Kinesio Taping in Dysphonic Patients

Publication date: Available online 23 February 2017
Source:Journal of Voice
Author(s): Chiara Mezzedimi, Walter Livi, Maria Carla Spinosi
ObjectiveKinesio taping (KT) is a method of elastic bandaging that produces a biomechanical effect on the organism. This study aims to evaluate its use in dysphonic patients tratment, as integrated part of speech therapy.Study DesignRandomized controlledMaterials and MethodsFifteen dysphonic patients were given the option to complement the speech therapy treatment with KT (DG1). 15 dysphonic patients suffering from similar conditions (DG2) who underwent traditional speech therapy were the control group.ResultsAfter treatment, both DG1 and DG2 obtained a statistically significant improvement for jitter and noise-to-harmonic ratio (P > 0.05) and showed an improvement in Voice Handicap Index (VHI) total (VHIt), VHI functional (VHIf), VHI emotional (VHIe), and VHI physical (VHIp). However, the improvement was statistically significant for VHIt (P = 0.0102), VHIe (P = 0.0349), and VHIp (P = 0.0366) in DG1, and only in VHIt (P = 0.0466) in DG2. In DG1, P had a lower value than in DG2 for VHIt, VHIe, and VHIp. In DG2, there were a few patients who after therapy had a VHIt higher than before therapy, whereas this did not occur in DG1.ConclusionsAs expected, this study confirms the benefits of speech therapy. Although KT is not a substitute for speech therapy, our preliminary results and patients' favorable response to KT encouraged us to continue with our studies on a larger scale. Further studies are required to better define the role of KT in speech therapy and evaluate its real effect over its placebo effect.



from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2me8EOS
via IFTTT

Build a Better Hearing Assessment and the Patients Will Beat a Path to Your Clinic

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

Evaluation of the Self-Fitting Process with a Commercially Available Hearing Aid

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

Does Language Matter When Using a Graphical Method for Calculating the Speech Intelligibility Index?

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

Potential Benefits of an Integrated Electric-Acoustic Sound Processor with Children: A Preliminary Report

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

Working Memory, Sleep, and Hearing Problems in Patients with Tinnitus and Hearing Loss Fitted with Hearing Aids

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2miO9xm
via IFTTT

Inner Ear Excitation in Normal and Postmastoidectomy Participants by Fluid Stimulation in the Absence of Air- and Bone-Conduction Mechanisms

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2lxu740
via IFTTT

Validation of a Computer-Administered Version of the Digits-in-Noise Test for Hearing Screening in the United States

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2miFET4
via IFTTT

JAAA CEU Program

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

Build a Better Hearing Assessment and the Patients Will Beat a Path to Your Clinic

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

Evaluation of the Self-Fitting Process with a Commercially Available Hearing Aid

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

Does Language Matter When Using a Graphical Method for Calculating the Speech Intelligibility Index?

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

Potential Benefits of an Integrated Electric-Acoustic Sound Processor with Children: A Preliminary Report

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

Working Memory, Sleep, and Hearing Problems in Patients with Tinnitus and Hearing Loss Fitted with Hearing Aids

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2miO9xm
via IFTTT

Inner Ear Excitation in Normal and Postmastoidectomy Participants by Fluid Stimulation in the Absence of Air- and Bone-Conduction Mechanisms

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2lxu740
via IFTTT

Validation of a Computer-Administered Version of the Digits-in-Noise Test for Hearing Screening in the United States

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2miFET4
via IFTTT

JAAA CEU Program

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

Build a Better Hearing Assessment and the Patients Will Beat a Path to Your Clinic

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

Evaluation of the Self-Fitting Process with a Commercially Available Hearing Aid

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

Does Language Matter When Using a Graphical Method for Calculating the Speech Intelligibility Index?

