Making Sports Accessible to Student Athletes with Hearing Loss

Time Out! I Didn't Hear You, was published in 1996 as a resource to support the participation of student athletes with hearing loss in high school athletics. This article describes a project to update the resource for all stakeholders involved in making college level athletics accessible to students with hearing loss.

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Unilateral congenital hearing loss in children: challenges and potentials

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Astrid van Wieringen, An Boudewyns, Anouk Sangen, Jan Wouters, Christian Desloovere
The estimated incidence of sensorineural hearing impairment (> 40 dB HL) at birth is 1.86 per 1000 newborns in developed countries and 30-40% of these are unilateral. Profound sensorineural unilateral hearing impairment or single sided deafness (SSD) can be treated with a cochlear implant. However, this treatment is costly and invasive and unnecessary in the eyes of many. Very young children with SSD often do not exhibit language and cognitive delays and it is hard to imagine that neurocognitive skills will present difficulties with one good ear. In the current paper we review the most recent evidence on the consequences of unilateral hearing impairment for auditory and neurocognitive factors. While data of both adults and children are discussed, we focus on developmental factors, congenital deafness and a window of opportunity for intervention. We discuss which etiologies qualify for a cochlear implant and present our multi-center prospective study on cochlear implants in infants with one deaf ear. The large, state-of-the art body of research allows for evidence-based decisions regarding management of unilateral hearing loss in children.



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Subcortical pathways: towards a better understanding of auditory disorders

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Richard A. Felix, Boris Gourévitch, Christine V. Portfors
Hearing loss is a significant problem that affects at least 15% of the population. This percentage, however, is likely significantly higher because of a variety of auditory disorders that are not identifiable through traditional tests of peripheral hearing ability. In these disorders, individuals have difficulty understanding speech, particularly in noisy environments, even though the sounds are loud enough to hear. The underlying mechanisms leading to such deficits are not well understood. To enable the development of suitable treatments to alleviate or prevent such disorders, the affected processing pathways must be identified. Historically, mechanisms underlying speech processing have been thought to be a property of the auditory cortex and thus the study of auditory disorders has largely focused on cortical impairments and/or cognitive processes. As we review here, however, there is strong evidence to suggest that, in fact, deficits in subcortical pathways play a significant role in auditory disorders. In this review, we highlight the role of the auditory brainstem and midbrain in processing complex sounds and discuss how deficits in these regions may contribute to auditory dysfunction. We discuss current research with animal models of human hearing and then consider human studies that implicate impairments in subcortical processing that may contribute to auditory disorders.



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The relation between flocculus volume and tinnitus after cerebellopontine angle tumor surgery

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Lilian M. Mennink, J. Marc C. Van Dijk, Bernard F.A.M. Van Der Laan, Jan D.M. Metzemaekers, Peter Jan Van Laar, Pim Van Dijk
PurposeChronic tinnitus is a common symptom after cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumor removal. Sometimes, the tinnitus is gaze-modulated. In that case, patients can change the loudness or pitch of their tinnitus by ocular movements. During tumor removal by a retrosigmoid craniotomy, the cerebellar flocculus is manipulated by the surgical approach to access the tumor. The flocculus has been associated with tinnitus in rats, and is involved in eye-gaze control. This suggests that the flocculus may have a role in gaze-modulated tinnitus after CPA tumor removal. In order to investigate this hypothesis, the relation between the flocculus volume and the characteristics of postoperative tinnitus was studied.ResultsA single-center cohort of 51 patients completed a questionnaire after CPA tumor removal. The questionnaire asked for the effect of eye movements on tinnitus and included the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI). Tinnitus was present in 36 patients (71% of 51), of which 29 (81% of 36) described gaze-modulation. The median TFI was 22 (range 0-85). A postoperative MRI-scan of sufficient quality was available in 34 cases. The volumes of the (para)flocculi ipsilateral and contralateral to the surgery, and the ratio of these volumes were similar between patients with and without tinnitus. The TFI correlated with the volume of both ipsi- and contralateral (para)flocculus (rs(23) = .516, p = .008 and rs(23) = .430, p = .032). The ipsilateral-to-contralateral volume ratio of the (para)flocculi volumes was significantly lower in patients that could modulate the loudness of their tinnitus by eye gaze, compared to patients that could not (t(23) = 3.337, p = .003).ConclusionsThe lack of a relation between flocculus volumes and the presence of tinnitus, combined with the significant correlation between tinnitus severity and flocculus volumes, suggests that the flocculus may not be the primary source of tinnitus, but is likely to mediate tinnitus severity. The reduced ipsi-to-contralateral volume ratio in patients with gaze-modulated tinnitus suggests that atrophy of the flocculus on the surgery side triggers cross-modal interactions leading to modulation of tinnitus.



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Direct bone conduction stimulation: ipsilateral effect of different transducer attachments in active transcutaneous devices

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Cristina Rigato, Sabine Reinfeldt, Bo Håkansson, Karl-Johan Fredén Jansson, Erik Renvall, Måns Eeg-Olofsson
Active transcutaneous bone conduction devices, where the transducer is implanted, are used for rehabilitation of hearing impaired patients by directly stimulating the skull bone. The transducer and the way it is attached to the bone play a central role in the design of such devices. The actual effect of varying the contact to bone has not been addressed yet. The aim of this study is therefore to compare how different attachment methods of the transducer to the bone for direct stimulation affect the ear canal sound pressure and vibration transmission to the ipsilateral cochlea.Three different attachments to the bone were tested: (A) via a flat small-sized surface, (B) via a flat wide surface and (C) via two separated screws. Measurements were done on four human heads on both sides. The attachments were compared in terms of induced cochlear promontory velocity, measured by a laser Doppler vibrometer, and ear canal sound pressure, measured by a low noise microphone. A swept sine stimulus was used in the frequency range 0.1-10 kHz.On an average level, the attachment method seems to affect the transmission mainly at frequencies above 5 kHz. Furthermore, the results suggest that a smaller contact surface might perform better in terms of transmission of vibrations at mid and high frequencies. However, when considering the whole frequency range, average results from the different attachment techniques are comparable.



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Unilateral congenital hearing loss in children: challenges and potentials

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Astrid van Wieringen, An Boudewyns, Anouk Sangen, Jan Wouters, Christian Desloovere
The estimated incidence of sensorineural hearing impairment (> 40 dB HL) at birth is 1.86 per 1000 newborns in developed countries and 30-40% of these are unilateral. Profound sensorineural unilateral hearing impairment or single sided deafness (SSD) can be treated with a cochlear implant. However, this treatment is costly and invasive and unnecessary in the eyes of many. Very young children with SSD often do not exhibit language and cognitive delays and it is hard to imagine that neurocognitive skills will present difficulties with one good ear. In the current paper we review the most recent evidence on the consequences of unilateral hearing impairment for auditory and neurocognitive factors. While data of both adults and children are discussed, we focus on developmental factors, congenital deafness and a window of opportunity for intervention. We discuss which etiologies qualify for a cochlear implant and present our multi-center prospective study on cochlear implants in infants with one deaf ear. The large, state-of-the art body of research allows for evidence-based decisions regarding management of unilateral hearing loss in children.



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Subcortical pathways: towards a better understanding of auditory disorders

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Richard A. Felix, Boris Gourévitch, Christine V. Portfors
Hearing loss is a significant problem that affects at least 15% of the population. This percentage, however, is likely significantly higher because of a variety of auditory disorders that are not identifiable through traditional tests of peripheral hearing ability. In these disorders, individuals have difficulty understanding speech, particularly in noisy environments, even though the sounds are loud enough to hear. The underlying mechanisms leading to such deficits are not well understood. To enable the development of suitable treatments to alleviate or prevent such disorders, the affected processing pathways must be identified. Historically, mechanisms underlying speech processing have been thought to be a property of the auditory cortex and thus the study of auditory disorders has largely focused on cortical impairments and/or cognitive processes. As we review here, however, there is strong evidence to suggest that, in fact, deficits in subcortical pathways play a significant role in auditory disorders. In this review, we highlight the role of the auditory brainstem and midbrain in processing complex sounds and discuss how deficits in these regions may contribute to auditory dysfunction. We discuss current research with animal models of human hearing and then consider human studies that implicate impairments in subcortical processing that may contribute to auditory disorders.



