Phoneme Error Pattern by Heritage Speakers of Spanish on an English Word Recognition Test.

Phoneme Error Pattern by Heritage Speakers of Spanish on an English Word Recognition Test.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Apr;28(4):352-365

Authors: Shi LF

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Heritage speakers acquire their native language from home use in their early childhood. As the native language is typically a minority language in the society, these individuals receive their formal education in the majority language and eventually develop greater competency with the majority than their native language. To date, there have not been specific research attempts to understand word recognition by heritage speakers. It is not clear if and to what degree we may infer from evidence based on bilingual listeners in general.
PURPOSE: This preliminary study investigated how heritage speakers of Spanish perform on an English word recognition test and analyzed their phoneme errors.
RESEARCH DESIGN: A prospective, cross-sectional, observational design was employed.
STUDY SAMPLE: Twelve normal-hearing adult Spanish heritage speakers (four men, eight women, 20-38 yr old) participated in the study. Their language background was obtained through the Language Experience and Proficiency Questionnaire. Nine English monolingual listeners (three men, six women, 20-41 yr old) were also included for comparison purposes.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Listeners were presented with 200 Northwestern University Auditory Test No. 6 words in quiet. They repeated each word orally and in writing. Their responses were scored by word, word-initial consonant, vowel, and word-final consonant. Performance was compared between groups with Student's t test or analysis of variance. Group-specific error patterns were primarily descriptive, but intergroup comparisons were made using 95% or 99% confidence intervals for proportional data.
RESULTS: The two groups of listeners yielded comparable scores when their responses were examined by word, vowel, and final consonant. However, heritage speakers of Spanish misidentified significantly more word-initial consonants and had significantly more difficulty with initial /p, b, h/ than their monolingual peers. The two groups yielded similar patterns for vowel and word-final consonants, but heritage speakers made significantly fewer errors with /e/ and more errors with word-final /p, k/.
CONCLUSIONS: Data reported in the present study lead to a twofold conclusion. On the one hand, normal-hearing heritage speakers of Spanish may misidentify English phonemes in patterns different from those of English monolingual listeners. Not all phoneme errors can be readily understood by comparing Spanish and English phonology, suggesting that Spanish heritage speakers differ in performance from other Spanish-English bilingual listeners. On the other hand, the absolute number of errors and the error pattern of most phonemes were comparable between English monolingual listeners and Spanish heritage speakers, suggesting that audiologists may assess word recognition in quiet in the same way for these two groups of listeners, if diagnosis is based on words, not phonemes.

PMID: 28418329 [PubMed - in process]

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Internet-Based Intervention for Tinnitus: Outcome of a Single-Group Open Trial.

Internet-Based Intervention for Tinnitus: Outcome of a Single-Group Open Trial.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Apr;28(4):340-351

Authors: Beukes EW, Allen PM, Manchaiah V, Baguley DM, Andersson G

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Managing chronic tinnitus is challenging, and innovative ways to address the resulting health-care burden are required. Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) for tinnitus shows promise as a cost-effective treatment option. The feasibility and effectiveness of iCBT in the United Kingdom are yet to be explored. Furthermore, it is not known if iCBT can be supported by an audiologist rather than a psychologist.
PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the feasibility of guided iCBT using audiological support on tinnitus distress and tinnitus-related comorbidities. Furthermore, it aimed to establish the feasibility of iCBT for tinnitus distress in the United Kingdom, by determining recruitment, attrition, and compliance rates. Finally, it aimed to identify which aspects of the protocol require refinement for subsequent clinical trials.
RESEARCH DESIGN: A single-group open trial design was implemented. This study would serve as a prerequisite study, to identify barriers, before undertaking effectiveness trials.
STUDY SAMPLE: Participants consisted of 37 adults (18 males, 19 females), with an age range of between 50 and 59 yr. The mean preintervention tinnitus severity rating was 56.15 (standard deviation = 18.35), which is categorized as "severe tinnitus" as measured by the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI). Five participants withdrew during the study, and 29 of the remaining participants completed the postintervention questionnaire.
INTERVENTION: The guided iCBT intervention ran over an eight-week period and consisted of 16 obligatory modules and five optional modules. The intervention was designed to be interactive, interesting, and stimulating. A key element was the provision of support from an audiologist throughout the program.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Online questionnaires were used throughout the study. These were administered at baseline and postintervention to determine attrition and compliance rates and to facilitate sample size estimates for further clinical trials. Outcome measures for tinnitus severity, hearing handicap, insomnia, cognitive functioning, hyperacusis, anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction were used to investigate the effects of iCBT with audiological support. In addition, a weekly questionnaire was incorporated to monitor change in tinnitus distress while undertaking the intervention.
RESULTS: Feasibility was established using an audiologist to support this guided iCBT intervention, as a significant change postintervention was found for tinnitus severity, as measured by the TFI and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, Screening version. The attrition rate was 22% and compliance was variable. Although these results were based on a small sample, they provide encouraging evidence for the feasibility of delivering iCBT treatment for tinnitus symptoms with audiology support in the United Kingdom.
CONCLUSIONS: An Internet-based intervention of tinnitus appears to be feasible in the United Kingdom when using audiological support. Randomized controlled trials to further investigate the effectiveness of iCBT for tinnitus in the United Kingdom are required.

PMID: 28418328 [PubMed - in process]

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Auditory and Cognitive Factors Associated with Speech-in-Noise Complaints following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Auditory and Cognitive Factors Associated with Speech-in-Noise Complaints following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Apr;28(4):325-339

Authors: Hoover EC, Souza PE, Gallun FJ

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Auditory complaints following mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) are common, but few studies have addressed the role of auditory temporal processing in speech recognition complaints.
PURPOSE: In this study, deficits understanding speech in a background of speech noise following MTBI were evaluated with the goal of comparing the relative contributions of auditory and nonauditory factors.
RESEARCH DESIGN: A matched-groups design was used in which a group of listeners with a history of MTBI were compared to a group matched in age and pure-tone thresholds, as well as a control group of young listeners with normal hearing (YNH).
STUDY SAMPLE: Of the 33 listeners who participated in the study, 13 were included in the MTBI group (mean age = 46.7 yr), 11 in the Matched group (mean age = 49 yr), and 9 in the YNH group (mean age = 20.8 yr).
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Speech-in-noise deficits were evaluated using subjective measures as well as monaural word (Words-in-Noise test) and sentence (Quick Speech-in-Noise test) tasks, and a binaural spatial release task. Performance on these measures was compared to psychophysical tasks that evaluate monaural and binaural temporal fine-structure tasks and spectral resolution. Cognitive measures of attention, processing speed, and working memory were evaluated as possible causes of differences between MTBI and Matched groups that might contribute to speech-in-noise perception deficits.
RESULTS: A high proportion of listeners in the MTBI group reported difficulty understanding speech in noise (84%) compared to the Matched group (9.1%), and listeners who reported difficulty were more likely to have abnormal results on objective measures of speech in noise. No significant group differences were found between the MTBI and Matched listeners on any of the measures reported, but the number of abnormal tests differed across groups. Regression analysis revealed that a combination of auditory and auditory processing factors contributed to monaural speech-in-noise scores, but the benefit of spatial separation was related to a combination of working memory and peripheral auditory factors across all listeners in the study.
CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study are consistent with previous findings that a subset of listeners with MTBI has objective auditory deficits. Speech-in-noise performance was related to a combination of auditory and nonauditory factors, confirming the important role of audiology in MTBI rehabilitation. Further research is needed to evaluate the prevalence and causal relationship of auditory deficits following MTBI.

PMID: 28418327 [PubMed - in process]

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Artifact in Pediatric Oculomotor Findings during Videonystagmography: A Retrospective Analysis.

