City Noise Positively Correlates with Hearing Loss

It turns out where you live might determine whether you'll have hearing loss. A study conducted by the German company Mimi Hearing Technologies (http://ift.tt/2lluGPM) and Charité University Hospital in Berlin found hearing loss has a 64 percent positive correlation with noise pollution levels in a city. Researchers used data from 200,000 hearing tests conducted on Mimi's hearing test app in 50 cities worldwide to calculate the average hearing loss of each city, which was then used to assign each city a hearing loss rank and noise pollution rank. The two ranks were then combined to create the combined hearing loss index. Guangzhou, New Delhi, and Cairo topped the list, while Zurich, Oslo, and Vienna were found to be least afflicted by noise pollution.

These findings are preliminary and have yet to be submitted for peer-reviewed publication, according to an article about the study in The Nation. (Mar. 4, 2017; http://bit.ly/2lKWcq8.) But Henrik Matthies, managing director of Mimi Hearing Technologies, said these results are robust. "The fact that noise pollution and hearing loss have such a tight correlation points to an intricate relationship." Matthies told AFP. Mimi published these findings in celebration of this year's World Hearing Day. The complete results and more information about the study's methodology is available here. 

Published: 3/10/2017 9:30:00 AM

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City Noise Positively Correlates with Hearing Loss

It turns out where you live might determine whether you'll have hearing loss. A study conducted by the German company Mimi Hearing Technologies (http://ift.tt/2lluGPM) and Charité University Hospital in Berlin found hearing loss has a 64 percent positive correlation with noise pollution levels in a city. Researchers used data from 200,000 hearing tests conducted on Mimi's hearing test app in 50 cities worldwide to calculate the average hearing loss of each city, which was then used to assign each city a hearing loss rank and noise pollution rank. The two ranks were then combined to create the combined hearing loss index. Guangzhou, New Delhi, and Cairo topped the list, while Zurich, Oslo, and Vienna were found to be least afflicted by noise pollution.

These findings are preliminary and have yet to be submitted for peer-reviewed publication, according to an article about the study in The Nation. (Mar. 4, 2017; http://bit.ly/2lKWcq8.) But Henrik Matthies, managing director of Mimi Hearing Technologies, said these results are robust. "The fact that noise pollution and hearing loss have such a tight correlation points to an intricate relationship." Matthies told AFP. Mimi published these findings in celebration of this year's World Hearing Day. The complete results and more information about the study's methodology is available here. 

Published: 3/10/2017 9:30:00 AM

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City Noise Positively Correlates with Hearing Loss

It turns out where you live might determine whether you'll have hearing loss. A study conducted by the German company Mimi Hearing Technologies (http://ift.tt/2lluGPM) and Charité University Hospital in Berlin found hearing loss has a 64 percent positive correlation with noise pollution levels in a city. Researchers used data from 200,000 hearing tests conducted on Mimi's hearing test app in 50 cities worldwide to calculate the average hearing loss of each city, which was then used to assign each city a hearing loss rank and noise pollution rank. The two ranks were then combined to create the combined hearing loss index. Guangzhou, New Delhi, and Cairo topped the list, while Zurich, Oslo, and Vienna were found to be least afflicted by noise pollution.

These findings are preliminary and have yet to be submitted for peer-reviewed publication, according to an article about the study in The Nation. (Mar. 4, 2017; http://bit.ly/2lKWcq8.) But Henrik Matthies, managing director of Mimi Hearing Technologies, said these results are robust. "The fact that noise pollution and hearing loss have such a tight correlation points to an intricate relationship." Matthies told AFP. Mimi published these findings in celebration of this year's World Hearing Day. The complete results and more information about the study's methodology is available here. 

Published: 3/10/2017 9:30:00 AM

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Usefulness of self-report questionnaires for psychological assessment of patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis and patients' views of the questionnaires.

Related Articles

Usefulness of self-report questionnaires for psychological assessment of patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis and patients' views of the questionnaires.

Int J Audiol. 2017 Mar 09;:1-10

Authors: Aazh H, Moore BC

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the relevance and applicability of psychological questionnaires to patients seeking help for tinnitus and/or hyperacusis.
DESIGN: This was a questionnaire-based survey. The following questionnaires were administered: Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI), Mini-Social Phobia Inventory (Mini-SPIN), Obsessive Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R), Panic Disorder Severity Scale-Self Report (PDSS-SR), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Penn State Worry Questionnaire-Abbreviated version (PSWQ-A). In addition, a patient feedback questionnaire was completed asking about the extent to which each questionnaire was relevant to them and how strongly they would recommend its use in the assessment of patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis.
STUDY SAMPLE: A total of 150/402 consecutive patients seen in a one-year period completed the questionnaires.
RESULTS: 65% of patients had abnormal scores for one or more of the questionnaires. All questionnaires except the PDSS-SR were rated as relevant and recommended for use.
CONCLUSIONS: The GAD-7, SHAI, Mini-SPIN, OCI-R, PSWQ-A and PHQ-9 are recommended for evaluation of psychological problems for patients seeking help for tinnitus and/or hyperacusis. Abnormal results on these questionnaires may indicate the need for referral for possible treatment of psychological problems.

PMID: 28277857 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Usefulness of self-report questionnaires for psychological assessment of patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis and patients' views of the questionnaires.

Related Articles

Usefulness of self-report questionnaires for psychological assessment of patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis and patients' views of the questionnaires.

Int J Audiol. 2017 Mar 09;:1-10

Authors: Aazh H, Moore BC

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the relevance and applicability of psychological questionnaires to patients seeking help for tinnitus and/or hyperacusis.
DESIGN: This was a questionnaire-based survey. The following questionnaires were administered: Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI), Mini-Social Phobia Inventory (Mini-SPIN), Obsessive Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R), Panic Disorder Severity Scale-Self Report (PDSS-SR), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Penn State Worry Questionnaire-Abbreviated version (PSWQ-A). In addition, a patient feedback questionnaire was completed asking about the extent to which each questionnaire was relevant to them and how strongly they would recommend its use in the assessment of patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis.
STUDY SAMPLE: A total of 150/402 consecutive patients seen in a one-year period completed the questionnaires.
RESULTS: 65% of patients had abnormal scores for one or more of the questionnaires. All questionnaires except the PDSS-SR were rated as relevant and recommended for use.
CONCLUSIONS: The GAD-7, SHAI, Mini-SPIN, OCI-R, PSWQ-A and PHQ-9 are recommended for evaluation of psychological problems for patients seeking help for tinnitus and/or hyperacusis. Abnormal results on these questionnaires may indicate the need for referral for possible treatment of psychological problems.

PMID: 28277857 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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

Usefulness of self-report questionnaires for psychological assessment of patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis and patients' views of the questionnaires.

Related Articles

Usefulness of self-report questionnaires for psychological assessment of patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis and patients' views of the questionnaires.

Int J Audiol. 2017 Mar 09;:1-10

Authors: Aazh H, Moore BC

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the relevance and applicability of psychological questionnaires to patients seeking help for tinnitus and/or hyperacusis.
DESIGN: This was a questionnaire-based survey. The following questionnaires were administered: Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI), Mini-Social Phobia Inventory (Mini-SPIN), Obsessive Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R), Panic Disorder Severity Scale-Self Report (PDSS-SR), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Penn State Worry Questionnaire-Abbreviated version (PSWQ-A). In addition, a patient feedback questionnaire was completed asking about the extent to which each questionnaire was relevant to them and how strongly they would recommend its use in the assessment of patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis.
STUDY SAMPLE: A total of 150/402 consecutive patients seen in a one-year period completed the questionnaires.
RESULTS: 65% of patients had abnormal scores for one or more of the questionnaires. All questionnaires except the PDSS-SR were rated as relevant and recommended for use.
CONCLUSIONS: The GAD-7, SHAI, Mini-SPIN, OCI-R, PSWQ-A and PHQ-9 are recommended for evaluation of psychological problems for patients seeking help for tinnitus and/or hyperacusis. Abnormal results on these questionnaires may indicate the need for referral for possible treatment of psychological problems.

PMID: 28277857 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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

Usefulness of self-report questionnaires for psychological assessment of patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis and patients' views of the questionnaires.

Related Articles

Usefulness of self-report questionnaires for psychological assessment of patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis and patients' views of the questionnaires.

Int J Audiol. 2017 Mar 09;:1-10

Authors: Aazh H, Moore BC

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the relevance and applicability of psychological questionnaires to patients seeking help for tinnitus and/or hyperacusis.
DESIGN: This was a questionnaire-based survey. The following questionnaires were administered: Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI), Mini-Social Phobia Inventory (Mini-SPIN), Obsessive Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R), Panic Disorder Severity Scale-Self Report (PDSS-SR), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Penn State Worry Questionnaire-Abbreviated version (PSWQ-A). In addition, a patient feedback questionnaire was completed asking about the extent to which each questionnaire was relevant to them and how strongly they would recommend its use in the assessment of patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis.
STUDY SAMPLE: A total of 150/402 consecutive patients seen in a one-year period completed the questionnaires.
RESULTS: 65% of patients had abnormal scores for one or more of the questionnaires. All questionnaires except the PDSS-SR were rated as relevant and recommended for use.
CONCLUSIONS: The GAD-7, SHAI, Mini-SPIN, OCI-R, PSWQ-A and PHQ-9 are recommended for evaluation of psychological problems for patients seeking help for tinnitus and/or hyperacusis. Abnormal results on these questionnaires may indicate the need for referral for possible treatment of psychological problems.