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The relation between flocculus volume and tinnitus after cerebellopontine angle tumor surgery

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Lilian M. Mennink, J. Marc C. Van Dijk, Bernard F.A.M. Van Der Laan, Jan D.M. Metzemaekers, Peter Jan Van Laar, Pim Van Dijk
PurposeChronic tinnitus is a common symptom after cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumor removal. Sometimes, the tinnitus is gaze-modulated. In that case, patients can change the loudness or pitch of their tinnitus by ocular movements. During tumor removal by a retrosigmoid craniotomy, the cerebellar flocculus is manipulated by the surgical approach to access the tumor. The flocculus has been associated with tinnitus in rats, and is involved in eye-gaze control. This suggests that the flocculus may have a role in gaze-modulated tinnitus after CPA tumor removal. In order to investigate this hypothesis, the relation between the flocculus volume and the characteristics of postoperative tinnitus was studied.ResultsA single-center cohort of 51 patients completed a questionnaire after CPA tumor removal. The questionnaire asked for the effect of eye movements on tinnitus and included the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI). Tinnitus was present in 36 patients (71% of 51), of which 29 (81% of 36) described gaze-modulation. The median TFI was 22 (range 0-85). A postoperative MRI-scan of sufficient quality was available in 34 cases. The volumes of the (para)flocculi ipsilateral and contralateral to the surgery, and the ratio of these volumes were similar between patients with and without tinnitus. The TFI correlated with the volume of both ipsi- and contralateral (para)flocculus (rs(23) = .516, p = .008 and rs(23) = .430, p = .032). The ipsilateral-to-contralateral volume ratio of the (para)flocculi volumes was significantly lower in patients that could modulate the loudness of their tinnitus by eye gaze, compared to patients that could not (t(23) = 3.337, p = .003).ConclusionsThe lack of a relation between flocculus volumes and the presence of tinnitus, combined with the significant correlation between tinnitus severity and flocculus volumes, suggests that the flocculus may not be the primary source of tinnitus, but is likely to mediate tinnitus severity. The reduced ipsi-to-contralateral volume ratio in patients with gaze-modulated tinnitus suggests that atrophy of the flocculus on the surgery side triggers cross-modal interactions leading to modulation of tinnitus.



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Direct bone conduction stimulation: ipsilateral effect of different transducer attachments in active transcutaneous devices

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Cristina Rigato, Sabine Reinfeldt, Bo Håkansson, Karl-Johan Fredén Jansson, Erik Renvall, Måns Eeg-Olofsson
Active transcutaneous bone conduction devices, where the transducer is implanted, are used for rehabilitation of hearing impaired patients by directly stimulating the skull bone. The transducer and the way it is attached to the bone play a central role in the design of such devices. The actual effect of varying the contact to bone has not been addressed yet. The aim of this study is therefore to compare how different attachment methods of the transducer to the bone for direct stimulation affect the ear canal sound pressure and vibration transmission to the ipsilateral cochlea.Three different attachments to the bone were tested: (A) via a flat small-sized surface, (B) via a flat wide surface and (C) via two separated screws. Measurements were done on four human heads on both sides. The attachments were compared in terms of induced cochlear promontory velocity, measured by a laser Doppler vibrometer, and ear canal sound pressure, measured by a low noise microphone. A swept sine stimulus was used in the frequency range 0.1-10 kHz.On an average level, the attachment method seems to affect the transmission mainly at frequencies above 5 kHz. Furthermore, the results suggest that a smaller contact surface might perform better in terms of transmission of vibrations at mid and high frequencies. However, when considering the whole frequency range, average results from the different attachment techniques are comparable.



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Unilateral congenital hearing loss in children: challenges and potentials

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Astrid van Wieringen, An Boudewyns, Anouk Sangen, Jan Wouters, Christian Desloovere
The estimated incidence of sensorineural hearing impairment (> 40 dB HL) at birth is 1.86 per 1000 newborns in developed countries and 30-40% of these are unilateral. Profound sensorineural unilateral hearing impairment or single sided deafness (SSD) can be treated with a cochlear implant. However, this treatment is costly and invasive and unnecessary in the eyes of many. Very young children with SSD often do not exhibit language and cognitive delays and it is hard to imagine that neurocognitive skills will present difficulties with one good ear. In the current paper we review the most recent evidence on the consequences of unilateral hearing impairment for auditory and neurocognitive factors. While data of both adults and children are discussed, we focus on developmental factors, congenital deafness and a window of opportunity for intervention. We discuss which etiologies qualify for a cochlear implant and present our multi-center prospective study on cochlear implants in infants with one deaf ear. The large, state-of-the art body of research allows for evidence-based decisions regarding management of unilateral hearing loss in children.



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Subcortical pathways: towards a better understanding of auditory disorders

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Richard A. Felix, Boris Gourévitch, Christine V. Portfors
Hearing loss is a significant problem that affects at least 15% of the population. This percentage, however, is likely significantly higher because of a variety of auditory disorders that are not identifiable through traditional tests of peripheral hearing ability. In these disorders, individuals have difficulty understanding speech, particularly in noisy environments, even though the sounds are loud enough to hear. The underlying mechanisms leading to such deficits are not well understood. To enable the development of suitable treatments to alleviate or prevent such disorders, the affected processing pathways must be identified. Historically, mechanisms underlying speech processing have been thought to be a property of the auditory cortex and thus the study of auditory disorders has largely focused on cortical impairments and/or cognitive processes. As we review here, however, there is strong evidence to suggest that, in fact, deficits in subcortical pathways play a significant role in auditory disorders. In this review, we highlight the role of the auditory brainstem and midbrain in processing complex sounds and discuss how deficits in these regions may contribute to auditory dysfunction. We discuss current research with animal models of human hearing and then consider human studies that implicate impairments in subcortical processing that may contribute to auditory disorders.



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The relation between flocculus volume and tinnitus after cerebellopontine angle tumor surgery

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Lilian M. Mennink, J. Marc C. Van Dijk, Bernard F.A.M. Van Der Laan, Jan D.M. Metzemaekers, Peter Jan Van Laar, Pim Van Dijk
PurposeChronic tinnitus is a common symptom after cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumor removal. Sometimes, the tinnitus is gaze-modulated. In that case, patients can change the loudness or pitch of their tinnitus by ocular movements. During tumor removal by a retrosigmoid craniotomy, the cerebellar flocculus is manipulated by the surgical approach to access the tumor. The flocculus has been associated with tinnitus in rats, and is involved in eye-gaze control. This suggests that the flocculus may have a role in gaze-modulated tinnitus after CPA tumor removal. In order to investigate this hypothesis, the relation between the flocculus volume and the characteristics of postoperative tinnitus was studied.ResultsA single-center cohort of 51 patients completed a questionnaire after CPA tumor removal. The questionnaire asked for the effect of eye movements on tinnitus and included the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI). Tinnitus was present in 36 patients (71% of 51), of which 29 (81% of 36) described gaze-modulation. The median TFI was 22 (range 0-85). A postoperative MRI-scan of sufficient quality was available in 34 cases. The volumes of the (para)flocculi ipsilateral and contralateral to the surgery, and the ratio of these volumes were similar between patients with and without tinnitus. The TFI correlated with the volume of both ipsi- and contralateral (para)flocculus (rs(23) = .516, p = .008 and rs(23) = .430, p = .032). The ipsilateral-to-contralateral volume ratio of the (para)flocculi volumes was significantly lower in patients that could modulate the loudness of their tinnitus by eye gaze, compared to patients that could not (t(23) = 3.337, p = .003).ConclusionsThe lack of a relation between flocculus volumes and the presence of tinnitus, combined with the significant correlation between tinnitus severity and flocculus volumes, suggests that the flocculus may not be the primary source of tinnitus, but is likely to mediate tinnitus severity. The reduced ipsi-to-contralateral volume ratio in patients with gaze-modulated tinnitus suggests that atrophy of the flocculus on the surgery side triggers cross-modal interactions leading to modulation of tinnitus.



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Direct bone conduction stimulation: ipsilateral effect of different transducer attachments in active transcutaneous devices

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Cristina Rigato, Sabine Reinfeldt, Bo Håkansson, Karl-Johan Fredén Jansson, Erik Renvall, Måns Eeg-Olofsson
Active transcutaneous bone conduction devices, where the transducer is implanted, are used for rehabilitation of hearing impaired patients by directly stimulating the skull bone. The transducer and the way it is attached to the bone play a central role in the design of such devices. The actual effect of varying the contact to bone has not been addressed yet. The aim of this study is therefore to compare how different attachment methods of the transducer to the bone for direct stimulation affect the ear canal sound pressure and vibration transmission to the ipsilateral cochlea.Three different attachments to the bone were tested: (A) via a flat small-sized surface, (B) via a flat wide surface and (C) via two separated screws. Measurements were done on four human heads on both sides. The attachments were compared in terms of induced cochlear promontory velocity, measured by a laser Doppler vibrometer, and ear canal sound pressure, measured by a low noise microphone. A swept sine stimulus was used in the frequency range 0.1-10 kHz.On an average level, the attachment method seems to affect the transmission mainly at frequencies above 5 kHz. Furthermore, the results suggest that a smaller contact surface might perform better in terms of transmission of vibrations at mid and high frequencies. However, when considering the whole frequency range, average results from the different attachment techniques are comparable.