Artifact in Pediatric Oculomotor Findings during Videonystagmography: A Retrospective Analysis.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Apr;28(4):314-324

Authors: Doettl SM, Plyler PN, McCaslin DL

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Accurate measurement of oculomotor function using videonystagmography (VNG) is imperative for diagnosis and management of patients with reported dizziness. The oculomotor evaluation during VNG utilizes video-oculography providing valuable information regarding the central structures and pathways that control eye movements. Artifact may have an effect on the overall validity and reliability of VNG oculomotor tracings and can result from patient and/or recording errors. It is postulated that artifact could occur more frequently in the pediatric population due to both patient and equipment factors.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the occurrence and impact of artifact on saccades, smooth pursuit, and optokinetic (OPK) testing in normal pediatric and adult subjects using commercially available clinical VNG equipment and standard clinical protocols for oculomotor testing.
RESEARCH DESIGN: The present study utilized a retrospective analysis of a repeated measures design.
STUDY SAMPLE: Oculomotor results from a total of 62 participants were analyzed. Portions of these data have been presented in a previous research study. Group 1 consisted of twenty-nine 4- to 6-yr-olds with an average age of 4.86 (SD = 0.88) yr. Group 2 consisted of thirty-three 22- to 44-yr-olds with an average age of 25.2 (SD = 5.34) yr.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Raw oculomotor recordings were analyzed "offline" by a single masked, trained investigator. Each tracing was evaluated for instances of artifact including eye blinks, eye closure, eyes moving in opposite direction of the target, eye tracking software problems, and overall poor morphology. The number of instances of artifact were noted and recorded for each participant in both groups. Individual eye movements not affected by artifact were included for final analysis. Artifact rejection techniques were also compared.
RESULTS: The results indicated increased artifact for the pediatric group for saccade and smooth pursuit testing. Additionally, a significant decrease in instances of artifact was noted with an increase in age in months for both saccade and smooth pursuit findings. OPK results did not indicate any significant difference in instances of artifact between the pediatric and adult groups or any decrease in instances of artifact with increasing age in the pediatric group. Artifact rejection technique did not have a significant effect on oculomotor measures for either age group.
CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients exhibit increased instances of artifact during VNG oculomotor testing, specifically during saccade and smooth pursuit testing, at least for the 4- to 6-yr-old population. A general age effect was also noted in this age group, with decreased artifact noted with increasing age. Artifact rejection technique was not a significant factor suggesting standard compared based strategies may be sufficient for use in the pediatric population. Additional study into the effect of artifact on oculomotor results for infants to age 3 yr and ages 7- to 18-yr-old, in the disordered population, and with additional equipment manufacturers is needed to confirm these results and further describe the impact of artifact on oculomotor findings in the pediatric population.

PMID: 28418326 [PubMed - in process]

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Variation in Music Player Listening Level as a Function of Campus Location.

Variation in Music Player Listening Level as a Function of Campus Location.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Apr;28(4):295-313

Authors: Park Y, Guercio D, Ledon V, Le Prell CG

Abstract
BACKGROUND: There has been significant discussion in the literature regarding music player use by adolescents and young adults, including whether device use is driving an increase in hearing loss in these populations. While many studies report relatively safe preferred listening levels, some studies with college student participants have reported listening habits that may put individuals at risk for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) if those listening habits continue over the long term.
PURPOSE: The goal of the current investigation was to extend listening level data collection sites from urban city settings studied by others to a more rural campus setting.
RESEARCH DESIGN: This was a prospective study.
STUDY SAMPLE: Participants were 138 students on the University of Florida campus (94 males, 44 females), 18 years or older (mean = 21 years; range: 18-33 years).
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: In this investigation, the current output level (listening level) was measured from personal listening devices used by students as they passed by a recruiting table located in one of three areas of the University of Florida campus. One location was in an open-air campus square; the other two locations were outside the campus recreation building ("gym") and outside the undergraduate library, with participants recruited as they exited the gym or library buildings. After providing written informed consent, participants completed a survey that included questions about demographics and typical listening habits (hours per day, days per week). The output level on their device was then measured using a "Jolene" mannequin.
RESULTS: Average listening levels for participants at the three locations were as follows: gym: 85.9 ± 1.4 dBA; campus square: 83.3 ± 2.0 dBA; library: 76.9 ± 1.3 dBA. After adjusting to free-field equivalent level, average listening levels were gym: 79.7 ± 1.4 dBA; campus square: 76.9 ± 2.1 dBA; library: 70.4 ± 1.4 dBA. There were no statistically significant differences between male and female listeners, and there were no reliable differences as a function of race. After accounting for daily and weekly use patterns, 5% were deemed at risk based on the criteria put forward by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and 9% were deemed at risk based on the guidance provided by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
CONCLUSIONS: Some 5-10% of the participants were deemed at risk; this finding is consistent with other studies using similar methods. It is possible that the same listeners would have selected different listening levels in other noise backgrounds, however. This unknown variable makes it difficult to estimate risk with a single listening level measurement.

PMID: 28418325 [PubMed - in process]

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Prosody Perception and Production in Children with Hearing Loss and Age- and Gender-Matched Controls.

Prosody Perception and Production in Children with Hearing Loss and Age- and Gender-Matched Controls.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Apr;28(4):283-294

Authors: Kalathottukaren RT, Purdy SC, Ballard E

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Auditory development in children with hearing loss, including the perception of prosody, depends on having adequate input from cochlear implants and/or hearing aids. Lack of adequate auditory stimulation can lead to delayed speech and language development. Nevertheless, prosody perception and production in people with hearing loss have received less attention than other aspects of language. The perception of auditory information conveyed through prosody using variations in the pitch, amplitude, and duration of speech is not usually evaluated clinically.
PURPOSE: This study (1) compared prosody perception and production abilities in children with hearing loss and children with normal hearing; and (2) investigated the effect of age, hearing level, and musicality on prosody perception.
RESEARCH DESIGN: Participants were 16 children with hearing loss and 16 typically developing controls matched for age and gender. Fifteen of the children with hearing loss were tested while using amplification (n = 9 hearing aids, n = 6 cochlear implants). Six receptive subtests of the Profiling Elements of Prosody in Speech-Communication (PEPS-C), the Child Paralanguage subtest of Diagnostic Analysis of Nonverbal Accuracy 2 (DANVA 2), and Contour and Interval subtests of the Montreal Battery of Evaluation of Amusia (MBEA) were used. Audio recordings of the children's reading samples were rated using a perceptual prosody rating scale by nine experienced listeners who were blinded to the children's hearing status.
STUDY SAMPLE: Thirty two children, 16 with hearing loss (mean age = 8.71 yr) and 16 age- and gender-matched typically developing children with normal hearing (mean age = 8.87 yr).
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Assessments were completed in one session lasting 1-2 hours in a quiet room. Test items were presented using a laptop computer through loudspeaker at a comfortable listening level. For children with hearing loss using hearing instruments, all tests were completed with hearing devices set at their everyday listening setting.
RESULTS: All PEPS-C subtests and total scores were significantly lower for children with hearing loss compared to controls (p < 0.05). The hearing loss group performed more poorly than the control group in recognizing happy, sad, and fearful emotions in the DANVA 2 subtest. Musicality (composite MBEA scores and musical experience) was significantly correlated with prosody perception scores, but this link was not evident in the regression analyses. Regression modeling showed that age and hearing level (better ear pure-tone average) accounted for 55.4% and 56.7% of the variance in PEPS-C and DANVA 2 total scores, respectively. There was greater variability for the ratings of pitch, pitch variation, and overall impression of prosody in the hearing loss group compared to control group. Prosody perception (PEPS-C and DANVA 2 total scores) and ratings of prosody production were not correlated.
CONCLUSIONS: Children with hearing loss aged 7-12 yr had significant difficulties in understanding different aspects of prosody and were rated as having more atypical prosody overall than controls. These findings suggest that clinical assessment and speech-language therapy services for children with hearing loss should be expanded to target prosodic difficulties. Future studies should investigate whether musical training is beneficial for improving receptive prosody skills.

PMID: 28418324 [PubMed - in process]

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The Personality Profile of Tinnitus Sufferers and a Nontinnitus Control Group.

The Personality Profile of Tinnitus Sufferers and a Nontinnitus Control Group.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Apr;28(4):271-282

Authors: Durai M, O'Keeffe MG, Searchfield GD

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chronic tinnitus (phantom perception of sound) significantly disrupts quality of life in 15-20% of those who experience it. Understanding how certain personality traits impact tinnitus perception and distress can be beneficial for the development of interventions to improve the lives of tinnitus sufferers.
PURPOSE: Four key self-reported personality traits (social closeness, stress reaction, alienation, and self-control) were identified from previous research as being associated with tinnitus. These were compared between tinnitus and age-, gender-, and hearing level-matched nontinnitus controls to see whether underlying profile differences exist, and if personality traits levels correlate with various tinnitus characteristics assessed in typical clinical questionnaires.
RESEARCH DESIGN: A Web-based personality survey was administered comprising of self-control, stress reaction, alienation, and social closeness subscale questions of the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire, the Hearing Handicap Inventory-Screening Version, TFI, and the Tinnitus Case History Questionnaire.
STUDY SAMPLE: A total of 154 participants with tinnitus (81 males, 73 females, mean age = 62.6 yr) and 61 control (32 males, 29 females, mean age = 59.62 yr) participants were recruited via e-mail invitations to a tinnitus research clinic database, poster, and social media Web site advertising.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was conducted using parametric statistics and IBM SPSS(®) Version 22 software.
RESULTS: Tinnitus sufferers displayed higher levels of stress reaction, lower social closeness, lower self-control, and higher alienation than the control group (p < 0.05). Alienation was related to tinnitus pitch and self-reported hyperacusis measured using the Tinnitus Case History Questionnaire (p < 0.05). Stress reaction correlated with self-reported hyperacusis, whether tinnitus sufferers had sought other treatments, and whether loud sounds make the tinnitus worse (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: The four personality traits examined in this study exhibited a consistent association with tinnitus perception and distress, and differentiated tinnitus sufferers from nontinnitus control. Some of the traits also correlated significantly with certain characteristics measured in tinnitus history questionnaires. Personality traits are described in relation to "maladaptive" residuals under the Adaptation Level Theory model of tinnitus. The results of the study suggest that certain personality traits correlate with the clinical presentation of tinnitus.

