Sex-specific walking kinematics and kinetics in individuals with unilateral, symptomatic hip osteoarthritis: a cross sectional study

Publication date: Available online 31 July 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Kim Allison, Michelle Hall, Tim V. Wrigley, Yong-Hao Pua, Ben Metcalf, Kim L. Bennell

Abstract

Background

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a significant cause of disability, with hip pain and reduced external hip moments during walking being key features of the condition. The external hip adduction moment is greater in healthy women than men, however these between-sex differences are not evident in those with end-stage hip OA. Whether sex-specific hip kinetics are associated with early-midstage hip OA has not been investigated and may be a potential target for directed treatment.

Methods

Thirty-eight women and twenty-eight men with a diagnosis of symptomatic, unilateral, mild-to-moderate hip OA (Kellegren-Lawrence Grade 2 or 3) underwent three-dimensional gait analysis of normal walking gait using Vicon motion capture. Hip joint, trunk and pelvic angles and hip moments were calculated using the Plug-in-Gait model. The external peak flexion moment, and the first peak, second peak and mid-stance minimum of the hip adduction moment during the stance phase of walking as well as hip, trunk and pelvic kinematics occurring at the three moment time points were compared between groups using an analysis of covariance.

Results

Women with hip OA exhibited a greater external hip adduction moment (mean difference 0.8-1.3 Nm/BW.Ht(%), P < 0.05) and greater hip adduction angles (mean difference 2.8-4.9 degrees, P < 0.05) throughout stance than men. Men walked with a greater forward trunk lean than women during early to midstance (mean difference 2.9-3.5 degrees, P < 0.05) than women.

Significance

In contrast to late stage hip OA, between-sex difference in hip joint kinematics and kinetics are preserved in early-midstage hip OA.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2NZbGAw
via IFTTT

Gender and Limb Differences in Temporal Gait Parameters and Gait Variability in Ankle Osteoarthritis

Publication date: Available online 31 July 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): C.N. Hughes-Oliver, D Srinivasan, D Schmitt, R.M. Queen

Abstract

Background

The effects of ankle osteoarthritis on gait are noticeable in the clinic, but are difficult to quantify and score without detailed kinematic and kinetic analysis. Evaluation of temporal gait parameters and gait variability is a potential alternative.

Research Question

This study aimed to determine associations between limb and gender with temporal gait parameters and gait variability in ankle OA patients to evaluate the utility of these parameters for gait assessment in a clinical setting.

Methods

Following informed consent, 242 end-stage unilateral ankle OA patients walked at self-selected speed across force plates. Means and stride-to-stride standard deviations (SD) of stride, swing, stance, and double support times were determined for each patient. Limb x Gender ANCOVA models co-varying for walking speed were run for swing and stance times, while stride and double support times were only compared between genders. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS (α = 0.05).

Results

Walking speed affected all measures of interest. After adjusting for walking speed, mean stride time, stride time SD, and stance time SD were 3.5%, 67% and 29% higher among women than men (p = 0.002, 0.035 and 0.02 respectively). Swing time was 12% higher and stance time was 6% lower on the affected side compared to the unaffected side (p < 0.001 for both).

Significance

Women have longer stride times and higher variability, which may indicate higher fall risk. Both genders minimized loading on the affected limb by increasing swing time and reducing stance time on the affected side. Simple, easy to record temporal gait patterns can provide useful insight into gait abnormalities in patients with ankle OA.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2OzoLBQ
via IFTTT

Sex-specific walking kinematics and kinetics in individuals with unilateral, symptomatic hip osteoarthritis: a cross sectional study

Publication date: Available online 31 July 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Kim Allison, Michelle Hall, Tim V. Wrigley, Yong-Hao Pua, Ben Metcalf, Kim L. Bennell

Abstract

Background

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a significant cause of disability, with hip pain and reduced external hip moments during walking being key features of the condition. The external hip adduction moment is greater in healthy women than men, however these between-sex differences are not evident in those with end-stage hip OA. Whether sex-specific hip kinetics are associated with early-midstage hip OA has not been investigated and may be a potential target for directed treatment.

Methods

Thirty-eight women and twenty-eight men with a diagnosis of symptomatic, unilateral, mild-to-moderate hip OA (Kellegren-Lawrence Grade 2 or 3) underwent three-dimensional gait analysis of normal walking gait using Vicon motion capture. Hip joint, trunk and pelvic angles and hip moments were calculated using the Plug-in-Gait model. The external peak flexion moment, and the first peak, second peak and mid-stance minimum of the hip adduction moment during the stance phase of walking as well as hip, trunk and pelvic kinematics occurring at the three moment time points were compared between groups using an analysis of covariance.

Results

Women with hip OA exhibited a greater external hip adduction moment (mean difference 0.8-1.3 Nm/BW.Ht(%), P < 0.05) and greater hip adduction angles (mean difference 2.8-4.9 degrees, P < 0.05) throughout stance than men. Men walked with a greater forward trunk lean than women during early to midstance (mean difference 2.9-3.5 degrees, P < 0.05) than women.

Significance

In contrast to late stage hip OA, between-sex difference in hip joint kinematics and kinetics are preserved in early-midstage hip OA.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2NZbGAw
via IFTTT

Gender and Limb Differences in Temporal Gait Parameters and Gait Variability in Ankle Osteoarthritis

Publication date: Available online 31 July 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): C.N. Hughes-Oliver, D Srinivasan, D Schmitt, R.M. Queen

Abstract

Background

The effects of ankle osteoarthritis on gait are noticeable in the clinic, but are difficult to quantify and score without detailed kinematic and kinetic analysis. Evaluation of temporal gait parameters and gait variability is a potential alternative.

Research Question

This study aimed to determine associations between limb and gender with temporal gait parameters and gait variability in ankle OA patients to evaluate the utility of these parameters for gait assessment in a clinical setting.

Methods

Following informed consent, 242 end-stage unilateral ankle OA patients walked at self-selected speed across force plates. Means and stride-to-stride standard deviations (SD) of stride, swing, stance, and double support times were determined for each patient. Limb x Gender ANCOVA models co-varying for walking speed were run for swing and stance times, while stride and double support times were only compared between genders. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS (α = 0.05).

Results

Walking speed affected all measures of interest. After adjusting for walking speed, mean stride time, stride time SD, and stance time SD were 3.5%, 67% and 29% higher among women than men (p = 0.002, 0.035 and 0.02 respectively). Swing time was 12% higher and stance time was 6% lower on the affected side compared to the unaffected side (p < 0.001 for both).

Significance

Women have longer stride times and higher variability, which may indicate higher fall risk. Both genders minimized loading on the affected limb by increasing swing time and reducing stance time on the affected side. Simple, easy to record temporal gait patterns can provide useful insight into gait abnormalities in patients with ankle OA.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2OzoLBQ
via IFTTT

Effects of Specific Language Impairment on a Contrastive Dialect Structure: The Case of Infinitival TO Across Various Nonmainstream Dialects of English

Purpose

Using data from children who spoke various nonmainstream dialects of English and who were classified as either children with specific language impairment (SLI) or typically developing (TD) children, we examined children's marking of infinitival TO by their dialect and clinical status.

Method

The data came from 180 kindergartners (91 speakers of African American English, 60 speakers of Southern White English, 29 speakers of +Cajun); 53 were children with SLI, and 127 were TD children. Data included 4,537 infinitival TO contexts extracted from language samples; each was coded as zero or overtly marked and by preceding verb context (i.e., verbs of motion vs. other).

Results

Across dialects, overall rates of zero marking differed by the children's clinical status (SLI > TD), and other verb contexts accounted for this result. Across the TD and SLI groups, dialect variation was evident for verbs of motion contexts, and the effect was stronger for the TD than for the SLI groups, particularly if the TD children's dialects were classified as +Cajun.

Conclusion

Children's marking of infinitival TO can be affected by both their dialect and clinical status. Results support language assessments that include context-specific rate-based measures of infinitival TO and other contrastive structures when they prove useful for understanding the linguistic profile of SLI within a dialect.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2O02c89
via IFTTT

Orthographic Fast-Mapping Across Time in 5- and 6-Year-Old Children

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the orthographic fast-mapping abilities of 5- and 6-year-old children across time to determine (a) growth in the ability to quickly acquire mental images of written words, (b) the effect of words' statistical regularities on the learning of written word images across time, (c) whether the statistical regularities of words impact children's eye movements during an orthographic fast-mapping task, and (d) the relation among written word learning and future literacy skills.

