Test-Retest Reliability of the Dual-Microphone Voice Range Profile

Publication date: Available online 16 May 2017
Source:Journal of Voice
Author(s): Trine Printz, Jesper Roed Sorensen, Christian Godballe, Ågot Møller Grøntved
ObjectivesThe voice range profile (VRP) measures vocal intensity and fundamental frequency. Phonosurgical and logopedic treatment outcome studies using the VRP report voice improvements of 3–6 semitones (ST) in ST range and 4–7 decibels (dB) in sound pressure level range after treatment. These small improvements stress the importance of reliable measurements. The aim was to evaluate the test-retest reliability of the dual-microphone computerized VRP on participants with healthy voices.Study DesignThis is a prospective test-retest reliability study.MethodsDual-microphone VRPs were repeated twice on healthy participants (n = 37) with an interval of 6–37 days. Voice frequency and intensity (minimum, maximum, and ranges) were assessed in combination with the area of the VRP.ResultsCorrelations between VRP parameters were high (r > 0.60). However, in the retest, a statistically significant increase in voice frequency range (1.4 ST [95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.8–2.1 ST], P < 0.001), intensity ranges (2.2 dB [95% CI: 1.0–3.4 dB], P < 0.001), maximum frequency (1.0 ST [95% CI: 0.5–1.6 ST], P < 0.001), maximum intensity (1.4 dB [95% CI: 0.5–2.3 dB], P = 0.002), and area inside the VRP (148 cells [95% CI: 87–210 cells], P < 0.001) was observed.ConclusionThe intra-examiner variation of the dual-microphone VRP is well below the differences seen after surgical or logopedic intervention, even when measuring in non-sound-treated rooms. There is a need for studies regarding inter-examiner reliability with a longer interval between test and retest before the assessment is fully reliable for clinical application.



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

Long-term outcomes of external femoral derotation osteotomies in children with cerebral palsy

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 56
Author(s): Sylvia Õunpuu, Matthew Solomito, Katharine Bell, Kristan Pierz
External femoral derotation osteotomy (FDO) is an orthopaedic intervention to correct increased femoral anteversion and associated excessive internal hip rotation and internal foot progression during gait in children with cerebral palsy. The resulting functional issues may include clearance problems and hip abductor lever-arm dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term gait outcomes of FDO. Twenty ambulatory patients (27 sides) with cerebral palsy who underwent pre-operative (P0) and a one year post-operative (P1) gait analysis as part of the standard of care had a second post-operative analysis (P2) approximately 11 years post-surgical intervention. Mean hip rotation in stance showed statistically significant decreases in internal rotation at P1 post-surgical intervention that were maintained long-term (mean hip rotation P0: 21±9, P1: 0±9 and P2: 6±12 degrees internal). Similar results were seen with mean foot progression (P0: 9±16 degrees internal, P1: 14±13 degrees external, P2: 13±16 degrees external). However, 2/27 sides (9%) showed a recurrence of internal hip rotation of >15° at the 11year follow-up. The reasons for this recurrence could include age, surgical location and ongoing disease process all of which need to be further examined. We conclude that FDO can show long-term kinematic and functional benefits when performed in the prepubescent child with cerebral palsy in comparison to the natural progression of of hip rotation in cerebral palsy.



from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2pU4GIH
via IFTTT

A Pilot Study of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Distribution Patterns in Older Women

Publication date: Available online 16 May 2017
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Emma Fortune, Benjamin Mundell, Shreyasee Amin, Kenton Kaufman
The study aims were to investigate free-living physical activity and sedentary behavior distribution patterns in a group of older women, and assess the cross-sectional associations with body mass index (BMI).Eleven older women (mean (SD) age: 77 (9) yrs) wore custom-built activity monitors, each containing a tri-axial accelerometer (±16g, 100Hz), on the waist and ankle for lab-based walking trials and 4 days in free-living. Daily active time, step counts, cadence, and sedentary break number were estimated from acceleration data. The sedentary bout length distribution and sedentary time accumulation pattern, using the Gini index, were investigated. Associations of the parameters’ total daily values and coefficients of variation (CVs) of their hourly values with BMI were assessed using linear regression.The algorithm demonstrated median sensitivity, positive predictive value, and agreement values>98% and<1% mean error in cadence calculations with video identification during lab trials. Participants’ sedentary bouts were found to be power law distributed with 56% of their sedentary time occurring in 20min bouts or longer. Meaningful associations were detectable in the relationships of total active time, step count, sedentary break number and their CVs with BMI. Active time and step counts had moderate negative associations with BMI while sedentary break number had a strong negative association. Active time, step count and sedentary break number CVs also had strong positive associations with BMI.The results highlight the importance of measuring sedentary behavior and suggest a more even distribution of physical activity throughout the day is associated with lower BMI.



