Παρασκευή 20 Ιανουαρίου 2017

Development and validation of the Speech Reception in Noise (SPRINT) Test

Publication date: Available online 20 January 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Douglas S. Brungart, Brian Walden, Mary Cord, Sandeep Phatak, Sarah M. Theodoroff, Susan Griest, Ken W. Grant
Since 1992, the Speech Recognition in Noise Test, or SPRINT, has been the standard speech-in-noise test for assessing auditory fitness-for-duty of US Army Soldiers with hearing loss. The original SPRINT test consisted of 200 monosyllabic words presented at a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of +9 dB in the presence of a six-talker babble noise. Normative data for the test was collected on 319 hearing impaired Soldiers, and a procedure for making recommendations about the disposition of military personnel on the basis of their SPRINT score and their years of experience was developed and implemented as part of US Army policy. In 2013, a new 100-word version of the test was developed that eliminated words that were either too easy or too hard to make meaningful distinctions among hearing impaired listeners. This paper describes the development of the original 200-word SPRINT test, along with a description of the procedure used to reduce the 200-word test to 100 words and the results of a validation study conducted to evaluate how well the shortened 100-word test is able to capture the results from the full 200-word version of the SPRINT.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2jV93Sc
via IFTTT

Development and validation of the Speech Reception in Noise (SPRINT) Test

Publication date: Available online 20 January 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Douglas S. Brungart, Brian Walden, Mary Cord, Sandeep Phatak, Sarah M. Theodoroff, Susan Griest, Ken W. Grant
Since 1992, the Speech Recognition in Noise Test, or SPRINT, has been the standard speech-in-noise test for assessing auditory fitness-for-duty of US Army Soldiers with hearing loss. The original SPRINT test consisted of 200 monosyllabic words presented at a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of +9 dB in the presence of a six-talker babble noise. Normative data for the test was collected on 319 hearing impaired Soldiers, and a procedure for making recommendations about the disposition of military personnel on the basis of their SPRINT score and their years of experience was developed and implemented as part of US Army policy. In 2013, a new 100-word version of the test was developed that eliminated words that were either too easy or too hard to make meaningful distinctions among hearing impaired listeners. This paper describes the development of the original 200-word SPRINT test, along with a description of the procedure used to reduce the 200-word test to 100 words and the results of a validation study conducted to evaluate how well the shortened 100-word test is able to capture the results from the full 200-word version of the SPRINT.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2jV93Sc
via IFTTT

Development and validation of the Speech Reception in Noise (SPRINT) Test

alertIcon.gif

Publication date: Available online 20 January 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Douglas S. Brungart, Brian Walden, Mary Cord, Sandeep Phatak, Sarah M. Theodoroff, Susan Griest, Ken W. Grant
Since 1992, the Speech Recognition in Noise Test, or SPRINT, has been the standard speech-in-noise test for assessing auditory fitness-for-duty of US Army Soldiers with hearing loss. The original SPRINT test consisted of 200 monosyllabic words presented at a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of +9 dB in the presence of a six-talker babble noise. Normative data for the test was collected on 319 hearing impaired Soldiers, and a procedure for making recommendations about the disposition of military personnel on the basis of their SPRINT score and their years of experience was developed and implemented as part of US Army policy. In 2013, a new 100-word version of the test was developed that eliminated words that were either too easy or too hard to make meaningful distinctions among hearing impaired listeners. This paper describes the development of the original 200-word SPRINT test, along with a description of the procedure used to reduce the 200-word test to 100 words and the results of a validation study conducted to evaluate how well the shortened 100-word test is able to capture the results from the full 200-word version of the SPRINT.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2jV93Sc
via IFTTT

Development and validation of the Speech Reception in Noise (SPRINT) Test

alertIcon.gif

Publication date: Available online 20 January 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Douglas S. Brungart, Brian Walden, Mary Cord, Sandeep Phatak, Sarah M. Theodoroff, Susan Griest, Ken W. Grant
Since 1992, the Speech Recognition in Noise Test, or SPRINT, has been the standard speech-in-noise test for assessing auditory fitness-for-duty of US Army Soldiers with hearing loss. The original SPRINT test consisted of 200 monosyllabic words presented at a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of +9 dB in the presence of a six-talker babble noise. Normative data for the test was collected on 319 hearing impaired Soldiers, and a procedure for making recommendations about the disposition of military personnel on the basis of their SPRINT score and their years of experience was developed and implemented as part of US Army policy. In 2013, a new 100-word version of the test was developed that eliminated words that were either too easy or too hard to make meaningful distinctions among hearing impaired listeners. This paper describes the development of the original 200-word SPRINT test, along with a description of the procedure used to reduce the 200-word test to 100 words and the results of a validation study conducted to evaluate how well the shortened 100-word test is able to capture the results from the full 200-word version of the SPRINT.