PMID: 28277857 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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May 1, 2017 – 3rd Annual Speech-Language Awareness and Information Day

Please save the date for the 3rd annual Speech-Language Awareness and Information Day (SAID) hosted by the San Diego State University School of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. More details to follow.

 

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May 1, 2017 – 3rd Annual Speech-Language Awareness and Information Day

Please save the date for the 3rd annual Speech-Language Awareness and Information Day (SAID) hosted by the San Diego State University School of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. More details to follow.

 

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May 1, 2017 – 3rd Annual Speech-Language Awareness and Information Day

Please save the date for the 3rd annual Speech-Language Awareness and Information Day (SAID) hosted by the San Diego State University School of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. More details to follow.

 

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Effects of treadmill training with load addition on non-paretic lower limb on gait parameters after stroke: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Publication date: Available online 10 March 2017
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Tatiana S. Ribeiro, Emília M.G.S. Silva, Isaíra A.P. Silva, Mayara F.P. Costa, Fabrícia A.C. Cavalcanti, Ana R.R. Lindquist
The addition of load on the non-paretic lower limb for the purpose of restraining this limb and stimulating the use of the paretic limb has been suggested to improve hemiparetic gait. However, the results are conflicting and only short-term effects have been observed. This study aims to investigate the effects of adding load on non-paretic lower limb during treadmill gait training as a multisession intervention on kinematic gait parameters after stroke. With this aim, 38 subacute stroke patients (mean time since stroke: 4.5 months) were randomly divided into two groups: treadmill training with load (equivalent to 5% of body weight) on the non-paretic ankle (experimental group) and treadmill training without load (control group). Both groups performed treadmill training during 30minutes per day, for two consecutive weeks (nine sessions). Spatiotemporal and angular gait parameters were assessed by a motion system analysis at baseline, post-training (at the end of 9days of interventions) and follow-up (40days after the end of interventions). Several post-training effects were demonstrated: patients walked faster and with longer paretic and non-paretic steps compared to baseline, and maintained these gains at follow-up. In addition, patients exhibited greater hip and knee joint excursion in both limbs at post-training, while maintaining most of these benefits at follow-up. All these improvements were observed in both groups. Although the proposal gait training program has provided better gait parameters for these subacute stroke patients, our data indicate that load addition used as a restraint may not provide additional benefits to gait training.



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The attentional demands of ambulating with an assistive device in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease

Publication date: Available online 10 March 2017
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): S.W. Muir-Hunter, M. Montero-Odasso
Ambulation with a mobility aid is a unique real-life situation of multi-tasking. These simultaneous motor tasks place increased demands on executive function in healthy young and older adults, but the demands have not been evaluated in people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Mobility problems are common among adults with AD, leading to provision of a mobility aid to optimize independent activity. The study objectives were: (i) to determine the dual-task cost (DTC) associated with the use of a mobility aid in straight and complex path walking, and (ii) to evaluate the association between executive function and ambulation with a mobility aid in older adults with AD and age-sex matched cognitively normal controls. Fourteen people (mean age±SD, 72.6±9.9years) with a diagnosis of probable AD (MMSE range 12-25) and controls (mean age±SD, 72.9±9.5) walked at a self-selected pace and using a 4-wheeled walker in a 6meter straight path and a Figure of 8 Test. Ambulation with the walker in a straight path produced a low DTC that was not different between the groups. Ambulation with the 4-wheeled walker in the complex path produced a significantly different DTC in the group with AD at −38.1±23.5% compared to −19.7±21.4% (p=0.041). Lower scores on executive function were associated with longer times across test conditions. Ambulation with a 4-wheeled walker, in particular maneuvering around obstacles, requires greater attentional costs in dementia. Future research should explore the timing for safely introducing mobility aids in AD and the role of improving executive function.



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Effects of sit-to-stand training combined with transcutaneous electrical stimulation on spasticity, muscle strength and balance ability in patients with stroke: a randomized controlled study

Publication date: Available online 10 March 2017
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Kyoung-Sim Jung, Tae-Sung In, Hwi-young Cho
Sit-to-stand is a fundamental movement of human being for performing mobility and independent activity. However, Stroke people symptoms experience difficulty in conducting the sit-to-stand due to paralysis and especially ankle spasticity. Recently, transcutaneouselectrical- stimulation (TENS) is used to reduce pain but also to manage spasticity. The purpose of this study was to determine (1) whether TENS would lead to ankle spasticity reduction and (2) whether sit-to-stand training combined with TENS would improve spasticity, muscle strength and balance ability in stroke patients. Forty-stroke patients were recruited and were randomly divided into two groups: TENS group (n=20) and sham group (n=20). All participants underwent 30-sessions of sit-to-stand training (for 15-minutes, five-times per week for 6-weeks). Prior to each training session, 30-minutes of TENS over the peroneal nerve was given in TENS group, whereas sham group received non-electrically stimulated TENS for the same amount of time. Composite-Spasticity-Score was used to assess spasticity level of ankle plantar-flexors. Isometric strength in the extensor of hip, knee and ankle were measured by handhelddynamometer. Postural-sway distance was measured using a force platform. The spasticity score in the TENS group (2.6±0.8) improved significantly greater than the sham group (0.7±0.8, p <0.05). The muscle strength of hip extensor in the TENS group (2.7±1.1kg) was significantly higher than the sham group (1.0±0.8kg, p <0.05). Significant improvement in postural-sway was observed in the TENS group compared to the sham group (p <0.05). Thus, sit-to-stand training combined with TENS may be used to improve the spasticity, balance function and muscle strength in stroke patients.



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Effects of treadmill incline and speed on peroneus longus muscle activity in persons with chronic

Publication date: Available online 10 March 2017
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Roghayeh Mohammadi, Chetan P. Phadke
ObjectiveTo examine the effects of walking at different inclines and speeds on Peroneus Longus (PL) muscle activation and medial gastrocnemius (MG) coactivation with PL in healthy controls and subjects with stroke.DesignNineteen persons post-stroke (13M/6F) and fifteen healthy controls (10M/5F) walked on a treadmill at different inclines (0°, 3°, and 6°) and speeds (self-selected, self-selected+20%, self-selected+40%). The electromyographic activity of the PL and MG muscles in the stance phase of gait cycle was measured.ResultsThe paretic PL muscle activity did not change with incline, but increased at +40% speed only (p<0.05). The nonparetic PL increased at 6° incline and at faster speeds (p<0.05). In the healthy group, PL muscle activity increased only on the right side at 6° incline, but increased bilaterally at +40% faster speed (p<0.05). The timing of PL muscle activity did not change with incline (p>0.05), but was significantly delayed at +40% faster speed on the paretic side only (p<0.05). In healthy controls, PL muscle activation timing was unchanged with incline (p>0.05), but was significantly delayed at +40% speed only on the left side (p<0.05). The MG/PL amplitude and timing ratios were not significantly different between various walking conditions (p>0.05).ConclusionAn increase in PL activity occurs to provide ankle stability at walking speeds up to 40% faster than the self-selected speed. Important interlimb differences which may be related to leg dominance and motor control were observed in both stroke and healthy control groups in both PL muscle timing and their clinical impact should be investigated in future studies.



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Effects of treadmill training with load addition on non-paretic lower limb on gait parameters after stroke: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Publication date: Available online 10 March 2017
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Tatiana S. Ribeiro, Emília M.G.S. Silva, Isaíra A.P. Silva, Mayara F.P. Costa, Fabrícia A.C. Cavalcanti, Ana R.R. Lindquist
The addition of load on the non-paretic lower limb for the purpose of restraining this limb and stimulating the use of the paretic limb has been suggested to improve hemiparetic gait. However, the results are conflicting and only short-term effects have been observed. This study aims to investigate the effects of adding load on non-paretic lower limb during treadmill gait training as a multisession intervention on kinematic gait parameters after stroke. With this aim, 38 subacute stroke patients (mean time since stroke: 4.5 months) were randomly divided into two groups: treadmill training with load (equivalent to 5% of body weight) on the non-paretic ankle (experimental group) and treadmill training without load (control group). Both groups performed treadmill training during 30minutes per day, for two consecutive weeks (nine sessions). Spatiotemporal and angular gait parameters were assessed by a motion system analysis at baseline, post-training (at the end of 9days of interventions) and follow-up (40days after the end of interventions). Several post-training effects were demonstrated: patients walked faster and with longer paretic and non-paretic steps compared to baseline, and maintained these gains at follow-up. In addition, patients exhibited greater hip and knee joint excursion in both limbs at post-training, while maintaining most of these benefits at follow-up. All these improvements were observed in both groups. Although the proposal gait training program has provided better gait parameters for these subacute stroke patients, our data indicate that load addition used as a restraint may not provide additional benefits to gait training.