from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2qpks1L
via IFTTT

Long-term outcomes of external femoral derotation osteotomies in children with cerebral palsy

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 56
Author(s): Sylvia Õunpuu, Matthew Solomito, Katharine Bell, Kristan Pierz
External femoral derotation osteotomy (FDO) is an orthopaedic intervention to correct increased femoral anteversion and associated excessive internal hip rotation and internal foot progression during gait in children with cerebral palsy. The resulting functional issues may include clearance problems and hip abductor lever-arm dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term gait outcomes of FDO. Twenty ambulatory patients (27 sides) with cerebral palsy who underwent pre-operative (P0) and a one year post-operative (P1) gait analysis as part of the standard of care had a second post-operative analysis (P2) approximately 11 years post-surgical intervention. Mean hip rotation in stance showed statistically significant decreases in internal rotation at P1 post-surgical intervention that were maintained long-term (mean hip rotation P0: 21±9, P1: 0±9 and P2: 6±12 degrees internal). Similar results were seen with mean foot progression (P0: 9±16 degrees internal, P1: 14±13 degrees external, P2: 13±16 degrees external). However, 2/27 sides (9%) showed a recurrence of internal hip rotation of >15° at the 11year follow-up. The reasons for this recurrence could include age, surgical location and ongoing disease process all of which need to be further examined. We conclude that FDO can show long-term kinematic and functional benefits when performed in the prepubescent child with cerebral palsy in comparison to the natural progression of of hip rotation in cerebral palsy.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2pU4GIH
via IFTTT

A Pilot Study of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Distribution Patterns in Older Women

Publication date: Available online 16 May 2017
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Emma Fortune, Benjamin Mundell, Shreyasee Amin, Kenton Kaufman
The study aims were to investigate free-living physical activity and sedentary behavior distribution patterns in a group of older women, and assess the cross-sectional associations with body mass index (BMI).Eleven older women (mean (SD) age: 77 (9) yrs) wore custom-built activity monitors, each containing a tri-axial accelerometer (±16g, 100Hz), on the waist and ankle for lab-based walking trials and 4 days in free-living. Daily active time, step counts, cadence, and sedentary break number were estimated from acceleration data. The sedentary bout length distribution and sedentary time accumulation pattern, using the Gini index, were investigated. Associations of the parameters’ total daily values and coefficients of variation (CVs) of their hourly values with BMI were assessed using linear regression.The algorithm demonstrated median sensitivity, positive predictive value, and agreement values>98% and<1% mean error in cadence calculations with video identification during lab trials. Participants’ sedentary bouts were found to be power law distributed with 56% of their sedentary time occurring in 20min bouts or longer. Meaningful associations were detectable in the relationships of total active time, step count, sedentary break number and their CVs with BMI. Active time and step counts had moderate negative associations with BMI while sedentary break number had a strong negative association. Active time, step count and sedentary break number CVs also had strong positive associations with BMI.The results highlight the importance of measuring sedentary behavior and suggest a more even distribution of physical activity throughout the day is associated with lower BMI.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2qpks1L
via IFTTT

Long-term outcomes of external femoral derotation osteotomies in children with cerebral palsy

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 56
Author(s): Sylvia Õunpuu, Matthew Solomito, Katharine Bell, Kristan Pierz
External femoral derotation osteotomy (FDO) is an orthopaedic intervention to correct increased femoral anteversion and associated excessive internal hip rotation and internal foot progression during gait in children with cerebral palsy. The resulting functional issues may include clearance problems and hip abductor lever-arm dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term gait outcomes of FDO. Twenty ambulatory patients (27 sides) with cerebral palsy who underwent pre-operative (P0) and a one year post-operative (P1) gait analysis as part of the standard of care had a second post-operative analysis (P2) approximately 11 years post-surgical intervention. Mean hip rotation in stance showed statistically significant decreases in internal rotation at P1 post-surgical intervention that were maintained long-term (mean hip rotation P0: 21±9, P1: 0±9 and P2: 6±12 degrees internal). Similar results were seen with mean foot progression (P0: 9±16 degrees internal, P1: 14±13 degrees external, P2: 13±16 degrees external). However, 2/27 sides (9%) showed a recurrence of internal hip rotation of >15° at the 11year follow-up. The reasons for this recurrence could include age, surgical location and ongoing disease process all of which need to be further examined. We conclude that FDO can show long-term kinematic and functional benefits when performed in the prepubescent child with cerebral palsy in comparison to the natural progression of of hip rotation in cerebral palsy.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2pU4GIH
via IFTTT