from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2jV93Sc
via IFTTT

Development and validation of the Speech Reception in Noise (SPRINT) Test

alertIcon.gif

Publication date: Available online 20 January 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Douglas S. Brungart, Brian Walden, Mary Cord, Sandeep Phatak, Sarah M. Theodoroff, Susan Griest, Ken W. Grant
Since 1992, the Speech Recognition in Noise Test, or SPRINT, has been the standard speech-in-noise test for assessing auditory fitness-for-duty of US Army Soldiers with hearing loss. The original SPRINT test consisted of 200 monosyllabic words presented at a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of +9 dB in the presence of a six-talker babble noise. Normative data for the test was collected on 319 hearing impaired Soldiers, and a procedure for making recommendations about the disposition of military personnel on the basis of their SPRINT score and their years of experience was developed and implemented as part of US Army policy. In 2013, a new 100-word version of the test was developed that eliminated words that were either too easy or too hard to make meaningful distinctions among hearing impaired listeners. This paper describes the development of the original 200-word SPRINT test, along with a description of the procedure used to reduce the 200-word test to 100 words and the results of a validation study conducted to evaluate how well the shortened 100-word test is able to capture the results from the full 200-word version of the SPRINT.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2jV93Sc
via IFTTT

Oticon Medical's Ponto 3 Sound Processor Family: Proven Technology to Make Listening Easier

The Ponto 3 Family of sound processors are the definition of power. In fact, they are the most powerful family of abutment-level sound processors available.

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2jww8e3
via IFTTT

Oticon Medical's Ponto 3 Sound Processor Family: Proven Technology to Make Listening Easier

The Ponto 3 Family of sound processors are the definition of power. In fact, they are the most powerful family of abutment-level sound processors available.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2jww8e3
via IFTTT

Oticon Medical's Ponto 3 Sound Processor Family: Proven Technology to Make Listening Easier

The Ponto 3 Family of sound processors are the definition of power. In fact, they are the most powerful family of abutment-level sound processors available.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2jww8e3
via IFTTT

Plantarflexor passive-elastic properties related to BMI and walking performance in older women

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 53
Author(s): Dain P. LaRoche
The objective of this study was to examine the influence of BMI on the passive-elastic properties of the ankle plantarflexors in older women. Twenty-three women, 65–80 yr, were separated into normal weight (NW, BMI <25.0kgm−2, n=11) and overweight-obese (OW, BMI≥25.0kgm−2, n=12) groups. Resistive torque of the ankle plantarflexors was recorded on an isokinetic dynamometer by passively moving the ankle into dorsiflexion. Stiffness, work absorption, and hysteresis were calculated across an ankle dorsiflexion angle of 10–15°. Maximal plantarflexor strength was assessed, then participants walked at maximal speed on an instrumented gait analysis treadmill while muscle activation (EMG) was recorded. Plantarflexor stiffness was 34% lower in OW (26.4±12.7Nmrad−1) than NW (40.0±15.7Nmrad−1, p=0.032). Neither work absorption nor hysteresis were different between OW and NW. Stiffness per kg was positively correlated to strength (r=0.66, p<0.001), peak vertical ground reaction force during walking (r=0.72, p<0.001), weight acceptance rate of force (r=0.51, p=0.007), push-off rate of force (r=0.41, p=0.026), maximal speed (r=0.61, p=0.001), and inversely correlated to BMI (r=−0.61, p=0.001), and peak plantarflexor EMG (r=−0.40, p=0.046). Older women who are OW have low plantarflexor stiffness, which may limit propulsive forces during walking and necessitate greater muscle activation for active force generation.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2jGy99O
via IFTTT