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UCSF & iHEARu Calling on HEARos to Help Map Noise Levels in Bay Area

Seeking a quiet cafe to discuss business or chat with a friend? The new iHEARu mobile app can help.
The iHEARu mobile app uses crowd-sourcing to help individuals find locations with noise levels that suit your needs. Whether seeking a quiet eatery or lively bar with loud music, the iHEARu GPS will help you find it. By combining decibel data gathered from smartphone users in real-life environments, iHEARu provides the data to change the world…one ear-friendly place at a time.
Founded and inspired by world-renowned neuroscientists and audiologists from the University of Washington Dr. Kelly Tremblay and Dr. Charles Limb of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), the iHEARu app helps people collect decibel data in public spaces. The iHEARu team has partnered with the UCSF Sound and Music Perception Lab, headed by Dr. Limb, to help San Francisco's hearing-challenged community find ear-friendly places to visit. The team is calling on all citizen scientists to join the movement by downloading the free app and taking data readings across the city. For each data reading during Restaurant Week (January 22–31), the iHEARu team will make a contribution to the Hearing Loss Association of America and CHEFSGIVING.
Why create an ear-friendly movement? Consider: 

• Over 20% of the U.S. population (48M) have some hearing loss
• Approximately 1 in 3 people older than 65 have disabling hearing loss.
• According to a 2010 census, this means that over 13.6% of San Francisco's population is suffering with disabling hearing loss!
• With over 17M visitors to the San Francisco area, that means over 3.5M will come to the city as hearing-challenged visitors.

The app can be downloaded for FREE via the App Store or Google Play. Learn more about iHearu from Dr. Tremblay's article .

Published: 1/31/2018 12:41:00 PM

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UCSF & iHEARu Calling on HEARos to Help Map Noise Levels in Bay Area

Seeking a quiet cafe to discuss business or chat with a friend? The new iHEARu mobile app can help.
The iHEARu mobile app uses crowd-sourcing to help individuals find locations with noise levels that suit your needs. Whether seeking a quiet eatery or lively bar with loud music, the iHEARu GPS will help you find it. By combining decibel data gathered from smartphone users in real-life environments, iHEARu provides the data to change the world…one ear-friendly place at a time.
Founded and inspired by world-renowned neuroscientists and audiologists from the University of Washington Dr. Kelly Tremblay and Dr. Charles Limb of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), the iHEARu app helps people collect decibel data in public spaces. The iHEARu team has partnered with the UCSF Sound and Music Perception Lab, headed by Dr. Limb, to help San Francisco's hearing-challenged community find ear-friendly places to visit. The team is calling on all citizen scientists to join the movement by downloading the free app and taking data readings across the city. For each data reading during Restaurant Week (January 22–31), the iHEARu team will make a contribution to the Hearing Loss Association of America and CHEFSGIVING.
Why create an ear-friendly movement? Consider: 

• Over 20% of the U.S. population (48M) have some hearing loss
• Approximately 1 in 3 people older than 65 have disabling hearing loss.
• According to a 2010 census, this means that over 13.6% of San Francisco's population is suffering with disabling hearing loss!
• With over 17M visitors to the San Francisco area, that means over 3.5M will come to the city as hearing-challenged visitors.

The app can be downloaded for FREE via the App Store or Google Play. Learn more about iHearu from Dr. Tremblay's article .

Published: 1/31/2018 12:41:00 PM

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UCSF & iHEARu Calling on HEARos to Help Map Noise Levels in Bay Area

Seeking a quiet cafe to discuss business or chat with a friend? The new iHEARu mobile app can help.
The iHEARu mobile app uses crowd-sourcing to help individuals find locations with noise levels that suit your needs. Whether seeking a quiet eatery or lively bar with loud music, the iHEARu GPS will help you find it. By combining decibel data gathered from smartphone users in real-life environments, iHEARu provides the data to change the world…one ear-friendly place at a time.
Founded and inspired by world-renowned neuroscientists and audiologists from the University of Washington Dr. Kelly Tremblay and Dr. Charles Limb of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), the iHEARu app helps people collect decibel data in public spaces. The iHEARu team has partnered with the UCSF Sound and Music Perception Lab, headed by Dr. Limb, to help San Francisco's hearing-challenged community find ear-friendly places to visit. The team is calling on all citizen scientists to join the movement by downloading the free app and taking data readings across the city. For each data reading during Restaurant Week (January 22–31), the iHEARu team will make a contribution to the Hearing Loss Association of America and CHEFSGIVING.
Why create an ear-friendly movement? Consider: 

• Over 20% of the U.S. population (48M) have some hearing loss
• Approximately 1 in 3 people older than 65 have disabling hearing loss.
• According to a 2010 census, this means that over 13.6% of San Francisco's population is suffering with disabling hearing loss!
• With over 17M visitors to the San Francisco area, that means over 3.5M will come to the city as hearing-challenged visitors.

The app can be downloaded for FREE via the App Store or Google Play. Learn more about iHearu from Dr. Tremblay's article .

Published: 1/31/2018 12:41:00 PM

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Reevaluating Order Effects in the Binaural Bithermal Caloric Test

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a significant order effect exists in the binaural bithermal caloric test.

Method

Fifteen volunteers (mean age = 24.3 years, range = 18–38 years) with no history of vestibular disorder, hearing loss, concussion, or neurological disease underwent caloric testing on 3 occasions. Irrigations were randomized using 8 possible order combinations. The parameters of interest included unilateral weakness, directional preponderance, total response from the right ear, and total response from the left ear.

Results

Order effects were analyzed using 2 methods. The first analysis was done looking at the 8 possible orders. We also had an a priori established hypothesis that the first irrigation tested would influence the calculation of unilateral weakness more than the other 3 irrigations. To test this hypothesis, the 8 orders were condensed into 4 order conditions based on the first irrigation. The effect of order was determined using analysis of variance tests. Although the first irrigation tended to be the largest, no significant effects were observed.

Conclusions

This experiment demonstrated that while there is great inter-individual and intra-individual variability in caloric test results, the order of irrigations had no significant effect in the test. Future studies may explore the effects of nonphysiological factors on test results.

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Reevaluating Order Effects in the Binaural Bithermal Caloric Test

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a significant order effect exists in the binaural bithermal caloric test.

Method

Fifteen volunteers (mean age = 24.3 years, range = 18–38 years) with no history of vestibular disorder, hearing loss, concussion, or neurological disease underwent caloric testing on 3 occasions. Irrigations were randomized using 8 possible order combinations. The parameters of interest included unilateral weakness, directional preponderance, total response from the right ear, and total response from the left ear.

Results

Order effects were analyzed using 2 methods. The first analysis was done looking at the 8 possible orders. We also had an a priori established hypothesis that the first irrigation tested would influence the calculation of unilateral weakness more than the other 3 irrigations. To test this hypothesis, the 8 orders were condensed into 4 order conditions based on the first irrigation. The effect of order was determined using analysis of variance tests. Although the first irrigation tended to be the largest, no significant effects were observed.

Conclusions

This experiment demonstrated that while there is great inter-individual and intra-individual variability in caloric test results, the order of irrigations had no significant effect in the test. Future studies may explore the effects of nonphysiological factors on test results.

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Reevaluating Order Effects in the Binaural Bithermal Caloric Test

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a significant order effect exists in the binaural bithermal caloric test.

Method

Fifteen volunteers (mean age = 24.3 years, range = 18–38 years) with no history of vestibular disorder, hearing loss, concussion, or neurological disease underwent caloric testing on 3 occasions. Irrigations were randomized using 8 possible order combinations. The parameters of interest included unilateral weakness, directional preponderance, total response from the right ear, and total response from the left ear.

Results

Order effects were analyzed using 2 methods. The first analysis was done looking at the 8 possible orders. We also had an a priori established hypothesis that the first irrigation tested would influence the calculation of unilateral weakness more than the other 3 irrigations. To test this hypothesis, the 8 orders were condensed into 4 order conditions based on the first irrigation. The effect of order was determined using analysis of variance tests. Although the first irrigation tended to be the largest, no significant effects were observed.

Conclusions

This experiment demonstrated that while there is great inter-individual and intra-individual variability in caloric test results, the order of irrigations had no significant effect in the test. Future studies may explore the effects of nonphysiological factors on test results.

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Performance on Auditory and Visual Tasks of Inhibition in English Monolingual and Spanish–English Bilingual Adults: Do Bilinguals Have a Cognitive Advantage?

Purpose

Bilingual individuals have been shown to be more proficient on visual tasks of inhibition compared with their monolingual counterparts. However, the bilingual advantage has not been evidenced in all studies, and very little is known regarding how bilingualism influences inhibitory control in the perception of auditory information. The purpose of the current study was to examine inhibition of irrelevant information using auditory and visual tasks in English monolingual and Spanish–English bilingual adults.