A Pilot Study of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Distribution Patterns in Older Women

Publication date: Available online 16 May 2017
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Emma Fortune, Benjamin Mundell, Shreyasee Amin, Kenton Kaufman
The study aims were to investigate free-living physical activity and sedentary behavior distribution patterns in a group of older women, and assess the cross-sectional associations with body mass index (BMI).Eleven older women (mean (SD) age: 77 (9) yrs) wore custom-built activity monitors, each containing a tri-axial accelerometer (±16g, 100Hz), on the waist and ankle for lab-based walking trials and 4 days in free-living. Daily active time, step counts, cadence, and sedentary break number were estimated from acceleration data. The sedentary bout length distribution and sedentary time accumulation pattern, using the Gini index, were investigated. Associations of the parameters’ total daily values and coefficients of variation (CVs) of their hourly values with BMI were assessed using linear regression.The algorithm demonstrated median sensitivity, positive predictive value, and agreement values>98% and<1% mean error in cadence calculations with video identification during lab trials. Participants’ sedentary bouts were found to be power law distributed with 56% of their sedentary time occurring in 20min bouts or longer. Meaningful associations were detectable in the relationships of total active time, step count, sedentary break number and their CVs with BMI. Active time and step counts had moderate negative associations with BMI while sedentary break number had a strong negative association. Active time, step count and sedentary break number CVs also had strong positive associations with BMI.The results highlight the importance of measuring sedentary behavior and suggest a more even distribution of physical activity throughout the day is associated with lower BMI.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2qpks1L
via IFTTT

Auditory Processing of Older Adults With Probable Mild Cognitive Impairment

Purpose

Studies suggest that deficits in auditory processing predict cognitive decline and dementia, but those studies included limited measures of auditory processing. The purpose of this study was to compare older adults with and without probable mild cognitive impairment (MCI) across two domains of auditory processing (auditory performance in competing acoustic signals and temporal aspects of audition).

Method

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (Nasreddine et al., 2005) was used to classify participants as with or without probable MCI. In this cross-sectional study, participants (n = 79) completed 4 measures of auditory processing: Synthetic Sentence Identification with Ipsilateral Competing Message (Gates, Beiser, Rees, D'Agostino, & Wolf, 2002), Dichotic Sentence Identification (Fifer, Jerger, Berlin, Tobey, & Campbell, 1983), Adaptive Tests of Temporal Resolution (ATTR; Lister & Roberts, 2006; across-channel and within-channel subtests), and time-compressed speech (Wilson, 1993; Wilson, Preece, Salamon, Sperry, & Bornstein, 1994). Audiometry was also conducted.

Results

Those with probable MCI had significantly poorer performance than those without MCI on Synthetic Sentence Identification with Ipsilateral Competing Message, Dichotic Sentence Identification, and the ATTR within-channel subtest. No group differences were found for time-compressed speech, ATTR across-channel, or audiometric measures.

Conclusions

Older adults with cognitive impairment not only have difficulty with competing acoustic signals but may also show poor temporal processing. The profile of auditory processing deficits among older adults with cognitive impairment may include multiple domains.

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

The Role of Frequency in Learning Morphophonological Alternations: Implications for Children with Specific Language Impairment

Purpose

The aim of this article was to explore how the type of allomorph (e.g., past tense buzz[ d ] vs. nod[ əd ]) influences the ability to perceive and produce grammatical morphemes in children with typical development and with specific language impairment (SLI).

Method

The participants were monolingual Australian English–speaking children. The SLI group included 13 participants (mean age = 5;7 [years;months]); the control group included 19 children with typical development (mean age = 5;4). Both groups performed a grammaticality judgment and elicited production task with the same set of nonce verbs in third-person singular and past tense forms.