Method

Twenty-eight 5- and 6-year-old children viewed and listened to 12 short stories while their eye movements were recorded across 2 time points (approximately 3 months apart). At each time point, objects in the stories represented 12 novel pseudowords differing in their phonotactic and orthotactic probabilities. After viewing each story, the children were asked to spell and identify the target pseudowords; they also completed a battery of literacy measures.

Results

The children were able to quickly acquire mental orthographic representations of the novel written pseudowords as evidenced by their ability to identify and spell the target pseudowords after viewing the stories. This ability was related to future literacy performance and significantly improved over time. Performance on the orthographic fast-mapping tasks and the children's eye movements at Time 2 were influenced by the words' linguistic properties.

Conclusions

This study adds to accumulating evidence that orthographic fast-mapping is largely influenced by the orthotactic probabilities of words. These findings, taken together with those from previous investigations, provide a rich amount of evidence indicating that children are statistical learners when developing their orthographic knowledge.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2LQdBKo
via IFTTT

Effects of Specific Language Impairment on a Contrastive Dialect Structure: The Case of Infinitival TO Across Various Nonmainstream Dialects of English

Purpose

Using data from children who spoke various nonmainstream dialects of English and who were classified as either children with specific language impairment (SLI) or typically developing (TD) children, we examined children's marking of infinitival TO by their dialect and clinical status.

Method

The data came from 180 kindergartners (91 speakers of African American English, 60 speakers of Southern White English, 29 speakers of +Cajun); 53 were children with SLI, and 127 were TD children. Data included 4,537 infinitival TO contexts extracted from language samples; each was coded as zero or overtly marked and by preceding verb context (i.e., verbs of motion vs. other).

Results

Across dialects, overall rates of zero marking differed by the children's clinical status (SLI > TD), and other verb contexts accounted for this result. Across the TD and SLI groups, dialect variation was evident for verbs of motion contexts, and the effect was stronger for the TD than for the SLI groups, particularly if the TD children's dialects were classified as +Cajun.

Conclusion

Children's marking of infinitival TO can be affected by both their dialect and clinical status. Results support language assessments that include context-specific rate-based measures of infinitival TO and other contrastive structures when they prove useful for understanding the linguistic profile of SLI within a dialect.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2O02c89
via IFTTT

Orthographic Fast-Mapping Across Time in 5- and 6-Year-Old Children

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the orthographic fast-mapping abilities of 5- and 6-year-old children across time to determine (a) growth in the ability to quickly acquire mental images of written words, (b) the effect of words' statistical regularities on the learning of written word images across time, (c) whether the statistical regularities of words impact children's eye movements during an orthographic fast-mapping task, and (d) the relation among written word learning and future literacy skills.

Method

Twenty-eight 5- and 6-year-old children viewed and listened to 12 short stories while their eye movements were recorded across 2 time points (approximately 3 months apart). At each time point, objects in the stories represented 12 novel pseudowords differing in their phonotactic and orthotactic probabilities. After viewing each story, the children were asked to spell and identify the target pseudowords; they also completed a battery of literacy measures.

Results

The children were able to quickly acquire mental orthographic representations of the novel written pseudowords as evidenced by their ability to identify and spell the target pseudowords after viewing the stories. This ability was related to future literacy performance and significantly improved over time. Performance on the orthographic fast-mapping tasks and the children's eye movements at Time 2 were influenced by the words' linguistic properties.

Conclusions

This study adds to accumulating evidence that orthographic fast-mapping is largely influenced by the orthotactic probabilities of words. These findings, taken together with those from previous investigations, provide a rich amount of evidence indicating that children are statistical learners when developing their orthographic knowledge.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2LQdBKo
via IFTTT

Oticon Government Services Salutes Veterans at 119th VFW National Convention

Oticon Government Services was on duty at the 119^th Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Convention on July 21 – 25 in Kansas City, Missouri to serve up hearing health and hearing solution awareness to the thousands of veterans who attended the annual gathering.  Oticon Government Services team members met with veterans and military service members from active, guard and reserve forces to answer questions and provide hands-on experience with Oticon Opn™ rechargeable and Oticon ConnectClip, the newest Oticon hearing solutions available through the Veterans Affairs Administration.

"Our participation in the VFW Convention gives us an opportunity to meet veterans in person and thank them for their service," said David Horowitz, AuD, Director, Government Services. "It also provides a forum to discuss the newest Oticon technology and answer questions about how hearing solutions can make a positive difference for veterans who experience hearing loss, the most prevalent service-connected disability."

​As an official supplier of the Veterans Health Administration, Oticon provides quality hearing solutions that empower Veteran Affairs and Department of Defense audiologists to improve hearing and quality of life for our nation's veterans and active duty military personnel. Oticon Government Services conducts trainings across the country and throughout the year to support VA audiologists and technicians in increasing success for their patients. 

Published: 7/30/2018 11:17:00 AM

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2NYRcI1
via IFTTT

Oticon Government Services Salutes Veterans at 119th VFW National Convention

Oticon Government Services was on duty at the 119^th Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Convention on July 21 – 25 in Kansas City, Missouri to serve up hearing health and hearing solution awareness to the thousands of veterans who attended the annual gathering.  Oticon Government Services team members met with veterans and military service members from active, guard and reserve forces to answer questions and provide hands-on experience with Oticon Opn™ rechargeable and Oticon ConnectClip, the newest Oticon hearing solutions available through the Veterans Affairs Administration.

"Our participation in the VFW Convention gives us an opportunity to meet veterans in person and thank them for their service," said David Horowitz, AuD, Director, Government Services. "It also provides a forum to discuss the newest Oticon technology and answer questions about how hearing solutions can make a positive difference for veterans who experience hearing loss, the most prevalent service-connected disability."

​As an official supplier of the Veterans Health Administration, Oticon provides quality hearing solutions that empower Veteran Affairs and Department of Defense audiologists to improve hearing and quality of life for our nation's veterans and active duty military personnel. Oticon Government Services conducts trainings across the country and throughout the year to support VA audiologists and technicians in increasing success for their patients. 

Published: 7/30/2018 11:17:00 AM

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2NYRcI1
via IFTTT

P 141 - What is the effect on the popliteal angle of femoral anteversion increased in healthy individuals?

Publication date: Available online 31 July 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): C. Sardoğan, N.E. Akalan, F. Bilgili, R. Sert, G. Leblebici, K. Önerge, G. Karaca, H. Evrendilek

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2AtokG9
via IFTTT

P 134 – Absence of the patella has minimal effects on sagittal plane gait parameters

Publication date: Available online 31 July 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): S. Baghdadi, A. Khandan, M. Arab Baniasad, H. Darbandi, A.R. Vafaei

Abstract

Patella is the latest addition to the animal's skeleton. It’s role in normal walking has not been clearly defined. A 9-year-old girl with congenital absence of the patella was assessed using instrumented gait analysis. The results show a tendency for the limb for external rotation, which is more pronounced during swing. We suggest that the role of the patella is mainly to redirect the force of the quadriceps tendon medially. The classically described role, which is to increase the lever arm of the quadriceps tendon, was not confirmed in this study.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2OvVXKn
via IFTTT

P 141 - What is the effect on the popliteal angle of femoral anteversion increased in healthy individuals?

Publication date: Available online 31 July 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): C. Sardoğan, N.E. Akalan, F. Bilgili, R. Sert, G. Leblebici, K. Önerge, G. Karaca, H. Evrendilek

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2AtokG9
via IFTTT

P 134 – Absence of the patella has minimal effects on sagittal plane gait parameters

Publication date: Available online 31 July 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): S. Baghdadi, A. Khandan, M. Arab Baniasad, H. Darbandi, A.R. Vafaei

Abstract

Patella is the latest addition to the animal's skeleton. It’s role in normal walking has not been clearly defined. A 9-year-old girl with congenital absence of the patella was assessed using instrumented gait analysis. The results show a tendency for the limb for external rotation, which is more pronounced during swing. We suggest that the role of the patella is mainly to redirect the force of the quadriceps tendon medially. The classically described role, which is to increase the lever arm of the quadriceps tendon, was not confirmed in this study.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2OvVXKn
via IFTTT

Health-Related Quality of Life in Mandarin-Speaking Children With Cochlear Implants

Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children with cochlear implants (CIs) from the parental perspective. The secondary objective was to explore possible relationships between demographic variables (such as age at assessment, gender, age at implantation, and duration of language rehabilitation) and the HRQoL. The third objective was to determine the developmental trajectories of HRQoL. Design: This study included parents of 123 children with CIs (mean age, 40.45 months; mean age of CI implantation, 24.74 months; mean device experience, 16.34 months). The time periods for follow-up were at 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12-month intervals of CI use. The Mandarin Children with Cochlear Implants: Parental Perspectives questionnaire was employed to assess HRQoL. Results: Parents were satisfied with HRQoL, especially with the domain of social relations; however, education received a less positive rating. The duration of CI use was positively correlated with 5 domains, suggesting that children who used CIs for a longer time had higher HRQoL ratings. Children with longer language rehabilitation received more positive ratings in the domains of social relations and education (p

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2LCZY1H
via IFTTT

Changing Hearing Performance and Sound Preference With Words and Expectations: Meaning Responses in Audiology

Objectives: In this article, we explore two manipulations of “meaning response,” intended to either “impart” meaning to participants through the manipulation of a few words in the test instructions or to “invite” meaning by making the participant feel involved in the setting of their preferred sound. Design: In experiment 1, 59 adults with normal hearing were randomly assigned to one of the two groups. Group 1 was told “this hearing in noise test (HINT) you are about to do is really hard,” while the second group was told “this HINT test is really easy.” In experiment 2, 59 normal-hearing adults were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Every participant was played a highly distorted sound file and given 5 mystery sliders on a computer to move as often and as much as they wished until the sound was “best” to them. They were then told we applied their settings to a new file and they needed to rate their sound settings on this new file against either (1) another participant in the study, or (2) an expert audiologist. In fact, we played them the same sound file twice. Results: In experiment 1, those who were told the test was hard performed significantly better than the easy group. In experiment 2, a significant preference was found in the group when comparing “my setting” to “another participant.” No significant difference was found in the group comparing “my setting” to the “expert.” Conclusions: Imparting or inviting meaning into the context of audiological outcome measurement can alter outcomes even in the absence of any additional technology or treatment. These findings lend support to a growing body of research about the many nonauditory factors including motivation, effort, and task demands that can impact performance in our clinics and laboratories. The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. Address for correspondence: Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2G4, Alberta, Canada. E-mail: bill.hodgetts@ualberta.ca Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2M4wu9j
via IFTTT

Health-Related Quality of Life in Mandarin-Speaking Children With Cochlear Implants

Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children with cochlear implants (CIs) from the parental perspective. The secondary objective was to explore possible relationships between demographic variables (such as age at assessment, gender, age at implantation, and duration of language rehabilitation) and the HRQoL. The third objective was to determine the developmental trajectories of HRQoL. Design: This study included parents of 123 children with CIs (mean age, 40.45 months; mean age of CI implantation, 24.74 months; mean device experience, 16.34 months). The time periods for follow-up were at 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12-month intervals of CI use. The Mandarin Children with Cochlear Implants: Parental Perspectives questionnaire was employed to assess HRQoL. Results: Parents were satisfied with HRQoL, especially with the domain of social relations; however, education received a less positive rating. The duration of CI use was positively correlated with 5 domains, suggesting that children who used CIs for a longer time had higher HRQoL ratings. Children with longer language rehabilitation received more positive ratings in the domains of social relations and education (p

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2LCZY1H
via IFTTT

Changing Hearing Performance and Sound Preference With Words and Expectations: Meaning Responses in Audiology

Objectives: In this article, we explore two manipulations of “meaning response,” intended to either “impart” meaning to participants through the manipulation of a few words in the test instructions or to “invite” meaning by making the participant feel involved in the setting of their preferred sound. Design: In experiment 1, 59 adults with normal hearing were randomly assigned to one of the two groups. Group 1 was told “this hearing in noise test (HINT) you are about to do is really hard,” while the second group was told “this HINT test is really easy.” In experiment 2, 59 normal-hearing adults were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Every participant was played a highly distorted sound file and given 5 mystery sliders on a computer to move as often and as much as they wished until the sound was “best” to them. They were then told we applied their settings to a new file and they needed to rate their sound settings on this new file against either (1) another participant in the study, or (2) an expert audiologist. In fact, we played them the same sound file twice. Results: In experiment 1, those who were told the test was hard performed significantly better than the easy group. In experiment 2, a significant preference was found in the group when comparing “my setting” to “another participant.” No significant difference was found in the group comparing “my setting” to the “expert.” Conclusions: Imparting or inviting meaning into the context of audiological outcome measurement can alter outcomes even in the absence of any additional technology or treatment. These findings lend support to a growing body of research about the many nonauditory factors including motivation, effort, and task demands that can impact performance in our clinics and laboratories. The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. Address for correspondence: Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2G4, Alberta, Canada. E-mail: bill.hodgetts@ualberta.ca Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2M4wu9j
via IFTTT

On the Application of Multivariate Statistical and Data Mining Analyses to Data in Neuroscience.

Related Articles

On the Application of Multivariate Statistical and Data Mining Analyses to Data in Neuroscience.

J Undergrad Neurosci Educ. 2018;16(2):R20-R32

Authors: Smith PF

Abstract
Research in neuroscience, whether at the level of genes, proteins, neurons or behavior, almost always involves the interaction of multiple variables, and yet many areas of neuroscience employ univariate statistical analyses almost exclusively. Since multiple variables often work together to produce a neuronal or behavioral effect, the use of univariate statistical procedures, analyzing one variable at a time, limits the ability of studies to reveal how interactions between different variables may determine a particular outcome. Multivariate statistical and data mining methods afford the opportunity to analyze many variables together, in order to understand how they function as a system, and how this system may change as a result of a disease or a drug. The aim of this review is to provide a succinct guide to methods such as linear discriminant analysis, support vector machines, principal component and factor analysis, cluster analysis, multiple linear regression, and random forest regression and classification, which have been used in circumscribed areas of neuroscience research, but which could be used more widely.

PMID: 30057506 [PubMed]

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2v48bBP
via IFTTT

On the Application of Multivariate Statistical and Data Mining Analyses to Data in Neuroscience.

Related Articles

On the Application of Multivariate Statistical and Data Mining Analyses to Data in Neuroscience.

J Undergrad Neurosci Educ. 2018;16(2):R20-R32

Authors: Smith PF

Abstract
Research in neuroscience, whether at the level of genes, proteins, neurons or behavior, almost always involves the interaction of multiple variables, and yet many areas of neuroscience employ univariate statistical analyses almost exclusively. Since multiple variables often work together to produce a neuronal or behavioral effect, the use of univariate statistical procedures, analyzing one variable at a time, limits the ability of studies to reveal how interactions between different variables may determine a particular outcome. Multivariate statistical and data mining methods afford the opportunity to analyze many variables together, in order to understand how they function as a system, and how this system may change as a result of a disease or a drug. The aim of this review is to provide a succinct guide to methods such as linear discriminant analysis, support vector machines, principal component and factor analysis, cluster analysis, multiple linear regression, and random forest regression and classification, which have been used in circumscribed areas of neuroscience research, but which could be used more widely.

PMID: 30057506 [PubMed]

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2v48bBP
via IFTTT

Oticon Government Services Salutes Veterans at 119th VFW National Convention

Oticon Government Services was on duty at the 119^th Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Convention on July 21 – 25 in Kansas City, Missouri to serve up hearing health and hearing solution awareness to the thousands of veterans who attended the annual gathering.  Oticon Government Services team members met with veterans and military service members from active, guard and reserve forces to answer questions and provide hands-on experience with Oticon Opn™ rechargeable and Oticon ConnectClip, the newest Oticon hearing solutions available through the Veterans Affairs Administration.

"Our participation in the VFW Convention gives us an opportunity to meet veterans in person and thank them for their service," said David Horowitz, AuD, Director, Government Services. "It also provides a forum to discuss the newest Oticon technology and answer questions about how hearing solutions can make a positive difference for veterans who experience hearing loss, the most prevalent service-connected disability."

​As an official supplier of the Veterans Health Administration, Oticon provides quality hearing solutions that empower Veteran Affairs and Department of Defense audiologists to improve hearing and quality of life for our nation's veterans and active duty military personnel. Oticon Government Services conducts trainings across the country and throughout the year to support VA audiologists and technicians in increasing success for their patients. 

Published: 7/30/2018 11:17:00 AM

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2vkOuox
via IFTTT

Oticon Government Services Salutes Veterans at 119th VFW National Convention

Oticon Government Services was on duty at the 119^th Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Convention on July 21 – 25 in Kansas City, Missouri to serve up hearing health and hearing solution awareness to the thousands of veterans who attended the annual gathering.  Oticon Government Services team members met with veterans and military service members from active, guard and reserve forces to answer questions and provide hands-on experience with Oticon Opn™ rechargeable and Oticon ConnectClip, the newest Oticon hearing solutions available through the Veterans Affairs Administration.