PMID: 28418323 [PubMed - in process]

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Binaural Interference: Quo Vadis?

Binaural Interference: Quo Vadis?

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Apr;28(4):266-270

Authors: Jerger J, Silman S, Silverman C, Emmer M

Abstract
The reality of the phenomenon of binaural interference with speech recognition has been debated for two decades. Research has taken one of two avenues; group studies or case reports. In group studies, a sample of the elderly population is tested on speech recognition under three conditions; binaural, monaural right and monaural left. The aim is to determine the percent of the sample in which the expected outcome (binaural score-better-than-either-monaural score) is reversed (i.e., one of the monaural scores is better than the binaural score). This outcome has been commonly used to define binaural interference. The object of group studies is to answer the "how many" question, what is the prevalence of binaural interference in the sample. In case reports the binaural interference conclusion suggested by the speech recognition tests is not accepted until it has been corroborated by other independent diagnostic audiological measures. The aim is to attempt to determine the basis for the findings, to answer the "why" question. This article is at once tutorial, editorial and a case report. We argue that it is time to accept the reality of the phenomenon of binaural interference, to eschew group statistical approaches in search of an answer to the "how many" question, and to focus on individual case reports in search of an answer to the "why" question.

PMID: 28418322 [PubMed - in process]

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Phoneme Error Pattern by Heritage Speakers of Spanish on an English Word Recognition Test.

Phoneme Error Pattern by Heritage Speakers of Spanish on an English Word Recognition Test.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Apr;28(4):352-365

Authors: Shi LF

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Heritage speakers acquire their native language from home use in their early childhood. As the native language is typically a minority language in the society, these individuals receive their formal education in the majority language and eventually develop greater competency with the majority than their native language. To date, there have not been specific research attempts to understand word recognition by heritage speakers. It is not clear if and to what degree we may infer from evidence based on bilingual listeners in general.
PURPOSE: This preliminary study investigated how heritage speakers of Spanish perform on an English word recognition test and analyzed their phoneme errors.
RESEARCH DESIGN: A prospective, cross-sectional, observational design was employed.
STUDY SAMPLE: Twelve normal-hearing adult Spanish heritage speakers (four men, eight women, 20-38 yr old) participated in the study. Their language background was obtained through the Language Experience and Proficiency Questionnaire. Nine English monolingual listeners (three men, six women, 20-41 yr old) were also included for comparison purposes.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Listeners were presented with 200 Northwestern University Auditory Test No. 6 words in quiet. They repeated each word orally and in writing. Their responses were scored by word, word-initial consonant, vowel, and word-final consonant. Performance was compared between groups with Student's t test or analysis of variance. Group-specific error patterns were primarily descriptive, but intergroup comparisons were made using 95% or 99% confidence intervals for proportional data.
RESULTS: The two groups of listeners yielded comparable scores when their responses were examined by word, vowel, and final consonant. However, heritage speakers of Spanish misidentified significantly more word-initial consonants and had significantly more difficulty with initial /p, b, h/ than their monolingual peers. The two groups yielded similar patterns for vowel and word-final consonants, but heritage speakers made significantly fewer errors with /e/ and more errors with word-final /p, k/.
CONCLUSIONS: Data reported in the present study lead to a twofold conclusion. On the one hand, normal-hearing heritage speakers of Spanish may misidentify English phonemes in patterns different from those of English monolingual listeners. Not all phoneme errors can be readily understood by comparing Spanish and English phonology, suggesting that Spanish heritage speakers differ in performance from other Spanish-English bilingual listeners. On the other hand, the absolute number of errors and the error pattern of most phonemes were comparable between English monolingual listeners and Spanish heritage speakers, suggesting that audiologists may assess word recognition in quiet in the same way for these two groups of listeners, if diagnosis is based on words, not phonemes.

PMID: 28418329 [PubMed - in process]

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Internet-Based Intervention for Tinnitus: Outcome of a Single-Group Open Trial.

Internet-Based Intervention for Tinnitus: Outcome of a Single-Group Open Trial.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Apr;28(4):340-351

Authors: Beukes EW, Allen PM, Manchaiah V, Baguley DM, Andersson G

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Managing chronic tinnitus is challenging, and innovative ways to address the resulting health-care burden are required. Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) for tinnitus shows promise as a cost-effective treatment option. The feasibility and effectiveness of iCBT in the United Kingdom are yet to be explored. Furthermore, it is not known if iCBT can be supported by an audiologist rather than a psychologist.
PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the feasibility of guided iCBT using audiological support on tinnitus distress and tinnitus-related comorbidities. Furthermore, it aimed to establish the feasibility of iCBT for tinnitus distress in the United Kingdom, by determining recruitment, attrition, and compliance rates. Finally, it aimed to identify which aspects of the protocol require refinement for subsequent clinical trials.
RESEARCH DESIGN: A single-group open trial design was implemented. This study would serve as a prerequisite study, to identify barriers, before undertaking effectiveness trials.
STUDY SAMPLE: Participants consisted of 37 adults (18 males, 19 females), with an age range of between 50 and 59 yr. The mean preintervention tinnitus severity rating was 56.15 (standard deviation = 18.35), which is categorized as "severe tinnitus" as measured by the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI). Five participants withdrew during the study, and 29 of the remaining participants completed the postintervention questionnaire.
INTERVENTION: The guided iCBT intervention ran over an eight-week period and consisted of 16 obligatory modules and five optional modules. The intervention was designed to be interactive, interesting, and stimulating. A key element was the provision of support from an audiologist throughout the program.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Online questionnaires were used throughout the study. These were administered at baseline and postintervention to determine attrition and compliance rates and to facilitate sample size estimates for further clinical trials. Outcome measures for tinnitus severity, hearing handicap, insomnia, cognitive functioning, hyperacusis, anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction were used to investigate the effects of iCBT with audiological support. In addition, a weekly questionnaire was incorporated to monitor change in tinnitus distress while undertaking the intervention.
RESULTS: Feasibility was established using an audiologist to support this guided iCBT intervention, as a significant change postintervention was found for tinnitus severity, as measured by the TFI and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, Screening version. The attrition rate was 22% and compliance was variable. Although these results were based on a small sample, they provide encouraging evidence for the feasibility of delivering iCBT treatment for tinnitus symptoms with audiology support in the United Kingdom.
CONCLUSIONS: An Internet-based intervention of tinnitus appears to be feasible in the United Kingdom when using audiological support. Randomized controlled trials to further investigate the effectiveness of iCBT for tinnitus in the United Kingdom are required.

PMID: 28418328 [PubMed - in process]

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Auditory and Cognitive Factors Associated with Speech-in-Noise Complaints following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Auditory and Cognitive Factors Associated with Speech-in-Noise Complaints following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Apr;28(4):325-339

Authors: Hoover EC, Souza PE, Gallun FJ

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Auditory complaints following mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) are common, but few studies have addressed the role of auditory temporal processing in speech recognition complaints.
PURPOSE: In this study, deficits understanding speech in a background of speech noise following MTBI were evaluated with the goal of comparing the relative contributions of auditory and nonauditory factors.
RESEARCH DESIGN: A matched-groups design was used in which a group of listeners with a history of MTBI were compared to a group matched in age and pure-tone thresholds, as well as a control group of young listeners with normal hearing (YNH).
STUDY SAMPLE: Of the 33 listeners who participated in the study, 13 were included in the MTBI group (mean age = 46.7 yr), 11 in the Matched group (mean age = 49 yr), and 9 in the YNH group (mean age = 20.8 yr).
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Speech-in-noise deficits were evaluated using subjective measures as well as monaural word (Words-in-Noise test) and sentence (Quick Speech-in-Noise test) tasks, and a binaural spatial release task. Performance on these measures was compared to psychophysical tasks that evaluate monaural and binaural temporal fine-structure tasks and spectral resolution. Cognitive measures of attention, processing speed, and working memory were evaluated as possible causes of differences between MTBI and Matched groups that might contribute to speech-in-noise perception deficits.
RESULTS: A high proportion of listeners in the MTBI group reported difficulty understanding speech in noise (84%) compared to the Matched group (9.1%), and listeners who reported difficulty were more likely to have abnormal results on objective measures of speech in noise. No significant group differences were found between the MTBI and Matched listeners on any of the measures reported, but the number of abnormal tests differed across groups. Regression analysis revealed that a combination of auditory and auditory processing factors contributed to monaural speech-in-noise scores, but the benefit of spatial separation was related to a combination of working memory and peripheral auditory factors across all listeners in the study.
CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study are consistent with previous findings that a subset of listeners with MTBI has objective auditory deficits. Speech-in-noise performance was related to a combination of auditory and nonauditory factors, confirming the important role of audiology in MTBI rehabilitation. Further research is needed to evaluate the prevalence and causal relationship of auditory deficits following MTBI.