Results

Five-year-old children are still learning to generalize morphophonological patterns to novel verbs, and syllabic /əz/ and /əd/ allomorphs are significantly more challenging to produce, particularly for the SLI group. The greater phonetic content of these syllabic forms did not enhance perception.

Conclusions

Acquisition of morphophonological patterns involving low-frequency allomorphs is still underway in 5-year-old children with typical development, and it is even more protracted in SLI populations, despite these patterns being highly predictable. Children with SLI will therefore benefit from targeted intervention with low-frequency allomorphs.

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

Auditory Processing of Older Adults With Probable Mild Cognitive Impairment

Purpose

Studies suggest that deficits in auditory processing predict cognitive decline and dementia, but those studies included limited measures of auditory processing. The purpose of this study was to compare older adults with and without probable mild cognitive impairment (MCI) across two domains of auditory processing (auditory performance in competing acoustic signals and temporal aspects of audition).

Method

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (Nasreddine et al., 2005) was used to classify participants as with or without probable MCI. In this cross-sectional study, participants (n = 79) completed 4 measures of auditory processing: Synthetic Sentence Identification with Ipsilateral Competing Message (Gates, Beiser, Rees, D'Agostino, & Wolf, 2002), Dichotic Sentence Identification (Fifer, Jerger, Berlin, Tobey, & Campbell, 1983), Adaptive Tests of Temporal Resolution (ATTR; Lister & Roberts, 2006; across-channel and within-channel subtests), and time-compressed speech (Wilson, 1993; Wilson, Preece, Salamon, Sperry, & Bornstein, 1994). Audiometry was also conducted.

Results

Those with probable MCI had significantly poorer performance than those without MCI on Synthetic Sentence Identification with Ipsilateral Competing Message, Dichotic Sentence Identification, and the ATTR within-channel subtest. No group differences were found for time-compressed speech, ATTR across-channel, or audiometric measures.

Conclusions

Older adults with cognitive impairment not only have difficulty with competing acoustic signals but may also show poor temporal processing. The profile of auditory processing deficits among older adults with cognitive impairment may include multiple domains.

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

The Role of Frequency in Learning Morphophonological Alternations: Implications for Children with Specific Language Impairment

Purpose

The aim of this article was to explore how the type of allomorph (e.g., past tense buzz[ d ] vs. nod[ əd ]) influences the ability to perceive and produce grammatical morphemes in children with typical development and with specific language impairment (SLI).

Method

The participants were monolingual Australian English–speaking children. The SLI group included 13 participants (mean age = 5;7 [years;months]); the control group included 19 children with typical development (mean age = 5;4). Both groups performed a grammaticality judgment and elicited production task with the same set of nonce verbs in third-person singular and past tense forms.

Results

Five-year-old children are still learning to generalize morphophonological patterns to novel verbs, and syllabic /əz/ and /əd/ allomorphs are significantly more challenging to produce, particularly for the SLI group. The greater phonetic content of these syllabic forms did not enhance perception.

Conclusions

Acquisition of morphophonological patterns involving low-frequency allomorphs is still underway in 5-year-old children with typical development, and it is even more protracted in SLI populations, despite these patterns being highly predictable. Children with SLI will therefore benefit from targeted intervention with low-frequency allomorphs.

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

Auditory Processing of Older Adults With Probable Mild Cognitive Impairment

Purpose

Studies suggest that deficits in auditory processing predict cognitive decline and dementia, but those studies included limited measures of auditory processing. The purpose of this study was to compare older adults with and without probable mild cognitive impairment (MCI) across two domains of auditory processing (auditory performance in competing acoustic signals and temporal aspects of audition).

Method

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (Nasreddine et al., 2005) was used to classify participants as with or without probable MCI. In this cross-sectional study, participants (n = 79) completed 4 measures of auditory processing: Synthetic Sentence Identification with Ipsilateral Competing Message (Gates, Beiser, Rees, D'Agostino, & Wolf, 2002), Dichotic Sentence Identification (Fifer, Jerger, Berlin, Tobey, & Campbell, 1983), Adaptive Tests of Temporal Resolution (ATTR; Lister & Roberts, 2006; across-channel and within-channel subtests), and time-compressed speech (Wilson, 1993; Wilson, Preece, Salamon, Sperry, & Bornstein, 1994). Audiometry was also conducted.