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The attentional demands of ambulating with an assistive device in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease

Publication date: Available online 10 March 2017
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): S.W. Muir-Hunter, M. Montero-Odasso
Ambulation with a mobility aid is a unique real-life situation of multi-tasking. These simultaneous motor tasks place increased demands on executive function in healthy young and older adults, but the demands have not been evaluated in people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Mobility problems are common among adults with AD, leading to provision of a mobility aid to optimize independent activity. The study objectives were: (i) to determine the dual-task cost (DTC) associated with the use of a mobility aid in straight and complex path walking, and (ii) to evaluate the association between executive function and ambulation with a mobility aid in older adults with AD and age-sex matched cognitively normal controls. Fourteen people (mean age±SD, 72.6±9.9years) with a diagnosis of probable AD (MMSE range 12-25) and controls (mean age±SD, 72.9±9.5) walked at a self-selected pace and using a 4-wheeled walker in a 6meter straight path and a Figure of 8 Test. Ambulation with the walker in a straight path produced a low DTC that was not different between the groups. Ambulation with the 4-wheeled walker in the complex path produced a significantly different DTC in the group with AD at −38.1±23.5% compared to −19.7±21.4% (p=0.041). Lower scores on executive function were associated with longer times across test conditions. Ambulation with a 4-wheeled walker, in particular maneuvering around obstacles, requires greater attentional costs in dementia. Future research should explore the timing for safely introducing mobility aids in AD and the role of improving executive function.



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via IFTTT

Effects of sit-to-stand training combined with transcutaneous electrical stimulation on spasticity, muscle strength and balance ability in patients with stroke: a randomized controlled study

Publication date: Available online 10 March 2017
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Kyoung-Sim Jung, Tae-Sung In, Hwi-young Cho
Sit-to-stand is a fundamental movement of human being for performing mobility and independent activity. However, Stroke people symptoms experience difficulty in conducting the sit-to-stand due to paralysis and especially ankle spasticity. Recently, transcutaneouselectrical- stimulation (TENS) is used to reduce pain but also to manage spasticity. The purpose of this study was to determine (1) whether TENS would lead to ankle spasticity reduction and (2) whether sit-to-stand training combined with TENS would improve spasticity, muscle strength and balance ability in stroke patients. Forty-stroke patients were recruited and were randomly divided into two groups: TENS group (n=20) and sham group (n=20). All participants underwent 30-sessions of sit-to-stand training (for 15-minutes, five-times per week for 6-weeks). Prior to each training session, 30-minutes of TENS over the peroneal nerve was given in TENS group, whereas sham group received non-electrically stimulated TENS for the same amount of time. Composite-Spasticity-Score was used to assess spasticity level of ankle plantar-flexors. Isometric strength in the extensor of hip, knee and ankle were measured by handhelddynamometer. Postural-sway distance was measured using a force platform. The spasticity score in the TENS group (2.6±0.8) improved significantly greater than the sham group (0.7±0.8, p <0.05). The muscle strength of hip extensor in the TENS group (2.7±1.1kg) was significantly higher than the sham group (1.0±0.8kg, p <0.05). Significant improvement in postural-sway was observed in the TENS group compared to the sham group (p <0.05). Thus, sit-to-stand training combined with TENS may be used to improve the spasticity, balance function and muscle strength in stroke patients.



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

Effects of treadmill incline and speed on peroneus longus muscle activity in persons with chronic

Publication date: Available online 10 March 2017
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Roghayeh Mohammadi, Chetan P. Phadke
ObjectiveTo examine the effects of walking at different inclines and speeds on Peroneus Longus (PL) muscle activation and medial gastrocnemius (MG) coactivation with PL in healthy controls and subjects with stroke.DesignNineteen persons post-stroke (13M/6F) and fifteen healthy controls (10M/5F) walked on a treadmill at different inclines (0°, 3°, and 6°) and speeds (self-selected, self-selected+20%, self-selected+40%). The electromyographic activity of the PL and MG muscles in the stance phase of gait cycle was measured.ResultsThe paretic PL muscle activity did not change with incline, but increased at +40% speed only (p<0.05). The nonparetic PL increased at 6° incline and at faster speeds (p<0.05). In the healthy group, PL muscle activity increased only on the right side at 6° incline, but increased bilaterally at +40% faster speed (p<0.05). The timing of PL muscle activity did not change with incline (p>0.05), but was significantly delayed at +40% faster speed on the paretic side only (p<0.05). In healthy controls, PL muscle activation timing was unchanged with incline (p>0.05), but was significantly delayed at +40% speed only on the left side (p<0.05). The MG/PL amplitude and timing ratios were not significantly different between various walking conditions (p>0.05).ConclusionAn increase in PL activity occurs to provide ankle stability at walking speeds up to 40% faster than the self-selected speed. Important interlimb differences which may be related to leg dominance and motor control were observed in both stroke and healthy control groups in both PL muscle timing and their clinical impact should be investigated in future studies.



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via IFTTT

Effects of treadmill training with load addition on non-paretic lower limb on gait parameters after stroke: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Publication date: Available online 10 March 2017
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Tatiana S. Ribeiro, Emília M.G.S. Silva, Isaíra A.P. Silva, Mayara F.P. Costa, Fabrícia A.C. Cavalcanti, Ana R.R. Lindquist
The addition of load on the non-paretic lower limb for the purpose of restraining this limb and stimulating the use of the paretic limb has been suggested to improve hemiparetic gait. However, the results are conflicting and only short-term effects have been observed. This study aims to investigate the effects of adding load on non-paretic lower limb during treadmill gait training as a multisession intervention on kinematic gait parameters after stroke. With this aim, 38 subacute stroke patients (mean time since stroke: 4.5 months) were randomly divided into two groups: treadmill training with load (equivalent to 5% of body weight) on the non-paretic ankle (experimental group) and treadmill training without load (control group). Both groups performed treadmill training during 30minutes per day, for two consecutive weeks (nine sessions). Spatiotemporal and angular gait parameters were assessed by a motion system analysis at baseline, post-training (at the end of 9days of interventions) and follow-up (40days after the end of interventions). Several post-training effects were demonstrated: patients walked faster and with longer paretic and non-paretic steps compared to baseline, and maintained these gains at follow-up. In addition, patients exhibited greater hip and knee joint excursion in both limbs at post-training, while maintaining most of these benefits at follow-up. All these improvements were observed in both groups. Although the proposal gait training program has provided better gait parameters for these subacute stroke patients, our data indicate that load addition used as a restraint may not provide additional benefits to gait training.



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via IFTTT

The attentional demands of ambulating with an assistive device in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease

Publication date: Available online 10 March 2017
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): S.W. Muir-Hunter, M. Montero-Odasso
Ambulation with a mobility aid is a unique real-life situation of multi-tasking. These simultaneous motor tasks place increased demands on executive function in healthy young and older adults, but the demands have not been evaluated in people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Mobility problems are common among adults with AD, leading to provision of a mobility aid to optimize independent activity. The study objectives were: (i) to determine the dual-task cost (DTC) associated with the use of a mobility aid in straight and complex path walking, and (ii) to evaluate the association between executive function and ambulation with a mobility aid in older adults with AD and age-sex matched cognitively normal controls. Fourteen people (mean age±SD, 72.6±9.9years) with a diagnosis of probable AD (MMSE range 12-25) and controls (mean age±SD, 72.9±9.5) walked at a self-selected pace and using a 4-wheeled walker in a 6meter straight path and a Figure of 8 Test. Ambulation with the walker in a straight path produced a low DTC that was not different between the groups. Ambulation with the 4-wheeled walker in the complex path produced a significantly different DTC in the group with AD at −38.1±23.5% compared to −19.7±21.4% (p=0.041). Lower scores on executive function were associated with longer times across test conditions. Ambulation with a 4-wheeled walker, in particular maneuvering around obstacles, requires greater attentional costs in dementia. Future research should explore the timing for safely introducing mobility aids in AD and the role of improving executive function.



from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2n8opay
via IFTTT

Effects of sit-to-stand training combined with transcutaneous electrical stimulation on spasticity, muscle strength and balance ability in patients with stroke: a randomized controlled study

Publication date: Available online 10 March 2017
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Kyoung-Sim Jung, Tae-Sung In, Hwi-young Cho
Sit-to-stand is a fundamental movement of human being for performing mobility and independent activity. However, Stroke people symptoms experience difficulty in conducting the sit-to-stand due to paralysis and especially ankle spasticity. Recently, transcutaneouselectrical- stimulation (TENS) is used to reduce pain but also to manage spasticity. The purpose of this study was to determine (1) whether TENS would lead to ankle spasticity reduction and (2) whether sit-to-stand training combined with TENS would improve spasticity, muscle strength and balance ability in stroke patients. Forty-stroke patients were recruited and were randomly divided into two groups: TENS group (n=20) and sham group (n=20). All participants underwent 30-sessions of sit-to-stand training (for 15-minutes, five-times per week for 6-weeks). Prior to each training session, 30-minutes of TENS over the peroneal nerve was given in TENS group, whereas sham group received non-electrically stimulated TENS for the same amount of time. Composite-Spasticity-Score was used to assess spasticity level of ankle plantar-flexors. Isometric strength in the extensor of hip, knee and ankle were measured by handhelddynamometer. Postural-sway distance was measured using a force platform. The spasticity score in the TENS group (2.6±0.8) improved significantly greater than the sham group (0.7±0.8, p <0.05). The muscle strength of hip extensor in the TENS group (2.7±1.1kg) was significantly higher than the sham group (1.0±0.8kg, p <0.05). Significant improvement in postural-sway was observed in the TENS group compared to the sham group (p <0.05). Thus, sit-to-stand training combined with TENS may be used to improve the spasticity, balance function and muscle strength in stroke patients.