PMID: 28418327 [PubMed - in process]

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Artifact in Pediatric Oculomotor Findings during Videonystagmography: A Retrospective Analysis.

Artifact in Pediatric Oculomotor Findings during Videonystagmography: A Retrospective Analysis.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Apr;28(4):314-324

Authors: Doettl SM, Plyler PN, McCaslin DL

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Accurate measurement of oculomotor function using videonystagmography (VNG) is imperative for diagnosis and management of patients with reported dizziness. The oculomotor evaluation during VNG utilizes video-oculography providing valuable information regarding the central structures and pathways that control eye movements. Artifact may have an effect on the overall validity and reliability of VNG oculomotor tracings and can result from patient and/or recording errors. It is postulated that artifact could occur more frequently in the pediatric population due to both patient and equipment factors.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the occurrence and impact of artifact on saccades, smooth pursuit, and optokinetic (OPK) testing in normal pediatric and adult subjects using commercially available clinical VNG equipment and standard clinical protocols for oculomotor testing.
RESEARCH DESIGN: The present study utilized a retrospective analysis of a repeated measures design.
STUDY SAMPLE: Oculomotor results from a total of 62 participants were analyzed. Portions of these data have been presented in a previous research study. Group 1 consisted of twenty-nine 4- to 6-yr-olds with an average age of 4.86 (SD = 0.88) yr. Group 2 consisted of thirty-three 22- to 44-yr-olds with an average age of 25.2 (SD = 5.34) yr.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Raw oculomotor recordings were analyzed "offline" by a single masked, trained investigator. Each tracing was evaluated for instances of artifact including eye blinks, eye closure, eyes moving in opposite direction of the target, eye tracking software problems, and overall poor morphology. The number of instances of artifact were noted and recorded for each participant in both groups. Individual eye movements not affected by artifact were included for final analysis. Artifact rejection techniques were also compared.
RESULTS: The results indicated increased artifact for the pediatric group for saccade and smooth pursuit testing. Additionally, a significant decrease in instances of artifact was noted with an increase in age in months for both saccade and smooth pursuit findings. OPK results did not indicate any significant difference in instances of artifact between the pediatric and adult groups or any decrease in instances of artifact with increasing age in the pediatric group. Artifact rejection technique did not have a significant effect on oculomotor measures for either age group.
CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients exhibit increased instances of artifact during VNG oculomotor testing, specifically during saccade and smooth pursuit testing, at least for the 4- to 6-yr-old population. A general age effect was also noted in this age group, with decreased artifact noted with increasing age. Artifact rejection technique was not a significant factor suggesting standard compared based strategies may be sufficient for use in the pediatric population. Additional study into the effect of artifact on oculomotor results for infants to age 3 yr and ages 7- to 18-yr-old, in the disordered population, and with additional equipment manufacturers is needed to confirm these results and further describe the impact of artifact on oculomotor findings in the pediatric population.

PMID: 28418326 [PubMed - in process]

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Variation in Music Player Listening Level as a Function of Campus Location.

Variation in Music Player Listening Level as a Function of Campus Location.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Apr;28(4):295-313

Authors: Park Y, Guercio D, Ledon V, Le Prell CG

Abstract
BACKGROUND: There has been significant discussion in the literature regarding music player use by adolescents and young adults, including whether device use is driving an increase in hearing loss in these populations. While many studies report relatively safe preferred listening levels, some studies with college student participants have reported listening habits that may put individuals at risk for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) if those listening habits continue over the long term.
PURPOSE: The goal of the current investigation was to extend listening level data collection sites from urban city settings studied by others to a more rural campus setting.
RESEARCH DESIGN: This was a prospective study.
STUDY SAMPLE: Participants were 138 students on the University of Florida campus (94 males, 44 females), 18 years or older (mean = 21 years; range: 18-33 years).
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: In this investigation, the current output level (listening level) was measured from personal listening devices used by students as they passed by a recruiting table located in one of three areas of the University of Florida campus. One location was in an open-air campus square; the other two locations were outside the campus recreation building ("gym") and outside the undergraduate library, with participants recruited as they exited the gym or library buildings. After providing written informed consent, participants completed a survey that included questions about demographics and typical listening habits (hours per day, days per week). The output level on their device was then measured using a "Jolene" mannequin.
RESULTS: Average listening levels for participants at the three locations were as follows: gym: 85.9 ± 1.4 dBA; campus square: 83.3 ± 2.0 dBA; library: 76.9 ± 1.3 dBA. After adjusting to free-field equivalent level, average listening levels were gym: 79.7 ± 1.4 dBA; campus square: 76.9 ± 2.1 dBA; library: 70.4 ± 1.4 dBA. There were no statistically significant differences between male and female listeners, and there were no reliable differences as a function of race. After accounting for daily and weekly use patterns, 5% were deemed at risk based on the criteria put forward by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and 9% were deemed at risk based on the guidance provided by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
CONCLUSIONS: Some 5-10% of the participants were deemed at risk; this finding is consistent with other studies using similar methods. It is possible that the same listeners would have selected different listening levels in other noise backgrounds, however. This unknown variable makes it difficult to estimate risk with a single listening level measurement.

PMID: 28418325 [PubMed - in process]

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Prosody Perception and Production in Children with Hearing Loss and Age- and Gender-Matched Controls.

Prosody Perception and Production in Children with Hearing Loss and Age- and Gender-Matched Controls.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Apr;28(4):283-294

Authors: Kalathottukaren RT, Purdy SC, Ballard E

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Auditory development in children with hearing loss, including the perception of prosody, depends on having adequate input from cochlear implants and/or hearing aids. Lack of adequate auditory stimulation can lead to delayed speech and language development. Nevertheless, prosody perception and production in people with hearing loss have received less attention than other aspects of language. The perception of auditory information conveyed through prosody using variations in the pitch, amplitude, and duration of speech is not usually evaluated clinically.
PURPOSE: This study (1) compared prosody perception and production abilities in children with hearing loss and children with normal hearing; and (2) investigated the effect of age, hearing level, and musicality on prosody perception.
RESEARCH DESIGN: Participants were 16 children with hearing loss and 16 typically developing controls matched for age and gender. Fifteen of the children with hearing loss were tested while using amplification (n = 9 hearing aids, n = 6 cochlear implants). Six receptive subtests of the Profiling Elements of Prosody in Speech-Communication (PEPS-C), the Child Paralanguage subtest of Diagnostic Analysis of Nonverbal Accuracy 2 (DANVA 2), and Contour and Interval subtests of the Montreal Battery of Evaluation of Amusia (MBEA) were used. Audio recordings of the children's reading samples were rated using a perceptual prosody rating scale by nine experienced listeners who were blinded to the children's hearing status.
STUDY SAMPLE: Thirty two children, 16 with hearing loss (mean age = 8.71 yr) and 16 age- and gender-matched typically developing children with normal hearing (mean age = 8.87 yr).
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Assessments were completed in one session lasting 1-2 hours in a quiet room. Test items were presented using a laptop computer through loudspeaker at a comfortable listening level. For children with hearing loss using hearing instruments, all tests were completed with hearing devices set at their everyday listening setting.
RESULTS: All PEPS-C subtests and total scores were significantly lower for children with hearing loss compared to controls (p < 0.05). The hearing loss group performed more poorly than the control group in recognizing happy, sad, and fearful emotions in the DANVA 2 subtest. Musicality (composite MBEA scores and musical experience) was significantly correlated with prosody perception scores, but this link was not evident in the regression analyses. Regression modeling showed that age and hearing level (better ear pure-tone average) accounted for 55.4% and 56.7% of the variance in PEPS-C and DANVA 2 total scores, respectively. There was greater variability for the ratings of pitch, pitch variation, and overall impression of prosody in the hearing loss group compared to control group. Prosody perception (PEPS-C and DANVA 2 total scores) and ratings of prosody production were not correlated.
CONCLUSIONS: Children with hearing loss aged 7-12 yr had significant difficulties in understanding different aspects of prosody and were rated as having more atypical prosody overall than controls. These findings suggest that clinical assessment and speech-language therapy services for children with hearing loss should be expanded to target prosodic difficulties. Future studies should investigate whether musical training is beneficial for improving receptive prosody skills.

PMID: 28418324 [PubMed - in process]

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The Personality Profile of Tinnitus Sufferers and a Nontinnitus Control Group.