Pulling a school trolley: A good kinematic option for children

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 53
Author(s): Eva Orantes-Gonzalez, Jose Heredia-Jimenez
This study analyzed the kinematic gait parameters associated with pulling a school trolley with different loads and the effects of the type of packing device user (backpack vs. trolley) and body side (loadedunloaded). Methods Fifty-three elementary subjects walked at a selfselected speed under four experimental conditions: without a trolley and pulling a trolley with 10%, 15% and 20% of the subject́s body weight (BW). Averages and standard deviations of spatiotemporal gait parameters and 3D kinematics of the lower limbs and thorax were obtained for the loaded and unloaded sides of the body. Results Spatiotemporal gait parameters were affected by pulling a trolley with a load of 20% BW, although the changes were not important (decrease of 0.02 units in velocity and stride length, decrease of 0.32% in single support and increase of 0.31% in double support). In the 3D kinematics analysis, the main effects of trolley load were observed in the thorax, with increased flexion as the load increased, and in the pelvis between baseline and 10%–15% BW. No interaction was found between kinematic parameters and the type of packing device user (trolley or backpack). Considering the loaded and unloaded sides of the body, the transverse plane of the thorax was the main site affected by the asymmetrical task. Conclusion Although some of the analyzed kinematic parameters were influenced by the use of a school trolley, the adaptations were minimal, and trolleys could be considered a good option for use in the transportation of school supplies



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2jU4W8O
via IFTTT

Carrying asymmetric loads during stair negotiation

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 53
Author(s): Junsig Wang, Jason Gillette
Individuals often carry items in one hand instead of both hands during activities of daily living. The combined effects of carrying asymmetric loads and stair negotiation may create even higher demands on the low back and lower extremity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of symmetric and asymmetric loading conditions on L5/S1 and lower extremity moments during stair negotiation. Twenty-two college students performed stair ascent and stair descent on a three-step staircase (step height 18.5cm, tread depth 29.5cm) at preferred pace under five load conditions: no load, 10% body weight (BW) unilateral load, 20% BW unilateral load, 10% BW bilateral load, and 20% BW bilateral load. Video cameras and force platforms were used to collect kinematic and kinetic data. Inverse dynamics was used to calculate frontal plane moments for the L5/S1 and lower extremity. A 20% BW unilateral load resulted in significantly higher peak L5/S1 lateral bending, hip abduction, and external knee varus moments than nearly all other loading conditions during stair ascent and stair descent. Therefore, we suggest potential benefits when carrying symmetrical loads as compared to an asymmetric load in order to decrease the frontal joint moments, particularly at 20% BW load.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2jGwP6Z
via IFTTT

Plantarflexor passive-elastic properties related to BMI and walking performance in older women

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 53
Author(s): Dain P. LaRoche
The objective of this study was to examine the influence of BMI on the passive-elastic properties of the ankle plantarflexors in older women. Twenty-three women, 65–80 yr, were separated into normal weight (NW, BMI <25.0kgm−2, n=11) and overweight-obese (OW, BMI≥25.0kgm−2, n=12) groups. Resistive torque of the ankle plantarflexors was recorded on an isokinetic dynamometer by passively moving the ankle into dorsiflexion. Stiffness, work absorption, and hysteresis were calculated across an ankle dorsiflexion angle of 10–15°. Maximal plantarflexor strength was assessed, then participants walked at maximal speed on an instrumented gait analysis treadmill while muscle activation (EMG) was recorded. Plantarflexor stiffness was 34% lower in OW (26.4±12.7Nmrad−1) than NW (40.0±15.7Nmrad−1, p=0.032). Neither work absorption nor hysteresis were different between OW and NW. Stiffness per kg was positively correlated to strength (r=0.66, p<0.001), peak vertical ground reaction force during walking (r=0.72, p<0.001), weight acceptance rate of force (r=0.51, p=0.007), push-off rate of force (r=0.41, p=0.026), maximal speed (r=0.61, p=0.001), and inversely correlated to BMI (r=−0.61, p=0.001), and peak plantarflexor EMG (r=−0.40, p=0.046). Older women who are OW have low plantarflexor stiffness, which may limit propulsive forces during walking and necessitate greater muscle activation for active force generation.



from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2jGy99O
via IFTTT

Pulling a school trolley: A good kinematic option for children

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 53
Author(s): Eva Orantes-Gonzalez, Jose Heredia-Jimenez
This study analyzed the kinematic gait parameters associated with pulling a school trolley with different loads and the effects of the type of packing device user (backpack vs. trolley) and body side (loadedunloaded). Methods Fifty-three elementary subjects walked at a selfselected speed under four experimental conditions: without a trolley and pulling a trolley with 10%, 15% and 20% of the subject́s body weight (BW). Averages and standard deviations of spatiotemporal gait parameters and 3D kinematics of the lower limbs and thorax were obtained for the loaded and unloaded sides of the body. Results Spatiotemporal gait parameters were affected by pulling a trolley with a load of 20% BW, although the changes were not important (decrease of 0.02 units in velocity and stride length, decrease of 0.32% in single support and increase of 0.31% in double support). In the 3D kinematics analysis, the main effects of trolley load were observed in the thorax, with increased flexion as the load increased, and in the pelvis between baseline and 10%–15% BW. No interaction was found between kinematic parameters and the type of packing device user (trolley or backpack). Considering the loaded and unloaded sides of the body, the transverse plane of the thorax was the main site affected by the asymmetrical task. Conclusion Although some of the analyzed kinematic parameters were influenced by the use of a school trolley, the adaptations were minimal, and trolleys could be considered a good option for use in the transportation of school supplies