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

Potential Benefits of an Integrated Electric-Acoustic Sound Processor with Children: A Preliminary Report

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

Working Memory, Sleep, and Hearing Problems in Patients with Tinnitus and Hearing Loss Fitted with Hearing Aids

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2miO9xm
via IFTTT

Inner Ear Excitation in Normal and Postmastoidectomy Participants by Fluid Stimulation in the Absence of Air- and Bone-Conduction Mechanisms

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2lxu740
via IFTTT

Validation of a Computer-Administered Version of the Digits-in-Noise Test for Hearing Screening in the United States

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2miFET4
via IFTTT

JAAA CEU Program

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

MicroRNAs: effective elements in ear-related diseases and hearing loss.

Related Articles

MicroRNAs: effective elements in ear-related diseases and hearing loss.

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2017 Feb 21;:

Authors: Mahmoudian-Sani MR, Mehri-Ghahfarrokhi A, Ahmadinejad F, Hashemzadeh-Chaleshtori M, Saidijam M, Jami MS

Abstract
miRNAs are important factors for post-transcriptional process that controls gene expression at mRNA level. Various biological processes, including growth and differentiation, are regulated by miRNAs. miRNAs have been demonstrated to play an essential role in development and progression of hearing loss. Nowadays, miRNAs are known as critical factors involved in different physiological, biological, and pathological processes, such as gene expression, progressive sensorineural hearing loss, age-related hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss, cholesteatoma, schwannomas, and inner ear inflammation. The miR-183 family (miR-183, miR-96 and miR-182) is expressed abundantly in some types of sensory cells in inner ear specially mechanosensory hair cells that exhibit a great expression level of this family. The plasma levels of miR-24-3p, miR-16-5p, miR-185-5p, and miR-451a were upregulated during noise exposures, and increased levels of miR-21 have been found in vestibular schwannomas and human cholesteatoma. In addition, upregulation of pro-apoptotic miRNAs and downregulation of miRNAs which promote differentiation and proliferation in age-related degeneration of the organ of Corti may potentially serve as a helpful biomarker for the early detection of age-related hearing loss. This knowledge represents miRNAs as promising diagnostic and therapeutic tools in the near future.

PMID: 28224282 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2moaJE2
via IFTTT

Exome sequencing identifies SLC26A4, GJB2, SCARB2 and DUOX2 mutations in 2 siblings with Pendred syndrome in a Malaysian family.

Related Articles

Exome sequencing identifies SLC26A4, GJB2, SCARB2 and DUOX2 mutations in 2 siblings with Pendred syndrome in a Malaysian family.

Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2017 Feb 21;12(1):40

Authors: Chow YP, Abdul Murad NA, Mohd Rani Z, Khoo JS, Chong PS, Wu LL, Jamal R

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pendred syndrome (PDS, MIM #274600) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by congenital sensorineural hearing loss and goiter. In this study, we describing the possible PDS causal mutations in a Malaysian family with 2 daughters diagnosed with bilateral hearing loss and hypothyroidism.
METHODS AND RESULTS: Whole exome sequencing was performed on 2 sisters with PDS and their unaffected parents. Our results showed that both sisters inherited monoallelic mutations in the 2 known PDS genes, SLC26A4 (ENST00000265715:c.1343C > T, p.Ser448Leu) and GJB2 (ENST00000382844:c.368C > A, p.Thr123Asn) from their father, as well as another deafness-related gene, SCARB2 (ENST00000264896:c.914C > T, p.Thr305Met) from their mother. We postulated that these three heterozygous mutations in combination may be causative to deafness, and warrants further investigation. Furthermore, we also identified a compound heterozygosity involving the DUOX2 gene (ENST00000603300:c.1588A > T:p.Lys530* and c.3329G > A:p.Arg1110Gln) in both sisters which are inherited from both parents and may be correlated with early onset of goiter. All the candidate mutations were predicted deleterious by in silico tools.
CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we proposed that PDS in this family could be a polygenic disorder which possibly arises from a combination of heterozygous mutations in SLC26A4, GJB2 and SCARB2 which associated with deafness, as well as compound heterozygous DUOX2 mutations which associated with thyroid dysfunction.