Method

Twenty English monolinguals and 19 early balanced Spanish–English bilinguals participated in this study. All participants were 18–30 years of age, had hearing thresholds < 25 dB HL from 250 to 8000 Hz, bilaterally (American National Standards Institute, 2003), and were right handed. Inhibition was measured using a forced-attention dichotic consonant–vowel listening task and the Simon task, a nonverbal visual test.

Results

Both groups of participants demonstrated a significant right ear advantage on the dichotic listening task; however, no significant differences in performance were evidenced between the monolingual and bilingual groups in any of the dichotic listening conditions. Both groups performed better on the congruent trial than on the incongruent trial of the Simon task and had significantly faster response times on the congruent trial than on the incongruent trial. However, there were no significant differences in performance between the monolingual and bilingual groups on the visual test of inhibition.

Conclusions

No significant differences in performance on auditory and visual tests of inhibition of irrelevant information were evidenced between the monolingual and bilingual participants in this study. These findings suggest that bilinguals may not exhibit an advantage in the inhibition of irrelevant information compared with monolinguals.

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Performance on Auditory and Visual Tasks of Inhibition in English Monolingual and Spanish–English Bilingual Adults: Do Bilinguals Have a Cognitive Advantage?

Purpose

Bilingual individuals have been shown to be more proficient on visual tasks of inhibition compared with their monolingual counterparts. However, the bilingual advantage has not been evidenced in all studies, and very little is known regarding how bilingualism influences inhibitory control in the perception of auditory information. The purpose of the current study was to examine inhibition of irrelevant information using auditory and visual tasks in English monolingual and Spanish–English bilingual adults.

Method

Twenty English monolinguals and 19 early balanced Spanish–English bilinguals participated in this study. All participants were 18–30 years of age, had hearing thresholds < 25 dB HL from 250 to 8000 Hz, bilaterally (American National Standards Institute, 2003), and were right handed. Inhibition was measured using a forced-attention dichotic consonant–vowel listening task and the Simon task, a nonverbal visual test.

Results

Both groups of participants demonstrated a significant right ear advantage on the dichotic listening task; however, no significant differences in performance were evidenced between the monolingual and bilingual groups in any of the dichotic listening conditions. Both groups performed better on the congruent trial than on the incongruent trial of the Simon task and had significantly faster response times on the congruent trial than on the incongruent trial. However, there were no significant differences in performance between the monolingual and bilingual groups on the visual test of inhibition.

Conclusions

No significant differences in performance on auditory and visual tests of inhibition of irrelevant information were evidenced between the monolingual and bilingual participants in this study. These findings suggest that bilinguals may not exhibit an advantage in the inhibition of irrelevant information compared with monolinguals.

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Performance on Auditory and Visual Tasks of Inhibition in English Monolingual and Spanish–English Bilingual Adults: Do Bilinguals Have a Cognitive Advantage?

Purpose

Bilingual individuals have been shown to be more proficient on visual tasks of inhibition compared with their monolingual counterparts. However, the bilingual advantage has not been evidenced in all studies, and very little is known regarding how bilingualism influences inhibitory control in the perception of auditory information. The purpose of the current study was to examine inhibition of irrelevant information using auditory and visual tasks in English monolingual and Spanish–English bilingual adults.

Method

Twenty English monolinguals and 19 early balanced Spanish–English bilinguals participated in this study. All participants were 18–30 years of age, had hearing thresholds < 25 dB HL from 250 to 8000 Hz, bilaterally (American National Standards Institute, 2003), and were right handed. Inhibition was measured using a forced-attention dichotic consonant–vowel listening task and the Simon task, a nonverbal visual test.

Results

Both groups of participants demonstrated a significant right ear advantage on the dichotic listening task; however, no significant differences in performance were evidenced between the monolingual and bilingual groups in any of the dichotic listening conditions. Both groups performed better on the congruent trial than on the incongruent trial of the Simon task and had significantly faster response times on the congruent trial than on the incongruent trial. However, there were no significant differences in performance between the monolingual and bilingual groups on the visual test of inhibition.

Conclusions

No significant differences in performance on auditory and visual tests of inhibition of irrelevant information were evidenced between the monolingual and bilingual participants in this study. These findings suggest that bilinguals may not exhibit an advantage in the inhibition of irrelevant information compared with monolinguals.

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Deaf Children with Cochlear Implants Learn Words Faster

A recently published study, "Establishing a mental lexicon with cochlear implants: an ERP study with young children," conducted by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI CBS) in Leipzig and the University Medical Centre Dresden, reported that hearing-impaired children with cochlear implants (CI) pick up words faster compared with normal-hearing children. The study aimed to examine the lexical-semantic development of profoundly hearing-impaired and deaf children with CI using the N400 effect, which is an event-related potential (ERP) that reflects semantic processing, as its marker.

The study briefly explains that natural hearing is different from hearing through CI: the implant yields only limited frequency discrimination and dynamic range resulting in more hearing difficulty in hearing especially in noisy environments. The research points out that—especially in cases of children with congenital or acquired sensorineural deafness— infants' brains develop without any auditory input for a considerable amount of time. This means that even with implantation at about 12 months, which is considered as early implantation, congenitally hearing-impaired children will only have their first auditory input experience at a time when children with normal hearing will already have explored language to an extent that allows them to produce their first words.

Test subjects were 36 hearing-impaired children with bilateral CIs. However, due to excessive artefacts, six were excluded from further analysis. 13 subjects had severe hearing loss with some residual hearing prior to implantation; the remaining 19 had congenital bilateral deafness. Following their cochlear implantation, the children underwent a rehabilitation program where they received bimonthly fitting of the speech processor and multidisciplinary speech and language therapy for up to three years. Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were performed 12, 18 and 24 months after first implant activation.

Niki Vavatzanidis, one of the authors of the research, in a press release from Max Planck Institute, said "We observed that when deaf children get their implants, they learn words faster than those with normal hearing. Consequently, they build up certain word pools faster."  Study leader Angela D. Friederici, head of MPI CBS, further explained that "children with cochlear implants could help us understand the general processes of language acquisition and determine which single steps are age-dependent."

Published: 1/30/2018 8:38:00 AM

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Deaf Children with Cochlear Implants Learn Words Faster

A recently published study, "Establishing a mental lexicon with cochlear implants: an ERP study with young children," conducted by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI CBS) in Leipzig and the University Medical Centre Dresden, reported that hearing-impaired children with cochlear implants (CI) pick up words faster compared with normal-hearing children. The study aimed to examine the lexical-semantic development of profoundly hearing-impaired and deaf children with CI using the N400 effect, which is an event-related potential (ERP) that reflects semantic processing, as its marker.

The study briefly explains that natural hearing is different from hearing through CI: the implant yields only limited frequency discrimination and dynamic range resulting in more hearing difficulty in hearing especially in noisy environments. The research points out that—especially in cases of children with congenital or acquired sensorineural deafness— infants' brains develop without any auditory input for a considerable amount of time. This means that even with implantation at about 12 months, which is considered as early implantation, congenitally hearing-impaired children will only have their first auditory input experience at a time when children with normal hearing will already have explored language to an extent that allows them to produce their first words.

Test subjects were 36 hearing-impaired children with bilateral CIs. However, due to excessive artefacts, six were excluded from further analysis. 13 subjects had severe hearing loss with some residual hearing prior to implantation; the remaining 19 had congenital bilateral deafness. Following their cochlear implantation, the children underwent a rehabilitation program where they received bimonthly fitting of the speech processor and multidisciplinary speech and language therapy for up to three years. Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were performed 12, 18 and 24 months after first implant activation.

Niki Vavatzanidis, one of the authors of the research, in a press release from Max Planck Institute, said "We observed that when deaf children get their implants, they learn words faster than those with normal hearing. Consequently, they build up certain word pools faster."  Study leader Angela D. Friederici, head of MPI CBS, further explained that "children with cochlear implants could help us understand the general processes of language acquisition and determine which single steps are age-dependent."

Published: 1/30/2018 8:38:00 AM

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Deaf Children with Cochlear Implants Learn Words Faster

A recently published study, "Establishing a mental lexicon with cochlear implants: an ERP study with young children," conducted by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI CBS) in Leipzig and the University Medical Centre Dresden, reported that hearing-impaired children with cochlear implants (CI) pick up words faster compared with normal-hearing children. The study aimed to examine the lexical-semantic development of profoundly hearing-impaired and deaf children with CI using the N400 effect, which is an event-related potential (ERP) that reflects semantic processing, as its marker.

The study briefly explains that natural hearing is different from hearing through CI: the implant yields only limited frequency discrimination and dynamic range resulting in more hearing difficulty in hearing especially in noisy environments. The research points out that—especially in cases of children with congenital or acquired sensorineural deafness— infants' brains develop without any auditory input for a considerable amount of time. This means that even with implantation at about 12 months, which is considered as early implantation, congenitally hearing-impaired children will only have their first auditory input experience at a time when children with normal hearing will already have explored language to an extent that allows them to produce their first words.