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Effects of treadmill incline and speed on peroneus longus muscle activity in persons with chronic

Publication date: Available online 10 March 2017
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Roghayeh Mohammadi, Chetan P. Phadke
ObjectiveTo examine the effects of walking at different inclines and speeds on Peroneus Longus (PL) muscle activation and medial gastrocnemius (MG) coactivation with PL in healthy controls and subjects with stroke.DesignNineteen persons post-stroke (13M/6F) and fifteen healthy controls (10M/5F) walked on a treadmill at different inclines (0°, 3°, and 6°) and speeds (self-selected, self-selected+20%, self-selected+40%). The electromyographic activity of the PL and MG muscles in the stance phase of gait cycle was measured.ResultsThe paretic PL muscle activity did not change with incline, but increased at +40% speed only (p<0.05). The nonparetic PL increased at 6° incline and at faster speeds (p<0.05). In the healthy group, PL muscle activity increased only on the right side at 6° incline, but increased bilaterally at +40% faster speed (p<0.05). The timing of PL muscle activity did not change with incline (p>0.05), but was significantly delayed at +40% faster speed on the paretic side only (p<0.05). In healthy controls, PL muscle activation timing was unchanged with incline (p>0.05), but was significantly delayed at +40% speed only on the left side (p<0.05). The MG/PL amplitude and timing ratios were not significantly different between various walking conditions (p>0.05).ConclusionAn increase in PL activity occurs to provide ankle stability at walking speeds up to 40% faster than the self-selected speed. Important interlimb differences which may be related to leg dominance and motor control were observed in both stroke and healthy control groups in both PL muscle timing and their clinical impact should be investigated in future studies.



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The Effect of Tinnitus on Listening Effort in Normal-Hearing Young Adults: A Preliminary Study

Purpose

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic tinnitus on listening effort.

Method

Thirteen normal-hearing young adults with chronic tinnitus were matched with a control group for age, gender, hearing thresholds, and educational level. A dual-task paradigm was used to evaluate listening effort in different listening conditions. A primary speech-recognition task and a secondary memory task were performed both separately and simultaneously. Furthermore, subjective listening effort was questioned for various listening situations. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory was used to control for tinnitus handicap.

Results

Listening effort significantly increased in the tinnitus group across listening conditions. There was no significant difference in listening effort between listening conditions, nor was there an interaction between groups and listening conditions. Subjective listening effort did not significantly differ between both groups.

Conclusions

This study is a first exploration of listening effort in normal-hearing participants with chronic tinnitus showing that listening effort is increased as compared with a control group. There is a need to further investigate the cognitive functions important for speech understanding and their possible relation with the presence of tinnitus and listening effort.

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Polish Vocabulary Development in 2-Year-Olds: Comparisons With English Using the Language Development Survey

Purpose

The objective of this study was to compare vocabulary size and composition in 2-year-olds learning Polish or English as measured by the Language Development Survey (LDS; Rescorla, 1989).

Method

Participants were 199 Polish toddlers (M = 24.14 months, SD = 0.35) and 422 U.S. toddlers (M = 24.69 months, SD = 0.78).

Results

Test–retest reliability was .92, internal consistency was .99, and concurrent validity was .55. Girls had higher vocabulary scores than boys. Mean LDS score was significantly lower in Polish than in English, and fewer Polish children had LDS scores >200 words. Also, more words were reported for Conclusions

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Weaknesses in Lexical-Semantic Knowledge Among College Students With Specific Learning Disabilities: Evidence From a Semantic Fluency Task

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine whether deficits in executive function and lexical-semantic memory compromise the linguistic performance of young adults with specific learning disabilities (LD) enrolled in postsecondary studies.

Method

One hundred eighty-five students with LD (n = 53) or normal language development (ND, n = 132) named items in the categories animals and food for 1 minute for each category and completed tests of lexical-semantic knowledge and executive control of memory. Groups were compared on total names, mean cluster size, frequency of embedded clusters, frequency of cluster switches, and change in fluency over time. Secondary analyses of variability within the LD group were also conducted.

Results

The LD group was less fluent than the ND group. Within the LD group, lexical-semantic knowledge predicted semantic fluency and cluster size; executive control of memory predicted semantic fluency and cluster switches. The LD group produced smaller clusters and fewer embedded clusters than the ND group. Groups did not differ in switching or change over time.

Conclusions

Deficits in the lexical-semantic system associated with LD may persist into young adulthood, even among those who have managed their disability well enough to attend college. Lexical-semantic deficits are associated with compromised semantic fluency, and the two problems are more likely among students with more severe disabilities.

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The Effect of Tinnitus on Listening Effort in Normal-Hearing Young Adults: A Preliminary Study

Purpose

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic tinnitus on listening effort.

Method

Thirteen normal-hearing young adults with chronic tinnitus were matched with a control group for age, gender, hearing thresholds, and educational level. A dual-task paradigm was used to evaluate listening effort in different listening conditions. A primary speech-recognition task and a secondary memory task were performed both separately and simultaneously. Furthermore, subjective listening effort was questioned for various listening situations. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory was used to control for tinnitus handicap.

Results

Listening effort significantly increased in the tinnitus group across listening conditions. There was no significant difference in listening effort between listening conditions, nor was there an interaction between groups and listening conditions. Subjective listening effort did not significantly differ between both groups.

Conclusions

This study is a first exploration of listening effort in normal-hearing participants with chronic tinnitus showing that listening effort is increased as compared with a control group. There is a need to further investigate the cognitive functions important for speech understanding and their possible relation with the presence of tinnitus and listening effort.

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Polish Vocabulary Development in 2-Year-Olds: Comparisons With English Using the Language Development Survey

Purpose

The objective of this study was to compare vocabulary size and composition in 2-year-olds learning Polish or English as measured by the Language Development Survey (LDS; Rescorla, 1989).

Method

Participants were 199 Polish toddlers (M = 24.14 months, SD = 0.35) and 422 U.S. toddlers (M = 24.69 months, SD = 0.78).

Results

Test–retest reliability was .92, internal consistency was .99, and concurrent validity was .55. Girls had higher vocabulary scores than boys. Mean LDS score was significantly lower in Polish than in English, and fewer Polish children had LDS scores >200 words. Also, more words were reported for Conclusions

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Weaknesses in Lexical-Semantic Knowledge Among College Students With Specific Learning Disabilities: Evidence From a Semantic Fluency Task

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine whether deficits in executive function and lexical-semantic memory compromise the linguistic performance of young adults with specific learning disabilities (LD) enrolled in postsecondary studies.

Method

One hundred eighty-five students with LD (n = 53) or normal language development (ND, n = 132) named items in the categories animals and food for 1 minute for each category and completed tests of lexical-semantic knowledge and executive control of memory. Groups were compared on total names, mean cluster size, frequency of embedded clusters, frequency of cluster switches, and change in fluency over time. Secondary analyses of variability within the LD group were also conducted.

Results

The LD group was less fluent than the ND group. Within the LD group, lexical-semantic knowledge predicted semantic fluency and cluster size; executive control of memory predicted semantic fluency and cluster switches. The LD group produced smaller clusters and fewer embedded clusters than the ND group. Groups did not differ in switching or change over time.

Conclusions

Deficits in the lexical-semantic system associated with LD may persist into young adulthood, even among those who have managed their disability well enough to attend college. Lexical-semantic deficits are associated with compromised semantic fluency, and the two problems are more likely among students with more severe disabilities.

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The Effect of Tinnitus on Listening Effort in Normal-Hearing Young Adults: A Preliminary Study

Purpose

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic tinnitus on listening effort.

Method

Thirteen normal-hearing young adults with chronic tinnitus were matched with a control group for age, gender, hearing thresholds, and educational level. A dual-task paradigm was used to evaluate listening effort in different listening conditions. A primary speech-recognition task and a secondary memory task were performed both separately and simultaneously. Furthermore, subjective listening effort was questioned for various listening situations. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory was used to control for tinnitus handicap.

Results

Listening effort significantly increased in the tinnitus group across listening conditions. There was no significant difference in listening effort between listening conditions, nor was there an interaction between groups and listening conditions. Subjective listening effort did not significantly differ between both groups.

Conclusions

This study is a first exploration of listening effort in normal-hearing participants with chronic tinnitus showing that listening effort is increased as compared with a control group. There is a need to further investigate the cognitive functions important for speech understanding and their possible relation with the presence of tinnitus and listening effort.

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Polish Vocabulary Development in 2-Year-Olds: Comparisons With English Using the Language Development Survey

Purpose

The objective of this study was to compare vocabulary size and composition in 2-year-olds learning Polish or English as measured by the Language Development Survey (LDS; Rescorla, 1989).

Method

Participants were 199 Polish toddlers (M = 24.14 months, SD = 0.35) and 422 U.S. toddlers (M = 24.69 months, SD = 0.78).