PMID: 28222800 [PubMed - in process]

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2lyT9xM
via IFTTT

The Mechanism of Force Transference in Feet of Children Ages Two to Six

Publication date: Available online 22 February 2017
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Mingyu Hu, Nan Zhou, Bo Xu, Wuyong Chen, Jianxin Wu, Jin Zhou
The aim of this study was to design an algorithm to quantify the plantar force transference of children from ages 2 to 6. In total, 319 healthy children without abnormal gait patterns, foot deformities or injuries, able to walk independently, and with normal BMIs were recruited, and their plantar force distributions were measured. Their plantar areas were divided into ten parts: the hallux, toes #2-5, the first to fifth metatarsal heads (1st to 5th MTH), the mid-foot (MF), medial heel (MH) and lateral heel (LH), in which a relative force-time integral (FTIrel) (%) was calculated. Our results show that the FTIrel was significantly transferred along either the transverse or longitudinal arches. The middle of the forefoot and the toe areas were the two main loading regions in children aged 2-3, and posterior to anterior FTIrel shifting was typical. However, anterior to posterior and lateral to medial FTI transferences were found in children aged 5-6, and major loading was found in the heel area. Further, loading in the mid-foot varied with the child's development and was observed to tend to decrease over time. Overall, according to the algorithm designed in this study, these results demonstrated that the development of the arches, both in transverse and longitudinal directions, had already begun in early stages of toddlerhood. Meanwhile, the arches were an important attractor engaged in the windlass mechanism while walking, and they played a major role as bridges to promote posterior to anterior and medial to lateral force transference.



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

Use of ACE-inhibitors and falls in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Publication date: Available online 22 February 2017
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Alice Laudisio, Maria Rita Lo Lo Monaco, Maria Caterina Silveri, Anna Rita Bentivoglio, Davide L. Vetrano, Maria Stella Pisciotta, Vincenzo Brandi, Roberto Bernabei, Giuseppe Zuccalà
Falls represent a major concern in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD); however, currently acknowledged treatments for PD are not effective in reducing the risk of falling. The aim was to assess the association of use of ACE-inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) with falls among patients with PD.We analysed data of 194 elderly with PD attending a geriatric Day Hospital. Self-reported history of falls that occurred over the last year, as well as use of drugs, including ACEIs and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) were recorded. The association of the occurrence of any falls with use of ACEIs, and ARBs was assessed by logistic regression analysis. The association between the number of falls and use of ACEIs, and ARBs was assessed according to Poisson regression.In logistic regression, after adjusting for potential confounders, use of ACEIs was associated with a reduced probability of falling over the last year (OR=.15, 95% CI=.03 − .81; P=.028). This association did not vary with blood pressure levels (P for the interaction term=.528). Also, using Poisson regression, use of ACEIs predicted a reduced number of falls among participants who fell (PR=.31; 95% CI=.10-.94; P=.039). No association was found between use of ARBs and falls.Our results indicate that use of ACEIs might be independently associated with reduced probability, and a reduced number of falls among patients with PD. Dedicated studies are needed to define the single agents and dosages that might most effectively reduce the risk of falling in clinical practice.



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

The Mechanism of Force Transference in Feet of Children Ages Two to Six

Publication date: Available online 22 February 2017
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Mingyu Hu, Nan Zhou, Bo Xu, Wuyong Chen, Jianxin Wu, Jin Zhou
The aim of this study was to design an algorithm to quantify the plantar force transference of children from ages 2 to 6. In total, 319 healthy children without abnormal gait patterns, foot deformities or injuries, able to walk independently, and with normal BMIs were recruited, and their plantar force distributions were measured. Their plantar areas were divided into ten parts: the hallux, toes #2-5, the first to fifth metatarsal heads (1st to 5th MTH), the mid-foot (MF), medial heel (MH) and lateral heel (LH), in which a relative force-time integral (FTIrel) (%) was calculated. Our results show that the FTIrel was significantly transferred along either the transverse or longitudinal arches. The middle of the forefoot and the toe areas were the two main loading regions in children aged 2-3, and posterior to anterior FTIrel shifting was typical. However, anterior to posterior and lateral to medial FTI transferences were found in children aged 5-6, and major loading was found in the heel area. Further, loading in the mid-foot varied with the child's development and was observed to tend to decrease over time. Overall, according to the algorithm designed in this study, these results demonstrated that the development of the arches, both in transverse and longitudinal directions, had already begun in early stages of toddlerhood. Meanwhile, the arches were an important attractor engaged in the windlass mechanism while walking, and they played a major role as bridges to promote posterior to anterior and medial to lateral force transference.