"Our participation in the VFW Convention gives us an opportunity to meet veterans in person and thank them for their service," said David Horowitz, AuD, Director, Government Services. "It also provides a forum to discuss the newest Oticon technology and answer questions about how hearing solutions can make a positive difference for veterans who experience hearing loss, the most prevalent service-connected disability."

​As an official supplier of the Veterans Health Administration, Oticon provides quality hearing solutions that empower Veteran Affairs and Department of Defense audiologists to improve hearing and quality of life for our nation's veterans and active duty military personnel. Oticon Government Services conducts trainings across the country and throughout the year to support VA audiologists and technicians in increasing success for their patients. 

Published: 7/30/2018 11:17:00 AM

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2vkOuox
via IFTTT

O 050 - Gait and muscle characteristics in a girl with hereditary spastic paraplegia: A clinical case study

Publication date: Available online 30 July 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): H. Adams, N. De Beukelaer, C. Huenaerts, B. Hanssen, L. Bar-on, S.H. Schless, A. Van Campenhout, E. Ortibus, N. Peeters, K. Desloovere

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2v3plQ1
via IFTTT

O 050 - Gait and muscle characteristics in a girl with hereditary spastic paraplegia: A clinical case study

Publication date: Available online 30 July 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): H. Adams, N. De Beukelaer, C. Huenaerts, B. Hanssen, L. Bar-on, S.H. Schless, A. Van Campenhout, E. Ortibus, N. Peeters, K. Desloovere

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2v3plQ1
via IFTTT

Treatment for Residual Rhotic Errors With High- and Low-Frequency Ultrasound Visual Feedback: A Single-Case Experimental Design

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore how the frequency with which ultrasound visual feedback (UVF) is provided during speech therapy affects speech sound learning.

Method

Twelve children with residual speech errors affecting /ɹ/ participated in a multiple-baseline across-subjects design with 2 treatment conditions. One condition featured 8 hr of high-frequency UVF (HF; feedback on 89% of trials), whereas the other included 8 hr of lower-frequency UVF (LF; 44% of trials). The order of treatment conditions was counterbalanced across participants. All participants were treated on vocalic /ɹ/. Progress was tracked by measuring generalization on /ɹ/ in untreated words.

Results

After the 1st treatment phase, participants who received the HF condition outperformed those who received LF. At the end of the 2-phase treatment, within-participant comparisons showed variability across individual outcomes in both HF and LF conditions. However, a group level analysis of this small sample suggested that participants whose treatment order was HF–LF made larger gains than those whose treatment order was LF–HF.

Conclusions

The order HF–LF may represent a preferred order for UVF in speech therapy. This is consistent with empirical work and theoretical arguments suggesting that visual feedback may be particularly beneficial in the early stages of acquiring new speech targets.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2AqqBlk
via IFTTT

Treatment for Residual Rhotic Errors With High- and Low-Frequency Ultrasound Visual Feedback: A Single-Case Experimental Design

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore how the frequency with which ultrasound visual feedback (UVF) is provided during speech therapy affects speech sound learning.

Method

Twelve children with residual speech errors affecting /ɹ/ participated in a multiple-baseline across-subjects design with 2 treatment conditions. One condition featured 8 hr of high-frequency UVF (HF; feedback on 89% of trials), whereas the other included 8 hr of lower-frequency UVF (LF; 44% of trials). The order of treatment conditions was counterbalanced across participants. All participants were treated on vocalic /ɹ/. Progress was tracked by measuring generalization on /ɹ/ in untreated words.

Results

After the 1st treatment phase, participants who received the HF condition outperformed those who received LF. At the end of the 2-phase treatment, within-participant comparisons showed variability across individual outcomes in both HF and LF conditions. However, a group level analysis of this small sample suggested that participants whose treatment order was HF–LF made larger gains than those whose treatment order was LF–HF.

Conclusions

The order HF–LF may represent a preferred order for UVF in speech therapy. This is consistent with empirical work and theoretical arguments suggesting that visual feedback may be particularly beneficial in the early stages of acquiring new speech targets.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2AqqBlk
via IFTTT

Lower limb angular velocity during walking at various speeds

Publication date: September 2018

Source: Gait & Posture, Volume 65

Author(s): Benjamin F. Mentiplay, Megan Banky, Ross A. Clark, Michelle B. Kahn, Gavin Williams

Abstract

Background

Although it is well established that lower limb joint angles adapt to walking at various speeds, limited research has examined the modifications in joint angular velocity. There is currently no normative dataset for joint angular velocity during walking, which would be useful to allow comparisons for patient cohorts. Additionally, understanding normal joint angular velocity may assist clinical assessment and treatment procedures to incorporate methods that replicate the movement speed of the lower limb joints during walking.

Research Question

This study aimed to examine lower limb joint angles and angular velocities in a healthy population walking at various gait speeds.

Methods

Thirty-six healthy adult participants underwent three-dimensional gait analysis while walking at various speeds during habitual and slowed walking. The peak joint angles and angular velocities during important phases of the gait cycle were examined for the hip, knee and ankle in the sagittal plane. Data were grouped in 0.2 m/s increments from a walking speed of 0.4 m/s to 1.6 m/s to represent the range of walking speeds reported in studies of people with gait impairments.

Results

For joint angles and angular velocities, the shape of the gait traces were consistent regardless of the walking speed. However as walking speed increased, so did the peak joint angles and angular velocities for the hip, knee and ankle. The largest angular velocity occurred when the knee joint extended at the terminal swing phase of gait. For the ankle and hip joints, the largest angular velocity occurred during the push-off phase.

Significance

This study examined how lower limb joint angular velocities change with various walking speeds. These data can be used as a comparator for data from clinical cohorts, and has the potential to be used to match clinical assessment and treatment methods to joint angular velocity during walking.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2OxW7B0
via IFTTT

P 004 - Patellofemoral arthroplasty improves gait in isolated patellofemoral arthritis, a prospective cohort gait analysis study

Publication date: Available online 30 July 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): A. Choudhury, R. Lambkin, E. Auvinet, F. Iranpour, D. Tennent, C. Hing, J. Cobb

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2ApMOjx
via IFTTT

Lower limb angular velocity during walking at various speeds

Publication date: September 2018

Source: Gait & Posture, Volume 65

Author(s): Benjamin F. Mentiplay, Megan Banky, Ross A. Clark, Michelle B. Kahn, Gavin Williams

Abstract

Background

Although it is well established that lower limb joint angles adapt to walking at various speeds, limited research has examined the modifications in joint angular velocity. There is currently no normative dataset for joint angular velocity during walking, which would be useful to allow comparisons for patient cohorts. Additionally, understanding normal joint angular velocity may assist clinical assessment and treatment procedures to incorporate methods that replicate the movement speed of the lower limb joints during walking.

Research Question

This study aimed to examine lower limb joint angles and angular velocities in a healthy population walking at various gait speeds.

Methods

Thirty-six healthy adult participants underwent three-dimensional gait analysis while walking at various speeds during habitual and slowed walking. The peak joint angles and angular velocities during important phases of the gait cycle were examined for the hip, knee and ankle in the sagittal plane. Data were grouped in 0.2 m/s increments from a walking speed of 0.4 m/s to 1.6 m/s to represent the range of walking speeds reported in studies of people with gait impairments.

Results

For joint angles and angular velocities, the shape of the gait traces were consistent regardless of the walking speed. However as walking speed increased, so did the peak joint angles and angular velocities for the hip, knee and ankle. The largest angular velocity occurred when the knee joint extended at the terminal swing phase of gait. For the ankle and hip joints, the largest angular velocity occurred during the push-off phase.