Results

Test–retest reliability was .92, internal consistency was .99, and concurrent validity was .55. Girls had higher vocabulary scores than boys. Mean LDS score was significantly lower in Polish than in English, and fewer Polish children had LDS scores >200 words. Also, more words were reported for Conclusions

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Weaknesses in Lexical-Semantic Knowledge Among College Students With Specific Learning Disabilities: Evidence From a Semantic Fluency Task

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine whether deficits in executive function and lexical-semantic memory compromise the linguistic performance of young adults with specific learning disabilities (LD) enrolled in postsecondary studies.

Method

One hundred eighty-five students with LD (n = 53) or normal language development (ND, n = 132) named items in the categories animals and food for 1 minute for each category and completed tests of lexical-semantic knowledge and executive control of memory. Groups were compared on total names, mean cluster size, frequency of embedded clusters, frequency of cluster switches, and change in fluency over time. Secondary analyses of variability within the LD group were also conducted.

Results

The LD group was less fluent than the ND group. Within the LD group, lexical-semantic knowledge predicted semantic fluency and cluster size; executive control of memory predicted semantic fluency and cluster switches. The LD group produced smaller clusters and fewer embedded clusters than the ND group. Groups did not differ in switching or change over time.

Conclusions

Deficits in the lexical-semantic system associated with LD may persist into young adulthood, even among those who have managed their disability well enough to attend college. Lexical-semantic deficits are associated with compromised semantic fluency, and the two problems are more likely among students with more severe disabilities.

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Speech intelligibility and subjective benefit in single-sided deaf adults after cochlear implantation

Publication date: Available online 10 March 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Mareike Finke, Angelika Strauß-Schier, Eugen Kludt, Andreas Büchner, Angelika Illg
Treatment with cochlear implants (CIs) in single-sided deaf individuals started less than a decade ago. CIs can successfully reduce incapacitating tinnitus on the deaf ear and allow, so some extent, the restoration of binaural hearing. Until now, systematic evaluations of subjective CI benefit in post-lingually single-sided deaf individuals and analyses of speech intelligibility outcome for the CI in isolation have been lacking.For the prospective part of this study, the Bern Benefit in Single-Sided Deafness Questionnaire (BBSS) was administered to 48 single-sided deaf CI users to evaluate the subjectively perceived CI benefit across different listening situations. In the retrospective part, speech intelligibility outcome with the CI up to 12 month post-activation was compared between 100 single-sided deaf CI users and 125 bilaterally implanted CI users (2nd implant).The positive median ratings in the BBSS differed significantly from zero for all items suggesting that most individuals with single-sided deafness rate their CI as beneficial across listening situations. The speech perception scores in quiet and noise improved significantly over time in both groups of CI users. Speech intelligibility with the CI in isolation was significantly better in bilaterally implanted CI users (2nd implant) compared to the scores obtained from single-sided deaf CI users.Our results indicate that CI users with single-sided deafness can reach open set speech understanding with their CI in isolation, encouraging the extension of the CI indication to individuals with residual and even normal hearing on the contralateral ear. Compared to the performance reached with bilateral CI users’ second implant, speech reception threshold are lower, indicating an aural preference and dominance of the normal hearing ear. The results from the BBSS propose good satisfaction with the CI across several listening situations.



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Speech intelligibility and subjective benefit in single-sided deaf adults after cochlear implantation

Publication date: Available online 10 March 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Mareike Finke, Angelika Strauß-Schier, Eugen Kludt, Andreas Büchner, Angelika Illg
Treatment with cochlear implants (CIs) in single-sided deaf individuals started less than a decade ago. CIs can successfully reduce incapacitating tinnitus on the deaf ear and allow, so some extent, the restoration of binaural hearing. Until now, systematic evaluations of subjective CI benefit in post-lingually single-sided deaf individuals and analyses of speech intelligibility outcome for the CI in isolation have been lacking.For the prospective part of this study, the Bern Benefit in Single-Sided Deafness Questionnaire (BBSS) was administered to 48 single-sided deaf CI users to evaluate the subjectively perceived CI benefit across different listening situations. In the retrospective part, speech intelligibility outcome with the CI up to 12 month post-activation was compared between 100 single-sided deaf CI users and 125 bilaterally implanted CI users (2nd implant).The positive median ratings in the BBSS differed significantly from zero for all items suggesting that most individuals with single-sided deafness rate their CI as beneficial across listening situations. The speech perception scores in quiet and noise improved significantly over time in both groups of CI users. Speech intelligibility with the CI in isolation was significantly better in bilaterally implanted CI users (2nd implant) compared to the scores obtained from single-sided deaf CI users.Our results indicate that CI users with single-sided deafness can reach open set speech understanding with their CI in isolation, encouraging the extension of the CI indication to individuals with residual and even normal hearing on the contralateral ear. Compared to the performance reached with bilateral CI users’ second implant, speech reception threshold are lower, indicating an aural preference and dominance of the normal hearing ear. The results from the BBSS propose good satisfaction with the CI across several listening situations.



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Speech intelligibility and subjective benefit in single-sided deaf adults after cochlear implantation

Publication date: Available online 10 March 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Mareike Finke, Angelika Strauß-Schier, Eugen Kludt, Andreas Büchner, Angelika Illg
Treatment with cochlear implants (CIs) in single-sided deaf individuals started less than a decade ago. CIs can successfully reduce incapacitating tinnitus on the deaf ear and allow, so some extent, the restoration of binaural hearing. Until now, systematic evaluations of subjective CI benefit in post-lingually single-sided deaf individuals and analyses of speech intelligibility outcome for the CI in isolation have been lacking.For the prospective part of this study, the Bern Benefit in Single-Sided Deafness Questionnaire (BBSS) was administered to 48 single-sided deaf CI users to evaluate the subjectively perceived CI benefit across different listening situations. In the retrospective part, speech intelligibility outcome with the CI up to 12 month post-activation was compared between 100 single-sided deaf CI users and 125 bilaterally implanted CI users (2nd implant).The positive median ratings in the BBSS differed significantly from zero for all items suggesting that most individuals with single-sided deafness rate their CI as beneficial across listening situations. The speech perception scores in quiet and noise improved significantly over time in both groups of CI users. Speech intelligibility with the CI in isolation was significantly better in bilaterally implanted CI users (2nd implant) compared to the scores obtained from single-sided deaf CI users.Our results indicate that CI users with single-sided deafness can reach open set speech understanding with their CI in isolation, encouraging the extension of the CI indication to individuals with residual and even normal hearing on the contralateral ear. Compared to the performance reached with bilateral CI users’ second implant, speech reception threshold are lower, indicating an aural preference and dominance of the normal hearing ear. The results from the BBSS propose good satisfaction with the CI across several listening situations.



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Acoustic Context Alters Vowel Categorization in Perception of Noise-Vocoded Speech

Abstract

Normal-hearing listeners’ speech perception is widely influenced by spectral contrast effects (SCEs), where perception of a given sound is biased away from stable spectral properties of preceding sounds. Despite this influence, it is not clear how these contrast effects affect speech perception for cochlear implant (CI) users whose spectral resolution is notoriously poor. This knowledge is important for understanding how CIs might better encode key spectral properties of the listening environment. Here, SCEs were measured in normal-hearing listeners using noise-vocoded speech to simulate poor spectral resolution. Listeners heard a noise-vocoded sentence where low-F₁ (100–400 Hz) or high-F₁ (550–850 Hz) frequency regions were amplified to encourage “eh” (/ɛ/) or “ih” (/ɪ/) responses to the following target vowel, respectively. This was done by filtering with +20 dB (experiment 1a) or +5 dB gain (experiment 1b) or filtering using 100 % of the difference between spectral envelopes of /ɛ/ and /ɪ/ endpoint vowels (experiment 2a) or only 25 % of this difference (experiment 2b). SCEs influenced identification of noise-vocoded vowels in each experiment at every level of spectral resolution. In every case but one, SCE magnitudes exceeded those reported for full-spectrum speech, particularly when spectral peaks in the preceding sentence were large (+20 dB gain, 100 % of the spectral envelope difference). Even when spectral resolution was insufficient for accurate vowel recognition, SCEs were still evident. Results are suggestive of SCEs influencing CI users’ speech perception as well, encouraging further investigation of CI users’ sensitivity to acoustic context.

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Erratum to <[Journal of Voice, 2016; 29(2): 261.e13–261.e27]>

Publication date: Available online 10 March 2017
Source:Journal of Voice
Author(s): Susanna Whitling, Roland Rydell, Viveka Lyberg Åhlander




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Importance of an Interprofessional Team Approach in Achieving Improved Management of the Dizzy Patient.

