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Τετάρτη 12 Οκτωβρίου 2016
Notch Therapy: A New Approach to Tinnitus Treatment
Tinnitus affects a staggering number of individuals. Population studies conducted in six different countries reported the incidence of prolonged tinnitus varying between 4.4 and 15.1 percent for adults. One study reported 2.4 percent of the population responded “yes” to the description of tinnitus as “tinnitus plagues me all day” (Moller, 2011).Tinnitus not only causes a decreased quality of life for some individuals, but is also a health issue with an economic impact (Wunderlich et al., 2015). In the U.S., tinnitus is the most common service-related injury (Department of Defense Centers for Hearing Excellence Statistical Data, 2016) affecting more than 800,000 US veterans (U.S. Department of Affairs, 2016). With such a prevalent epidemiology, it is not surprising that many hearing instrument manufacturers have added tinnitus treatment options. 
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from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2ehPEfh
via IFTTT
Notch Therapy: A New Approach to Tinnitus Treatment
Tinnitus affects a staggering number of individuals. Population studies conducted in six different countries reported the incidence of prolonged tinnitus varying between 4.4 and 15.1 percent for adults. One study reported 2.4 percent of the population responded “yes” to the description of tinnitus as “tinnitus plagues me all day” (Moller, 2011).Tinnitus not only causes a decreased quality of life for some individuals, but is also a health issue with an economic impact (Wunderlich et al., 2015). In the U.S., tinnitus is the most common service-related injury (Department of Defense Centers for Hearing Excellence Statistical Data, 2016) affecting more than 800,000 US veterans (U.S. Department of Affairs, 2016). With such a prevalent epidemiology, it is not surprising that many hearing instrument manufacturers have added tinnitus treatment options.
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from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2ehPEfh
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Notch Therapy: A New Approach to Tinnitus Treatment
Tinnitus affects a staggering number of individuals. Population studies conducted in six different countries reported the incidence of prolonged tinnitus varying between 4.4 and 15.1 percent for adults. One study reported 2.4 percent of the population responded “yes” to the description of tinnitus as “tinnitus plagues me all day” (Moller, 2011).Tinnitus not only causes a decreased quality of life for some individuals, but is also a health issue with an economic impact (Wunderlich et al., 2015). In the U.S., tinnitus is the most common service-related injury (Department of Defense Centers for Hearing Excellence Statistical Data, 2016) affecting more than 800,000 US veterans (U.S. Department of Affairs, 2016). With such a prevalent epidemiology, it is not surprising that many hearing instrument manufacturers have added tinnitus treatment options.
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Social Context and Hearing Aid Adoption
Hearing rehabilitation tends to focus on the influence of intraindividual factors and concepts such as readiness for change and health beliefs. In contrast, less is known about the role of social context and the potential role of significant others on hearing aid adoption. This explorative retrospective study investigated whether hearing aid adoption is associated with significant other attendance at audiology appointments. The study sample consisted of 33,933 and 27,031 individuals who attended appointments either alone or with a significant other, respectively (n = 60,964). It was found that hearing aid adoption was significantly greater when patients attended audiology appointments with a significant other (63.8%) than when attending appointments alone (50.6%). The association between hearing aid adoption and attendance by a significant other was hearing dependent, with 96% higher hearing aid adoption for patients with mild hearing losses when patients attended appointments with a significant other than when attending appointments alone. Hearing aid return rates were comparable when patients attended appointments alone (27%) or with a significant other (24%). Several potential explanations for the observed association are discussed. The pattern of results is consistent with the view that greater adherence is observed when audiologic care is provided from a patient-centered care perspective. Future research should establish whether there is a causal relationship between attendance at appointments by significant others and hearing aid adoption and should attempt to better understand the mechanisms underpinning the relationship between these variables.
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Social Context and Hearing Aid Adoption
Hearing rehabilitation tends to focus on the influence of intraindividual factors and concepts such as readiness for change and health beliefs. In contrast, less is known about the role of social context and the potential role of significant others on hearing aid adoption. This explorative retrospective study investigated whether hearing aid adoption is associated with significant other attendance at audiology appointments. The study sample consisted of 33,933 and 27,031 individuals who attended appointments either alone or with a significant other, respectively (n = 60,964). It was found that hearing aid adoption was significantly greater when patients attended audiology appointments with a significant other (63.8%) than when attending appointments alone (50.6%). The association between hearing aid adoption and attendance by a significant other was hearing dependent, with 96% higher hearing aid adoption for patients with mild hearing losses when patients attended appointments with a significant other than when attending appointments alone. Hearing aid return rates were comparable when patients attended appointments alone (27%) or with a significant other (24%). Several potential explanations for the observed association are discussed. The pattern of results is consistent with the view that greater adherence is observed when audiologic care is provided from a patient-centered care perspective. Future research should establish whether there is a causal relationship between attendance at appointments by significant others and hearing aid adoption and should attempt to better understand the mechanisms underpinning the relationship between these variables.