Significance

This study examined how lower limb joint angular velocities change with various walking speeds. These data can be used as a comparator for data from clinical cohorts, and has the potential to be used to match clinical assessment and treatment methods to joint angular velocity during walking.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2OxW7B0
via IFTTT

P 004 - Patellofemoral arthroplasty improves gait in isolated patellofemoral arthritis, a prospective cohort gait analysis study

Publication date: Available online 30 July 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): A. Choudhury, R. Lambkin, E. Auvinet, F. Iranpour, D. Tennent, C. Hing, J. Cobb

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2ApMOjx
via IFTTT

Researchers Uncover Factors Associated with Hearing Loss at Outdoor Music Festivals

​Non-usage of earplugs, alcohol and drug use, and the male sex are associated with a temporary threshold shift after music exposure at outdoor music festivals, a new study found. (JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2018;144[6]:490.) This prospective analysis gathered data from a randomized, single-blind clinical trial conducted at a 4.5-hour outdoor music festival involving 51 volunteers in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Mean threshold change across 3.0 and 4.0 kHz was 5.4 (5.7) dB for the right ear and 4.0 (6.1) dB for the left ear. Earplug use, quantity of alcohol use, drug use, and male sex were independently associated with hearing loss, with earplug use being the most important factor, which had an absolute difference of -6.0 dB in the left ear and -6.4 dB in the right ear. Unprotected participants reported significantly worse subjective hearing performance and tinnitus after the festival visit than did participants who used earplugs. The study authors said physicians should consider these factors to raise awareness about the combined risk of attending music festivals without using earplugs while consuming alcohol and/or drugs.​

Published: 7/27/2018 9:52:00 AM

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2LJTq0p
via IFTTT

Researchers Uncover Factors Associated with Hearing Loss at Outdoor Music Festivals

​Non-usage of earplugs, alcohol and drug use, and the male sex are associated with a temporary threshold shift after music exposure at outdoor music festivals, a new study found. (JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2018;144[6]:490.) This prospective analysis gathered data from a randomized, single-blind clinical trial conducted at a 4.5-hour outdoor music festival involving 51 volunteers in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Mean threshold change across 3.0 and 4.0 kHz was 5.4 (5.7) dB for the right ear and 4.0 (6.1) dB for the left ear. Earplug use, quantity of alcohol use, drug use, and male sex were independently associated with hearing loss, with earplug use being the most important factor, which had an absolute difference of -6.0 dB in the left ear and -6.4 dB in the right ear. Unprotected participants reported significantly worse subjective hearing performance and tinnitus after the festival visit than did participants who used earplugs. The study authors said physicians should consider these factors to raise awareness about the combined risk of attending music festivals without using earplugs while consuming alcohol and/or drugs.​

Published: 7/27/2018 9:52:00 AM

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2LJTq0p
via IFTTT

Documented, Systematic and Individualized Communication With the Attending Physician for Fall Risk Reduction/Injury Mitigation Care Planning.

Documented, Systematic and Individualized Communication With the Attending Physician for Fall Risk Reduction/Injury Mitigation Care Planning.

J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2018 Aug;19(8):714-716

Authors: Smith DA

Abstract
Falls are common in nursing homes (NHs) and may result in serious injury to the resident as well as legal and regulatory liability for the NH. Some of these falls and injuries might be avoided if attending physicians were involved in risk reduction. I developed a communication tool to solicit from attending physicians specific risks for patients most likely to experience a fall and injury, and to consider strategies to reduce those risks. The communication tool addresses medications, osteopenia, vitamin D deficiency, vision, hearing, gait/balance/peripheral sensation, injury mitigation, altered mental status, restraints, and philosophy of treatment. An important component of implementation is to ensure full participation by the attending physician. Suggestions for implementation and evaluation are discussed, as well as potential application to clinical problems other than falls.

PMID: 30055821 [PubMed - in process]

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2uZJ96O
via IFTTT

Decreased disulphide/thiol ratio in patients with autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss.

Decreased disulphide/thiol ratio in patients with autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss.

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2018 Sep;112:188-192

Authors: Balta B, Gundogdu R, Erdogan M, Alisik M, Kiraz A, Ozcan I, Erel O

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Oxidative stress plays a key role in the formation of age-related, noise-induced and drug-induced hearing loss. Thiols are organic compounds which can react with free radicals to protect against tissue and cell damage caused by reactive oxygen. There are no studies in literature on the association between autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss(ARNSHL) including GJB2 and non-GJB2 mutations and thiol-disulphide balance. In this study, we aim to assess whether thiol-disulphide balance is disrupted in patients with ARNSHL.
METHODS: Thirty-one ARNSHL patients and thirty-one healthy controls were included in this study. Patients whose parents were first degree cousins and who had at least two congenital hearing loss in the same family were included in the study. Audiological tests included air - bone pure tone audiometry and auditory brain stem response. GJB2 gene analysis was performed using sanger sequence method. Tests of thiol/disulphide homeostasis were conducted using the automated spectrophotometric method. We first investigated whether there was a significant difference between ARNSHL patients and healthy controls. Then, in order to determine the differential effect of the GJB2 gene mutations and non-GJB2 gene mutations on the thiol-disulphide balance, subjects were divided into three groups: Group 1 included patients with GJB2 mutations; Group 2 included patients with non-GJB2 mutations; Group 3 included healthy subjects.
RESULTS: Patients with ARNSHL had significantly higher native thiol (411.6 ± 54.3 μmol/l vs. 368.0 ± 64.3 μmol/l, p = 0.006), total thiol levels (440.3 ± 56.2 μmol/l vs. 402.4 ± 65.9 μmol/l, p = 0.018), and lower disulphide levels (14.3 ± 5.7 μmol/l) vs. (17.1 ± 4.9 μmol/l), (p = 0.043) compared to the control group. Moreover, disulphide /native thiol (p < 0.001) and disulphide/total thiol (p < 0.001) were also detected lower in the ARNSHL group compared to the control group. Thiol-disulphide hemostasis parameters between all three groups showed that the native thiol and total thiol were increased in the Group 1 and Group 2. The disulphide levels decreased in Group 1 and 2, although not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION: It was shown that thiol levels increased and disulphide levels decreased in patients with autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss. It also may suggest that there is a reverse association between ARNSHL and oxidative stress. Further studies are needed on whether or not ARNSHL cause oxidative stress limited to the inner ear and cochlea.

PMID: 30055731 [PubMed - in process]

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2KcfiN8
via IFTTT

Documented, Systematic and Individualized Communication With the Attending Physician for Fall Risk Reduction/Injury Mitigation Care Planning.

Documented, Systematic and Individualized Communication With the Attending Physician for Fall Risk Reduction/Injury Mitigation Care Planning.

J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2018 Aug;19(8):714-716

Authors: Smith DA

Abstract
Falls are common in nursing homes (NHs) and may result in serious injury to the resident as well as legal and regulatory liability for the NH. Some of these falls and injuries might be avoided if attending physicians were involved in risk reduction. I developed a communication tool to solicit from attending physicians specific risks for patients most likely to experience a fall and injury, and to consider strategies to reduce those risks. The communication tool addresses medications, osteopenia, vitamin D deficiency, vision, hearing, gait/balance/peripheral sensation, injury mitigation, altered mental status, restraints, and philosophy of treatment. An important component of implementation is to ensure full participation by the attending physician. Suggestions for implementation and evaluation are discussed, as well as potential application to clinical problems other than falls.

PMID: 30055821 [PubMed - in process]

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2uZJ96O
via IFTTT

Decreased disulphide/thiol ratio in patients with autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss.

Decreased disulphide/thiol ratio in patients with autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss.

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2018 Sep;112:188-192

Authors: Balta B, Gundogdu R, Erdogan M, Alisik M, Kiraz A, Ozcan I, Erel O

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Oxidative stress plays a key role in the formation of age-related, noise-induced and drug-induced hearing loss. Thiols are organic compounds which can react with free radicals to protect against tissue and cell damage caused by reactive oxygen. There are no studies in literature on the association between autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss(ARNSHL) including GJB2 and non-GJB2 mutations and thiol-disulphide balance. In this study, we aim to assess whether thiol-disulphide balance is disrupted in patients with ARNSHL.
METHODS: Thirty-one ARNSHL patients and thirty-one healthy controls were included in this study. Patients whose parents were first degree cousins and who had at least two congenital hearing loss in the same family were included in the study. Audiological tests included air - bone pure tone audiometry and auditory brain stem response. GJB2 gene analysis was performed using sanger sequence method. Tests of thiol/disulphide homeostasis were conducted using the automated spectrophotometric method. We first investigated whether there was a significant difference between ARNSHL patients and healthy controls. Then, in order to determine the differential effect of the GJB2 gene mutations and non-GJB2 gene mutations on the thiol-disulphide balance, subjects were divided into three groups: Group 1 included patients with GJB2 mutations; Group 2 included patients with non-GJB2 mutations; Group 3 included healthy subjects.
RESULTS: Patients with ARNSHL had significantly higher native thiol (411.6 ± 54.3 μmol/l vs. 368.0 ± 64.3 μmol/l, p = 0.006), total thiol levels (440.3 ± 56.2 μmol/l vs. 402.4 ± 65.9 μmol/l, p = 0.018), and lower disulphide levels (14.3 ± 5.7 μmol/l) vs. (17.1 ± 4.9 μmol/l), (p = 0.043) compared to the control group. Moreover, disulphide /native thiol (p < 0.001) and disulphide/total thiol (p < 0.001) were also detected lower in the ARNSHL group compared to the control group. Thiol-disulphide hemostasis parameters between all three groups showed that the native thiol and total thiol were increased in the Group 1 and Group 2. The disulphide levels decreased in Group 1 and 2, although not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION: It was shown that thiol levels increased and disulphide levels decreased in patients with autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss. It also may suggest that there is a reverse association between ARNSHL and oxidative stress. Further studies are needed on whether or not ARNSHL cause oxidative stress limited to the inner ear and cochlea.

