Tonotopic representation of loudness in the human cortex

Publication date: Available online 1 December 2016
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Andrew Thwaites, Josef Schlittenlacher, Ian Nimmo-Smith, William D. Marslen-Wilson, Brian C.J. Moore
A prominent feature of the auditory system is that neurons show tuning to audio frequency; each neuron has a characteristic frequency (CF) to which it is most sensitive. Furthermore, there is an orderly mapping of CF to position, which is called tonotopic organization and which is observed at many levels of the auditory system. In a previous study (Thwaites et al., 2016) we examined cortical entrainment to two auditory transforms predicted by a model of loudness, instantaneous loudness and short-term loudness, using speech as the input signal. The model is based on the assumption that neural activity is combined across CFs (i.e. across frequency channels) before the transform to short-term loudness. However, it is also possible that short-term loudness is determined on a channel-specific basis. Here we tested these possibilities by assessing neural entrainment to the overall and channel-specific instantaneous loudness and the overall and channel-specific short-term loudness. The results showed entrainment to channel-specific instantaneous loudness at latencies of 45 and 100 ms (bilaterally, in and around Heschl’s gyrus). There was entrainment to overall instantaneous loudness at 165 ms in dorso-lateral sulcus (DLS). Entrainment to overall short-term loudness occurred primarily at 275 ms, bilaterally in DLS and superior temporal sulcus. There was only weak evidence for entrainment to channel-specific short-term loudness.



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Effects of model definitions and parameter values in finite element modeling of human middle ear mechanics

Publication date: Available online 1 December 2016
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Daniel De Greef, Felipe Pires, Joris J.J. Dirckx
BackgroundDespite continuing advances in finite element software, the realistic simulation of middle ear response under acoustic stimulation continues to be challenging. One reason for this is the wide range of possible choices that can be made during the definition of a model. Therefore, an explorative study of the relative influences of some of these choices is potentially very helpful.MethodThree finite element models of the human middle ear were constructed, based on high-resolution micro-computed tomography scans from three different human temporal bones. Interesting variations in modeling definitions and parameter values were selected and their influences on middle ear transmission were evaluated. The models were compared against different experimental validation criteria, both from the literature and from our own measurements. Simulation conditions were restricted to the frequency range 0.1–10 kHz.ResultsModeling the three geometries with the same modeling definitions and parameters produces stapes footplate response curves that exhibit similar shapes, but quantitative differences of 4 dB in the lower frequencies and up to 6 dB around the resonance peaks. The model properties with the largest influences on our model outcomes are the tympanic membrane (TM) damping and stiffness and the cochlear load. Model changes with a small to negligible influence include the isotropy or orthotropy of the TM, the geometry of the connection between the TM and the malleus, the microstructure of the incudostapedial joint, and the length of the tensor tympani tendon.ConclusionThe presented results provide insights into the importance of different features in middle ear finite element modeling. The application of three different individual middle ear geometries in a single study reduces the possibility that the conclusions are strongly affected by geometrical abnormalities. Some modeling variations that were hypothesized to be influential turned out to be of minor importance. Furthermore, it could be confirmed that different geometries, simulated using the same parameters and definitions, can produce significantly different responses.



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Speech enhancement based on neural networks improves speech intelligibility in noise for cochlear implant users

Publication date: Available online 30 November 2016
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Tobias Goehring, Federico Bolner, Jessica J.M. Monaghan, Bas van Dijk, Andrzej Zarowski, Stefan Bleeck
Speech understanding in noisy environments is still one of the major challenges for cochlear implant (CI) users in everyday life. We evaluated a speech enhancement algorithm based on neural networks (NNSE) for improving speech intelligibility in noise for CI users. The algorithm decomposes the noisy speech signal into time-frequency units, extracts a set of auditory-inspired features and feeds them to the neural network to produce an estimation of which frequency channels contain more perceptually important information (higher signal-to-noise ratio, SNR). This estimate is used to attenuate noise-dominated and retain speech-dominated CI channels for electrical stimulation, as in traditional n-of-m CI coding strategies. The proposed algorithm was evaluated by measuring the speech-in-noise performance of 14 CI users using three types of background noise. Two NNSE algorithms were compared: a speaker-dependent algorithm, that was trained on the target speaker used for testing, and a speaker-independent algorithm, that was trained on different speakers. Significant improvements in the intelligibility of speech in stationary and fluctuating noises were found relative to the unprocessed condition for the speaker-dependent algorithm in all noise types and for the speaker-independent algorithm in 2 out of 3 noise types. The NNSE algorithms used noise-specific neural networks that generalized to novel segments of the same noise type and worked over a range of SNRs. The proposed algorithm has the potential to improve the intelligibility of speech in noise for CI users while meeting the requirements of low computational complexity and processing delay for application in CI devices.