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Social Context and Hearing Aid Adoption
Hearing rehabilitation tends to focus on the influence of intraindividual factors and concepts such as readiness for change and health beliefs. In contrast, less is known about the role of social context and the potential role of significant others on hearing aid adoption. This explorative retrospective study investigated whether hearing aid adoption is associated with significant other attendance at audiology appointments. The study sample consisted of 33,933 and 27,031 individuals who attended appointments either alone or with a significant other, respectively (n = 60,964). It was found that hearing aid adoption was significantly greater when patients attended audiology appointments with a significant other (63.8%) than when attending appointments alone (50.6%). The association between hearing aid adoption and attendance by a significant other was hearing dependent, with 96% higher hearing aid adoption for patients with mild hearing losses when patients attended appointments with a significant other than when attending appointments alone. Hearing aid return rates were comparable when patients attended appointments alone (27%) or with a significant other (24%). Several potential explanations for the observed association are discussed. The pattern of results is consistent with the view that greater adherence is observed when audiologic care is provided from a patient-centered care perspective. Future research should establish whether there is a causal relationship between attendance at appointments by significant others and hearing aid adoption and should attempt to better understand the mechanisms underpinning the relationship between these variables.
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Textured and stimulating insoles for balance and gait impairments in patients with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Publication date: Available online 11 October 2016
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Martin Alfuth
The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to investigate if using textured or other types of stimulating insoles improve gait characteristics and balance/postural control in patients with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. Primary outcomes for balance were the center of pressure (CoP) displacement and CoP velocity/sway rate. Primary outcomes for gait were the cadence, velocity, and step length. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were used to verify the efficacy of wearing the insoles on gait and balance outcome measures. Study quality was evaluated using the checklist of the CONSORT- Statement. Six studies were included in the review. Five studies had low methodological quality, scoring <17/37 on the checklist, one study had moderate methodological quality, scoring 27/37 on the checklist. Due to designs of the included studies, only immediate effects could be calculated. Among the primary outcome measures cadence, gait velocity and step length, there was no evidence of an effect of using textured/stimulating insoles compared with the respective control condition (Totals: SMD −0.09, 95% CI −0.35 to 0.16; SMD 0.18, 95% CI −0.17 to 0.53; SMD −0.13, 95% CI −0.31 to 0.05). Furthermore, among the primary outcome measures CoP displacement and CoP velocity, no evidence of an effect was found as well (Subtotals multiple sclerosis: SMD 0.07, 95% CI −0.15 to 0.28; SMD −0.08, 95% CI −0.55 to 0.39). Therefore, using textured or other types of stimulating insoles for the treatment of balance and gait impairments in patients with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease seem to have no effect.
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Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Martin Alfuth
The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to investigate if using textured or other types of stimulating insoles improve gait characteristics and balance/postural control in patients with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. Primary outcomes for balance were the center of pressure (CoP) displacement and CoP velocity/sway rate. Primary outcomes for gait were the cadence, velocity, and step length. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were used to verify the efficacy of wearing the insoles on gait and balance outcome measures. Study quality was evaluated using the checklist of the CONSORT- Statement. Six studies were included in the review. Five studies had low methodological quality, scoring <17/37 on the checklist, one study had moderate methodological quality, scoring 27/37 on the checklist. Due to designs of the included studies, only immediate effects could be calculated. Among the primary outcome measures cadence, gait velocity and step length, there was no evidence of an effect of using textured/stimulating insoles compared with the respective control condition (Totals: SMD −0.09, 95% CI −0.35 to 0.16; SMD 0.18, 95% CI −0.17 to 0.53; SMD −0.13, 95% CI −0.31 to 0.05). Furthermore, among the primary outcome measures CoP displacement and CoP velocity, no evidence of an effect was found as well (Subtotals multiple sclerosis: SMD 0.07, 95% CI −0.15 to 0.28; SMD −0.08, 95% CI −0.55 to 0.39). Therefore, using textured or other types of stimulating insoles for the treatment of balance and gait impairments in patients with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease seem to have no effect.