PMID: 30055731 [PubMed - in process]

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2KcfiN8
via IFTTT

Health-Related Quality of Life Instruments for Children With Cochlear Implants: Development of Child and Parent-Proxy Measures

Objectives: Severe to profound hearing loss is associated with worse health-related quality of life (HRQoL), reflecting the wide-ranging effects of deafness on spoken language, cognition, and social/behavioral development. However, there are currently no cochlear implant (CI)–specific HRQoL measures that were developed using the Food and Drug Administration Guidance on patient-reported outcomes. This study developed the first HRQoL instruments (CI-QoL) for children with CIs, ages 6 to 12, and a parent-proxy measure for this age group. Design: Two phases of instrument development were conducted. Phase 1 consisted of a literature review yielding a conceptual framework and discussion guides to elicit information from stakeholder focus groups at CI clinics in Miami and Philadelphia (n = 30; e.g., physicians, speech pathologists). During phase 2, open-ended interviews were conducted with 21 parent–child dyads (M child age = 9.1 years) recruited from these two clinics. Interviews were transcribed, followed by content analysis in NVivo to identify the most frequent and difficult themes. Items were then derived from these themes to form the initial draft instruments. A multimodal approach was used to create the child-report version (i.e., pictorial representations, audio recording of items, written text above the drawings) to maximize comprehension and ease of responding. Both measures were developed to be administered electronically on a tablet device. In phase 3, a new set of parent–child dyads (n = 20; child age M = 9.2 years) completed a cognitive testing protocol to ensure clarity, ease of use, and comprehensiveness. Cognitive testing led to revisions and finalization of the instruments. Results: The final self-report measure contained 33 items across eight domains: Noisy Environments, Academic Functioning, Child Acceptance, Oral Communication, Social Functioning, Fatigue, Emotional Functioning, and Device Management. The final parent-proxy measure included 42 items on nine scales: the same eight scales that appear on the child version, with the addition of Behavior Problems. Correlations between child and parent reports on each scale ranged from r = 0.08 to 0.48. Conclusions: CI-specific HRQoL instruments have now been developed for school-age children with CIs, with an accompanying parent-proxy version. After a psychometric validation, these CI-specific measures will enable us to track long-term outcomes, evaluate the efficacy of interventions to improve CI use (e.g., single versus bilateral implantation, AV therapy, maternal sensitivity training), and provide a profile of the “whole child’s” functioning to facilitate care. Supplemental digital content is available for this article. Direct URL citations appear in the printed text and are provided in the HTML and text of this article on the journal’s Web site (www.ear-hearing.com). Acknowledgments: We thank the parents and children who participated in this study and made this work possible by allowing us to learn about their daily experiences. This research was funded by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Grants No. F31DC014917 and No. R03DC014760. The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. Address for correspondence: Michael F. Hoffman, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA. E-mail: michael.hoffman@nemours.org or Ivette Cejas, University of Miami, Department of Otolaryngology, 1120 NW 14th St, CRB 5th Floor, Miami, FL 33136, USA. E-mail: icejas@med.miami.edu Received January 14, 2018; accepted May 24, 2018. Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Lxw278
via IFTTT

Health-Related Quality of Life Instruments for Children With Cochlear Implants: Development of Child and Parent-Proxy Measures

Objectives: Severe to profound hearing loss is associated with worse health-related quality of life (HRQoL), reflecting the wide-ranging effects of deafness on spoken language, cognition, and social/behavioral development. However, there are currently no cochlear implant (CI)–specific HRQoL measures that were developed using the Food and Drug Administration Guidance on patient-reported outcomes. This study developed the first HRQoL instruments (CI-QoL) for children with CIs, ages 6 to 12, and a parent-proxy measure for this age group. Design: Two phases of instrument development were conducted. Phase 1 consisted of a literature review yielding a conceptual framework and discussion guides to elicit information from stakeholder focus groups at CI clinics in Miami and Philadelphia (n = 30; e.g., physicians, speech pathologists). During phase 2, open-ended interviews were conducted with 21 parent–child dyads (M child age = 9.1 years) recruited from these two clinics. Interviews were transcribed, followed by content analysis in NVivo to identify the most frequent and difficult themes. Items were then derived from these themes to form the initial draft instruments. A multimodal approach was used to create the child-report version (i.e., pictorial representations, audio recording of items, written text above the drawings) to maximize comprehension and ease of responding. Both measures were developed to be administered electronically on a tablet device. In phase 3, a new set of parent–child dyads (n = 20; child age M = 9.2 years) completed a cognitive testing protocol to ensure clarity, ease of use, and comprehensiveness. Cognitive testing led to revisions and finalization of the instruments. Results: The final self-report measure contained 33 items across eight domains: Noisy Environments, Academic Functioning, Child Acceptance, Oral Communication, Social Functioning, Fatigue, Emotional Functioning, and Device Management. The final parent-proxy measure included 42 items on nine scales: the same eight scales that appear on the child version, with the addition of Behavior Problems. Correlations between child and parent reports on each scale ranged from r = 0.08 to 0.48. Conclusions: CI-specific HRQoL instruments have now been developed for school-age children with CIs, with an accompanying parent-proxy version. After a psychometric validation, these CI-specific measures will enable us to track long-term outcomes, evaluate the efficacy of interventions to improve CI use (e.g., single versus bilateral implantation, AV therapy, maternal sensitivity training), and provide a profile of the “whole child’s” functioning to facilitate care. Supplemental digital content is available for this article. Direct URL citations appear in the printed text and are provided in the HTML and text of this article on the journal’s Web site (www.ear-hearing.com). Acknowledgments: We thank the parents and children who participated in this study and made this work possible by allowing us to learn about their daily experiences. This research was funded by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Grants No. F31DC014917 and No. R03DC014760. The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. Address for correspondence: Michael F. Hoffman, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA. E-mail: michael.hoffman@nemours.org or Ivette Cejas, University of Miami, Department of Otolaryngology, 1120 NW 14th St, CRB 5th Floor, Miami, FL 33136, USA. E-mail: icejas@med.miami.edu Received January 14, 2018; accepted May 24, 2018. Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Lxw278
via IFTTT

Acoustic Trauma from Recreational Noise Exposures

While unlikely, immediate, permanent damage to the auditory system can occur from recreational sound exposures. The most obvious recreational exposures is shooting firearms, but certain music exposures and motor sports can result in immediate noise-induced permanent threshold shift, tinnitus, or hyperacusis.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2M433Eo
via IFTTT

ReSound Advanced Technology: An Overview of Tinnitus Management

This course will provide an overview of the ReSound Tinnitus Management package. We will review tools such as the Relief app, Tinnitus Sound Generator, and how best to incorporate these tools into successful tinnitus management.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2uXE7aU
via IFTTT

Acoustic Trauma from Recreational Noise Exposures

While unlikely, immediate, permanent damage to the auditory system can occur from recreational sound exposures. The most obvious recreational exposures is shooting firearms, but certain music exposures and motor sports can result in immediate noise-induced permanent threshold shift, tinnitus, or hyperacusis.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2M433Eo
via IFTTT

ReSound Advanced Technology: An Overview of Tinnitus Management

This course will provide an overview of the ReSound Tinnitus Management package. We will review tools such as the Relief app, Tinnitus Sound Generator, and how best to incorporate these tools into successful tinnitus management.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2uXE7aU
via IFTTT

P 086 – Static postural data shows a strong correlation with kinematic data in children with cerebral palsy

Publication date: Available online 29 July 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): C. Schranz, A. Kruse, T. Belohlavek, G. Steinwender, M. Tilp, M. Svehlik

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2K4I3eQ
via IFTTT

Association between gait and cognition in an elderly population based sample

Publication date: Available online 29 July 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Vyara Valkanova, Patrick Esser, Naiara Demnitz, Claire E. Sexton, Enikő Zsoldos, Abda Mahmood, Ludovica Griffanti, Mika Kivimäki, Archana Singh-Manoux, Helen Dawes, Klaus P. Ebmeier

Abstract

Background

Gait is thought to have a cognitive component, but the current evidence in healthy elderly is mixed. We studied the association between multiple gait and cognitive measures in a cohort of older people.