Importance of an Interprofessional Team Approach in Achieving Improved Management of the Dizzy Patient.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Mar;28(3):177-186

Authors: Rodriguez AI, Zupancic S, Song MM, Cordero J, Nguyen TQ, Seifert C

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Because of its multifaceted nature, dizziness is difficult for clinicians to diagnose and manage independently. Current treatment trends suggest that patients are often referred to the otolaryngologist for intervention despite having a nonotologic disorder. Additionally, many individuals with atypical presentations are often misdiagnosed and spend a significant amount of time waiting for consultation by the otolaryngologist. Few studies have alluded that implementation of an interprofessional team approach in the diagnosis and management of the dizzy patient can improve clinical decision-making. However, to the authors' knowledge, there is no information specifically quantifying the outcomes and potential benefits of using an interprofessional balance care team approach.
PURPOSE: To compare dizziness diagnoses trends and referral practices with and without the use of an interprofessional management approach within a university healthcare system.
RESEARCH DESIGN: Over the course of a 3-yr period, a retrospective review of the diagnosis and management of dizziness was performed with and without implementation of an interprofessional team. To observe potential differences, year 3 incorporated the interprofessional management approach while years 1-2 did not. The two periods were then compared to each other.
STUDY SAMPLE: A total of 134 patients referred to a university hearing clinic for a vestibular and balance function evaluation.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Diagnoses and management trends were examined with descriptive statistics (percentages and frequencies). Fisher's exact tests, analysis of contingency tables, were conducted to evaluate the influence of interprofessional management on dizziness diagnoses and treatment patterns.
RESULTS: Results demonstrated that before implementation of an interprofessional team approach, (1) referring clinicians used unspecific dizziness diagnosis codes (e.g., dizziness and giddiness), (2) a low number of patients with dizziness were referred for balance function testing, (3) diagnoses remained unspecific following the balance function assessment, and (4) the most frequently occurring vestibular diagnoses were unilateral vestibular hypofunction and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Following the use of an interprofessional management approach, it was determined that (1) disease-specific diagnoses increased, (2) patients with dizziness were referred for balance function testing mainly by otolaryngologists, (3) dizziness was considered to be multifaceted for a greater number of patients, (4) a larger percentage of patients were referred to a specialist other than the otolaryngologist as a result of their diagnosis, and (5) patients reported reduction or resolution of their symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: An interprofessional management approach for the dizzy patient can lead to more specific diagnoses and provide alternative referral pathways to other health-care professionals (e.g., audiologists, physical therapists, and pharmacists) in an effort to reduce over-referral to one specialist. Future studies should address the utility of an interprofessional team approach in the overall management of patients with dizziness.

PMID: 28277209 [PubMed - in process]

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Safety and efficacy of Topiramate in neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy treated with hypothermia (NeoNATI): a feasibility study.

Related Articles

Safety and efficacy of Topiramate in neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy treated with hypothermia (NeoNATI): a feasibility study.

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2017 Mar 08;:1-23

Authors: Filippi L, Fiorini P, Catarzi S, Berti E, Padrini L, Landucci E, Donzelli G, Bartalena L, Fiorentini E, Boldrini A, Giampietri M, Scaramuzzo RT, la Marca G, Della Bona ML, Fiori S, Tinelli F, Bancale A, Guzzetta A, Cioni G, Pisano T, Falchi M, Guerrini R

Abstract
Purpose To investigate the feasibility of a study based on treatment with topiramate added to moderate hypothermia in newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Materials and methods Multicenter randomized controlled trial. Term newborns with precocious metabolic, clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) signs of HIE were selected according to their amplified integrated EEG pattern and randomized to receive either topiramate (10 mg/kg once a day for the first three days of life) plus moderate hypothermia or hypothermia alone. Safety was assessed by monitoring cardiorespiratory parameters and blood samples collected to check renal, liver, metabolic balance and topiramate pharmacokinetics. Efficacy was evaluated by the combined frequency of mortality and severe neurological disability as primary outcome. Incidence of magnetic resonance injury, epilepsy, blindness, hearing loss, neurodevelopment at 18-24 months of life were assessed as secondary outcomes. Results Forty-four asphyxiated newborns were enrolled in the study. 21 newborns (10 with moderate and 11 with severe HIE) were allocated to hypothermia plus topiramate and 23 (12 moderate and 11 severe HIE) to hypothermia. No statistically or clinically significant differences were observed for safety, primary or secondary outcomes. However, a reduction in the prevalence of epilepsy was observed in newborns co-treated with topiramate. Conclusion Results of this pilot trial suggest that administration of topiramate in newborns with HIE is safe but does not reduce the combined frequency of mortality and severe neurological disability. The role of topiramate co-treatment in preventing subsequent epilepsy deserves further studies.

PMID: 28274169 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Importance of an Interprofessional Team Approach in Achieving Improved Management of the Dizzy Patient.

Importance of an Interprofessional Team Approach in Achieving Improved Management of the Dizzy Patient.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Mar;28(3):177-186

Authors: Rodriguez AI, Zupancic S, Song MM, Cordero J, Nguyen TQ, Seifert C

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Because of its multifaceted nature, dizziness is difficult for clinicians to diagnose and manage independently. Current treatment trends suggest that patients are often referred to the otolaryngologist for intervention despite having a nonotologic disorder. Additionally, many individuals with atypical presentations are often misdiagnosed and spend a significant amount of time waiting for consultation by the otolaryngologist. Few studies have alluded that implementation of an interprofessional team approach in the diagnosis and management of the dizzy patient can improve clinical decision-making. However, to the authors' knowledge, there is no information specifically quantifying the outcomes and potential benefits of using an interprofessional balance care team approach.
PURPOSE: To compare dizziness diagnoses trends and referral practices with and without the use of an interprofessional management approach within a university healthcare system.
RESEARCH DESIGN: Over the course of a 3-yr period, a retrospective review of the diagnosis and management of dizziness was performed with and without implementation of an interprofessional team. To observe potential differences, year 3 incorporated the interprofessional management approach while years 1-2 did not. The two periods were then compared to each other.
STUDY SAMPLE: A total of 134 patients referred to a university hearing clinic for a vestibular and balance function evaluation.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Diagnoses and management trends were examined with descriptive statistics (percentages and frequencies). Fisher's exact tests, analysis of contingency tables, were conducted to evaluate the influence of interprofessional management on dizziness diagnoses and treatment patterns.
RESULTS: Results demonstrated that before implementation of an interprofessional team approach, (1) referring clinicians used unspecific dizziness diagnosis codes (e.g., dizziness and giddiness), (2) a low number of patients with dizziness were referred for balance function testing, (3) diagnoses remained unspecific following the balance function assessment, and (4) the most frequently occurring vestibular diagnoses were unilateral vestibular hypofunction and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Following the use of an interprofessional management approach, it was determined that (1) disease-specific diagnoses increased, (2) patients with dizziness were referred for balance function testing mainly by otolaryngologists, (3) dizziness was considered to be multifaceted for a greater number of patients, (4) a larger percentage of patients were referred to a specialist other than the otolaryngologist as a result of their diagnosis, and (5) patients reported reduction or resolution of their symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: An interprofessional management approach for the dizzy patient can lead to more specific diagnoses and provide alternative referral pathways to other health-care professionals (e.g., audiologists, physical therapists, and pharmacists) in an effort to reduce over-referral to one specialist. Future studies should address the utility of an interprofessional team approach in the overall management of patients with dizziness.

PMID: 28277209 [PubMed - in process]

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Safety and efficacy of Topiramate in neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy treated with hypothermia (NeoNATI): a feasibility study.

Related Articles

Safety and efficacy of Topiramate in neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy treated with hypothermia (NeoNATI): a feasibility study.

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2017 Mar 08;:1-23

Authors: Filippi L, Fiorini P, Catarzi S, Berti E, Padrini L, Landucci E, Donzelli G, Bartalena L, Fiorentini E, Boldrini A, Giampietri M, Scaramuzzo RT, la Marca G, Della Bona ML, Fiori S, Tinelli F, Bancale A, Guzzetta A, Cioni G, Pisano T, Falchi M, Guerrini R

Abstract
Purpose To investigate the feasibility of a study based on treatment with topiramate added to moderate hypothermia in newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Materials and methods Multicenter randomized controlled trial. Term newborns with precocious metabolic, clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) signs of HIE were selected according to their amplified integrated EEG pattern and randomized to receive either topiramate (10 mg/kg once a day for the first three days of life) plus moderate hypothermia or hypothermia alone. Safety was assessed by monitoring cardiorespiratory parameters and blood samples collected to check renal, liver, metabolic balance and topiramate pharmacokinetics. Efficacy was evaluated by the combined frequency of mortality and severe neurological disability as primary outcome. Incidence of magnetic resonance injury, epilepsy, blindness, hearing loss, neurodevelopment at 18-24 months of life were assessed as secondary outcomes. Results Forty-four asphyxiated newborns were enrolled in the study. 21 newborns (10 with moderate and 11 with severe HIE) were allocated to hypothermia plus topiramate and 23 (12 moderate and 11 severe HIE) to hypothermia. No statistically or clinically significant differences were observed for safety, primary or secondary outcomes. However, a reduction in the prevalence of epilepsy was observed in newborns co-treated with topiramate. Conclusion Results of this pilot trial suggest that administration of topiramate in newborns with HIE is safe but does not reduce the combined frequency of mortality and severe neurological disability. The role of topiramate co-treatment in preventing subsequent epilepsy deserves further studies.

PMID: 28274169 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Audiological Rehabilitation for Facilitating Hearing Aid Use: A Review.

Audiological Rehabilitation for Facilitating Hearing Aid Use: A Review.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Mar;28(3):248-260

Authors: Aazh H, Moore BC

Abstract
PURPOSE: This article reviews and critically analyzes the design of studies on the effect of audiological rehabilitation (AR) programs on hearing aid (HA) outcomes, in order to guide future research.
RESEARCH DESIGN: The design of this study was a narrative review. Studies were included in the review if they were randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of AR on HA use and outcome between 2000 and 2016.
RESULTS: Seven articles that met the inclusion criteria were included in the review. Most used educational rather than counseling approaches. Although educational AR programs seem to be useful in enhancing the use of communication strategies, there is limited evidence for their effect on HA use and self-perceived hearing handicap.
CONCLUSIONS: More research is needed in this field. Future studies should (1) investigate the efficacy of AR interventions based on counseling and empathetic listening as opposed to or in addition to educational interventions, (2) use stricter criteria to include only a subpopulation of patients who do not get on well with their HAs, (3) measure the amount of HA use via data-logging and self-report questionnaires, and (4) use a matching comparison intervention for patients in the control group.

