colaborar antes, durante y después de la cirugía. Es importante conocer en profundidad esta técnica para abordar al paciente con mejores resultados. En el presente artículo se ilustra la técnica de mapeo cerebral intraoperatorio y la posterior rehabilitación a partir de un caso clínico.The intraoperative cortical mapping is a safe and highly reliable technique for tumor resection in the eloquent sensorimotor cortex. This technique is currently being implemented in hospitals worldwide. For its implementation, a multidisciplinary team of highly qualified professionals is required and the incorporation of a phoniatrician and a speech therapist into this team may be crucial in any of its stages. During the surgical procedure, the patient remains awake and actively collaborates when it comes to language areas resections. While the mapping is applied, the patient performs a language test in order to minimize sequelae. Once the excision is complete, the patient is re-evaluated linguistically before putting to sleep in order to perform the closure of the craniotomy. Postoperative complications are rare and MRI controls can confirm whether the removal was complete or not. Eventually, the patient must be checked for any superimposed neurological deficits during admission or outpatient visits. Early treatment must be applied to identify, recover and/or compensates the possible linguistic deficits previously diagnosed. The speech and language therapy is shorter and with a better prognosis. The role of the phoniatry and speech therapy are significant before, during and after the surgical procedure. It is important to profoundly know this technique in order to treat the patient with better results. This article illustrates the intraoperative brain mapping technique and the subsequent rehabilitation process with phoniatry and speech therapy based on a clinical case.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2cviy6W
via IFTTT