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Position of the major curve influences asymmetrical trunk kinematics during gait in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Publication date: Available online 11 October 2016
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Mitsuhiro Nishida, Takeo Nagura, Nobuyuki Fujita, Naobumi Hosogane, Takashi Tsuji, Masaya Nakamura, Morio Matsumoto, Kota Watanabe
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Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Mitsuhiro Nishida, Takeo Nagura, Nobuyuki Fujita, Naobumi Hosogane, Takashi Tsuji, Masaya Nakamura, Morio Matsumoto, Kota Watanabe
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Textured and stimulating insoles for balance and gait impairments in patients with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Publication date: Available online 11 October 2016
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Martin Alfuth
The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to investigate if using textured or other types of stimulating insoles improve gait characteristics and balance/postural control in patients with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. Primary outcomes for balance were the center of pressure (CoP) displacement and CoP velocity/sway rate. Primary outcomes for gait were the cadence, velocity, and step length. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were used to verify the efficacy of wearing the insoles on gait and balance outcome measures. Study quality was evaluated using the checklist of the CONSORT- Statement. Six studies were included in the review. Five studies had low methodological quality, scoring <17/37 on the checklist, one study had moderate methodological quality, scoring 27/37 on the checklist. Due to designs of the included studies, only immediate effects could be calculated. Among the primary outcome measures cadence, gait velocity and step length, there was no evidence of an effect of using textured/stimulating insoles compared with the respective control condition (Totals: SMD −0.09, 95% CI −0.35 to 0.16; SMD 0.18, 95% CI −0.17 to 0.53; SMD −0.13, 95% CI −0.31 to 0.05). Furthermore, among the primary outcome measures CoP displacement and CoP velocity, no evidence of an effect was found as well (Subtotals multiple sclerosis: SMD 0.07, 95% CI −0.15 to 0.28; SMD −0.08, 95% CI −0.55 to 0.39). Therefore, using textured or other types of stimulating insoles for the treatment of balance and gait impairments in patients with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease seem to have no effect.
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Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Martin Alfuth
The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to investigate if using textured or other types of stimulating insoles improve gait characteristics and balance/postural control in patients with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. Primary outcomes for balance were the center of pressure (CoP) displacement and CoP velocity/sway rate. Primary outcomes for gait were the cadence, velocity, and step length. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were used to verify the efficacy of wearing the insoles on gait and balance outcome measures. Study quality was evaluated using the checklist of the CONSORT- Statement. Six studies were included in the review. Five studies had low methodological quality, scoring <17/37 on the checklist, one study had moderate methodological quality, scoring 27/37 on the checklist. Due to designs of the included studies, only immediate effects could be calculated. Among the primary outcome measures cadence, gait velocity and step length, there was no evidence of an effect of using textured/stimulating insoles compared with the respective control condition (Totals: SMD −0.09, 95% CI −0.35 to 0.16; SMD 0.18, 95% CI −0.17 to 0.53; SMD −0.13, 95% CI −0.31 to 0.05). Furthermore, among the primary outcome measures CoP displacement and CoP velocity, no evidence of an effect was found as well (Subtotals multiple sclerosis: SMD 0.07, 95% CI −0.15 to 0.28; SMD −0.08, 95% CI −0.55 to 0.39). Therefore, using textured or other types of stimulating insoles for the treatment of balance and gait impairments in patients with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease seem to have no effect.
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Position of the major curve influences asymmetrical trunk kinematics during gait in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Publication date: Available online 11 October 2016
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Mitsuhiro Nishida, Takeo Nagura, Nobuyuki Fujita, Naobumi Hosogane, Takashi Tsuji, Masaya Nakamura, Morio Matsumoto, Kota Watanabe
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Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Mitsuhiro Nishida, Takeo Nagura, Nobuyuki Fujita, Naobumi Hosogane, Takashi Tsuji, Masaya Nakamura, Morio Matsumoto, Kota Watanabe
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Textured and stimulating insoles for balance and gait impairments in patients with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Publication date: Available online 11 October 2016
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Martin Alfuth
The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to investigate if using textured or other types of stimulating insoles improve gait characteristics and balance/postural control in patients with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. Primary outcomes for balance were the center of pressure (CoP) displacement and CoP velocity/sway rate. Primary outcomes for gait were the cadence, velocity, and step length. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were used to verify the efficacy of wearing the insoles on gait and balance outcome measures. Study quality was evaluated using the checklist of the CONSORT- Statement. Six studies were included in the review. Five studies had low methodological quality, scoring <17/37 on the checklist, one study had moderate methodological quality, scoring 27/37 on the checklist. Due to designs of the included studies, only immediate effects could be calculated. Among the primary outcome measures cadence, gait velocity and step length, there was no evidence of an effect of using textured/stimulating insoles compared with the respective control condition (Totals: SMD −0.09, 95% CI −0.35 to 0.16; SMD 0.18, 95% CI −0.17 to 0.53; SMD −0.13, 95% CI −0.31 to 0.05). Furthermore, among the primary outcome measures CoP displacement and CoP velocity, no evidence of an effect was found as well (Subtotals multiple sclerosis: SMD 0.07, 95% CI −0.15 to 0.28; SMD −0.08, 95% CI −0.55 to 0.39). Therefore, using textured or other types of stimulating insoles for the treatment of balance and gait impairments in patients with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease seem to have no effect.