Test subjects were 36 hearing-impaired children with bilateral CIs. However, due to excessive artefacts, six were excluded from further analysis. 13 subjects had severe hearing loss with some residual hearing prior to implantation; the remaining 19 had congenital bilateral deafness. Following their cochlear implantation, the children underwent a rehabilitation program where they received bimonthly fitting of the speech processor and multidisciplinary speech and language therapy for up to three years. Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were performed 12, 18 and 24 months after first implant activation.

Niki Vavatzanidis, one of the authors of the research, in a press release from Max Planck Institute, said "We observed that when deaf children get their implants, they learn words faster than those with normal hearing. Consequently, they build up certain word pools faster."  Study leader Angela D. Friederici, head of MPI CBS, further explained that "children with cochlear implants could help us understand the general processes of language acquisition and determine which single steps are age-dependent."

Published: 1/30/2018 8:38:00 AM

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Self-Stigma and Age-Related Hearing Loss: A Qualitative Study of Stigma Formation and Dimensions

Purpose

This study explored experiences of self-stigma among older persons with age-related hearing loss (ARHL) using Corrigan's conceptualization of self-stigma process formation and the attribution model as its theoretical framework.

Method

In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 older persons (mean age = 81 years) with ARHL.

Results

Self-stigma was present in the lives of the participants. Analysis revealed the existence of 3 stages of self-stigma in which the 3 core dimensions of stigma (cognitive attributions: being old, stupid, and crippled; emotional reactions: shame, pity, and feeling ridiculed; and behavioral reactions: concealment, distancing, and adapting to hearing aids) were observed. Hearing devices emerged as having a significant influence on stigmatic experiences in all stages and dimensions of self-stigma.

Conclusion

The study contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of self-stigma regarding ARHL as well as to the understanding of the role of hearing devices in the development of this stigma.

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Self-Stigma and Age-Related Hearing Loss: A Qualitative Study of Stigma Formation and Dimensions

Purpose

This study explored experiences of self-stigma among older persons with age-related hearing loss (ARHL) using Corrigan's conceptualization of self-stigma process formation and the attribution model as its theoretical framework.

Method

In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 older persons (mean age = 81 years) with ARHL.

Results

Self-stigma was present in the lives of the participants. Analysis revealed the existence of 3 stages of self-stigma in which the 3 core dimensions of stigma (cognitive attributions: being old, stupid, and crippled; emotional reactions: shame, pity, and feeling ridiculed; and behavioral reactions: concealment, distancing, and adapting to hearing aids) were observed. Hearing devices emerged as having a significant influence on stigmatic experiences in all stages and dimensions of self-stigma.

Conclusion

The study contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of self-stigma regarding ARHL as well as to the understanding of the role of hearing devices in the development of this stigma.

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Self-Stigma and Age-Related Hearing Loss: A Qualitative Study of Stigma Formation and Dimensions

Purpose

This study explored experiences of self-stigma among older persons with age-related hearing loss (ARHL) using Corrigan's conceptualization of self-stigma process formation and the attribution model as its theoretical framework.

Method

In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 older persons (mean age = 81 years) with ARHL.

Results

Self-stigma was present in the lives of the participants. Analysis revealed the existence of 3 stages of self-stigma in which the 3 core dimensions of stigma (cognitive attributions: being old, stupid, and crippled; emotional reactions: shame, pity, and feeling ridiculed; and behavioral reactions: concealment, distancing, and adapting to hearing aids) were observed. Hearing devices emerged as having a significant influence on stigmatic experiences in all stages and dimensions of self-stigma.

Conclusion

The study contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of self-stigma regarding ARHL as well as to the understanding of the role of hearing devices in the development of this stigma.

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March to the Beat of Your Own Eardrum

It is well known that there is communication between the auditory and the visual system. Audiologists frequently take advantage of this relationship in balance system diagnostics as related to the vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR). Yet, new findings suggest this relationship is not limited to the inner ear.

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InnerScope Launches PSAP Web Store

​InnerScope Hearing Technologies (http://www.innd.com/) now offers purchase options and hearing resources to personal sound amplifier products (PSAPs) consumers on its direct-to-consumer e-commerce site, Hearingbenefit.com. They can sign up to receive an e-book produced by InnerScope called The Senior Medical Controversy on Hearingbenefit.com to learn about the consequences of untreated hearing loss, including cognitive issues such as Alzheimer's and dementia. InnerScope has also created a separate landing page (http://www.howtohearbetter.com/) to assist consumers through the evaluation and decision phase of choosing a device. Matthew Moore, CEO of InnerScope, said once people click onto their e-commerce store, it is easy for them to navigate and make a decision to purchase. "We have taken the stress off the buying process, by offering easy payments with zero down and zero interest. We know that for years the tens of millions of hearing impaired people have been an underserved market… We offer these people through our Hearingbenefit.com website easy and simple access to hearing products that can help improve their hearing immediately without hurting their pocketbook, and even a money back guarantee," Moore said.

Published: 1/26/2018 7:36:00 AM

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InnerScope Launches PSAP Web Store

​InnerScope Hearing Technologies (http://www.innd.com/) now offers purchase options and hearing resources to personal sound amplifier products (PSAPs) consumers on its direct-to-consumer e-commerce site, Hearingbenefit.com. They can sign up to receive an e-book produced by InnerScope called The Senior Medical Controversy on Hearingbenefit.com to learn about the consequences of untreated hearing loss, including cognitive issues such as Alzheimer's and dementia. InnerScope has also created a separate landing page (http://www.howtohearbetter.com/) to assist consumers through the evaluation and decision phase of choosing a device. Matthew Moore, CEO of InnerScope, said once people click onto their e-commerce store, it is easy for them to navigate and make a decision to purchase. "We have taken the stress off the buying process, by offering easy payments with zero down and zero interest. We know that for years the tens of millions of hearing impaired people have been an underserved market… We offer these people through our Hearingbenefit.com website easy and simple access to hearing products that can help improve their hearing immediately without hurting their pocketbook, and even a money back guarantee," Moore said.

Published: 1/26/2018 7:36:00 AM

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InnerScope Launches PSAP Web Store

​InnerScope Hearing Technologies (http://www.innd.com/) now offers purchase options and hearing resources to personal sound amplifier products (PSAPs) consumers on its direct-to-consumer e-commerce site, Hearingbenefit.com. They can sign up to receive an e-book produced by InnerScope called The Senior Medical Controversy on Hearingbenefit.com to learn about the consequences of untreated hearing loss, including cognitive issues such as Alzheimer's and dementia. InnerScope has also created a separate landing page (http://www.howtohearbetter.com/) to assist consumers through the evaluation and decision phase of choosing a device. Matthew Moore, CEO of InnerScope, said once people click onto their e-commerce store, it is easy for them to navigate and make a decision to purchase. "We have taken the stress off the buying process, by offering easy payments with zero down and zero interest. We know that for years the tens of millions of hearing impaired people have been an underserved market… We offer these people through our Hearingbenefit.com website easy and simple access to hearing products that can help improve their hearing immediately without hurting their pocketbook, and even a money back guarantee," Moore said.

Published: 1/26/2018 7:36:00 AM

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Binaural model-based dynamic-range compression

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Binaural model-based dynamic-range compression

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Novel frameshift mutation in the KCNQ1 gene responsible for Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome.

Related Articles

Novel frameshift mutation in the KCNQ1 gene responsible for Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome.

Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2018 Jan;21(1):108-111

Authors: Amirian A, Dalili SM, Zafari Z, Saber S, Karimipoor M, Akbari V, Fazelifar AF, Zeinali S

Abstract
Objectives: Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in KCNQ1 or KCNE1 genes. The disease is characterized by sensorineural hearing loss and long QT syndrome.
Materials and Methods: Here we present a 3.5-year-old female patient, an offspring of consanguineous marriage, who had a history of recurrent syncope and congenital sensorineural deafness. The patient and the family members were screened for mutations in KCNQ1 gene by linkage analysis and DNA sequencing.
Results: DNA sequencing showed a c.1532_1534delG (p. A512Pfs*81) mutation in the KCNQ1 gene in homozygous form. The results of short tandem repeat (STR) markers showed that the disease in the family is linked to the KCNQ1 gene. The mutation was confirmed in the parents in heterozygous form.
Conclusion: This is the first report of this variant in KCNQ1 gene in an Iranian family. The data of this study could be used for early diagnosis of the condition in the family and genetic counseling.

PMID: 29372044 [PubMed]

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Gene therapy for inherited retinal and optic nerve degenerations.

Related Articles

Gene therapy for inherited retinal and optic nerve degenerations.

Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2018 Jan;18(1):37-49

Authors: Moore NA, Morral N, Ciulla TA, Bracha P

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The eye is a target for investigational gene therapy due to the monogenic nature of many inherited retinal and optic nerve degenerations (IRD), its accessibility, tight blood-ocular barrier, the ability to non-invasively monitor for functional and anatomic outcomes, as well as its relative immune privileged state.Vectors currently used in IRD clinical trials include adeno-associated virus (AAV), small single-stranded DNA viruses, and lentivirus, RNA viruses of the retrovirus family. Both can transduce non-dividing cells, but AAV are non-integrating, while lentivirus integrate into the host cell genome, and have a larger transgene capacity. Areas covered: This review covers Leber's congenital amaurosis, choroideremia, retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, Stargardt disease, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, Achromatopsia, and X-linked retinoschisis. Expert opinion: Despite great potential, gene therapy for IRD raises many questions, including the potential for less invasive intravitreal versus subretinal delivery, efficacy, safety, and longevity of response, as well as acceptance of novel study endpoints by regulatory bodies, patients, clinicians, and payers. Also, ultimate adoption of gene therapy for IRD will require widespread genetic screening to identify and diagnose patients based on genotype instead of phenotype.

PMID: 29057663 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Binaural model-based dynamic-range compression

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A Guerilla Guide to Common Problems in 'Neurostatistics': Essential Statistical Topics in Neuroscience.

Related Articles

A Guerilla Guide to Common Problems in 'Neurostatistics': Essential Statistical Topics in Neuroscience.

J Undergrad Neurosci Educ. 2017;16(1):R1-R12

Authors: Smith PF

Abstract
Effective inferential statistical analysis is essential for high quality studies in neuroscience. However, recently, neuroscience has been criticised for the poor use of experimental design and statistical analysis. Many of the statistical issues confronting neuroscience are similar to other areas of biology; however, there are some that occur more regularly in neuroscience studies. This review attempts to provide a succinct overview of some of the major issues that arise commonly in the analyses of neuroscience data. These include: the non-normal distribution of the data; inequality of variance between groups; extensive correlation in data for repeated measurements across time or space; excessive multiple testing; inadequate statistical power due to small sample sizes; pseudo-replication; and an over-emphasis on binary conclusions about statistical significance as opposed to effect sizes. Statistical analysis should be viewed as just another neuroscience tool, which is critical to the final outcome of the study. Therefore, it needs to be done well and it is a good idea to be proactive and seek help early, preferably before the study even begins.

PMID: 29371855 [PubMed]

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A Guerilla Guide to Common Problems in 'Neurostatistics': Essential Statistical Topics in Neuroscience.

Related Articles

A Guerilla Guide to Common Problems in 'Neurostatistics': Essential Statistical Topics in Neuroscience.

J Undergrad Neurosci Educ. 2017;16(1):R1-R12

Authors: Smith PF

Abstract
Effective inferential statistical analysis is essential for high quality studies in neuroscience. However, recently, neuroscience has been criticised for the poor use of experimental design and statistical analysis. Many of the statistical issues confronting neuroscience are similar to other areas of biology; however, there are some that occur more regularly in neuroscience studies. This review attempts to provide a succinct overview of some of the major issues that arise commonly in the analyses of neuroscience data. These include: the non-normal distribution of the data; inequality of variance between groups; extensive correlation in data for repeated measurements across time or space; excessive multiple testing; inadequate statistical power due to small sample sizes; pseudo-replication; and an over-emphasis on binary conclusions about statistical significance as opposed to effect sizes. Statistical analysis should be viewed as just another neuroscience tool, which is critical to the final outcome of the study. Therefore, it needs to be done well and it is a good idea to be proactive and seek help early, preferably before the study even begins.

PMID: 29371855 [PubMed]

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InnerScope Launches PSAP Web Store

​InnerScope Hearing Technologies (http://www.innd.com/) now offers purchase options and hearing resources to personal sound amplifier products (PSAPs) consumers on its direct-to-consumer e-commerce site, Hearingbenefit.com. They can sign up to receive an e-book produced by InnerScope called The Senior Medical Controversy on Hearingbenefit.com to learn about the consequences of untreated hearing loss, including cognitive issues such as Alzheimer's and dementia. InnerScope has also created a separate landing page (http://www.howtohearbetter.com/) to assist consumers through the evaluation and decision phase of choosing a device. Matthew Moore, CEO of InnerScope, said once people click onto their e-commerce store, it is easy for them to navigate and make a decision to purchase. "We have taken the stress off the buying process, by offering easy payments with zero down and zero interest. We know that for years the tens of millions of hearing impaired people have been an underserved market… We offer these people through our Hearingbenefit.com website easy and simple access to hearing products that can help improve their hearing immediately without hurting their pocketbook, and even a money back guarantee," Moore said.

Published: 1/26/2018 7:36:00 AM

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InnerScope Launches PSAP Web Store

​InnerScope Hearing Technologies (http://www.innd.com/) now offers purchase options and hearing resources to personal sound amplifier products (PSAPs) consumers on its direct-to-consumer e-commerce site, Hearingbenefit.com. They can sign up to receive an e-book produced by InnerScope called The Senior Medical Controversy on Hearingbenefit.com to learn about the consequences of untreated hearing loss, including cognitive issues such as Alzheimer's and dementia. InnerScope has also created a separate landing page (http://www.howtohearbetter.com/) to assist consumers through the evaluation and decision phase of choosing a device. Matthew Moore, CEO of InnerScope, said once people click onto their e-commerce store, it is easy for them to navigate and make a decision to purchase. "We have taken the stress off the buying process, by offering easy payments with zero down and zero interest. We know that for years the tens of millions of hearing impaired people have been an underserved market… We offer these people through our Hearingbenefit.com website easy and simple access to hearing products that can help improve their hearing immediately without hurting their pocketbook, and even a money back guarantee," Moore said.

Published: 1/26/2018 7:36:00 AM

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InnerScope Launches PSAP Web Store

​InnerScope Hearing Technologies (http://www.innd.com/) now offers purchase options and hearing resources to personal sound amplifier products (PSAPs) consumers on its direct-to-consumer e-commerce site, Hearingbenefit.com. They can sign up to receive an e-book produced by InnerScope called The Senior Medical Controversy on Hearingbenefit.com to learn about the consequences of untreated hearing loss, including cognitive issues such as Alzheimer's and dementia. InnerScope has also created a separate landing page (http://www.howtohearbetter.com/) to assist consumers through the evaluation and decision phase of choosing a device. Matthew Moore, CEO of InnerScope, said once people click onto their e-commerce store, it is easy for them to navigate and make a decision to purchase. "We have taken the stress off the buying process, by offering easy payments with zero down and zero interest. We know that for years the tens of millions of hearing impaired people have been an underserved market… We offer these people through our Hearingbenefit.com website easy and simple access to hearing products that can help improve their hearing immediately without hurting their pocketbook, and even a money back guarantee," Moore said.

Published: 1/26/2018 7:36:00 AM

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A Narrative Evaluation of Mandarin-Speaking Children With Language Impairment

Purpose

We aimed to study narrative skills in Mandarin-speaking children with language impairment (LI) to compare with children with LI speaking Indo-European languages.

Method

Eighteen Mandarin-speaking children with LI (mean age 6;2 [years;months]) and 18 typically developing (TD) age controls told 3 stories elicited using the Mandarin Expressive Narrative Test (de Villiers & Liu, 2014). We compared macrostructure-evaluating descriptions of characters, settings, initiating events, internal responses,plans, actions, and consequences. We also studied general microstructure, including productivity, lexical diversity, syntactic complexity, and grammaticality. In addition, we compared the use of 6 fine-grained microstructure elements that evaluate particular Mandarin linguistic features.

Results

Children with LI exhibited weaknesses in 5 macrostructure elements, lexical diversity, syntactic complexity, and 3 Mandarin-specific, fine-grained microstructure elements. Children with LI and TD controls demonstrated comparable performance on 2 macrostructure elements, productivity, grammaticality, and the remaining 3 fine-grained microstructure features.

Conclusions

Similarities and differences are noted in narrative profiles of children with LI who speak Mandarin versus those who speak Indo-European languages. The results are consistent with the view that profiles of linguistic deficits are shaped by the ambient language. Clinical implications are discussed.

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Well-Being and Resilience in Children With Speech and Language Disorders

Purpose

Children with speech and language disorders are at risk in relation to psychological and social well-being. The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of these children from their own perspectives focusing on risks to their well-being and protective indicators that may promote resilience.

Method

Eleven 9- to 12-year-old children (4 boys and 7 girls) were recruited using purposeful sampling. One participant presented with a speech sound disorder, 1 presented with both a speech and language disorder, and 9 with language disorders. All were receiving additional educational supports. Narrative inquiry, a qualitative design, was employed. Data were generated in home and school settings using multiple semi-structured interviews with each child over a 6-month period. A total of 59 interviews were conducted. The data were analyzed to identify themes in relation to potential risk factors to well-being and protective strategies.