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Audiologic characteristics in a sample of recently-separated military Veterans: The Noise Outcomes in Servicemembers Epidemiology Study (NOISE Study)

Publication date: Available online 30 November 2016
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): J.S. Gordon, S.E. Griest, E.J. Thielman, K.C. Carlson, W.J. Helt, M.S. Lewis, C. Blankenship, D. Austin, S.M. Theodoroff, J.A. Henry
Military Service Members are often exposed to high levels of occupational noise, solvents, and other exposures that can be damaging to the auditory system. Little is known about hearing loss and how it progresses in Veterans following military service. This epidemiology study is designed to evaluate and monitor a cohort of Veterans for 20 years or more to determine how hearing loss changes over time and how those changes are related to noise exposure and other ototoxic exposures encountered during military service. Data reported here are from baseline assessments of the first 100 study participants (84 males; 16 females; mean age 33.5 years; SD 8.8; range 21–58). Each participant was asked to complete a comprehensive audiologic examination and self-report questionnaires regarding sociodemographic characteristics, noise and solvent exposures, health conditions common among post-deployment Veterans, and the social and emotional consequences of hearing loss. For this relatively young cohort, 29% exhibited hearing loss, defined as average hearing threshold >20 dB HL in the conventional audiometric range. Forty-two percent exhibited hearing loss in the extended-high-frequency audiometric range using the same criterion (average hearing threshold >20 dB HL). Certain factors were found to be associated with poorer hearing in both conventional and extended-high-frequency ranges, including age, type of military branch, years of military service, number of military deployments, noise exposure, tinnitus, and a positive screen for post-traumatic stress disorder. Although the majority of participants had hearing within normal limits, 27% reported a self-perceived mild/moderate hearing handicap and 14% reported a significant handicap. Further research is needed to identify a cause for this discrepancy in audiologic results versus self-report. The information obtained from this longitudinal study could be used in future resource planning with the goal of preventing, as much as possible, the development of hearing loss during military service, and the exacerbation of prevalent hearing loss after military service and over Veterans' lifetimes.



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Tonotopic representation of loudness in the human cortex

Publication date: Available online 1 December 2016
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Andrew Thwaites, Josef Schlittenlacher, Ian Nimmo-Smith, William D. Marslen-Wilson, Brian C.J. Moore
A prominent feature of the auditory system is that neurons show tuning to audio frequency; each neuron has a characteristic frequency (CF) to which it is most sensitive. Furthermore, there is an orderly mapping of CF to position, which is called tonotopic organization and which is observed at many levels of the auditory system. In a previous study (Thwaites et al., 2016) we examined cortical entrainment to two auditory transforms predicted by a model of loudness, instantaneous loudness and short-term loudness, using speech as the input signal. The model is based on the assumption that neural activity is combined across CFs (i.e. across frequency channels) before the transform to short-term loudness. However, it is also possible that short-term loudness is determined on a channel-specific basis. Here we tested these possibilities by assessing neural entrainment to the overall and channel-specific instantaneous loudness and the overall and channel-specific short-term loudness. The results showed entrainment to channel-specific instantaneous loudness at latencies of 45 and 100 ms (bilaterally, in and around Heschl’s gyrus). There was entrainment to overall instantaneous loudness at 165 ms in dorso-lateral sulcus (DLS). Entrainment to overall short-term loudness occurred primarily at 275 ms, bilaterally in DLS and superior temporal sulcus. There was only weak evidence for entrainment to channel-specific short-term loudness.