The Personality Profile of Tinnitus Sufferers and a Nontinnitus Control Group.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Apr;28(4):271-282

Authors: Durai M, O'Keeffe MG, Searchfield GD

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chronic tinnitus (phantom perception of sound) significantly disrupts quality of life in 15-20% of those who experience it. Understanding how certain personality traits impact tinnitus perception and distress can be beneficial for the development of interventions to improve the lives of tinnitus sufferers.
PURPOSE: Four key self-reported personality traits (social closeness, stress reaction, alienation, and self-control) were identified from previous research as being associated with tinnitus. These were compared between tinnitus and age-, gender-, and hearing level-matched nontinnitus controls to see whether underlying profile differences exist, and if personality traits levels correlate with various tinnitus characteristics assessed in typical clinical questionnaires.
RESEARCH DESIGN: A Web-based personality survey was administered comprising of self-control, stress reaction, alienation, and social closeness subscale questions of the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire, the Hearing Handicap Inventory-Screening Version, TFI, and the Tinnitus Case History Questionnaire.
STUDY SAMPLE: A total of 154 participants with tinnitus (81 males, 73 females, mean age = 62.6 yr) and 61 control (32 males, 29 females, mean age = 59.62 yr) participants were recruited via e-mail invitations to a tinnitus research clinic database, poster, and social media Web site advertising.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was conducted using parametric statistics and IBM SPSS(®) Version 22 software.
RESULTS: Tinnitus sufferers displayed higher levels of stress reaction, lower social closeness, lower self-control, and higher alienation than the control group (p < 0.05). Alienation was related to tinnitus pitch and self-reported hyperacusis measured using the Tinnitus Case History Questionnaire (p < 0.05). Stress reaction correlated with self-reported hyperacusis, whether tinnitus sufferers had sought other treatments, and whether loud sounds make the tinnitus worse (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: The four personality traits examined in this study exhibited a consistent association with tinnitus perception and distress, and differentiated tinnitus sufferers from nontinnitus control. Some of the traits also correlated significantly with certain characteristics measured in tinnitus history questionnaires. Personality traits are described in relation to "maladaptive" residuals under the Adaptation Level Theory model of tinnitus. The results of the study suggest that certain personality traits correlate with the clinical presentation of tinnitus.

PMID: 28418323 [PubMed - in process]

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Binaural Interference: Quo Vadis?

Binaural Interference: Quo Vadis?

J Am Acad Audiol. 2017 Apr;28(4):266-270

Authors: Jerger J, Silman S, Silverman C, Emmer M

Abstract
The reality of the phenomenon of binaural interference with speech recognition has been debated for two decades. Research has taken one of two avenues; group studies or case reports. In group studies, a sample of the elderly population is tested on speech recognition under three conditions; binaural, monaural right and monaural left. The aim is to determine the percent of the sample in which the expected outcome (binaural score-better-than-either-monaural score) is reversed (i.e., one of the monaural scores is better than the binaural score). This outcome has been commonly used to define binaural interference. The object of group studies is to answer the "how many" question, what is the prevalence of binaural interference in the sample. In case reports the binaural interference conclusion suggested by the speech recognition tests is not accepted until it has been corroborated by other independent diagnostic audiological measures. The aim is to attempt to determine the basis for the findings, to answer the "why" question. This article is at once tutorial, editorial and a case report. We argue that it is time to accept the reality of the phenomenon of binaural interference, to eschew group statistical approaches in search of an answer to the "how many" question, and to focus on individual case reports in search of an answer to the "why" question.

PMID: 28418322 [PubMed - in process]

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Speaking and Nonspeaking Voice Professionals: Who Has the Better Voice?

Publication date: Available online 18 April 2017
Source:Journal of Voice
Author(s): Chandala Chitguppi, Anoop Raj, Ravi Meher, P.K. Rathore
IntroductionVoice professionals can be classified into two major subgroups: the primarily speaking and the primarily nonspeaking voice professionals. Nonspeaking voice professionals mainly include singers, whereas speaking voice professionals include the rest of the voice professionals. Although both of these groups have high vocal demands, it is currently unknown whether both groups show similar voice changes after their daily voice use. Comparison of these two subgroups of voice professionals has never been done before.AimThis study aimed to compare the speaking voice of speaking and nonspeaking voice professionals with no obvious vocal fold pathology or voice-related complaints on the day of assessment.MethodologyAfter obtaining relevant voice-related history, voice analysis and videostroboscopy were performed in 50 speaking and 50 nonspeaking voice professionals.ResultsSpeaking voice professionals showed significantly higher incidence of voice-related complaints as compared with nonspeaking voice professionals. Voice analysis revealed that most acoustic parameters including fundamental frequency, jitter percent, and harmonic-to-noise ratio were significantly higher in speaking voice professionals, whereas videostroboscopy did not show any significant difference between the two groups.ConclusionThis is the first study of its kind to analyze the effect of daily voice use in the two subgroups of voice professionals with no obvious vocal fold pathology. We conclude that voice professionals should not be considered as a homogeneous group. The detrimental effects of excessive voice use were observed to occur more significantly in speaking voice professionals than in nonspeaking voice professionals.



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Self-Administered Tinnitus Pitch Matching versus a Conventional Audiometric Procedure

Objective: Obtaining an accurate tinnitus pitch match is an initial and critical requirement for tinnitus evaluation and treatment, particularly for applying tailor-made notched music training. We investigated whether computer-based self-administered tinnitus pitch matching (CSTPM) is comparable with a conventional audiometric procedure (CAP). Methods: In total, 82 patients (mean age 45.52 years; 42 females) with tonal tinnitus participated. The CAP was performed by the same audiologist using a 2-alternative forced choice method with a frequency range of 0.25-16 kHz. In the CSTPM, the subjects used personal computer software with a scrolling slider to select the sound closest to their tinnitus pitch. After each matching procedure, an octave challenge test was applied. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with the difference between the CSTPM and CAP. Results: The subjects' mean hearing threshold was 21.25 ± 17.61 dB HL; the mean tinnitus handicap inventory score was 35.56 ± 24.09. The mean pitches measured with the CSTPM and CAP were 6.29 ± 4.30 and 6.98 ± 5.33 kHz, respectively. In total, 57 (69.5%) subjects matched their tinnitus with less than half an octave difference between the procedures. The results of the 2 methods correlated significantly with each other (Pearson r = 0.793, p p Conclusions: The CSTPM appears to be as accurate as the standard audiological procedure, and may be used instead of the CAP when octave confusion is minimized.
Audiol Neurotol 2017;22:1-8

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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as Adjuvant Treatment for Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss after Failure of Systemic Steroids

We evaluated the outcomes of and prognostic factors for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) treated with adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). A retrospective review of clinical data was performed for 167 patients with ISSNHL who failed to respond to systemic steroids and were treated by adjuvant HBOT at Shizuoka Saiseikai General Hospital. We analysed the clinical outcomes, the averaged 5-frequency hearing level after systemic steroids, patient age, the interval between post-steroids and pre-HBOT, vertigo as a complication, the presence of diabetes mellitus, smoking history, and hypertension. Overall, after HBOT, complete recovery occurred in 16 (9.6%) of the patients, with definite improvement in 16 (9.6%) and slight improvement in 45 (26.9%). The overall rate of hearing improvement was higher in the study group (77/167 cases, 46.1%) than in the control group (52/160 cases, 32.5%; p = 0.021). If performed appropriately, HBOT should be able to improve hearing in many cases unresponsive to initial therapy.
Audiol Neurotol 2017;22:9-14

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Sloping ABR baselines and the ECG myogenic artefact.

Related Articles

Sloping ABR baselines and the ECG myogenic artefact.

Int J Audiol. 2017 Apr 18;:1-5

Authors: Lightfoot G

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possibility that a sloping baseline in an ABR recording has its origins in cardiac activity and if so, identify how it is expressed.
DESIGN: The effect of ECG removal on the averaged ABR was investigated at two artefact rejection levels.
STUDY SAMPLE: Ten 1-minute records of raw EEG containing ABR responses but contaminated with cardiac activity were recorded from babies under 12 weeks of age and re-averaged using two artefact rejection levels. The slope of the ABR recording was measured. The measurements were repeated after removing effectively the cardiac activity from the records.
RESULTS: A sloping baseline was observed at one or both artefact rejection levels in all records. The slope varied as the artefact rejection level was changed, suggesting this may be implicated in slope generation. The slope effectively disappeared when the cardiac activity was removed from the record.
CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac activity has the potential to cause a sloping ABR baseline. A possible explanation for this effect is offered, together with suggestions for tester strategy when a sloping ABR baseline is seen in a clinical setting.