Results

Potential risk factors in relation to well-being were communication impairment and disability, difficulties with relationships, and concern about academic achievement. Potential protective strategies were hope, agency, and positive relationships.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of listening to children's narratives so that those at risk in relation to well-being can be identified. Conceptualization of well-being and resilience within an ecological framework may enable identification of protective strategies at both individual and environmental levels that can be strengthened to mitigate negative experiences.

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A Narrative Evaluation of Mandarin-Speaking Children With Language Impairment

Purpose

We aimed to study narrative skills in Mandarin-speaking children with language impairment (LI) to compare with children with LI speaking Indo-European languages.

Method

Eighteen Mandarin-speaking children with LI (mean age 6;2 [years;months]) and 18 typically developing (TD) age controls told 3 stories elicited using the Mandarin Expressive Narrative Test (de Villiers & Liu, 2014). We compared macrostructure-evaluating descriptions of characters, settings, initiating events, internal responses,plans, actions, and consequences. We also studied general microstructure, including productivity, lexical diversity, syntactic complexity, and grammaticality. In addition, we compared the use of 6 fine-grained microstructure elements that evaluate particular Mandarin linguistic features.

Results

Children with LI exhibited weaknesses in 5 macrostructure elements, lexical diversity, syntactic complexity, and 3 Mandarin-specific, fine-grained microstructure elements. Children with LI and TD controls demonstrated comparable performance on 2 macrostructure elements, productivity, grammaticality, and the remaining 3 fine-grained microstructure features.

Conclusions

Similarities and differences are noted in narrative profiles of children with LI who speak Mandarin versus those who speak Indo-European languages. The results are consistent with the view that profiles of linguistic deficits are shaped by the ambient language. Clinical implications are discussed.

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Well-Being and Resilience in Children With Speech and Language Disorders

Purpose

Children with speech and language disorders are at risk in relation to psychological and social well-being. The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of these children from their own perspectives focusing on risks to their well-being and protective indicators that may promote resilience.

Method

Eleven 9- to 12-year-old children (4 boys and 7 girls) were recruited using purposeful sampling. One participant presented with a speech sound disorder, 1 presented with both a speech and language disorder, and 9 with language disorders. All were receiving additional educational supports. Narrative inquiry, a qualitative design, was employed. Data were generated in home and school settings using multiple semi-structured interviews with each child over a 6-month period. A total of 59 interviews were conducted. The data were analyzed to identify themes in relation to potential risk factors to well-being and protective strategies.

Results

Potential risk factors in relation to well-being were communication impairment and disability, difficulties with relationships, and concern about academic achievement. Potential protective strategies were hope, agency, and positive relationships.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of listening to children's narratives so that those at risk in relation to well-being can be identified. Conceptualization of well-being and resilience within an ecological framework may enable identification of protective strategies at both individual and environmental levels that can be strengthened to mitigate negative experiences.

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A Narrative Evaluation of Mandarin-Speaking Children With Language Impairment

Purpose

We aimed to study narrative skills in Mandarin-speaking children with language impairment (LI) to compare with children with LI speaking Indo-European languages.

Method

Eighteen Mandarin-speaking children with LI (mean age 6;2 [years;months]) and 18 typically developing (TD) age controls told 3 stories elicited using the Mandarin Expressive Narrative Test (de Villiers & Liu, 2014). We compared macrostructure-evaluating descriptions of characters, settings, initiating events, internal responses,plans, actions, and consequences. We also studied general microstructure, including productivity, lexical diversity, syntactic complexity, and grammaticality. In addition, we compared the use of 6 fine-grained microstructure elements that evaluate particular Mandarin linguistic features.

Results

Children with LI exhibited weaknesses in 5 macrostructure elements, lexical diversity, syntactic complexity, and 3 Mandarin-specific, fine-grained microstructure elements. Children with LI and TD controls demonstrated comparable performance on 2 macrostructure elements, productivity, grammaticality, and the remaining 3 fine-grained microstructure features.

Conclusions

Similarities and differences are noted in narrative profiles of children with LI who speak Mandarin versus those who speak Indo-European languages. The results are consistent with the view that profiles of linguistic deficits are shaped by the ambient language. Clinical implications are discussed.

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Well-Being and Resilience in Children With Speech and Language Disorders

Purpose

Children with speech and language disorders are at risk in relation to psychological and social well-being. The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of these children from their own perspectives focusing on risks to their well-being and protective indicators that may promote resilience.

Method

Eleven 9- to 12-year-old children (4 boys and 7 girls) were recruited using purposeful sampling. One participant presented with a speech sound disorder, 1 presented with both a speech and language disorder, and 9 with language disorders. All were receiving additional educational supports. Narrative inquiry, a qualitative design, was employed. Data were generated in home and school settings using multiple semi-structured interviews with each child over a 6-month period. A total of 59 interviews were conducted. The data were analyzed to identify themes in relation to potential risk factors to well-being and protective strategies.

Results

Potential risk factors in relation to well-being were communication impairment and disability, difficulties with relationships, and concern about academic achievement. Potential protective strategies were hope, agency, and positive relationships.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of listening to children's narratives so that those at risk in relation to well-being can be identified. Conceptualization of well-being and resilience within an ecological framework may enable identification of protective strategies at both individual and environmental levels that can be strengthened to mitigate negative experiences.

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Results in Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients With Varied Asymmetric Hearing: A Prospective Longitudinal Study of Speech Recognition, Localization, and Participant Report

Objectives: Asymmetric hearing with severe to profound hearing loss (SPHL) in one ear and better hearing in the other requires increased listening effort and is detrimental for understanding speech in noise and sound localization. Although a cochlear implant (CI) is the only treatment that can restore hearing to an ear with SPHL, current candidacy criteria often disallows this option for patients with asymmetric hearing. The present study aimed to evaluate longitudinal performance outcomes in a relatively large group of adults with asymmetric hearing who received a CI in the poor ear. Design: Forty-seven adults with postlingual hearing loss participated. Test materials included objective and subjective measures meant to elucidate communication challenges encountered by those with asymmetric hearing. Test intervals included preimplant and 6 and 12 months postimplant. Preimplant testing was completed in participants’ everyday listening condition: bilateral hearing aids (HAs) n = 9, better ear HA n = 29, and no HA n = 9; postimplant, each ear was tested separately and in the bimodal condition. Results: Group mean longitudinal results in the bimodal condition postimplant compared with the preimplant everyday listening condition indicated significantly improved sentence scores at soft levels and in noise, improved localization, and higher ratings of communication function by 6 months postimplant. Group mean, 6-month postimplant results were significantly better in the bimodal condition compared with either ear alone. Audibility and speech recognition for the poor ear alone improved significantly with a CI compared with preimplant. Most participants had clinically meaningful benefit on most measures. Contributory factors reported for traditional CI candidates also impacted results for this population. In general, older participants had poorer bimodal speech recognition in noise and localization abilities than younger participants. Participants with early SPHL onset had better bimodal localization than those with later SPHL onset, and participants with longer SPHL duration had poorer CI alone speech understanding in noise but not in quiet. Better ear pure-tone average (PTA) correlated with all speech recognition measures in the bimodal condition. To understand the impact of better ear hearing on bimodal performance, participants were grouped by better ear PTA: group 1 PTA ≤40 dB HL (n = 19), group 2 PTA = 41 to 55 dB HL (n = 14), and group 3 PTA = 56 to 70 dB HL (n = 14). All groups showed bimodal benefit on speech recognition measures in quiet and in noise; however, only group 3 obtained benefit when noise was toward the CI ear. All groups showed improved localization and ratings of perceived communication. Conclusions: Receiving a CI for the poor ear was an effective treatment for this population. Improved audibility and speech recognition were evident by 6 months postimplant. Improvements in sound localization and self-reports of communication benefit were significant and not related to better ear hearing. Participants with more hearing in the better ear (group 1) showed less bimodal benefit but greater bimodal performance for speech recognition than groups 2 and 3. Test batteries for this population should include quality of life measures, sound localization, and adaptive speech recognition measures with spatially separated noise to capture the hearing loss deficits and treatment benefits reported by this patient population. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: The authors appreciate the patients’ time and participation in this study. Asymmetric Hearing Study Team Collaborators are as follows: Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO: Brenda Gotter, AuD, Karen Mispagel, AuD, Lisa Potts, PhD, Sallie Vanderhoof, MA/AuD, Tim Holden, BA, Chris Brenner, MS, Mike Strube, PhD, Craig Buchman, MD, Richard Chole, MD, PhD, Andrew Drescher, MD, Joel Goebel, MD, Tim Hullar, MD, Jonathan McJunkin, MD, and Gail Neely, MD†. Saint Luke’s Hospital Midwest Ear Institute, Kansas City, MO: Lisa Cowdrey, MA, Kristen Lewis, AuD, Heidi Frazier, AuD, Sarah Zlomke, AuD, Robert Cullen, MD, and Charles Luetje, MD. This work was supported by R01DC009010 from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health. J.B.F. serves on the audiology advisory boards for Advanced Bionics and Cochlear Americas, and L.K.H. serves on the audiology advisory board for Advanced Bionics. † Deceased. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Address for correspondence: Jill B. Firszt, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8115, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. E-mail: firsztj@wustl.edu Received May 16, 2017; accepted November 26, 2017. Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Results in Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients With Varied Asymmetric Hearing: A Prospective Longitudinal Study of Speech Recognition, Localization, and Participant Report