from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2jU4W8O
via IFTTT

Carrying asymmetric loads during stair negotiation

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 53
Author(s): Junsig Wang, Jason Gillette
Individuals often carry items in one hand instead of both hands during activities of daily living. The combined effects of carrying asymmetric loads and stair negotiation may create even higher demands on the low back and lower extremity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of symmetric and asymmetric loading conditions on L5/S1 and lower extremity moments during stair negotiation. Twenty-two college students performed stair ascent and stair descent on a three-step staircase (step height 18.5cm, tread depth 29.5cm) at preferred pace under five load conditions: no load, 10% body weight (BW) unilateral load, 20% BW unilateral load, 10% BW bilateral load, and 20% BW bilateral load. Video cameras and force platforms were used to collect kinematic and kinetic data. Inverse dynamics was used to calculate frontal plane moments for the L5/S1 and lower extremity. A 20% BW unilateral load resulted in significantly higher peak L5/S1 lateral bending, hip abduction, and external knee varus moments than nearly all other loading conditions during stair ascent and stair descent. Therefore, we suggest potential benefits when carrying symmetrical loads as compared to an asymmetric load in order to decrease the frontal joint moments, particularly at 20% BW load.



from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2jGwP6Z
via IFTTT

A novel dominant GJB2 (DFNA3) mutation in a Chinese family.

A novel dominant GJB2 (DFNA3) mutation in a Chinese family.

Sci Rep. 2017 Jan 19;7:34425

Authors: Wang H, Wu K, Yu L, Xie L, Xiong W, Wang D, Guan J, Wang Q

Abstract
To decipher the phenotype and genotype of a Chinese family with autosomal dominant non-syndromic hearing loss (ADNSHL) and a novel dominant missense mutation in the GJB2 gene (DFNA3), mutation screening of GJB2 was performed on the propositus from a five-generation ADNSHL family through polymerase chain reaction amplification and Sanger sequencing. The candidate variation and the co-segregation of the phenotype were verified in all ascertained family members. Targeted genes capture and next-generation sequencing (NGS) were performed to explore additional genetic variations. We identified the novel GJB2 mutation c.524C > A (p.P175H), which segregated with high frequency and was involved in progressive sensorineural hearing loss. One subject with an additional c.235delC mutation showed a more severe phenotype than did the other members with single GJB2 dominant variations. Four patients diagnosed with noise-induced hearing loss did not carry this mutation. No other pathogenic variations or modifier genes were identified by NGS. In conclusion, a novel missense mutation in GJB2 (DFNA3), affecting the second extracellular domain of the protein, was identified in a family with ADNSHL.

PMID: 28102197 [PubMed - in process]



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

Loss of Myh14 Increases Susceptibility to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in CBA/CaJ Mice.

Related Articles

Loss of Myh14 Increases Susceptibility to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in CBA/CaJ Mice.

Neural Plast. 2016;2016:6720420

Authors: Fu X, Zhang L, Jin Y, Sun X, Zhang A, Wen Z, Zhou Y, Xia M, Gao J

Abstract
MYH14 is a member of the myosin family, which has been implicated in many motile processes such as ion-channel gating, organelle translocation, and the cytoskeleton rearrangement. Mutations in MYH14 lead to a DFNA4-type hearing impairment. Further evidence also shows that MYH14 is a candidate noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) susceptible gene. However, the specific roles of MYH14 in auditory function and NIHL are not fully understood. In the present study, we used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to establish a Myh14 knockout mice line in CBA/CaJ background (now referred to as Myh14(-/-) mice) and clarify the role of MYH14 in the cochlea and NIHL. We found that Myh14(-/-) mice did not exhibit significant hearing loss until five months of age. In addition, Myh14(-/-) mice were more vulnerable to high intensity noise compared to control mice. More significant outer hair cell loss was observed in Myh14(-/-) mice than in wild type controls after acoustic trauma. Our findings suggest that Myh14 may play a beneficial role in the protection of the cochlea after acoustic overstimulation in CBA/CaJ mice.