PMID: 28277215 [PubMed - in process]

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Pediatric Minimum Speech Test Battery.

Pediatric Minimum Speech Test Battery.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Mar;28(3):232-247

Authors: Uhler K, Warner-Czyz A, Gifford R, Working Group P

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Assessment of patient outcomes and documentation of treatment efficacy serves as an essential component of (re)habilitative audiology; however, no standardized protocol exists for the assessment of speech perception abilities for children with hearing loss. This presents a significant challenge in tracking performance of children who utilize various hearing technologies for within-subjects assessment, between-subjects assessment, and even across different facilities.
PURPOSE: The adoption and adherence to a standardized assessment protocol could help facilitate continuity of care, assist in clinical decision making, allow clinicians and researchers to define benchmarks for an aggregate clinical population, and in time, aid with patient counseling regarding expectations and predictions regarding longitudinal outcomes.
DESIGN: The Pediatric Minimum Speech Test Battery (PMSTB) working group-comprised of clinicians, scientists, and industry representatives-commenced in 2012 and has worked collaboratively to construct the first PMSTB, which is described here.
CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the PMSTB in clinical practice and dissemination of associated data are both critical for achieving the next level of success for children with hearing loss and for elevating pediatric hearing health care ensuring evidence-based practice for (re)habilitative audiology.

PMID: 28277214 [PubMed - in process]

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The Effect of Learning Modality and Auditory Feedback on Word Memory: Cochlear-Implanted versus Normal-Hearing Adults.

The Effect of Learning Modality and Auditory Feedback on Word Memory: Cochlear-Implanted versus Normal-Hearing Adults.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Mar;28(3):222-231

Authors: Taitelbaum-Swead R, Icht M, Mama Y

Abstract
BACKGROUND: In recent years, the effect of cognitive abilities on the achievements of cochlear implant (CI) users has been evaluated. Some studies have suggested that gaps between CI users and normal-hearing (NH) peers in cognitive tasks are modality specific, and occur only in auditory tasks.
PURPOSE: The present study focused on the effect of learning modality (auditory, visual) and auditory feedback on word memory in young adults who were prelingually deafened and received CIs before the age of 5 yr, and their NH peers.
RESEARCH DESIGN: A production effect (PE) paradigm was used, in which participants learned familiar study words by vocal production (saying aloud) or by no-production (silent reading or listening). Words were presented (1) in the visual modality (written) and (2) in the auditory modality (heard). CI users performed the visual condition twice-once with the implant ON and once with it OFF. All conditions were followed by free recall tests.
STUDY SAMPLE: Twelve young adults, long-term CI users, implanted between ages 1.7 and 4.5 yr, and who showed ≥50% in monosyllabic consonant-vowel-consonant open-set test with their implants were enrolled. A group of 14 age-matched NH young adults served as the comparison group.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: For each condition, we calculated the proportion of study words recalled. Mixed-measures analysis of variances were carried out with group (NH, CI) as a between-subjects variable, and learning condition (aloud or silent reading) as a within-subject variable. Following this, paired sample t tests were used to evaluate the PE size (differences between aloud and silent words) and overall recall ratios (aloud and silent words combined) in each of the learning conditions.
RESULTS: With visual word presentation, young adults with CIs (regardless of implant status CI-ON or CI-OFF), showed comparable memory performance (and a similar PE) to NH peers. However, with auditory presentation, young adults with CIs showed poorer memory for nonproduced words (hence a larger PE) relative to their NH peers.
CONCLUSIONS: The results support the construct that young adults with CIs will benefit more from learning via the visual modality (reading), rather than the auditory modality (listening). Importantly, vocal production can largely improve auditory word memory, especially for the CI group.

PMID: 28277213 [PubMed - in process]

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The Effect of Signal-to-Noise Ratio on Linguistic Processing in a Semantic Judgment Task: An Aging Study.

The Effect of Signal-to-Noise Ratio on Linguistic Processing in a Semantic Judgment Task: An Aging Study.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Mar;28(3):209-221

Authors: Stanley N, Davis T, Estis J

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Aging effects on speech understanding in noise have primarily been assessed through speech recognition tasks. Recognition tasks, which focus on bottom-up, perceptual aspects of speech understanding, intentionally limit linguistic and cognitive factors by asking participants to only repeat what they have heard. On the other hand, linguistic processing tasks require bottom-up and top-down (linguistic, cognitive) processing skills and are, therefore, more reflective of speech understanding abilities used in everyday communication. The effect of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) on linguistic processing ability is relatively unknown for either young (YAs) or older adults (OAs).
PURPOSE: To determine if reduced SNRs would be more deleterious to the linguistic processing of OAs than YAs, as measured by accuracy and reaction time in a semantic judgment task in competing speech.
RESEARCH DESIGN: In the semantic judgment task, participants indicated via button press whether word pairs were a semantic Match or No Match. This task was performed in quiet, as well as, +3, 0, -3, and -6 dB SNR with two-talker speech competition.
STUDY SAMPLE: Seventeen YAs (20-30 yr) with normal hearing sensitivity and 17 OAs (60-68 yr) with normal hearing sensitivity or mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss within age-appropriate norms.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Accuracy, reaction time, and false alarm rate were measured and analyzed using a mixed design analysis of variance.
RESULTS: A decrease in SNR level significantly reduced accuracy and increased reaction time in both YAs and OAs. However, poor SNRs affected accuracy and reaction time of Match and No Match word pairs differently. Accuracy for Match pairs declined at a steeper rate than No Match pairs in both groups as SNR decreased. In addition, reaction time for No Match pairs increased at a greater rate than Match pairs in more difficult SNRs, particularly at -3 and -6 dB SNR. False-alarm rates indicated that participants had a response bias to No Match pairs as the SNR decreased. Age-related differences were limited to No Match pair accuracies at -6 dB SNR.
CONCLUSIONS: The ability to correctly identify semantically matched word pairs was more susceptible to disruption by a poor SNR than semantically unrelated words in both YAs and OAs. The effect of SNR on this semantic judgment task implies that speech competition differentially affected the facilitation of semantically related words and the inhibition of semantically incompatible words, although processing speed, as measured by reaction time, remained faster for semantically matched pairs. Overall, the semantic judgment task in competing speech elucidated the effect of a poor listening environment on the higher order processing of words.

PMID: 28277212 [PubMed - in process]

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Automated Smartphone Threshold Audiometry: Validity and Time Efficiency.

Automated Smartphone Threshold Audiometry: Validity and Time Efficiency.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Mar;28(3):200-208

Authors: van Tonder J, Swanepoel W, Mahomed-Asmail F, Myburgh H, Eikelboom RH

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Smartphone-based threshold audiometry with automated testing has the potential to provide affordable access to audiometry in underserved contexts.
PURPOSE: To validate the threshold version (hearTest) of the validated hearScreen™ smartphone-based application using inexpensive smartphones (Android operating system) and calibrated supra-aural headphones.
RESEARCH DESIGN: A repeated measures within-participant study design was employed to compare air-conduction thresholds (0.5-8 kHz) obtained through automated smartphone audiometry to thresholds obtained through conventional audiometry.
STUDY SAMPLE: A total of 95 participants were included in the study. Of these, 30 were adults, who had known bilateral hearing losses of varying degrees (mean age = 59 yr, standard deviation [SD] = 21.8; 56.7% female), and 65 were adolescents (mean age = 16.5 yr, SD = 1.2; 70.8% female), of which 61 had normal hearing and the remaining 4 had mild hearing losses.
DATA ANALYSIS: Threshold comparisons were made between the two test procedures. The Wilcoxon signed-ranked test was used for comparison of threshold correspondence between manual and smartphone thresholds and the paired samples t test was used to compare test time.
RESULTS: Within the adult sample, 94.4% of thresholds obtained through smartphone and conventional audiometry corresponded within 10 dB or less. There was no significant difference between smartphone (6.75-min average, SD = 1.5) and conventional audiometry test duration (6.65-min average, SD = 2.5). Within the adolescent sample, 84.7% of thresholds obtained at 0.5, 2, and 4 kHz with hearTest and conventional audiometry corresponded within ≤5 dB. At 1 kHz, 79.3% of the thresholds differed by ≤10 dB. There was a significant difference (p < 0.01) between smartphone (7.09 min, SD = 1.2) and conventional audiometry test duration (3.23 min, SD = 0.6).
CONCLUSIONS: The hearTest application with calibrated supra-aural headphones provides a cost-effective option to determine valid air-conduction hearing thresholds.

PMID: 28277211 [PubMed - in process]

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Pitch Matching between Electrical Stimulation of a Cochlear Implant and Acoustic Stimuli Presented to a Contralateral Ear with Residual Hearing.