Methods

One hundred and seventy-eight cognitively healthy participants from the Whitehall II Imaging Sub-study had a detailed clinical and neuropsychological assessment, as well as an MRI scan. Spatiotemporal and variability gait measures were derived from two 10 m walks at self-selected speed. We did a linear regression analysis, entering potential confounders with backwards elimination of variables with p ≥ 0.1. The remaining variables were then entered into a second regression before doing a stepwise analysis of cognitive measures, entering variables with p < 0.05 and removing those with p ≥ 0.1.

Results

Amongst absolute gait measures, only greater stride length was associated with better performance on the Trail Making Test A (p = 0.023) and the Boston Naming Test (p = 0.042). The stride time variability was associated with performance on the Trail Making Test A (p = 0.031). Age was associated with poorer walking speed (p = 0.014) and stride time (p = 0.011), female sex with shorter stride time (p = 0.000) and shorter double stance (p = 0.005). Length of full-time education was associated with faster walking speed (p = 0.012) and shorter stride time (p = 0.045), and a history of muscular-skeletal disease with slower walking speed (p = 0.01) and shorter stride length (p = 0.015). Interestingly, volume of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on FLAIR MRI images did not contribute independently to any of the gait measures (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

No strong relationship between gait and non-motor cognition was observed in a cognitively healthy, high functioning sample of elderly. Nevertheless, we found some relationships with spatial, but not temporal gait which warrant further investigation. WMH made no independent contribution to gait.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2mTwVIA
via IFTTT

P 086 – Static postural data shows a strong correlation with kinematic data in children with cerebral palsy

Publication date: Available online 29 July 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): C. Schranz, A. Kruse, T. Belohlavek, G. Steinwender, M. Tilp, M. Svehlik

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2K4I3eQ
via IFTTT

Association between gait and cognition in an elderly population based sample

Publication date: Available online 29 July 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Vyara Valkanova, Patrick Esser, Naiara Demnitz, Claire E. Sexton, Enikő Zsoldos, Abda Mahmood, Ludovica Griffanti, Mika Kivimäki, Archana Singh-Manoux, Helen Dawes, Klaus P. Ebmeier

Abstract

Background

Gait is thought to have a cognitive component, but the current evidence in healthy elderly is mixed. We studied the association between multiple gait and cognitive measures in a cohort of older people.

Methods

One hundred and seventy-eight cognitively healthy participants from the Whitehall II Imaging Sub-study had a detailed clinical and neuropsychological assessment, as well as an MRI scan. Spatiotemporal and variability gait measures were derived from two 10 m walks at self-selected speed. We did a linear regression analysis, entering potential confounders with backwards elimination of variables with p ≥ 0.1. The remaining variables were then entered into a second regression before doing a stepwise analysis of cognitive measures, entering variables with p < 0.05 and removing those with p ≥ 0.1.

Results

Amongst absolute gait measures, only greater stride length was associated with better performance on the Trail Making Test A (p = 0.023) and the Boston Naming Test (p = 0.042). The stride time variability was associated with performance on the Trail Making Test A (p = 0.031). Age was associated with poorer walking speed (p = 0.014) and stride time (p = 0.011), female sex with shorter stride time (p = 0.000) and shorter double stance (p = 0.005). Length of full-time education was associated with faster walking speed (p = 0.012) and shorter stride time (p = 0.045), and a history of muscular-skeletal disease with slower walking speed (p = 0.01) and shorter stride length (p = 0.015). Interestingly, volume of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on FLAIR MRI images did not contribute independently to any of the gait measures (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

No strong relationship between gait and non-motor cognition was observed in a cognitively healthy, high functioning sample of elderly. Nevertheless, we found some relationships with spatial, but not temporal gait which warrant further investigation. WMH made no independent contribution to gait.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2mTwVIA
via IFTTT

Human frequency following responses to iterated rippled noise with positive and negative gain: Differential sensitivity to waveform envelope and temporal fine-structure

Publication date: Available online 29 July 2018

Source: Hearing Research

Author(s): Saradha Ananthakrishnan, Ananthanarayan Krishnan

Abstract

The perceived pitch of iterated rippled noise (IRN) with negative gain (IRNn) is an octave lower than that of IRN with positive gain (IRNp). IRNp and IRNn have identical waveform envelopes (ENV), but differing stimulus waveform fine structure (TFS), which likely accounts for this perceived pitch difference. Here, we examine whether differences in the temporal pattern of phase-locked activity reflected in the human brainstem Frequency Following Response (FFR) elicited by IRNp and IRNn can account for the differences in perceived pitch for the two stimuli. FFRs using a single onset polarity were measured in 13 normal-hearing, adult listeners in response to IRNp and IRNn stimuli with 2 ms, and 4 ms delay. Autocorrelation functions (ACFs) and Fast Fourier Transforms (FFTs) were used to evaluate the dominant periodicity and spectral pattern (harmonic spacing) in the phase-locked FFR neural activity. For both delays, the harmonic spacing in the spectra corresponded more strongly with the perceived lowering of pitch from IRNp to IRNn, compared to the ACFs. These results suggest that the FFR elicited by a single polarity stimulus reflects phase-locking to both stimulus ENV and TFS. A post-hoc experiment evaluating the FFR phase-locked activity to ENV (FFR_ENV), and TFS (FFR_TFS) elicited by IRNp and IRNn confirmed that only the phase-locked activity to the TFS, reflected in FFR_TFS, showed differences in both spectra and ACF that closely matched the pitch difference between the two stimuli. The results of the post-hoc experiment suggests that pitch-relevant information is preserved in the temporal pattern of phase-locked activity and suggests that the differences in stimulus ENV and TFS driving the pitch percept of IRNp and IRNn are preserved in the brainstem neural response. The scalp recorded FFR may provide for a noninvasive analytic tool to evaluate the relative contributions of envelope and temporal fine-structure in the neural representation of complex sounds in humans.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Or4mPe
via IFTTT

Human frequency following responses to iterated rippled noise with positive and negative gain: Differential sensitivity to waveform envelope and temporal fine-structure

Publication date: Available online 29 July 2018

Source: Hearing Research

Author(s): Saradha Ananthakrishnan, Ananthanarayan Krishnan

Abstract

The perceived pitch of iterated rippled noise (IRN) with negative gain (IRNn) is an octave lower than that of IRN with positive gain (IRNp). IRNp and IRNn have identical waveform envelopes (ENV), but differing stimulus waveform fine structure (TFS), which likely accounts for this perceived pitch difference. Here, we examine whether differences in the temporal pattern of phase-locked activity reflected in the human brainstem Frequency Following Response (FFR) elicited by IRNp and IRNn can account for the differences in perceived pitch for the two stimuli. FFRs using a single onset polarity were measured in 13 normal-hearing, adult listeners in response to IRNp and IRNn stimuli with 2 ms, and 4 ms delay. Autocorrelation functions (ACFs) and Fast Fourier Transforms (FFTs) were used to evaluate the dominant periodicity and spectral pattern (harmonic spacing) in the phase-locked FFR neural activity. For both delays, the harmonic spacing in the spectra corresponded more strongly with the perceived lowering of pitch from IRNp to IRNn, compared to the ACFs. These results suggest that the FFR elicited by a single polarity stimulus reflects phase-locking to both stimulus ENV and TFS. A post-hoc experiment evaluating the FFR phase-locked activity to ENV (FFR_ENV), and TFS (FFR_TFS) elicited by IRNp and IRNn confirmed that only the phase-locked activity to the TFS, reflected in FFR_TFS, showed differences in both spectra and ACF that closely matched the pitch difference between the two stimuli. The results of the post-hoc experiment suggests that pitch-relevant information is preserved in the temporal pattern of phase-locked activity and suggests that the differences in stimulus ENV and TFS driving the pitch percept of IRNp and IRNn are preserved in the brainstem neural response. The scalp recorded FFR may provide for a noninvasive analytic tool to evaluate the relative contributions of envelope and temporal fine-structure in the neural representation of complex sounds in humans.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Or4mPe
via IFTTT

P 107 – Do Kinesio-tape change upper extremity position, functional status and family satisfaction of children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy in short term?