PMID: 28415901 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Electric field-navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation for chronic tinnitus: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Related Articles

Electric field-navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation for chronic tinnitus: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Int J Audiol. 2017 Apr 18;:1-9

Authors: Sahlsten H, Virtanen J, Joutsa J, Niinivirta-Joutsa K, Löyttyniemi E, Johansson R, Paavola J, Taiminen T, Sjösten N, Salonen J, Holm A, Rauhala E, Jääskeläinen SK

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may alleviate tinnitus. We evaluated effects of electric field (E-field) navigated rTMS targeted according to tinnitus pitch. No controlled studies have investigated anatomically accurate E-field-rTMS for tinnitus.
DESIGN: Effects of E-field-rTMS were evaluated in a prospective randomised placebo-controlled 6-month follow-up study on parallel groups. Patients received 10 sessions of 1 Hz rTMS or placebo targeted to the left auditory cortex corresponding to tonotopic representation of tinnitus pitch. Effects were evaluated immediately after treatment and at 1, 3 and 6 months. Primary outcome measures were visual analogue scores (VAS 0-100) for tinnitus intensity, annoyance and distress, and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI).
STUDY SAMPLE: Thirty-nine patients (mean age 50.3 years).
RESULTS: The mean tinnitus intensity (F3 = 15.7, p < 0.0001), annoyance (F3 = 8.8, p = 0.0002), distress (F3 = 9.1, p = 0.0002) and THI scores (F4 = 13.8, p < 0.0001) decreased in both groups over time with non-significant differences between the groups. After active rTMS, 42% and 37% of the patients showed excellent response at 1 and 3 months against 15% and 10% in the placebo group (p = 0.082 and p = 0.065).
CONCLUSIONS: Despite the significant effects of rTMS on tinnitus, differences between active and placebo groups remained non-significant, due to large placebo-effect and wide inter-individual variation.

PMID: 28415897 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Influence of two-electrode montages on the level-specific (LS) CE-Chirp auditory brainstem response (ABR) at multiple intensity levels.

Related Articles

Influence of two-electrode montages on the level-specific (LS) CE-Chirp auditory brainstem response (ABR) at multiple intensity levels.

Int J Audiol. 2017 Apr 18;:1-10

Authors: Dzulkarnain AAA, Noor Ibrahim SHM, Anuar NFA, Abdullah SA, Tengku Zam Zam TZH, Rahmat S, Mohd Ruzai MA

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of two different electrode montages (ipsilateral: reference to mastoid and vertical: reference to nape of neck) to the ABR results recorded using a level-specific (LS)-CE-Chirp® in normally hearing subjects at multiple intensities levels.
DESIGN: Quasi-experimental and repeated measure study designs were applied in this study. Two different stopping criteria were used, (1) a fixed-signal averaging 4000 sweeps and, (2) a minimum quality indicator of Fmp = 3.1 with a minimum of 800 sweeps.
STUDY SAMPLE: Twenty-nine normally hearing adults (18 females, 11 male) participated.
RESULTS: Wave V amplitudes were significantly larger in the LS CE-Chirp® recorded from the vertical montage than the ipsilateral montage. Waves I and III amplitudes were significantly larger from the ipsilateral LS CE-Chirp® than from the other montages and stimulus combinations. The differences in the quality of the ABR recording between the vertical and ipsilateral montages were marginal.
CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the result suggested that the vertical LS CE-Chirp® ABR had a high potential for a threshold-seeking application, because it produced a higher wave V amplitude. The Ipsilateral LS CE-Chirp® ABR, on the other hand, might also have a high potential for the site of lesion application, because it produced larger waves I and III amplitudes.

PMID: 28415891 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Sloping ABR baselines and the ECG myogenic artefact.

Related Articles

Sloping ABR baselines and the ECG myogenic artefact.

Int J Audiol. 2017 Apr 18;:1-5

Authors: Lightfoot G

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possibility that a sloping baseline in an ABR recording has its origins in cardiac activity and if so, identify how it is expressed.
DESIGN: The effect of ECG removal on the averaged ABR was investigated at two artefact rejection levels.
STUDY SAMPLE: Ten 1-minute records of raw EEG containing ABR responses but contaminated with cardiac activity were recorded from babies under 12 weeks of age and re-averaged using two artefact rejection levels. The slope of the ABR recording was measured. The measurements were repeated after removing effectively the cardiac activity from the records.
RESULTS: A sloping baseline was observed at one or both artefact rejection levels in all records. The slope varied as the artefact rejection level was changed, suggesting this may be implicated in slope generation. The slope effectively disappeared when the cardiac activity was removed from the record.
CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac activity has the potential to cause a sloping ABR baseline. A possible explanation for this effect is offered, together with suggestions for tester strategy when a sloping ABR baseline is seen in a clinical setting.

PMID: 28415901 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Electric field-navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation for chronic tinnitus: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Related Articles

Electric field-navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation for chronic tinnitus: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Int J Audiol. 2017 Apr 18;:1-9

Authors: Sahlsten H, Virtanen J, Joutsa J, Niinivirta-Joutsa K, Löyttyniemi E, Johansson R, Paavola J, Taiminen T, Sjösten N, Salonen J, Holm A, Rauhala E, Jääskeläinen SK

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may alleviate tinnitus. We evaluated effects of electric field (E-field) navigated rTMS targeted according to tinnitus pitch. No controlled studies have investigated anatomically accurate E-field-rTMS for tinnitus.
DESIGN: Effects of E-field-rTMS were evaluated in a prospective randomised placebo-controlled 6-month follow-up study on parallel groups. Patients received 10 sessions of 1 Hz rTMS or placebo targeted to the left auditory cortex corresponding to tonotopic representation of tinnitus pitch. Effects were evaluated immediately after treatment and at 1, 3 and 6 months. Primary outcome measures were visual analogue scores (VAS 0-100) for tinnitus intensity, annoyance and distress, and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI).
STUDY SAMPLE: Thirty-nine patients (mean age 50.3 years).
RESULTS: The mean tinnitus intensity (F3 = 15.7, p < 0.0001), annoyance (F3 = 8.8, p = 0.0002), distress (F3 = 9.1, p = 0.0002) and THI scores (F4 = 13.8, p < 0.0001) decreased in both groups over time with non-significant differences between the groups. After active rTMS, 42% and 37% of the patients showed excellent response at 1 and 3 months against 15% and 10% in the placebo group (p = 0.082 and p = 0.065).
CONCLUSIONS: Despite the significant effects of rTMS on tinnitus, differences between active and placebo groups remained non-significant, due to large placebo-effect and wide inter-individual variation.

PMID: 28415897 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Influence of two-electrode montages on the level-specific (LS) CE-Chirp auditory brainstem response (ABR) at multiple intensity levels.

Related Articles

Influence of two-electrode montages on the level-specific (LS) CE-Chirp auditory brainstem response (ABR) at multiple intensity levels.

Int J Audiol. 2017 Apr 18;:1-10

Authors: Dzulkarnain AAA, Noor Ibrahim SHM, Anuar NFA, Abdullah SA, Tengku Zam Zam TZH, Rahmat S, Mohd Ruzai MA

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of two different electrode montages (ipsilateral: reference to mastoid and vertical: reference to nape of neck) to the ABR results recorded using a level-specific (LS)-CE-Chirp® in normally hearing subjects at multiple intensities levels.
DESIGN: Quasi-experimental and repeated measure study designs were applied in this study. Two different stopping criteria were used, (1) a fixed-signal averaging 4000 sweeps and, (2) a minimum quality indicator of Fmp = 3.1 with a minimum of 800 sweeps.
STUDY SAMPLE: Twenty-nine normally hearing adults (18 females, 11 male) participated.
RESULTS: Wave V amplitudes were significantly larger in the LS CE-Chirp® recorded from the vertical montage than the ipsilateral montage. Waves I and III amplitudes were significantly larger from the ipsilateral LS CE-Chirp® than from the other montages and stimulus combinations. The differences in the quality of the ABR recording between the vertical and ipsilateral montages were marginal.
CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the result suggested that the vertical LS CE-Chirp® ABR had a high potential for a threshold-seeking application, because it produced a higher wave V amplitude. The Ipsilateral LS CE-Chirp® ABR, on the other hand, might also have a high potential for the site of lesion application, because it produced larger waves I and III amplitudes.

PMID: 28415891 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Device optimised chirp stimulus for ABR measurements with an active middle ear implant

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Audiometric features in young adults with Turner syndrome

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Stages of change in audiology: comparison of three self-assessment measures

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Device optimised chirp stimulus for ABR measurements with an active middle ear implant

.


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via IFTTT

Audiometric features in young adults with Turner syndrome

.


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Stages of change in audiology: comparison of three self-assessment measures

.


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Sloping ABR baselines and the ECG myogenic artefact.

Related Articles

Sloping ABR baselines and the ECG myogenic artefact.