PMID: 28101381 [PubMed - in process]



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

Plantarflexor passive-elastic properties related to BMI and walking performance in older women

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 53
Author(s): Dain P. LaRoche
The objective of this study was to examine the influence of BMI on the passive-elastic properties of the ankle plantarflexors in older women. Twenty-three women, 65–80 yr, were separated into normal weight (NW, BMI <25.0kgm−2, n=11) and overweight-obese (OW, BMI≥25.0kgm−2, n=12) groups. Resistive torque of the ankle plantarflexors was recorded on an isokinetic dynamometer by passively moving the ankle into dorsiflexion. Stiffness, work absorption, and hysteresis were calculated across an ankle dorsiflexion angle of 10–15°. Maximal plantarflexor strength was assessed, then participants walked at maximal speed on an instrumented gait analysis treadmill while muscle activation (EMG) was recorded. Plantarflexor stiffness was 34% lower in OW (26.4±12.7Nmrad−1) than NW (40.0±15.7Nmrad−1, p=0.032). Neither work absorption nor hysteresis were different between OW and NW. Stiffness per kg was positively correlated to strength (r=0.66, p<0.001), peak vertical ground reaction force during walking (r=0.72, p<0.001), weight acceptance rate of force (r=0.51, p=0.007), push-off rate of force (r=0.41, p=0.026), maximal speed (r=0.61, p=0.001), and inversely correlated to BMI (r=−0.61, p=0.001), and peak plantarflexor EMG (r=−0.40, p=0.046). Older women who are OW have low plantarflexor stiffness, which may limit propulsive forces during walking and necessitate greater muscle activation for active force generation.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2jGy99O
via IFTTT

Pulling a school trolley: A good kinematic option for children

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 53
Author(s): Eva Orantes-Gonzalez, Jose Heredia-Jimenez
This study analyzed the kinematic gait parameters associated with pulling a school trolley with different loads and the effects of the type of packing device user (backpack vs. trolley) and body side (loadedunloaded). Methods Fifty-three elementary subjects walked at a selfselected speed under four experimental conditions: without a trolley and pulling a trolley with 10%, 15% and 20% of the subject́s body weight (BW). Averages and standard deviations of spatiotemporal gait parameters and 3D kinematics of the lower limbs and thorax were obtained for the loaded and unloaded sides of the body. Results Spatiotemporal gait parameters were affected by pulling a trolley with a load of 20% BW, although the changes were not important (decrease of 0.02 units in velocity and stride length, decrease of 0.32% in single support and increase of 0.31% in double support). In the 3D kinematics analysis, the main effects of trolley load were observed in the thorax, with increased flexion as the load increased, and in the pelvis between baseline and 10%–15% BW. No interaction was found between kinematic parameters and the type of packing device user (trolley or backpack). Considering the loaded and unloaded sides of the body, the transverse plane of the thorax was the main site affected by the asymmetrical task. Conclusion Although some of the analyzed kinematic parameters were influenced by the use of a school trolley, the adaptations were minimal, and trolleys could be considered a good option for use in the transportation of school supplies



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2jU4W8O
via IFTTT

Carrying asymmetric loads during stair negotiation

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 53
Author(s): Junsig Wang, Jason Gillette
Individuals often carry items in one hand instead of both hands during activities of daily living. The combined effects of carrying asymmetric loads and stair negotiation may create even higher demands on the low back and lower extremity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of symmetric and asymmetric loading conditions on L5/S1 and lower extremity moments during stair negotiation. Twenty-two college students performed stair ascent and stair descent on a three-step staircase (step height 18.5cm, tread depth 29.5cm) at preferred pace under five load conditions: no load, 10% body weight (BW) unilateral load, 20% BW unilateral load, 10% BW bilateral load, and 20% BW bilateral load. Video cameras and force platforms were used to collect kinematic and kinetic data. Inverse dynamics was used to calculate frontal plane moments for the L5/S1 and lower extremity. A 20% BW unilateral load resulted in significantly higher peak L5/S1 lateral bending, hip abduction, and external knee varus moments than nearly all other loading conditions during stair ascent and stair descent. Therefore, we suggest potential benefits when carrying symmetrical loads as compared to an asymmetric load in order to decrease the frontal joint moments, particularly at 20% BW load.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2jGwP6Z
via IFTTT