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

Use of ACE-inhibitors and falls in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Publication date: Available online 22 February 2017
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Alice Laudisio, Maria Rita Lo Lo Monaco, Maria Caterina Silveri, Anna Rita Bentivoglio, Davide L. Vetrano, Maria Stella Pisciotta, Vincenzo Brandi, Roberto Bernabei, Giuseppe Zuccalà
Falls represent a major concern in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD); however, currently acknowledged treatments for PD are not effective in reducing the risk of falling. The aim was to assess the association of use of ACE-inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) with falls among patients with PD.We analysed data of 194 elderly with PD attending a geriatric Day Hospital. Self-reported history of falls that occurred over the last year, as well as use of drugs, including ACEIs and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) were recorded. The association of the occurrence of any falls with use of ACEIs, and ARBs was assessed by logistic regression analysis. The association between the number of falls and use of ACEIs, and ARBs was assessed according to Poisson regression.In logistic regression, after adjusting for potential confounders, use of ACEIs was associated with a reduced probability of falling over the last year (OR=.15, 95% CI=.03 − .81; P=.028). This association did not vary with blood pressure levels (P for the interaction term=.528). Also, using Poisson regression, use of ACEIs predicted a reduced number of falls among participants who fell (PR=.31; 95% CI=.10-.94; P=.039). No association was found between use of ARBs and falls.Our results indicate that use of ACEIs might be independently associated with reduced probability, and a reduced number of falls among patients with PD. Dedicated studies are needed to define the single agents and dosages that might most effectively reduce the risk of falling in clinical practice.



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

The Mechanism of Force Transference in Feet of Children Ages Two to Six

Publication date: Available online 22 February 2017
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Mingyu Hu, Nan Zhou, Bo Xu, Wuyong Chen, Jianxin Wu, Jin Zhou
The aim of this study was to design an algorithm to quantify the plantar force transference of children from ages 2 to 6. In total, 319 healthy children without abnormal gait patterns, foot deformities or injuries, able to walk independently, and with normal BMIs were recruited, and their plantar force distributions were measured. Their plantar areas were divided into ten parts: the hallux, toes #2-5, the first to fifth metatarsal heads (1st to 5th MTH), the mid-foot (MF), medial heel (MH) and lateral heel (LH), in which a relative force-time integral (FTIrel) (%) was calculated. Our results show that the FTIrel was significantly transferred along either the transverse or longitudinal arches. The middle of the forefoot and the toe areas were the two main loading regions in children aged 2-3, and posterior to anterior FTIrel shifting was typical. However, anterior to posterior and lateral to medial FTI transferences were found in children aged 5-6, and major loading was found in the heel area. Further, loading in the mid-foot varied with the child's development and was observed to tend to decrease over time. Overall, according to the algorithm designed in this study, these results demonstrated that the development of the arches, both in transverse and longitudinal directions, had already begun in early stages of toddlerhood. Meanwhile, the arches were an important attractor engaged in the windlass mechanism while walking, and they played a major role as bridges to promote posterior to anterior and medial to lateral force transference.