Objectives: Asymmetric hearing with severe to profound hearing loss (SPHL) in one ear and better hearing in the other requires increased listening effort and is detrimental for understanding speech in noise and sound localization. Although a cochlear implant (CI) is the only treatment that can restore hearing to an ear with SPHL, current candidacy criteria often disallows this option for patients with asymmetric hearing. The present study aimed to evaluate longitudinal performance outcomes in a relatively large group of adults with asymmetric hearing who received a CI in the poor ear. Design: Forty-seven adults with postlingual hearing loss participated. Test materials included objective and subjective measures meant to elucidate communication challenges encountered by those with asymmetric hearing. Test intervals included preimplant and 6 and 12 months postimplant. Preimplant testing was completed in participants’ everyday listening condition: bilateral hearing aids (HAs) n = 9, better ear HA n = 29, and no HA n = 9; postimplant, each ear was tested separately and in the bimodal condition. Results: Group mean longitudinal results in the bimodal condition postimplant compared with the preimplant everyday listening condition indicated significantly improved sentence scores at soft levels and in noise, improved localization, and higher ratings of communication function by 6 months postimplant. Group mean, 6-month postimplant results were significantly better in the bimodal condition compared with either ear alone. Audibility and speech recognition for the poor ear alone improved significantly with a CI compared with preimplant. Most participants had clinically meaningful benefit on most measures. Contributory factors reported for traditional CI candidates also impacted results for this population. In general, older participants had poorer bimodal speech recognition in noise and localization abilities than younger participants. Participants with early SPHL onset had better bimodal localization than those with later SPHL onset, and participants with longer SPHL duration had poorer CI alone speech understanding in noise but not in quiet. Better ear pure-tone average (PTA) correlated with all speech recognition measures in the bimodal condition. To understand the impact of better ear hearing on bimodal performance, participants were grouped by better ear PTA: group 1 PTA ≤40 dB HL (n = 19), group 2 PTA = 41 to 55 dB HL (n = 14), and group 3 PTA = 56 to 70 dB HL (n = 14). All groups showed bimodal benefit on speech recognition measures in quiet and in noise; however, only group 3 obtained benefit when noise was toward the CI ear. All groups showed improved localization and ratings of perceived communication. Conclusions: Receiving a CI for the poor ear was an effective treatment for this population. Improved audibility and speech recognition were evident by 6 months postimplant. Improvements in sound localization and self-reports of communication benefit were significant and not related to better ear hearing. Participants with more hearing in the better ear (group 1) showed less bimodal benefit but greater bimodal performance for speech recognition than groups 2 and 3. Test batteries for this population should include quality of life measures, sound localization, and adaptive speech recognition measures with spatially separated noise to capture the hearing loss deficits and treatment benefits reported by this patient population. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: The authors appreciate the patients’ time and participation in this study. Asymmetric Hearing Study Team Collaborators are as follows: Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO: Brenda Gotter, AuD, Karen Mispagel, AuD, Lisa Potts, PhD, Sallie Vanderhoof, MA/AuD, Tim Holden, BA, Chris Brenner, MS, Mike Strube, PhD, Craig Buchman, MD, Richard Chole, MD, PhD, Andrew Drescher, MD, Joel Goebel, MD, Tim Hullar, MD, Jonathan McJunkin, MD, and Gail Neely, MD†. Saint Luke’s Hospital Midwest Ear Institute, Kansas City, MO: Lisa Cowdrey, MA, Kristen Lewis, AuD, Heidi Frazier, AuD, Sarah Zlomke, AuD, Robert Cullen, MD, and Charles Luetje, MD. This work was supported by R01DC009010 from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health. J.B.F. serves on the audiology advisory boards for Advanced Bionics and Cochlear Americas, and L.K.H. serves on the audiology advisory board for Advanced Bionics. † Deceased. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Address for correspondence: Jill B. Firszt, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8115, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. E-mail: firsztj@wustl.edu Received May 16, 2017; accepted November 26, 2017. Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Results in Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients With Varied Asymmetric Hearing: A Prospective Longitudinal Study of Speech Recognition, Localization, and Participant Report

Objectives: Asymmetric hearing with severe to profound hearing loss (SPHL) in one ear and better hearing in the other requires increased listening effort and is detrimental for understanding speech in noise and sound localization. Although a cochlear implant (CI) is the only treatment that can restore hearing to an ear with SPHL, current candidacy criteria often disallows this option for patients with asymmetric hearing. The present study aimed to evaluate longitudinal performance outcomes in a relatively large group of adults with asymmetric hearing who received a CI in the poor ear. Design: Forty-seven adults with postlingual hearing loss participated. Test materials included objective and subjective measures meant to elucidate communication challenges encountered by those with asymmetric hearing. Test intervals included preimplant and 6 and 12 months postimplant. Preimplant testing was completed in participants’ everyday listening condition: bilateral hearing aids (HAs) n = 9, better ear HA n = 29, and no HA n = 9; postimplant, each ear was tested separately and in the bimodal condition. Results: Group mean longitudinal results in the bimodal condition postimplant compared with the preimplant everyday listening condition indicated significantly improved sentence scores at soft levels and in noise, improved localization, and higher ratings of communication function by 6 months postimplant. Group mean, 6-month postimplant results were significantly better in the bimodal condition compared with either ear alone. Audibility and speech recognition for the poor ear alone improved significantly with a CI compared with preimplant. Most participants had clinically meaningful benefit on most measures. Contributory factors reported for traditional CI candidates also impacted results for this population. In general, older participants had poorer bimodal speech recognition in noise and localization abilities than younger participants. Participants with early SPHL onset had better bimodal localization than those with later SPHL onset, and participants with longer SPHL duration had poorer CI alone speech understanding in noise but not in quiet. Better ear pure-tone average (PTA) correlated with all speech recognition measures in the bimodal condition. To understand the impact of better ear hearing on bimodal performance, participants were grouped by better ear PTA: group 1 PTA ≤40 dB HL (n = 19), group 2 PTA = 41 to 55 dB HL (n = 14), and group 3 PTA = 56 to 70 dB HL (n = 14). All groups showed bimodal benefit on speech recognition measures in quiet and in noise; however, only group 3 obtained benefit when noise was toward the CI ear. All groups showed improved localization and ratings of perceived communication. Conclusions: Receiving a CI for the poor ear was an effective treatment for this population. Improved audibility and speech recognition were evident by 6 months postimplant. Improvements in sound localization and self-reports of communication benefit were significant and not related to better ear hearing. Participants with more hearing in the better ear (group 1) showed less bimodal benefit but greater bimodal performance for speech recognition than groups 2 and 3. Test batteries for this population should include quality of life measures, sound localization, and adaptive speech recognition measures with spatially separated noise to capture the hearing loss deficits and treatment benefits reported by this patient population. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: The authors appreciate the patients’ time and participation in this study. Asymmetric Hearing Study Team Collaborators are as follows: Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO: Brenda Gotter, AuD, Karen Mispagel, AuD, Lisa Potts, PhD, Sallie Vanderhoof, MA/AuD, Tim Holden, BA, Chris Brenner, MS, Mike Strube, PhD, Craig Buchman, MD, Richard Chole, MD, PhD, Andrew Drescher, MD, Joel Goebel, MD, Tim Hullar, MD, Jonathan McJunkin, MD, and Gail Neely, MD†. Saint Luke’s Hospital Midwest Ear Institute, Kansas City, MO: Lisa Cowdrey, MA, Kristen Lewis, AuD, Heidi Frazier, AuD, Sarah Zlomke, AuD, Robert Cullen, MD, and Charles Luetje, MD. This work was supported by R01DC009010 from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health. J.B.F. serves on the audiology advisory boards for Advanced Bionics and Cochlear Americas, and L.K.H. serves on the audiology advisory board for Advanced Bionics. † Deceased. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Address for correspondence: Jill B. Firszt, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8115, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. E-mail: firsztj@wustl.edu Received May 16, 2017; accepted November 26, 2017. Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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