from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2dWWJ1y
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Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Martin Alfuth
The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to investigate if using textured or other types of stimulating insoles improve gait characteristics and balance/postural control in patients with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. Primary outcomes for balance were the center of pressure (CoP) displacement and CoP velocity/sway rate. Primary outcomes for gait were the cadence, velocity, and step length. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were used to verify the efficacy of wearing the insoles on gait and balance outcome measures. Study quality was evaluated using the checklist of the CONSORT- Statement. Six studies were included in the review. Five studies had low methodological quality, scoring <17/37 on the checklist, one study had moderate methodological quality, scoring 27/37 on the checklist. Due to designs of the included studies, only immediate effects could be calculated. Among the primary outcome measures cadence, gait velocity and step length, there was no evidence of an effect of using textured/stimulating insoles compared with the respective control condition (Totals: SMD −0.09, 95% CI −0.35 to 0.16; SMD 0.18, 95% CI −0.17 to 0.53; SMD −0.13, 95% CI −0.31 to 0.05). Furthermore, among the primary outcome measures CoP displacement and CoP velocity, no evidence of an effect was found as well (Subtotals multiple sclerosis: SMD 0.07, 95% CI −0.15 to 0.28; SMD −0.08, 95% CI −0.55 to 0.39). Therefore, using textured or other types of stimulating insoles for the treatment of balance and gait impairments in patients with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease seem to have no effect.
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via IFTTT
Position of the major curve influences asymmetrical trunk kinematics during gait in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Publication date: Available online 11 October 2016
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Mitsuhiro Nishida, Takeo Nagura, Nobuyuki Fujita, Naobumi Hosogane, Takashi Tsuji, Masaya Nakamura, Morio Matsumoto, Kota Watanabe
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via IFTTT
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Mitsuhiro Nishida, Takeo Nagura, Nobuyuki Fujita, Naobumi Hosogane, Takashi Tsuji, Masaya Nakamura, Morio Matsumoto, Kota Watanabe
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Quality ratings of frequency-compressed speech by participants with extensive high-frequency dead regions in the cochlea.
Quality ratings of frequency-compressed speech by participants with extensive high-frequency dead regions in the cochlea.
Int J Audiol. 2016 Oct 11;:1-15
Authors: Salorio-Corbetto M, Baer T, Moore BC
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess the degradation of speech sound quality produced by frequency compression for listeners with extensive high-frequency dead regions (DRs).
DESIGN: Quality ratings were obtained using values of the starting frequency (Sf) of the frequency compression both below and above the estimated edge frequency, fe, of each DR. Thus, the value of Sf often fell below the lowest value currently used in clinical practice. Several compression ratios were used for each value of Sf. Stimuli were sentences processed via a prototype hearing aid based on Phonak Exélia Art P.
STUDY SAMPLE: Five participants (eight ears) with extensive high-frequency DRs were tested.
RESULTS: Reductions of sound-quality produced by frequency compression were small to moderate. Ratings decreased significantly with decreasing Sf and increasing CR. The mean ratings were lowest for the lowest Sf and highest CR. Ratings varied across participants, with one participant rating frequency compression lower than no frequency compression even when Sf was above fe.
CONCLUSIONS: Frequency compression degraded sound quality somewhat for this small group of participants with extensive high-frequency DRs. The degradation was greater for lower values of Sf relative to fe, and for greater values of CR. Results varied across participants.
PMID: 27724057 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Quality ratings of frequency-compressed speech by participants with extensive high-frequency dead regions in the cochlea.
Quality ratings of frequency-compressed speech by participants with extensive high-frequency dead regions in the cochlea.
Int J Audiol. 2016 Oct 11;:1-15
Authors: Salorio-Corbetto M, Baer T, Moore BC
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess the degradation of speech sound quality produced by frequency compression for listeners with extensive high-frequency dead regions (DRs).