Results

Those with probable MCI had significantly poorer performance than those without MCI on Synthetic Sentence Identification with Ipsilateral Competing Message, Dichotic Sentence Identification, and the ATTR within-channel subtest. No group differences were found for time-compressed speech, ATTR across-channel, or audiometric measures.

Conclusions

Older adults with cognitive impairment not only have difficulty with competing acoustic signals but may also show poor temporal processing. The profile of auditory processing deficits among older adults with cognitive impairment may include multiple domains.

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

The Role of Frequency in Learning Morphophonological Alternations: Implications for Children with Specific Language Impairment

Purpose

The aim of this article was to explore how the type of allomorph (e.g., past tense buzz[ d ] vs. nod[ əd ]) influences the ability to perceive and produce grammatical morphemes in children with typical development and with specific language impairment (SLI).

Method

The participants were monolingual Australian English–speaking children. The SLI group included 13 participants (mean age = 5;7 [years;months]); the control group included 19 children with typical development (mean age = 5;4). Both groups performed a grammaticality judgment and elicited production task with the same set of nonce verbs in third-person singular and past tense forms.

Results

Five-year-old children are still learning to generalize morphophonological patterns to novel verbs, and syllabic /əz/ and /əd/ allomorphs are significantly more challenging to produce, particularly for the SLI group. The greater phonetic content of these syllabic forms did not enhance perception.

Conclusions

Acquisition of morphophonological patterns involving low-frequency allomorphs is still underway in 5-year-old children with typical development, and it is even more protracted in SLI populations, despite these patterns being highly predictable. Children with SLI will therefore benefit from targeted intervention with low-frequency allomorphs.

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

Relationship Between Objectively Measured Physical Activity, Cardiovascular Disease Biomarkers, and Hearing Sensitivity Using Data From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2006

Purpose

Limited research has examined the interrelationships among cardiometabolic parameters, physical activity, and hearing function, which was this study's purpose.

Method

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2006 were used in the path analyses. Physical activity and hearing function were both objectively measured. Various cardiometabolic parameters were assessed from a blood sample. Adults 30–85 years (N = 1,070) constituted the analytic sample.

Results

Physical activity was negatively associated with triglycerides (β = −0.11, p p p p p = .99).

Conclusion

Physical activity was associated with select cardiovascular disease risk factors. Several cardiovascular disease risk factors were associated with hearing function.

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

Relationship Between Objectively Measured Physical Activity, Cardiovascular Disease Biomarkers, and Hearing Sensitivity Using Data From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2006

Purpose

Limited research has examined the interrelationships among cardiometabolic parameters, physical activity, and hearing function, which was this study's purpose.

Method

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2006 were used in the path analyses. Physical activity and hearing function were both objectively measured. Various cardiometabolic parameters were assessed from a blood sample. Adults 30–85 years (N = 1,070) constituted the analytic sample.

Results

Physical activity was negatively associated with triglycerides (β = −0.11, p p p p p = .99).

Conclusion

Physical activity was associated with select cardiovascular disease risk factors. Several cardiovascular disease risk factors were associated with hearing function.

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

Relationship Between Objectively Measured Physical Activity, Cardiovascular Disease Biomarkers, and Hearing Sensitivity Using Data From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2006

Purpose

Limited research has examined the interrelationships among cardiometabolic parameters, physical activity, and hearing function, which was this study's purpose.

Method

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2006 were used in the path analyses. Physical activity and hearing function were both objectively measured. Various cardiometabolic parameters were assessed from a blood sample. Adults 30–85 years (N = 1,070) constituted the analytic sample.

Results

Physical activity was negatively associated with triglycerides (β = −0.11, p p p p p = .99).

Conclusion

Physical activity was associated with select cardiovascular disease risk factors. Several cardiovascular disease risk factors were associated with hearing function.

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

Gaining a Deeper Understanding into Optimal Outcomes for Those with Autism Spectrum Disorder

How do the brains of those who have had optimal outcomes from early therapy for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) function? Is it different from those who have not had optimal outcomes or even from those without ASD? This is what two researchers from the University of Connecticut, Drs. Deborah Fein and  Inge-Marie Eigstiare, are currently exploring through the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging. They define optimal outcomes as those who appear to no longer have any ASD symptoms. 