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

Use of ACE-inhibitors and falls in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Publication date: Available online 22 February 2017
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Alice Laudisio, Maria Rita Lo Lo Monaco, Maria Caterina Silveri, Anna Rita Bentivoglio, Davide L. Vetrano, Maria Stella Pisciotta, Vincenzo Brandi, Roberto Bernabei, Giuseppe Zuccalà
Falls represent a major concern in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD); however, currently acknowledged treatments for PD are not effective in reducing the risk of falling. The aim was to assess the association of use of ACE-inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) with falls among patients with PD.We analysed data of 194 elderly with PD attending a geriatric Day Hospital. Self-reported history of falls that occurred over the last year, as well as use of drugs, including ACEIs and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) were recorded. The association of the occurrence of any falls with use of ACEIs, and ARBs was assessed by logistic regression analysis. The association between the number of falls and use of ACEIs, and ARBs was assessed according to Poisson regression.In logistic regression, after adjusting for potential confounders, use of ACEIs was associated with a reduced probability of falling over the last year (OR=.15, 95% CI=.03 − .81; P=.028). This association did not vary with blood pressure levels (P for the interaction term=.528). Also, using Poisson regression, use of ACEIs predicted a reduced number of falls among participants who fell (PR=.31; 95% CI=.10-.94; P=.039). No association was found between use of ARBs and falls.Our results indicate that use of ACEIs might be independently associated with reduced probability, and a reduced number of falls among patients with PD. Dedicated studies are needed to define the single agents and dosages that might most effectively reduce the risk of falling in clinical practice.



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

Drug treatment could combat hearing loss

Within the inner ear, thousands of hair cells detect sound waves and translate them into nerve signals that allow us to hear speech, music, and other everyday sounds.

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

Drug treatment could combat hearing loss

Within the inner ear, thousands of hair cells detect sound waves and translate them into nerve signals that allow us to hear speech, music, and other everyday sounds.

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

Drug treatment could combat hearing loss

Within the inner ear, thousands of hair cells detect sound waves and translate them into nerve signals that allow us to hear speech, music, and other everyday sounds.

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

Tinnitus Cure Very Soon

According to a story reported by London’s Express, there could be a tinnitus cure very soon.

Scientists Believe They are Close

Researchers at the University of Western Australia believe they have found a way to eliminate the once unstoppable tinnitus, a condition suffered by over 50 million Americans.

What the university has developed is a drug called furosemide. The drug works by minimizing activity in the auditory nerve. This reduces the neural hyperactivity in the region of the brain that processes sound. While not yet tested on human subjects, guinea pigs given tinnitus were apparently cured after being treated with fuosemide. This is a promising sign there could be a tinnitus cure very soon.

The project’s lead scientist, Dr Helmy Mulders, reported, “Studies in human tinnitus sufferers are still needed to confirm our results but lowering the activity of the auditory nerve may be a promising approach.”

Can Tinnitus Actually Be Cured?

While it is not life threatening, tinnitus is at the least bothersome and uncomfortable. At its worst, it can make concentration difficult and has been linked to migraines. The hissing, ringing, buzzing and even roaring in the ear can have a dynamic impact on sufferers. Some have to manage occasional bouts of the condition. Others live with a never-ending noise.

For many, the idea of a tinnitus cure very soon is a miraculous revelation. Unfortunately, there have been claims before. You can find them on TV, the Internet and in the press. Many of these treatments offer no documentation or history of curing the condition.

Thomas Lübbert is a member of a local tinnitus support group, “Freizeichen,” in Freiburg, Germany. He says, “There is no shortage of claims and promises.”

Most so-called cures consist of no more than therapy, relaxation and counseling. The truth is some of these methods have been known to lessen the condition’s impact. The more legit treatments do not cure but show sufferers how to live with the condition.

While the idea of a tinnitus cure very soon would please the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the organization has not recognized any scientifically-validated cure. They do support and acknowledge treatment options advocated by the American Tinnitus Association. But this organization does not promote cures, but tools and remedies that have proven to provide comfort to sufferers.

But if we can look forward to a tinnitus cure very soon, it cannot come soon enough for the many millions living with the condition.

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