DESIGN: Quality ratings were obtained using values of the starting frequency (Sf) of the frequency compression both below and above the estimated edge frequency, fe, of each DR. Thus, the value of Sf often fell below the lowest value currently used in clinical practice. Several compression ratios were used for each value of Sf. Stimuli were sentences processed via a prototype hearing aid based on Phonak Exélia Art P.
STUDY SAMPLE: Five participants (eight ears) with extensive high-frequency DRs were tested.
RESULTS: Reductions of sound-quality produced by frequency compression were small to moderate. Ratings decreased significantly with decreasing Sf and increasing CR. The mean ratings were lowest for the lowest Sf and highest CR. Ratings varied across participants, with one participant rating frequency compression lower than no frequency compression even when Sf was above fe.
CONCLUSIONS: Frequency compression degraded sound quality somewhat for this small group of participants with extensive high-frequency DRs. The degradation was greater for lower values of Sf relative to fe, and for greater values of CR. Results varied across participants.
PMID: 27724057 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Mosaicism in ATP1A3-related disorders: not just a theoretical risk.
Mosaicism in ATP1A3-related disorders: not just a theoretical risk.
Neurogenetics. 2016 Oct 10;:
Authors: Hully M, Ropars J, Hubert L, Boddaert N, Rio M, Bernardelli M, Desguerre I, Cormier-Daire V, Munnich A, de Lonlay P, Reilly L, Besmond C, Bahi-Buisson N
Abstract
Mutations in ATP1A3 are involved in a large spectrum of neurological disorders, including rapid onset dystonia parkinsonism (RDP), alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC), and cerebellar ataxia, pes cavus, optic atrophy, and sensorineural hearing loss (CAPOS), with recent descriptions of overlapping phenotypes. In AHC, a few familial cases of autosomal dominant inheritance have been reported, along with cases of de novo sporadic mutations. In contrast, autosomal dominant inheritance has frequently been associated with RDP and CAPOS. Here, we report on two unrelated sets of full siblings with ATP1A3 mutations, (c.2116G>A) p. Gly706Arg in the first family, and (c.2266C>T) p. Arg756Cys in the second family, presenting with familial recurrence of the disease. Both families displayed parental germline mosaicism. In the first family, the brother and sister presented with severe intellectual deficiency, early onset pharmacoresistant epilepsy, ataxia, and autistic features. In the second family, both sisters demonstrated severe encephalopathy with ataxia and dystonia following a regression episode during a febrile episode during infancy. To our knowledge, mosaicism has not previously been reported in ATP1A3-related disorders. This report, therefore, provides evidence that germline mosaicism for ATP1A3 mutations is a likely explanation for familial recurrence and should be considered during recurrence risk counseling for families of children with ATP1A3-related disorders.
PMID: 27726050 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Prenatal growth stages show the development of the ruminant bony labyrinth and petrosal bone.
Prenatal growth stages show the development of the ruminant bony labyrinth and petrosal bone.
J Anat. 2016 Oct 11;:
Authors: Costeur L, Mennecart B, Müller B, Schulz G
Abstract
Foetuses are a source of scientific information to understand the development and evolution of anatomical structures. The bony labyrinth, surrounding the organ of balance and hearing, is a phylogenetically and ecologically informative structure for which still little concerning growth and shape variability is known in many groups of vertebrates. Except in humans, it is poorly known in many other placentals and its prenatal growth has almost never been studied. Ruminants are a diversified group of placentals and represent an interesting case study to understand the prenatal growth of the ear region. We computed tomography -scanned five cow foetuses and an adult petrosal bone (Bos taurus, Artiodactyla, Mammalia), and describe the bony labyrinth when already ossified. The foetuses encompass the second half of the 9.3-month-long gestation period of the cow. They were sampled at different ontogenetic stages to understand how and when the petrosal bone and bony labyrinth ossify in ruminants. The petrosal bone and bony labyrinth ossify within about 20 days in the fourth month of gestation. The bony labyrinth is already fully ossified at least in the 6th month, while only the cochlea, most of the vestibule and the common crus are already ossified at the beginning of the 4th month. The pars canalicularis of the petrosal thus ossifies at last. The size and volume of the bony labyrinth stay similar from the 6th month (possibly even from the 5th). From the end of the 4th month of gestation, a progressive lengthening of the cochlear aqueduct and endolymphatic sac occurs, culminating in the adult form and partly explaining the larger volume of the later. The inner ear in the cow ossifies quickly during the gestation period, being fully ossified around mid-gestation time, as in humans. The adult size and most of its volume are reached by mid-gestation time while the petrosal bone and skull still grow. A negative ontogenetic allometry between the bony labyrinth and the petrosal bone and skull is thus observed. It matches the evolutionary negative allometry of the structure observed in earlier studies. Few changes occur after ossification is achieved; only open structures (i.e. cochlear aqueduct and endolymphatic sac) continue to grow after birth and reflect size increase of the petrosal bone.