Int J Audiol. 2017 Apr 18;:1-5

Authors: Lightfoot G

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possibility that a sloping baseline in an ABR recording has its origins in cardiac activity and if so, identify how it is expressed.
DESIGN: The effect of ECG removal on the averaged ABR was investigated at two artefact rejection levels.
STUDY SAMPLE: Ten 1-minute records of raw EEG containing ABR responses but contaminated with cardiac activity were recorded from babies under 12 weeks of age and re-averaged using two artefact rejection levels. The slope of the ABR recording was measured. The measurements were repeated after removing effectively the cardiac activity from the records.
RESULTS: A sloping baseline was observed at one or both artefact rejection levels in all records. The slope varied as the artefact rejection level was changed, suggesting this may be implicated in slope generation. The slope effectively disappeared when the cardiac activity was removed from the record.
CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac activity has the potential to cause a sloping ABR baseline. A possible explanation for this effect is offered, together with suggestions for tester strategy when a sloping ABR baseline is seen in a clinical setting.

PMID: 28415901 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Electric field-navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation for chronic tinnitus: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Related Articles

Electric field-navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation for chronic tinnitus: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Int J Audiol. 2017 Apr 18;:1-9

Authors: Sahlsten H, Virtanen J, Joutsa J, Niinivirta-Joutsa K, Löyttyniemi E, Johansson R, Paavola J, Taiminen T, Sjösten N, Salonen J, Holm A, Rauhala E, Jääskeläinen SK

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may alleviate tinnitus. We evaluated effects of electric field (E-field) navigated rTMS targeted according to tinnitus pitch. No controlled studies have investigated anatomically accurate E-field-rTMS for tinnitus.
DESIGN: Effects of E-field-rTMS were evaluated in a prospective randomised placebo-controlled 6-month follow-up study on parallel groups. Patients received 10 sessions of 1 Hz rTMS or placebo targeted to the left auditory cortex corresponding to tonotopic representation of tinnitus pitch. Effects were evaluated immediately after treatment and at 1, 3 and 6 months. Primary outcome measures were visual analogue scores (VAS 0-100) for tinnitus intensity, annoyance and distress, and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI).
STUDY SAMPLE: Thirty-nine patients (mean age 50.3 years).
RESULTS: The mean tinnitus intensity (F3 = 15.7, p < 0.0001), annoyance (F3 = 8.8, p = 0.0002), distress (F3 = 9.1, p = 0.0002) and THI scores (F4 = 13.8, p < 0.0001) decreased in both groups over time with non-significant differences between the groups. After active rTMS, 42% and 37% of the patients showed excellent response at 1 and 3 months against 15% and 10% in the placebo group (p = 0.082 and p = 0.065).
CONCLUSIONS: Despite the significant effects of rTMS on tinnitus, differences between active and placebo groups remained non-significant, due to large placebo-effect and wide inter-individual variation.

PMID: 28415897 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Influence of two-electrode montages on the level-specific (LS) CE-Chirp auditory brainstem response (ABR) at multiple intensity levels.

Related Articles

Influence of two-electrode montages on the level-specific (LS) CE-Chirp auditory brainstem response (ABR) at multiple intensity levels.

Int J Audiol. 2017 Apr 18;:1-10

Authors: Dzulkarnain AAA, Noor Ibrahim SHM, Anuar NFA, Abdullah SA, Tengku Zam Zam TZH, Rahmat S, Mohd Ruzai MA

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of two different electrode montages (ipsilateral: reference to mastoid and vertical: reference to nape of neck) to the ABR results recorded using a level-specific (LS)-CE-Chirp® in normally hearing subjects at multiple intensities levels.
DESIGN: Quasi-experimental and repeated measure study designs were applied in this study. Two different stopping criteria were used, (1) a fixed-signal averaging 4000 sweeps and, (2) a minimum quality indicator of Fmp = 3.1 with a minimum of 800 sweeps.
STUDY SAMPLE: Twenty-nine normally hearing adults (18 females, 11 male) participated.
RESULTS: Wave V amplitudes were significantly larger in the LS CE-Chirp® recorded from the vertical montage than the ipsilateral montage. Waves I and III amplitudes were significantly larger from the ipsilateral LS CE-Chirp® than from the other montages and stimulus combinations. The differences in the quality of the ABR recording between the vertical and ipsilateral montages were marginal.
CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the result suggested that the vertical LS CE-Chirp® ABR had a high potential for a threshold-seeking application, because it produced a higher wave V amplitude. The Ipsilateral LS CE-Chirp® ABR, on the other hand, might also have a high potential for the site of lesion application, because it produced larger waves I and III amplitudes.

PMID: 28415891 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Sloping ABR baselines and the ECG myogenic artefact.

Related Articles

Sloping ABR baselines and the ECG myogenic artefact.

Int J Audiol. 2017 Apr 18;:1-5

Authors: Lightfoot G

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possibility that a sloping baseline in an ABR recording has its origins in cardiac activity and if so, identify how it is expressed.
DESIGN: The effect of ECG removal on the averaged ABR was investigated at two artefact rejection levels.
STUDY SAMPLE: Ten 1-minute records of raw EEG containing ABR responses but contaminated with cardiac activity were recorded from babies under 12 weeks of age and re-averaged using two artefact rejection levels. The slope of the ABR recording was measured. The measurements were repeated after removing effectively the cardiac activity from the records.
RESULTS: A sloping baseline was observed at one or both artefact rejection levels in all records. The slope varied as the artefact rejection level was changed, suggesting this may be implicated in slope generation. The slope effectively disappeared when the cardiac activity was removed from the record.
CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac activity has the potential to cause a sloping ABR baseline. A possible explanation for this effect is offered, together with suggestions for tester strategy when a sloping ABR baseline is seen in a clinical setting.

PMID: 28415901 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Electric field-navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation for chronic tinnitus: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

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Electric field-navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation for chronic tinnitus: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Int J Audiol. 2017 Apr 18;:1-9

Authors: Sahlsten H, Virtanen J, Joutsa J, Niinivirta-Joutsa K, Löyttyniemi E, Johansson R, Paavola J, Taiminen T, Sjösten N, Salonen J, Holm A, Rauhala E, Jääskeläinen SK

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may alleviate tinnitus. We evaluated effects of electric field (E-field) navigated rTMS targeted according to tinnitus pitch. No controlled studies have investigated anatomically accurate E-field-rTMS for tinnitus.
DESIGN: Effects of E-field-rTMS were evaluated in a prospective randomised placebo-controlled 6-month follow-up study on parallel groups. Patients received 10 sessions of 1 Hz rTMS or placebo targeted to the left auditory cortex corresponding to tonotopic representation of tinnitus pitch. Effects were evaluated immediately after treatment and at 1, 3 and 6 months. Primary outcome measures were visual analogue scores (VAS 0-100) for tinnitus intensity, annoyance and distress, and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI).
STUDY SAMPLE: Thirty-nine patients (mean age 50.3 years).
RESULTS: The mean tinnitus intensity (F3 = 15.7, p < 0.0001), annoyance (F3 = 8.8, p = 0.0002), distress (F3 = 9.1, p = 0.0002) and THI scores (F4 = 13.8, p < 0.0001) decreased in both groups over time with non-significant differences between the groups. After active rTMS, 42% and 37% of the patients showed excellent response at 1 and 3 months against 15% and 10% in the placebo group (p = 0.082 and p = 0.065).
CONCLUSIONS: Despite the significant effects of rTMS on tinnitus, differences between active and placebo groups remained non-significant, due to large placebo-effect and wide inter-individual variation.

PMID: 28415897 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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via IFTTT

Influence of two-electrode montages on the level-specific (LS) CE-Chirp auditory brainstem response (ABR) at multiple intensity levels.

Related Articles

Influence of two-electrode montages on the level-specific (LS) CE-Chirp auditory brainstem response (ABR) at multiple intensity levels.

Int J Audiol. 2017 Apr 18;:1-10

Authors: Dzulkarnain AAA, Noor Ibrahim SHM, Anuar NFA, Abdullah SA, Tengku Zam Zam TZH, Rahmat S, Mohd Ruzai MA

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of two different electrode montages (ipsilateral: reference to mastoid and vertical: reference to nape of neck) to the ABR results recorded using a level-specific (LS)-CE-Chirp® in normally hearing subjects at multiple intensities levels.
DESIGN: Quasi-experimental and repeated measure study designs were applied in this study. Two different stopping criteria were used, (1) a fixed-signal averaging 4000 sweeps and, (2) a minimum quality indicator of Fmp = 3.1 with a minimum of 800 sweeps.
STUDY SAMPLE: Twenty-nine normally hearing adults (18 females, 11 male) participated.
RESULTS: Wave V amplitudes were significantly larger in the LS CE-Chirp® recorded from the vertical montage than the ipsilateral montage. Waves I and III amplitudes were significantly larger from the ipsilateral LS CE-Chirp® than from the other montages and stimulus combinations. The differences in the quality of the ABR recording between the vertical and ipsilateral montages were marginal.
CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the result suggested that the vertical LS CE-Chirp® ABR had a high potential for a threshold-seeking application, because it produced a higher wave V amplitude. The Ipsilateral LS CE-Chirp® ABR, on the other hand, might also have a high potential for the site of lesion application, because it produced larger waves I and III amplitudes.