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Effects of model definitions and parameter values in finite element modeling of human middle ear mechanics

Publication date: Available online 1 December 2016
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Daniel De Greef, Felipe Pires, Joris J.J. Dirckx
BackgroundDespite continuing advances in finite element software, the realistic simulation of middle ear response under acoustic stimulation continues to be challenging. One reason for this is the wide range of possible choices that can be made during the definition of a model. Therefore, an explorative study of the relative influences of some of these choices is potentially very helpful.MethodThree finite element models of the human middle ear were constructed, based on high-resolution micro-computed tomography scans from three different human temporal bones. Interesting variations in modeling definitions and parameter values were selected and their influences on middle ear transmission were evaluated. The models were compared against different experimental validation criteria, both from the literature and from our own measurements. Simulation conditions were restricted to the frequency range 0.1–10 kHz.ResultsModeling the three geometries with the same modeling definitions and parameters produces stapes footplate response curves that exhibit similar shapes, but quantitative differences of 4 dB in the lower frequencies and up to 6 dB around the resonance peaks. The model properties with the largest influences on our model outcomes are the tympanic membrane (TM) damping and stiffness and the cochlear load. Model changes with a small to negligible influence include the isotropy or orthotropy of the TM, the geometry of the connection between the TM and the malleus, the microstructure of the incudostapedial joint, and the length of the tensor tympani tendon.ConclusionThe presented results provide insights into the importance of different features in middle ear finite element modeling. The application of three different individual middle ear geometries in a single study reduces the possibility that the conclusions are strongly affected by geometrical abnormalities. Some modeling variations that were hypothesized to be influential turned out to be of minor importance. Furthermore, it could be confirmed that different geometries, simulated using the same parameters and definitions, can produce significantly different responses.



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Speech enhancement based on neural networks improves speech intelligibility in noise for cochlear implant users

Publication date: Available online 30 November 2016
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Tobias Goehring, Federico Bolner, Jessica J.M. Monaghan, Bas van Dijk, Andrzej Zarowski, Stefan Bleeck
Speech understanding in noisy environments is still one of the major challenges for cochlear implant (CI) users in everyday life. We evaluated a speech enhancement algorithm based on neural networks (NNSE) for improving speech intelligibility in noise for CI users. The algorithm decomposes the noisy speech signal into time-frequency units, extracts a set of auditory-inspired features and feeds them to the neural network to produce an estimation of which frequency channels contain more perceptually important information (higher signal-to-noise ratio, SNR). This estimate is used to attenuate noise-dominated and retain speech-dominated CI channels for electrical stimulation, as in traditional n-of-m CI coding strategies. The proposed algorithm was evaluated by measuring the speech-in-noise performance of 14 CI users using three types of background noise. Two NNSE algorithms were compared: a speaker-dependent algorithm, that was trained on the target speaker used for testing, and a speaker-independent algorithm, that was trained on different speakers. Significant improvements in the intelligibility of speech in stationary and fluctuating noises were found relative to the unprocessed condition for the speaker-dependent algorithm in all noise types and for the speaker-independent algorithm in 2 out of 3 noise types. The NNSE algorithms used noise-specific neural networks that generalized to novel segments of the same noise type and worked over a range of SNRs. The proposed algorithm has the potential to improve the intelligibility of speech in noise for CI users while meeting the requirements of low computational complexity and processing delay for application in CI devices.



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Audiologic characteristics in a sample of recently-separated military Veterans: The Noise Outcomes in Servicemembers Epidemiology Study (NOISE Study)

Publication date: Available online 30 November 2016
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): J.S. Gordon, S.E. Griest, E.J. Thielman, K.C. Carlson, W.J. Helt, M.S. Lewis, C. Blankenship, D. Austin, S.M. Theodoroff, J.A. Henry
Military Service Members are often exposed to high levels of occupational noise, solvents, and other exposures that can be damaging to the auditory system. Little is known about hearing loss and how it progresses in Veterans following military service. This epidemiology study is designed to evaluate and monitor a cohort of Veterans for 20 years or more to determine how hearing loss changes over time and how those changes are related to noise exposure and other ototoxic exposures encountered during military service. Data reported here are from baseline assessments of the first 100 study participants (84 males; 16 females; mean age 33.5 years; SD 8.8; range 21–58). Each participant was asked to complete a comprehensive audiologic examination and self-report questionnaires regarding sociodemographic characteristics, noise and solvent exposures, health conditions common among post-deployment Veterans, and the social and emotional consequences of hearing loss. For this relatively young cohort, 29% exhibited hearing loss, defined as average hearing threshold >20 dB HL in the conventional audiometric range. Forty-two percent exhibited hearing loss in the extended-high-frequency audiometric range using the same criterion (average hearing threshold >20 dB HL). Certain factors were found to be associated with poorer hearing in both conventional and extended-high-frequency ranges, including age, type of military branch, years of military service, number of military deployments, noise exposure, tinnitus, and a positive screen for post-traumatic stress disorder. Although the majority of participants had hearing within normal limits, 27% reported a self-perceived mild/moderate hearing handicap and 14% reported a significant handicap. Further research is needed to identify a cause for this discrepancy in audiologic results versus self-report. The information obtained from this longitudinal study could be used in future resource planning with the goal of preventing, as much as possible, the development of hearing loss during military service, and the exacerbation of prevalent hearing loss after military service and over Veterans' lifetimes.