PMID: 27726136 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Prenatal growth stages show the development of the ruminant bony labyrinth and petrosal bone.
Prenatal growth stages show the development of the ruminant bony labyrinth and petrosal bone.
J Anat. 2016 Oct 11;:
Authors: Costeur L, Mennecart B, Müller B, Schulz G
Abstract
Foetuses are a source of scientific information to understand the development and evolution of anatomical structures. The bony labyrinth, surrounding the organ of balance and hearing, is a phylogenetically and ecologically informative structure for which still little concerning growth and shape variability is known in many groups of vertebrates. Except in humans, it is poorly known in many other placentals and its prenatal growth has almost never been studied. Ruminants are a diversified group of placentals and represent an interesting case study to understand the prenatal growth of the ear region. We computed tomography -scanned five cow foetuses and an adult petrosal bone (Bos taurus, Artiodactyla, Mammalia), and describe the bony labyrinth when already ossified. The foetuses encompass the second half of the 9.3-month-long gestation period of the cow. They were sampled at different ontogenetic stages to understand how and when the petrosal bone and bony labyrinth ossify in ruminants. The petrosal bone and bony labyrinth ossify within about 20 days in the fourth month of gestation. The bony labyrinth is already fully ossified at least in the 6th month, while only the cochlea, most of the vestibule and the common crus are already ossified at the beginning of the 4th month. The pars canalicularis of the petrosal thus ossifies at last. The size and volume of the bony labyrinth stay similar from the 6th month (possibly even from the 5th). From the end of the 4th month of gestation, a progressive lengthening of the cochlear aqueduct and endolymphatic sac occurs, culminating in the adult form and partly explaining the larger volume of the later. The inner ear in the cow ossifies quickly during the gestation period, being fully ossified around mid-gestation time, as in humans. The adult size and most of its volume are reached by mid-gestation time while the petrosal bone and skull still grow. A negative ontogenetic allometry between the bony labyrinth and the petrosal bone and skull is thus observed. It matches the evolutionary negative allometry of the structure observed in earlier studies. Few changes occur after ossification is achieved; only open structures (i.e. cochlear aqueduct and endolymphatic sac) continue to grow after birth and reflect size increase of the petrosal bone.
PMID: 27726136 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Quality ratings of frequency-compressed speech by participants with extensive high-frequency dead regions in the cochlea.
Quality ratings of frequency-compressed speech by participants with extensive high-frequency dead regions in the cochlea.
Int J Audiol. 2016 Oct 11;:1-15
Authors: Salorio-Corbetto M, Baer T, Moore BC
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess the degradation of speech sound quality produced by frequency compression for listeners with extensive high-frequency dead regions (DRs).
DESIGN: Quality ratings were obtained using values of the starting frequency (Sf) of the frequency compression both below and above the estimated edge frequency, fe, of each DR. Thus, the value of Sf often fell below the lowest value currently used in clinical practice. Several compression ratios were used for each value of Sf. Stimuli were sentences processed via a prototype hearing aid based on Phonak Exélia Art P.
STUDY SAMPLE: Five participants (eight ears) with extensive high-frequency DRs were tested.
RESULTS: Reductions of sound-quality produced by frequency compression were small to moderate. Ratings decreased significantly with decreasing Sf and increasing CR. The mean ratings were lowest for the lowest Sf and highest CR. Ratings varied across participants, with one participant rating frequency compression lower than no frequency compression even when Sf was above fe.
CONCLUSIONS: Frequency compression degraded sound quality somewhat for this small group of participants with extensive high-frequency DRs. The degradation was greater for lower values of Sf relative to fe, and for greater values of CR. Results varied across participants.
PMID: 27724057 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Quality ratings of frequency-compressed speech by participants with extensive high-frequency dead regions in the cochlea.
Quality ratings of frequency-compressed speech by participants with extensive high-frequency dead regions in the cochlea.
Int J Audiol. 2016 Oct 11;:1-15
Authors: Salorio-Corbetto M, Baer T, Moore BC
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess the degradation of speech sound quality produced by frequency compression for listeners with extensive high-frequency dead regions (DRs).