Pitch Matching between Electrical Stimulation of a Cochlear Implant and Acoustic Stimuli Presented to a Contralateral Ear with Residual Hearing.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Mar;28(3):187-199

Authors: Tan CT, Martin B, Svirsky MA

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cochlear implants (CIs) successfully restore hearing in postlingually deaf adults, but in doing so impose a frequency-position function in the cochlea that may differ from the physiological one.
PURPOSE: The CI-imposed frequency-position function is determined by the frequency allocation table programmed into the listener's speech processor and by the location of the electrode array along the cochlea. To what extent can postlingually deaf CI users successfully adapt to the difference between physiological and CI-imposed frequency-position functions?
RESEARCH DESIGN: We attempt to answer the question by combining behavioral measures of electroacoustic pitch matching (PM) and measures of electrode location within the cochlea.
STUDY SAMPLE: The participants in this study were 16 adult CI users with residual hearing who could match the pitch of acoustic pure tones presented to their unimplanted ears to the pitch resulting from stimulation of different CI electrodes.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We obtained data for four to eight apical electrodes from 16 participants with CIs (most of whom were long-term users), and estimated electrode insertion angle for 12 of these participants. PM functions in this group were compared with the two frequency-position functions discussed above.
RESULTS: Taken together, the findings were consistent with the possibility that adaptation to the frequency-position function imposed by CIs does happen, but it is not always complete.
CONCLUSIONS: Some electrodes continue to be perceived as higher pitched than the acoustic frequencies with which they are associated despite years of listening experience after cochlear implantation.

PMID: 28277210 [PubMed - in process]

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Importance of an Interprofessional Team Approach in Achieving Improved Management of the Dizzy Patient.

Importance of an Interprofessional Team Approach in Achieving Improved Management of the Dizzy Patient.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Mar;28(3):177-186

Authors: Rodriguez AI, Zupancic S, Song MM, Cordero J, Nguyen TQ, Seifert C

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Because of its multifaceted nature, dizziness is difficult for clinicians to diagnose and manage independently. Current treatment trends suggest that patients are often referred to the otolaryngologist for intervention despite having a nonotologic disorder. Additionally, many individuals with atypical presentations are often misdiagnosed and spend a significant amount of time waiting for consultation by the otolaryngologist. Few studies have alluded that implementation of an interprofessional team approach in the diagnosis and management of the dizzy patient can improve clinical decision-making. However, to the authors' knowledge, there is no information specifically quantifying the outcomes and potential benefits of using an interprofessional balance care team approach.
PURPOSE: To compare dizziness diagnoses trends and referral practices with and without the use of an interprofessional management approach within a university healthcare system.
RESEARCH DESIGN: Over the course of a 3-yr period, a retrospective review of the diagnosis and management of dizziness was performed with and without implementation of an interprofessional team. To observe potential differences, year 3 incorporated the interprofessional management approach while years 1-2 did not. The two periods were then compared to each other.
STUDY SAMPLE: A total of 134 patients referred to a university hearing clinic for a vestibular and balance function evaluation.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Diagnoses and management trends were examined with descriptive statistics (percentages and frequencies). Fisher's exact tests, analysis of contingency tables, were conducted to evaluate the influence of interprofessional management on dizziness diagnoses and treatment patterns.
RESULTS: Results demonstrated that before implementation of an interprofessional team approach, (1) referring clinicians used unspecific dizziness diagnosis codes (e.g., dizziness and giddiness), (2) a low number of patients with dizziness were referred for balance function testing, (3) diagnoses remained unspecific following the balance function assessment, and (4) the most frequently occurring vestibular diagnoses were unilateral vestibular hypofunction and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Following the use of an interprofessional management approach, it was determined that (1) disease-specific diagnoses increased, (2) patients with dizziness were referred for balance function testing mainly by otolaryngologists, (3) dizziness was considered to be multifaceted for a greater number of patients, (4) a larger percentage of patients were referred to a specialist other than the otolaryngologist as a result of their diagnosis, and (5) patients reported reduction or resolution of their symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: An interprofessional management approach for the dizzy patient can lead to more specific diagnoses and provide alternative referral pathways to other health-care professionals (e.g., audiologists, physical therapists, and pharmacists) in an effort to reduce over-referral to one specialist. Future studies should address the utility of an interprofessional team approach in the overall management of patients with dizziness.

PMID: 28277209 [PubMed - in process]

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"An approach to the dizzy patient": Revisited.

"An approach to the dizzy patient": Revisited.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Mar;28(3):176

Authors: Jacobson GP

PMID: 28277208 [PubMed - in process]

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Audiological Rehabilitation for Facilitating Hearing Aid Use: A Review.

Audiological Rehabilitation for Facilitating Hearing Aid Use: A Review.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Mar;28(3):248-260

Authors: Aazh H, Moore BC

Abstract
PURPOSE: This article reviews and critically analyzes the design of studies on the effect of audiological rehabilitation (AR) programs on hearing aid (HA) outcomes, in order to guide future research.
RESEARCH DESIGN: The design of this study was a narrative review. Studies were included in the review if they were randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of AR on HA use and outcome between 2000 and 2016.
RESULTS: Seven articles that met the inclusion criteria were included in the review. Most used educational rather than counseling approaches. Although educational AR programs seem to be useful in enhancing the use of communication strategies, there is limited evidence for their effect on HA use and self-perceived hearing handicap.
CONCLUSIONS: More research is needed in this field. Future studies should (1) investigate the efficacy of AR interventions based on counseling and empathetic listening as opposed to or in addition to educational interventions, (2) use stricter criteria to include only a subpopulation of patients who do not get on well with their HAs, (3) measure the amount of HA use via data-logging and self-report questionnaires, and (4) use a matching comparison intervention for patients in the control group.

PMID: 28277215 [PubMed - in process]

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Pediatric Minimum Speech Test Battery.

Pediatric Minimum Speech Test Battery.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Mar;28(3):232-247

Authors: Uhler K, Warner-Czyz A, Gifford R, Working Group P

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Assessment of patient outcomes and documentation of treatment efficacy serves as an essential component of (re)habilitative audiology; however, no standardized protocol exists for the assessment of speech perception abilities for children with hearing loss. This presents a significant challenge in tracking performance of children who utilize various hearing technologies for within-subjects assessment, between-subjects assessment, and even across different facilities.
PURPOSE: The adoption and adherence to a standardized assessment protocol could help facilitate continuity of care, assist in clinical decision making, allow clinicians and researchers to define benchmarks for an aggregate clinical population, and in time, aid with patient counseling regarding expectations and predictions regarding longitudinal outcomes.
DESIGN: The Pediatric Minimum Speech Test Battery (PMSTB) working group-comprised of clinicians, scientists, and industry representatives-commenced in 2012 and has worked collaboratively to construct the first PMSTB, which is described here.
CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the PMSTB in clinical practice and dissemination of associated data are both critical for achieving the next level of success for children with hearing loss and for elevating pediatric hearing health care ensuring evidence-based practice for (re)habilitative audiology.

PMID: 28277214 [PubMed - in process]

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The Effect of Learning Modality and Auditory Feedback on Word Memory: Cochlear-Implanted versus Normal-Hearing Adults.

The Effect of Learning Modality and Auditory Feedback on Word Memory: Cochlear-Implanted versus Normal-Hearing Adults.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Mar;28(3):222-231

Authors: Taitelbaum-Swead R, Icht M, Mama Y

Abstract
BACKGROUND: In recent years, the effect of cognitive abilities on the achievements of cochlear implant (CI) users has been evaluated. Some studies have suggested that gaps between CI users and normal-hearing (NH) peers in cognitive tasks are modality specific, and occur only in auditory tasks.
PURPOSE: The present study focused on the effect of learning modality (auditory, visual) and auditory feedback on word memory in young adults who were prelingually deafened and received CIs before the age of 5 yr, and their NH peers.
RESEARCH DESIGN: A production effect (PE) paradigm was used, in which participants learned familiar study words by vocal production (saying aloud) or by no-production (silent reading or listening). Words were presented (1) in the visual modality (written) and (2) in the auditory modality (heard). CI users performed the visual condition twice-once with the implant ON and once with it OFF. All conditions were followed by free recall tests.
STUDY SAMPLE: Twelve young adults, long-term CI users, implanted between ages 1.7 and 4.5 yr, and who showed ≥50% in monosyllabic consonant-vowel-consonant open-set test with their implants were enrolled. A group of 14 age-matched NH young adults served as the comparison group.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: For each condition, we calculated the proportion of study words recalled. Mixed-measures analysis of variances were carried out with group (NH, CI) as a between-subjects variable, and learning condition (aloud or silent reading) as a within-subject variable. Following this, paired sample t tests were used to evaluate the PE size (differences between aloud and silent words) and overall recall ratios (aloud and silent words combined) in each of the learning conditions.
RESULTS: With visual word presentation, young adults with CIs (regardless of implant status CI-ON or CI-OFF), showed comparable memory performance (and a similar PE) to NH peers. However, with auditory presentation, young adults with CIs showed poorer memory for nonproduced words (hence a larger PE) relative to their NH peers.
CONCLUSIONS: The results support the construct that young adults with CIs will benefit more from learning via the visual modality (reading), rather than the auditory modality (listening). Importantly, vocal production can largely improve auditory word memory, especially for the CI group.

PMID: 28277213 [PubMed - in process]

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