Tweet

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rnDa8f
via IFTTT

Tinnitus Frequency Test

In late 2016, news of the tragic suicide of Craig Gill, drummer of the influential British band Inspiral Carpets, shocked fans of alternative rock. A new report published by the BBC about the drummer’s inquest suggests that he may have been besieged by a terrible and exasperating case of tinnitus.

Craig Gill was part of the seminal 1990s Manchester scene that successfully combined English pop with electronic dance music, psychedelic rock, synthesizers, and lots of distortion. This scene borrowed from New Order and The Smiths to create a new style of music that was a mainstay of alternative rock until the late 20th century.

According to news reports, Gill and his family had planned to attend a taping of a children’s television show, but the musician skipped the session because he was not feeling well. When his wife returned home later that day, she found Gill hanging from the ceiling. Since he did not have a history of depression and did not leave a suicide note, his death was deemed to have been motivated by a completely spontaneous decision that could have been exacerbated by tinnitus.

Understanding Tinnitus

The late Inspiral Carpets drummer probably had an extreme case of tinnitus, a condition that involves hearing a constant ringtone similar to what happens to most people after a loud rock concert. Tinnitus is not always related to hearing loss, but it can trigger masked depressive episodes and severe anxiety.

People who suffer from this condition have treatment options that start with a tinnitus frequency test. The treatment involves targeting neurons that are not working the way they should be as they convert vibrations into sound waves that are brains assimilate.

What a Tinnitus Frequency Test Reveals

Pure tone tinnitus is the continuous ringing or train whistle sound that drives people crazy. The tones may be different from time to time, but they remain constant from just a few minutes to a few hours. Audiology researchers have come up with methods of matching and notching the frequency and pitch of tinnitus for therapeutic purposes.

The first step of treatment involves a tinnitus frequency test, which can be performed with web-based and mobile apps such as AudioNotch. The test helps to determine the frequency range that patients should listen to on a daily basis; once this range is established, white noise, music or nature sounds can be generated at certain pitches and frequencies that match the hearing conditions.

Sound therapy has been proven to be very effective for tinnitus patients, and more research is being published about its effectiveness.

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

A case report on the exceptional coincidence of two inherited renal disorders: ADPKD and Alport syndrome .

Related Articles

A case report on the exceptional coincidence of two inherited renal disorders: ADPKD and Alport syndrome
.

Clin Nephrol. 2017 May 15;:

Authors: Ebner K, Reintjes N, Feldkötter M, Körber F, Nagel M, Dötsch J, Hoppe B, Weber L, Beck B, Liebau M

Abstract
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common genetic cause of dialysis-requiring end-stage renal disease in adults and is characterized by the slowly progressing replacement of renal tissue by focal macrocysts. Alport syndrome (AS; hereditary nephritis) is a rare, inherited disorder of the basement membrane associated with hematuria, proteinuria, and loss of kidney function as well as sensorineural hearing loss and ocular abnormalities. Here, we report on a family in which both ADPKD and AS are present. In a male patient, both -ADPKD and AS coincided. This patient shows the very rare coexistence of two severe, inherited renal disorders and illustrates the importance of considering additional diagnoses in the setting of positive family history for a common hereditary disorder.
.

PMID: 28502323 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2qn5Jor
via IFTTT

Congenital Deafness Alters Sensory Weighting for Postural Control.

Congenital Deafness Alters Sensory Weighting for Postural Control.

Ear Hear. 2017 May 12;:

Authors: Maheu M, Sharp A, Pagé S, Champoux F

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine sensory reweighting for postural control in congenitally deaf individuals.
DESIGN: We studied 14 controls and 14 deaf age-matched individuals using a force platform and the modified clinical test of sensory interaction and balance protocol. Both groups performed the postural tasks without auditory cues (with hearing protectors for controls or without hearing devices for the deaf).
RESULTS: The results confirmed poorer postural stability in the deaf. More importantly, the data suggest that congenitally deaf individuals rely more on somatosensory information for postural control than controls.
CONCLUSIONS: This increased somatosensory reliance may increase postural sway when it comes to more challenging postural conditions.

PMID: 28504979 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2qnaFd0
via IFTTT

Homozygous EDNRB mutation in a patient with Waardenburg syndrome type 1.

Related Articles

Homozygous EDNRB mutation in a patient with Waardenburg syndrome type 1.