DESIGN: Quality ratings were obtained using values of the starting frequency (Sf) of the frequency compression both below and above the estimated edge frequency, fe, of each DR. Thus, the value of Sf often fell below the lowest value currently used in clinical practice. Several compression ratios were used for each value of Sf. Stimuli were sentences processed via a prototype hearing aid based on Phonak Exélia Art P.
STUDY SAMPLE: Five participants (eight ears) with extensive high-frequency DRs were tested.
RESULTS: Reductions of sound-quality produced by frequency compression were small to moderate. Ratings decreased significantly with decreasing Sf and increasing CR. The mean ratings were lowest for the lowest Sf and highest CR. Ratings varied across participants, with one participant rating frequency compression lower than no frequency compression even when Sf was above fe.
CONCLUSIONS: Frequency compression degraded sound quality somewhat for this small group of participants with extensive high-frequency DRs. The degradation was greater for lower values of Sf relative to fe, and for greater values of CR. Results varied across participants.
PMID: 27724057 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Accuracy of Acoustic Analysis Measurements in the Evaluation of Patients With Different Laryngeal Diagnoses
Source:Journal of Voice
Author(s): Leonardo Wanderley Lopes, Layssa Batista Simões, Jocélio Delfino da Silva, Deyverson da Silva Evangelista, Ana Celiane da Nóbrega e Ugulino, Priscila Oliveira Costa Silva, Vinícius Jefferson Dias Vieira
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the accuracy of acoustic measures in discriminating between patients with different laryngeal diagnoses.Study DesignThe study design is descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective.MethodsA total of 279 female patients participated in the research. Acoustic measures of the mean and standard deviation (SD) values of the fundamental frequency (F0), jitter, shimmer, and glottal to noise excitation (GNE) were extracted from the emission of the vowel /ε/.ResultsIsolated acoustic measures do not demonstrate adequate performance in discriminating patients with and without laryngeal alteration. The combination of GNE, SD of the F0, jitter, and shimmer improved the ability to classify patients with and without laryngeal alteration. In isolation, the SD of the F0, shimmer, and GNE presented acceptable performance in discriminating individuals with different laryngeal diagnoses. The combination of acoustic measurements caused discrete improvement in performance of the classifier to discriminate healthy larynx vs vocal polyp (SD of the F0, shimmer, and GNE), healthy larynx vs unilateral vocal fold paralysis (SD of the F0 and jitter), healthy larynx vs vocal nodules (SD of the F0 and jitter), healthy larynx vs sulcus vocalis (SD of the F0 and shimmer), and healthy larynx vs voice disorder due to gastroesophageal reflux (F0 mean, jitter, and shimmer).ConclusionsIsolated acoustic measures do not demonstrate adequate performance in discriminating patients with and without laryngeal alteration, although they present acceptable performance in classifying different laryngeal diagnoses. Combined acoustic measures present an acceptable capacity to discriminate between the presence and the absence of laryngeal alteration and to differentiate several laryngeal diagnoses.
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Adherence to Voice Therapy Recommendations Is Associated With Preserved Employment Fitness Among Teachers With Work-Related Dysphonia
Source:Journal of Voice
Author(s): Lilah Rinsky-Halivni, Miriam Klebanov, Yehuda Lerman, Ora Paltiel
ObjectivesReferral to voice therapy and recommendations for voice rest and microphone use are common interventions in occupational medicine aimed at preserving the working capability of teachers with occupation-related voice problems. Research on the impact of such interventions in terms of employment is lacking. This study examined changes in fitness (ie, ability) to work of dysphonic teachers referred to an occupational clinic and evaluated employment outcomes following voice therapy, voice rest, and microphone use.Study designA historical prospective study was carried out.MethodsOf 365 classroom teachers who were first referred to a regional occupational medicine clinic due to dysphonia between January 2007 and December 2012, 156 were sampled and 153 were followed-up for an average of 5 years (range 2–8). Data were collected from medical records and from interviews conducted in 2014 aimed at assessing employment status. Logistic regression models were used to assess associations between interventions and employment outcomes. Survival analyses were performed to evaluate the association between participating in voice therapy and length of retained employment fitness.ResultsThirty-four (22.2%) teachers suffered declines in working capabilities due to dysphonia. Voice therapy was demonstrated as being a protective factor against such declines (odds ratio = 0.05 [0.01–0.27]). Adherence to recommendation of voice therapy was <50%. Most of the decline in working fitness among nonadherent teachers occurred within 20 months after referral. Unlike voice therapy, voice rest and microphone use were not associated with retention of working capabilities.ConclusionsVoice therapy, especially when instituted early, is a strong predictor for retaining fitness for employment among dysphonic teachers.