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Limb dominance, foot orientation and functional asymmetry during walking gait

Publication date: February 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 52
Author(s): John D. Polk, Rebecca M. Stumpf, Karl S. Rosengren
While healthy gait is often characterized as, or assumed to be symmetric, consistent asymmetries often exist. In this study, we test the hypotheses that asymmetries in lower limb function, as measured by ground reaction force characteristics, may be explained by differences in foot orientation or limb dominance. Peak ground reaction force (GRF) measurements, and impulses were obtained for thirty-six healthy subjects with simultaneous kinematic estimates of foot posture. Three gait tasks were performed: subjects walked i) with normal foot orientation, ii) with feet laterally rotated (outward), and iii) with feet aligned in the direction of movement (straight). All subjects reported right limb dominance. Our results indicate that vertical, braking and propulsive GRF components are largely symmetrical, but significant asymmetries exist in the mediolateral peak forces and impulses with higher lateral and lower medially-directed GRF components being generated by the dominant right limbs. While foot orientations used during the different tasks do explain some differences in mediolateral peak forces and impulses, foot orientation did not explain this variation within normal walking. We conclude that limb dominance is a better predictor of asymmetry in force generation than foot posture.



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Unique approach to sensorimotor training with a new device combining air cushion with stochastic translations—A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial

Publication date: February 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 52
Author(s): Christian Mittermaier, Maximilian Schindler, Benjamin Loader, Thomas Waldhoer, Clemens Ambrozy, Richard Crevenna, Karin Pieber
Sensorimotor training with a wide variety of available devices represents an important component in rehabilitation and prevention of different sports injuries and chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a sensorimotor training with a newly developed device, which consists of an instable platform moving on an air cushion, providing dynamic balance training by tilting and unanticipated stochastic translations on postural control. Seventy-two healthy young subjects were included in this prospective, randomized, controlled, and observer-blinded study. Balance was objectively assessed by posturography and Functional Reach Test (FRT). Additionally we evaluated the subjective rating of balance. After randomization the sensorimotor training group performed a training program on the new device over a 5–6 week study period. After this time improvement in objective and subjective measurements as a result of training became evident. A significant difference in challenging posturographic parameters (Sensory Organization Test 5: training group 5.32±5.25 vs. control group 1.78±5.05, p=0.006 and Head Shake Sensory Organization Test 5: training group 11.94±8.97 vs. control group 5.41±10.17, p=0.01) as well as a significant difference in the FRT (training group 3.34±3.35cm vs. control group 0.01±2.97cm, p=0.0001) was found. Subjective assessment revealed a significant improvement in the participants’ rating of balance and alteration of balance. Subjects showed a high satisfaction with the new training device. Our findings suggest that the newly developed device could be a promising option for sensorimotor training to improve postural control.



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StepWatch accuracy during walking, running, and intermittent activities