Auris Nasus Larynx. 2017 May 11;:

Authors: Morimoto N, Mutai H, Namba K, Kaneko H, Kosaki R, Matsunaga T

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine and expand the genetic spectrum of Waardenburg syndrome type 1 (WS1).
METHODS: Clinical features related to Waardenburg syndrome (WS) were examined in a five-year old patient. Mutation analysis of genes related to WS was performed in the proband and her parents. Molecular modeling of EDNRB and the p.R319W mutant was conducted to predict the pathogenicity of the mutation.
RESULTS: The proband showed sensorineural hearing loss, heterochromia iridis, and dystopia canthorum, fulfilling the clinical criteria of WS1. Genetic analyses revealed that the proband had no mutation in PAX3 which has been known as the cause of WS1, but had a homozygous missense mutation (p.R319W) in endothelin receptor type B (EDNRB) gene. The asymptomatic parents had the mutation in a heterozygote state. This mutation has been previously reported in a heterozygous state in a patient with Hirschsprung's disease unaccompanied by WS, but the patient and her parents did not show any symptoms in gastrointestinal tract. Molecular modeling of EDNRB with the p.R319W mutation demonstrated reduction of the positively charged surface area in this region, which might reduce binding ability of EDNRB to G protein and lead to abnormal signal transduction underlying the WS phenotype.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that autosomal recessive mutation in EDNRB may underlie a part of WS1 with the current diagnostic criteria, and supported that Hirschsprung's disease is a multifactorial genetic disease which requires additional factors. Further molecular analysis is necessary to elucidate the gene interaction and to reappraise the current WS classification.

PMID: 28502583 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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

Congenital Deafness Alters Sensory Weighting for Postural Control.

Congenital Deafness Alters Sensory Weighting for Postural Control.

Ear Hear. 2017 May 12;:

Authors: Maheu M, Sharp A, Pagé S, Champoux F

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine sensory reweighting for postural control in congenitally deaf individuals.
DESIGN: We studied 14 controls and 14 deaf age-matched individuals using a force platform and the modified clinical test of sensory interaction and balance protocol. Both groups performed the postural tasks without auditory cues (with hearing protectors for controls or without hearing devices for the deaf).
RESULTS: The results confirmed poorer postural stability in the deaf. More importantly, the data suggest that congenitally deaf individuals rely more on somatosensory information for postural control than controls.
CONCLUSIONS: This increased somatosensory reliance may increase postural sway when it comes to more challenging postural conditions.

PMID: 28504979 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2qnaFd0
via IFTTT

Homozygous EDNRB mutation in a patient with Waardenburg syndrome type 1.

Related Articles

Homozygous EDNRB mutation in a patient with Waardenburg syndrome type 1.

Auris Nasus Larynx. 2017 May 11;:

Authors: Morimoto N, Mutai H, Namba K, Kaneko H, Kosaki R, Matsunaga T

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine and expand the genetic spectrum of Waardenburg syndrome type 1 (WS1).
METHODS: Clinical features related to Waardenburg syndrome (WS) were examined in a five-year old patient. Mutation analysis of genes related to WS was performed in the proband and her parents. Molecular modeling of EDNRB and the p.R319W mutant was conducted to predict the pathogenicity of the mutation.
RESULTS: The proband showed sensorineural hearing loss, heterochromia iridis, and dystopia canthorum, fulfilling the clinical criteria of WS1. Genetic analyses revealed that the proband had no mutation in PAX3 which has been known as the cause of WS1, but had a homozygous missense mutation (p.R319W) in endothelin receptor type B (EDNRB) gene. The asymptomatic parents had the mutation in a heterozygote state. This mutation has been previously reported in a heterozygous state in a patient with Hirschsprung's disease unaccompanied by WS, but the patient and her parents did not show any symptoms in gastrointestinal tract. Molecular modeling of EDNRB with the p.R319W mutation demonstrated reduction of the positively charged surface area in this region, which might reduce binding ability of EDNRB to G protein and lead to abnormal signal transduction underlying the WS phenotype.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that autosomal recessive mutation in EDNRB may underlie a part of WS1 with the current diagnostic criteria, and supported that Hirschsprung's disease is a multifactorial genetic disease which requires additional factors. Further molecular analysis is necessary to elucidate the gene interaction and to reappraise the current WS classification.

PMID: 28502583 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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