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Inhaled Corticosteroids and Voice Problems. What Is New?
Source:Journal of Voice
Author(s): Nikolaos Spantideas, Eirini Drosou, Anastasia Bougea, Dimitrios Assimakopoulos
BackgroundVoice problems are the most common and most annoying local side effect of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), affecting not only patients' treatment compliance but also their quality of life. The literature is very poor regarding prevalence, mechanism, prevention, and management of voice problems attributed to ICS use and especially for the new ICS, ciclesonide. Prevalence of dysphonia seems to be less common with the use of ciclesonide and beclomethasone dipropionate.MethodWe conducted a bibliography review based on recently published data, including data from the recently introduced ICS, ciclesonide, which are lacking in previous reviews.ResultsVery little improvement, based on limited number of new papers published during previous years without any direct comparison between available ICS, has been made in our understanding of ICS local side effects.ConclusionOur understanding concerning basic information of ICS effects on voice still remains poor, and further investigation is needed to have a better understanding on epidemiology, predisposing factors, mechanisms, prevention, and treatment of voice problems attributed to ICS.
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Autophonic Loudness of Singers in Simulated Room Acoustic Environments
Source:Journal of Voice
Author(s): Manuj Yadav, Densil Cabrera
ObjectivesThis paper aims to study the effect of room acoustics and phonemes on the perception of loudness of one's own voice (autophonic loudness) for a group of trained singers.MethodsFor a set of five phonemes, 20 singers vocalized over several autophonic loudness ratios, while maintaining pitch constancy over extreme voice levels, within five simulated rooms.ResultsThere were statistically significant differences in the slope of the autophonic loudness function (logarithm of autophonic loudness as a function of voice sound pressure level) for the five phonemes, with slopes ranging from 1.3 (/a:/) to 2.0 (/z/). There was no significant variation in the autophonic loudness function slopes with variations in room acoustics. The autophonic room response, which represents a systematic decrease in voice levels with increasing levels of room reflections, was also studied, with some evidence found in support. Overall, the average slope of the autophonic room response for the three corner vowels (/a:/, /i:/, and /u:/) was −1.4 for medium autophonic loudness.ConclusionsThe findings relating to the slope of the autophonic loudness function are in agreement with the findings of previous studies where the sensorimotor mechanisms in regulating voice were shown to be more important in the perception of autophonic loudness than hearing of room acoustics. However, the role of room acoustics, in terms of the autophonic room response, is shown to be more complicated, requiring further inquiry. Overall, it is shown that autophonic loudness grows at more than twice the rate of loudness growth for sounds created outside the human body.
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Validity and Reliability of Surface Electromyography in the Assessment of Primary Muscle Tension Dysphonia
Source:Journal of Voice
Author(s): Seyyedeh Maryam Khoddami, Saeed Talebian, Farzad Izadi, Noureddin Nakhostin Ansari
ObjectiveThe study aims to evaluate the reliability and the discriminative validity of surface electromyography (sEMG) in the assessment of patients with primary muscle tension dysphonia (MTD).Study designThe study design is cross-sectional.MethodsFifteen patients with primary MTD (mean age: 34.07 ± 10.99 years) and 15 healthy volunteers (mean age: 34.53 ± 10.63 years) were included. All participants underwent evaluation of sEMG to record the electrical activity of the thyrohyoid and cricothyroid muscles. The outcome measures were the root mean square (RMS), activity peak, duration, and time to the peak activity, which were obtained during /a/ and /i/ prolongation for test-retest reliability.ResultsThe test-retest reliability was good to excellent for the RMS and peak activity measures (intraclass correlation coefficient [agreement] [ICCagreement] = 0.49–0.98). The reliability for the activity duration was poor to excellent (ICCagreement = 0.19–0.9). Poor test-retest reliability was found for the time to peak measure (ICCagreement = 0.15–0.37). The standard error of measurement for all sEMG measures was between 0.41 and 2.05. The smallest detectable change (SDC) was calculated between 1.13 and 5.66. The highest SDC values were obtained for the peak and the lowest SDCs were documented for the duration (5.66 and 1.13, respectively). All sEMG measures were not able to discriminate between the MTD patients and healthy subjects (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe sEMG is a reliable tool to measure the RMS, the peak activity, and the activity duration in primary MTD. However, it is not able to discriminate the patients with primary MTD from healthy subjects.
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