Publication date: February 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 52
Author(s): Lindsay P. Toth, David R. Bassett, Scott E. Crouter, Brittany S. Overstreet, Samuel R. LaMunion, Susan Park, Shahnawaz N. Notta, Cary M. Springer
IntroductionThe purpose of this study was two-fold: 1) to investigate effects of cadence and sensitivity settings for the StepWatch (SW3) on step count accuracy over a wide range of ambulatory speeds, and 2) to compare the preprogrammed “quick start” settings to modified settings during intermittent lifestyle activities.MethodsPart 1: Fifteen participants (18–57 years of age) performed two trials of treadmill walking and running at ten speeds ranging from 26.8 to 268mmin⁻¹ while wearing four SW3 devices. During the first trial, the cadence setting was maintained while sensitivity was varied; in the second trial sensitivity was maintained while the cadence setting was varied. Part 2: Fifteen participants performed four intermittent activities and drove an automobile while wearing two SW3 devices, one with preprogrammed settings and the other with the modified settings determined in Part 1.ResultsPart 1: The modified settings (cadence setting of 70% of default and sensitivity of 16) provided the greatest step counting accuracy across a wide range of speeds reporting 96.0–104% of actual steps between 53.6 and 268mmin⁻¹. Part 2: The preprogrammed settings tended to have higher accuracy for light household tasks (recording 88% to 94% of actual steps) than the modified settings (recording 82% to 86% of actual steps) which showed a trend towards higher accuracy for tennis (recording 93% vs. 89% of actual steps) (p<0.05).ConclusionThe preprogrammed “quick start” StepWatch settings should be used with individuals who do not engage in running and vigorous sports. However, for individuals who engage in running and tennis, use of modified settings may result in improved step counting accuracy.



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Limb dominance, foot orientation and functional asymmetry during walking gait

Publication date: February 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 52
Author(s): John D. Polk, Rebecca M. Stumpf, Karl S. Rosengren
While healthy gait is often characterized as, or assumed to be symmetric, consistent asymmetries often exist. In this study, we test the hypotheses that asymmetries in lower limb function, as measured by ground reaction force characteristics, may be explained by differences in foot orientation or limb dominance. Peak ground reaction force (GRF) measurements, and impulses were obtained for thirty-six healthy subjects with simultaneous kinematic estimates of foot posture. Three gait tasks were performed: subjects walked i) with normal foot orientation, ii) with feet laterally rotated (outward), and iii) with feet aligned in the direction of movement (straight). All subjects reported right limb dominance. Our results indicate that vertical, braking and propulsive GRF components are largely symmetrical, but significant asymmetries exist in the mediolateral peak forces and impulses with higher lateral and lower medially-directed GRF components being generated by the dominant right limbs. While foot orientations used during the different tasks do explain some differences in mediolateral peak forces and impulses, foot orientation did not explain this variation within normal walking. We conclude that limb dominance is a better predictor of asymmetry in force generation than foot posture.



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Unique approach to sensorimotor training with a new device combining air cushion with stochastic translations—A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial

Publication date: February 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 52
Author(s): Christian Mittermaier, Maximilian Schindler, Benjamin Loader, Thomas Waldhoer, Clemens Ambrozy, Richard Crevenna, Karin Pieber
Sensorimotor training with a wide variety of available devices represents an important component in rehabilitation and prevention of different sports injuries and chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a sensorimotor training with a newly developed device, which consists of an instable platform moving on an air cushion, providing dynamic balance training by tilting and unanticipated stochastic translations on postural control. Seventy-two healthy young subjects were included in this prospective, randomized, controlled, and observer-blinded study. Balance was objectively assessed by posturography and Functional Reach Test (FRT). Additionally we evaluated the subjective rating of balance. After randomization the sensorimotor training group performed a training program on the new device over a 5–6 week study period. After this time improvement in objective and subjective measurements as a result of training became evident. A significant difference in challenging posturographic parameters (Sensory Organization Test 5: training group 5.32±5.25 vs. control group 1.78±5.05, p=0.006 and Head Shake Sensory Organization Test 5: training group 11.94±8.97 vs. control group 5.41±10.17, p=0.01) as well as a significant difference in the FRT (training group 3.34±3.35cm vs. control group 0.01±2.97cm, p=0.0001) was found. Subjective assessment revealed a significant improvement in the participants’ rating of balance and alteration of balance. Subjects showed a high satisfaction with the new training device. Our findings suggest that the newly developed device could be a promising option for sensorimotor training to improve postural control.