PMID: 28415891 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Device optimised chirp stimulus for ABR measurements with an active middle ear implant

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Audiometric features in young adults with Turner syndrome

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Stages of change in audiology: comparison of three self-assessment measures

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Device optimised chirp stimulus for ABR measurements with an active middle ear implant

.


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via IFTTT

Audiometric features in young adults with Turner syndrome

.


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

Stages of change in audiology: comparison of three self-assessment measures

.


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

Device optimised chirp stimulus for ABR measurements with an active middle ear implant

.


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via IFTTT

Audiometric features in young adults with Turner syndrome

.


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Stages of change in audiology: comparison of three self-assessment measures

.


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Neural indices of phonemic discrimination and sentence-level speech intelligibility in quiet and noise: A P3 study

Publication date: Available online 18 April 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Tess K. Koerner, Yang Zhang, Peggy B. Nelson, Boxiang Wang, Hui Zou
This study examined how speech babble noise differentially affected the auditory P3 responses and the associated neural oscillatory activities for consonant and vowel discrimination in relation to segmental- and sentence-level speech perception in noise. The data were collected from 16 normal-hearing participants in a double-oddball paradigm that contained a consonant (/ba/ to /da/) and vowel (/ba/ to /bu/) change in quiet and noise (speech-babble background at a -3 dB signal-to-noise ratio) conditions. Time-frequency analysis was applied to obtain inter-trial phase coherence (ITPC) and event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) measures in delta, theta, and alpha frequency bands for the P3 response. Behavioral measures included percent correct phoneme detection and reaction time as well as percent correct IEEE sentence recognition in quiet and in noise. Linear mixed-effects models were applied to determine possible brain-behavior correlates. A significant noise-induced reduction in P3 amplitude was found, accompanied by significantly longer P3 latency and decreases in ITPC across all frequency bands of interest. There was a differential effect of noise on consonant discrimination and vowel discrimination in both ERP and behavioral measures, such that noise impacted the detection of the consonant change more than the vowel change. The P3 amplitude and some of the ITPC and ERSP measures were significant predictors of speech perception at segmental- and sentence-levels across listening conditions and stimuli. These data demonstrate that the P3 response with its associated cortical oscillations represents a potential neurophysiological marker for speech perception in noise.



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Neural indices of phonemic discrimination and sentence-level speech intelligibility in quiet and noise: A P3 study

Publication date: Available online 18 April 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Tess K. Koerner, Yang Zhang, Peggy B. Nelson, Boxiang Wang, Hui Zou
This study examined how speech babble noise differentially affected the auditory P3 responses and the associated neural oscillatory activities for consonant and vowel discrimination in relation to segmental- and sentence-level speech perception in noise. The data were collected from 16 normal-hearing participants in a double-oddball paradigm that contained a consonant (/ba/ to /da/) and vowel (/ba/ to /bu/) change in quiet and noise (speech-babble background at a -3 dB signal-to-noise ratio) conditions. Time-frequency analysis was applied to obtain inter-trial phase coherence (ITPC) and event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) measures in delta, theta, and alpha frequency bands for the P3 response. Behavioral measures included percent correct phoneme detection and reaction time as well as percent correct IEEE sentence recognition in quiet and in noise. Linear mixed-effects models were applied to determine possible brain-behavior correlates. A significant noise-induced reduction in P3 amplitude was found, accompanied by significantly longer P3 latency and decreases in ITPC across all frequency bands of interest. There was a differential effect of noise on consonant discrimination and vowel discrimination in both ERP and behavioral measures, such that noise impacted the detection of the consonant change more than the vowel change. The P3 amplitude and some of the ITPC and ERSP measures were significant predictors of speech perception at segmental- and sentence-levels across listening conditions and stimuli. These data demonstrate that the P3 response with its associated cortical oscillations represents a potential neurophysiological marker for speech perception in noise.



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Neural indices of phonemic discrimination and sentence-level speech intelligibility in quiet and noise: A P3 study

Publication date: Available online 18 April 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Tess K. Koerner, Yang Zhang, Peggy B. Nelson, Boxiang Wang, Hui Zou
This study examined how speech babble noise differentially affected the auditory P3 responses and the associated neural oscillatory activities for consonant and vowel discrimination in relation to segmental- and sentence-level speech perception in noise. The data were collected from 16 normal-hearing participants in a double-oddball paradigm that contained a consonant (/ba/ to /da/) and vowel (/ba/ to /bu/) change in quiet and noise (speech-babble background at a -3 dB signal-to-noise ratio) conditions. Time-frequency analysis was applied to obtain inter-trial phase coherence (ITPC) and event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) measures in delta, theta, and alpha frequency bands for the P3 response. Behavioral measures included percent correct phoneme detection and reaction time as well as percent correct IEEE sentence recognition in quiet and in noise. Linear mixed-effects models were applied to determine possible brain-behavior correlates. A significant noise-induced reduction in P3 amplitude was found, accompanied by significantly longer P3 latency and decreases in ITPC across all frequency bands of interest. There was a differential effect of noise on consonant discrimination and vowel discrimination in both ERP and behavioral measures, such that noise impacted the detection of the consonant change more than the vowel change. The P3 amplitude and some of the ITPC and ERSP measures were significant predictors of speech perception at segmental- and sentence-levels across listening conditions and stimuli. These data demonstrate that the P3 response with its associated cortical oscillations represents a potential neurophysiological marker for speech perception in noise.



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Neural indices of phonemic discrimination and sentence-level speech intelligibility in quiet and noise: A P3 study

Publication date: Available online 18 April 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Tess K. Koerner, Yang Zhang, Peggy B. Nelson, Boxiang Wang, Hui Zou
This study examined how speech babble noise differentially affected the auditory P3 responses and the associated neural oscillatory activities for consonant and vowel discrimination in relation to segmental- and sentence-level speech perception in noise. The data were collected from 16 normal-hearing participants in a double-oddball paradigm that contained a consonant (/ba/ to /da/) and vowel (/ba/ to /bu/) change in quiet and noise (speech-babble background at a -3 dB signal-to-noise ratio) conditions. Time-frequency analysis was applied to obtain inter-trial phase coherence (ITPC) and event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) measures in delta, theta, and alpha frequency bands for the P3 response. Behavioral measures included percent correct phoneme detection and reaction time as well as percent correct IEEE sentence recognition in quiet and in noise. Linear mixed-effects models were applied to determine possible brain-behavior correlates. A significant noise-induced reduction in P3 amplitude was found, accompanied by significantly longer P3 latency and decreases in ITPC across all frequency bands of interest. There was a differential effect of noise on consonant discrimination and vowel discrimination in both ERP and behavioral measures, such that noise impacted the detection of the consonant change more than the vowel change. The P3 amplitude and some of the ITPC and ERSP measures were significant predictors of speech perception at segmental- and sentence-levels across listening conditions and stimuli. These data demonstrate that the P3 response with its associated cortical oscillations represents a potential neurophysiological marker for speech perception in noise.



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via IFTTT

Neural indices of phonemic discrimination and sentence-level speech intelligibility in quiet and noise: A P3 study

Publication date: Available online 18 April 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Tess K. Koerner, Yang Zhang, Peggy B. Nelson, Boxiang Wang, Hui Zou
This study examined how speech babble noise differentially affected the auditory P3 responses and the associated neural oscillatory activities for consonant and vowel discrimination in relation to segmental- and sentence-level speech perception in noise. The data were collected from 16 normal-hearing participants in a double-oddball paradigm that contained a consonant (/ba/ to /da/) and vowel (/ba/ to /bu/) change in quiet and noise (speech-babble background at a -3 dB signal-to-noise ratio) conditions. Time-frequency analysis was applied to obtain inter-trial phase coherence (ITPC) and event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) measures in delta, theta, and alpha frequency bands for the P3 response. Behavioral measures included percent correct phoneme detection and reaction time as well as percent correct IEEE sentence recognition in quiet and in noise. Linear mixed-effects models were applied to determine possible brain-behavior correlates. A significant noise-induced reduction in P3 amplitude was found, accompanied by significantly longer P3 latency and decreases in ITPC across all frequency bands of interest. There was a differential effect of noise on consonant discrimination and vowel discrimination in both ERP and behavioral measures, such that noise impacted the detection of the consonant change more than the vowel change. The P3 amplitude and some of the ITPC and ERSP measures were significant predictors of speech perception at segmental- and sentence-levels across listening conditions and stimuli. These data demonstrate that the P3 response with its associated cortical oscillations represents a potential neurophysiological marker for speech perception in noise.



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