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StepWatch accuracy during walking, running, and intermittent activities

Publication date: February 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 52
Author(s): Lindsay P. Toth, David R. Bassett, Scott E. Crouter, Brittany S. Overstreet, Samuel R. LaMunion, Susan Park, Shahnawaz N. Notta, Cary M. Springer
IntroductionThe purpose of this study was two-fold: 1) to investigate effects of cadence and sensitivity settings for the StepWatch (SW3) on step count accuracy over a wide range of ambulatory speeds, and 2) to compare the preprogrammed “quick start” settings to modified settings during intermittent lifestyle activities.MethodsPart 1: Fifteen participants (18–57 years of age) performed two trials of treadmill walking and running at ten speeds ranging from 26.8 to 268mmin⁻¹ while wearing four SW3 devices. During the first trial, the cadence setting was maintained while sensitivity was varied; in the second trial sensitivity was maintained while the cadence setting was varied. Part 2: Fifteen participants performed four intermittent activities and drove an automobile while wearing two SW3 devices, one with preprogrammed settings and the other with the modified settings determined in Part 1.ResultsPart 1: The modified settings (cadence setting of 70% of default and sensitivity of 16) provided the greatest step counting accuracy across a wide range of speeds reporting 96.0–104% of actual steps between 53.6 and 268mmin⁻¹. Part 2: The preprogrammed settings tended to have higher accuracy for light household tasks (recording 88% to 94% of actual steps) than the modified settings (recording 82% to 86% of actual steps) which showed a trend towards higher accuracy for tennis (recording 93% vs. 89% of actual steps) (p<0.05).ConclusionThe preprogrammed “quick start” StepWatch settings should be used with individuals who do not engage in running and vigorous sports. However, for individuals who engage in running and tennis, use of modified settings may result in improved step counting accuracy.



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Limb dominance, foot orientation and functional asymmetry during walking gait

Publication date: February 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 52
Author(s): John D. Polk, Rebecca M. Stumpf, Karl S. Rosengren
While healthy gait is often characterized as, or assumed to be symmetric, consistent asymmetries often exist. In this study, we test the hypotheses that asymmetries in lower limb function, as measured by ground reaction force characteristics, may be explained by differences in foot orientation or limb dominance. Peak ground reaction force (GRF) measurements, and impulses were obtained for thirty-six healthy subjects with simultaneous kinematic estimates of foot posture. Three gait tasks were performed: subjects walked i) with normal foot orientation, ii) with feet laterally rotated (outward), and iii) with feet aligned in the direction of movement (straight). All subjects reported right limb dominance. Our results indicate that vertical, braking and propulsive GRF components are largely symmetrical, but significant asymmetries exist in the mediolateral peak forces and impulses with higher lateral and lower medially-directed GRF components being generated by the dominant right limbs. While foot orientations used during the different tasks do explain some differences in mediolateral peak forces and impulses, foot orientation did not explain this variation within normal walking. We conclude that limb dominance is a better predictor of asymmetry in force generation than foot posture.



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via IFTTT

Unique approach to sensorimotor training with a new device combining air cushion with stochastic translations—A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial

Publication date: February 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 52
Author(s): Christian Mittermaier, Maximilian Schindler, Benjamin Loader, Thomas Waldhoer, Clemens Ambrozy, Richard Crevenna, Karin Pieber
Sensorimotor training with a wide variety of available devices represents an important component in rehabilitation and prevention of different sports injuries and chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a sensorimotor training with a newly developed device, which consists of an instable platform moving on an air cushion, providing dynamic balance training by tilting and unanticipated stochastic translations on postural control. Seventy-two healthy young subjects were included in this prospective, randomized, controlled, and observer-blinded study. Balance was objectively assessed by posturography and Functional Reach Test (FRT). Additionally we evaluated the subjective rating of balance. After randomization the sensorimotor training group performed a training program on the new device over a 5–6 week study period. After this time improvement in objective and subjective measurements as a result of training became evident. A significant difference in challenging posturographic parameters (Sensory Organization Test 5: training group 5.32±5.25 vs. control group 1.78±5.05, p=0.006 and Head Shake Sensory Organization Test 5: training group 11.94±8.97 vs. control group 5.41±10.17, p=0.01) as well as a significant difference in the FRT (training group 3.34±3.35cm vs. control group 0.01±2.97cm, p=0.0001) was found. Subjective assessment revealed a significant improvement in the participants’ rating of balance and alteration of balance. Subjects showed a high satisfaction with the new training device. Our findings suggest that the newly developed device could be a promising option for sensorimotor training to improve postural control.



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via IFTTT

StepWatch accuracy during walking, running, and intermittent activities

Publication date: February 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 52
Author(s): Lindsay P. Toth, David R. Bassett, Scott E. Crouter, Brittany S. Overstreet, Samuel R. LaMunion, Susan Park, Shahnawaz N. Notta, Cary M. Springer
IntroductionThe purpose of this study was two-fold: 1) to investigate effects of cadence and sensitivity settings for the StepWatch (SW3) on step count accuracy over a wide range of ambulatory speeds, and 2) to compare the preprogrammed “quick start” settings to modified settings during intermittent lifestyle activities.MethodsPart 1: Fifteen participants (18–57 years of age) performed two trials of treadmill walking and running at ten speeds ranging from 26.8 to 268mmin⁻¹ while wearing four SW3 devices. During the first trial, the cadence setting was maintained while sensitivity was varied; in the second trial sensitivity was maintained while the cadence setting was varied. Part 2: Fifteen participants performed four intermittent activities and drove an automobile while wearing two SW3 devices, one with preprogrammed settings and the other with the modified settings determined in Part 1.ResultsPart 1: The modified settings (cadence setting of 70% of default and sensitivity of 16) provided the greatest step counting accuracy across a wide range of speeds reporting 96.0–104% of actual steps between 53.6 and 268mmin⁻¹. Part 2: The preprogrammed settings tended to have higher accuracy for light household tasks (recording 88% to 94% of actual steps) than the modified settings (recording 82% to 86% of actual steps) which showed a trend towards higher accuracy for tennis (recording 93% vs. 89% of actual steps) (p<0.05).ConclusionThe preprogrammed “quick start” StepWatch settings should be used with individuals who do not engage in running and vigorous sports. However, for individuals who engage in running and tennis, use of modified settings may result in improved step counting accuracy.



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Development of an auditory situation awareness test battery for advanced hearing protectors and TCAPS: detection subtest of DRILCOM (detection-recognition/identification-localization-communication)

.


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Development of an auditory situation awareness test battery for advanced hearing protectors and TCAPS: detection subtest of DRILCOM (detection-recognition/identification-localization-communication)

.


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Development of an auditory situation awareness test battery for advanced hearing protectors and TCAPS: detection subtest of DRILCOM (detection-recognition/identification-localization-communication)

.


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Synergy Between ENT Surgeons, Audiologists

No abstract available

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Zika and Hearing Loss: The Race for a Cure Continues

No abstract available

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Goodbye Google Glass, Hello Smart Earphones

No abstract available

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Ultra-High Frequency Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

No abstract available

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Expansion of Pediatric Cochlear Implant Indications

No abstract available

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Mental Health Status and Perceived Tinnitus Severity

No abstract available

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Revisiting Age-Related Hearing Loss Screening – Part 1

No abstract available

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Inadvertent Central Auditory Impairment in Young Children

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Symptom: Facial Paralysis

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Manufacturers News

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Synergy Between ENT Surgeons, Audiologists

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Zika and Hearing Loss: The Race for a Cure Continues

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Goodbye Google Glass, Hello Smart Earphones

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Ultra-High Frequency Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

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Expansion of Pediatric Cochlear Implant Indications

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Mental Health Status and Perceived Tinnitus Severity

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Revisiting Age-Related Hearing Loss Screening – Part 1

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Inadvertent Central Auditory Impairment in Young Children

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Symptom: Facial Paralysis

No abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2gO6a33
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Manufacturers News

No abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2gO69Mx
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Synergy Between ENT Surgeons, Audiologists

No abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2fHSPwZ
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Zika and Hearing Loss: The Race for a Cure Continues

No abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2fHLX32
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Goodbye Google Glass, Hello Smart Earphones

No abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2fTfLb5
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Ultra-High Frequency Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

No abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2gNWKo6
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Expansion of Pediatric Cochlear Implant Indications

No abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2gO3CBQ
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Mental Health Status and Perceived Tinnitus Severity

No abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2gO69w1
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Revisiting Age-Related Hearing Loss Screening – Part 1

No abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2gO3naa
via IFTTT

Inadvertent Central Auditory Impairment in Young Children

No abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2gNYsG7
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Symptom: Facial Paralysis

No abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2gO6a33
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Manufacturers News

No abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2gO69Mx
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