Publication date: Available online 29 July 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): K. Seyhan, Ö. Çankaya, M. Tunçdemir, S. Üneş, M.K. Günel

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate if Kinesio-tape (KT) changed upper extremity position, functional status and family satisfaction of children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy (CP) in short term. KT was used on affected upper extremities of 14 children with hemiplegic CP. Zancolli Classification, Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), Upper Limb Rating Scale (ULRS), Quality of Upper extremity skills test (QUEST), Box and Block Test (BBT) were applied for functional status before and after three days. Family satisfaction was assessed with ten-point numeric scale. There were significant differences in Zancolli Classification (p = 0.01), UPRS (p = 0.037) and OUEST dissociated movement sub-dimension (p=0.002) and family satisfaction (p = 0.001) after the KT application but there was no significant difference about performance. KT is a promising additional approach to increase upper extremity status and families were satisfied the images of upper extremity with KT.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2LM4L01
via IFTTT

P 107 – Do Kinesio-tape change upper extremity position, functional status and family satisfaction of children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy in short term?

Publication date: Available online 29 July 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): K. Seyhan, Ö. Çankaya, M. Tunçdemir, S. Üneş, M.K. Günel

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate if Kinesio-tape (KT) changed upper extremity position, functional status and family satisfaction of children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy (CP) in short term. KT was used on affected upper extremities of 14 children with hemiplegic CP. Zancolli Classification, Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), Upper Limb Rating Scale (ULRS), Quality of Upper extremity skills test (QUEST), Box and Block Test (BBT) were applied for functional status before and after three days. Family satisfaction was assessed with ten-point numeric scale. There were significant differences in Zancolli Classification (p = 0.01), UPRS (p = 0.037) and OUEST dissociated movement sub-dimension (p=0.002) and family satisfaction (p = 0.001) after the KT application but there was no significant difference about performance. KT is a promising additional approach to increase upper extremity status and families were satisfied the images of upper extremity with KT.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2LM4L01
via IFTTT

Detection of single mRNAs in individual cells of the auditory system

Publication date: Available online 29 July 2018

Source: Hearing Research

Author(s): Pezhman Salehi, Charlie N. Nelson, Yingying Chen, Debin Lei, Samuel D. Crish, Jovitha Nelson, Hongyan Zuo, Jianxin Bao

Abstract

Gene expression analysis is essential for understanding the rich repertoire of cellular functions. With the development of sensitive molecular tools such as single-cell RNA sequencing, extensive gene expression data can be obtained and analyzed from various tissues. Single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH) has emerged as a powerful complementary tool for single-cell genomics studies because of its ability to map and quantify the spatial distributions of single mRNAs at the subcellular level in their native tissue. Here, we present a detailed method to study the copy numbers and spatial localizations of single mRNAs in the cochlea and inferior colliculus. First, we demonstrate that smFISH can be performed successfully in adult cochlear tissue after decalcification. Second, we show that the smFISH signals can be detected with high specificity. Third, we adapt an automated transcript analysis pipeline to quantify and identify single mRNAs in a cell-specific manner. Lastly, we show that our method can be used to study possible correlations between transcriptional and translational activities of single genes. Thus, we have developed a detailed smFISH protocol that can be used to study the expression of single mRNAs in specific cell types of the peripheral and central auditory systems.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2K6SrCJ
via IFTTT

Detection of single mRNAs in individual cells of the auditory system

Publication date: Available online 29 July 2018

Source: Hearing Research

Author(s): Pezhman Salehi, Charlie N. Nelson, Yingying Chen, Debin Lei, Samuel D. Crish, Jovitha Nelson, Hongyan Zuo, Jianxin Bao

Abstract

Gene expression analysis is essential for understanding the rich repertoire of cellular functions. With the development of sensitive molecular tools such as single-cell RNA sequencing, extensive gene expression data can be obtained and analyzed from various tissues. Single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH) has emerged as a powerful complementary tool for single-cell genomics studies because of its ability to map and quantify the spatial distributions of single mRNAs at the subcellular level in their native tissue. Here, we present a detailed method to study the copy numbers and spatial localizations of single mRNAs in the cochlea and inferior colliculus. First, we demonstrate that smFISH can be performed successfully in adult cochlear tissue after decalcification. Second, we show that the smFISH signals can be detected with high specificity. Third, we adapt an automated transcript analysis pipeline to quantify and identify single mRNAs in a cell-specific manner. Lastly, we show that our method can be used to study possible correlations between transcriptional and translational activities of single genes. Thus, we have developed a detailed smFISH protocol that can be used to study the expression of single mRNAs in specific cell types of the peripheral and central auditory systems.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2K6SrCJ
via IFTTT

Bidirectional associations between psychological distress and hearing problems: an 18-year longitudinal analysis of the British Household Panel Survey.

Bidirectional associations between psychological distress and hearing problems: an 18-year longitudinal analysis of the British Household Panel Survey.

Int J Audiol. 2018 Jul 27;:1-9

Authors: Herr RM, Bosch JA, Theorell T, Loerbroks A

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Hearing problems are a significant public health concern. It has been suggested that psychological distress may represent both a cause and a consequence of hearing problems. Prospective data that allow testing such potential bi-directionality have thus far been lacking. The present study aimed to address this knowledge gap. Random (RE) and fixed effects (FE) panel regression models estimated the association of psychological distress (GHQ-12) and participant-reported hearing problems. Data from 18 annual waves of the British Household Panel Survey were used (n = 10,008). Psychological distress was prospectively associated with self-reported hearing problems in women (multivariable odds ratios (ORs) ≥1.44; one-year time lag ≥ 1.16) and men (ORs ≥ 1.15; time lag ≥ 1.17). Conversely, self-reported hearing problems were associated with increases in psychological distress in both sexes (OR ≥ 1.26; time lag ≥ 1.08). These associations were independent of the analytical strategy and of adjustment for sociodemographic variables, lifestyle factors, and measurement period. We present first evidence of a bidirectional association between psychological distress and self-reported hearing problems. These findings suggest that stress management interventions may contribute to the prevention of self-reported hearing problems, and, in turn, alleviating self-reported hearing problems may reduce psychological distress.

PMID: 30052099 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2uXhi7k
via IFTTT

The use of self-report measures to examine changes in perception in response to fittings using different signal processing parameters.

The use of self-report measures to examine changes in perception in response to fittings using different signal processing parameters.

Int J Audiol. 2018 Jul 27;:1-7

Authors: Anderson M, Rallapalli V, Schoof T, Souza P, Arehart K

Abstract
Clinicians have long used self-report methods to assess hearing aid benefit. However, there are fewer data as to whether self-report instruments can be used to compare differences between signal processing settings. This study examined how self-perceived performance varied as a function of modifications in signal processing using two self-report measures. Data were collected as part of a double-blind randomised crossover clinical trial. Participants were fit with two fittings: mild processing (slow time constants, disabled frequency lowering) and strong processing (fast time constants, frequency lowering enabled). The speech, spatial, and qualities of hearing (SSQ) questionnaire and the Effectiveness of Auditory Rehabilitation (EAR) questionnaire were collected at multiple time points. Older adults with sensorineural hearing loss who had not used hearing aids within the previous year participated (49 older adults were consented; 40 were included in the final data analyses). Findings show that listeners report a difference in perceived performance when hearing aid features are modified. Both self-report measures were able to capture this change in perceived performance. Self-report measures provide a tool for capturing changes in perceived performance when hearing aid processing features are modified and may enhance provision of an evidence-based hearing aid fitting.

PMID: 30052097 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2vgvmIy
via IFTTT

Bidirectional associations between psychological distress and hearing problems: an 18-year longitudinal analysis of the British Household Panel Survey.

Bidirectional associations between psychological distress and hearing problems: an 18-year longitudinal analysis of the British Household Panel Survey.

Int J Audiol. 2018 Jul 27;:1-9

Authors: Herr RM, Bosch JA, Theorell T, Loerbroks A

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Hearing problems are a significant public health concern. It has been suggested that psychological distress may represent both a cause and a consequence of hearing problems. Prospective data that allow testing such potential bi-directionality have thus far been lacking. The present study aimed to address this knowledge gap. Random (RE) and fixed effects (FE) panel regression models estimated the association of psychological distress (GHQ-12) and participant-reported hearing problems. Data from 18 annual waves of the British Household Panel Survey were used (n = 10,008). Psychological distress was prospectively associated with self-reported hearing problems in women (multivariable odds ratios (ORs) ≥1.44; one-year time lag ≥ 1.16) and men (ORs ≥ 1.15; time lag ≥ 1.17). Conversely, self-reported hearing problems were associated with increases in psychological distress in both sexes (OR ≥ 1.26; time lag ≥ 1.08). These associations were independent of the analytical strategy and of adjustment for sociodemographic variables, lifestyle factors, and measurement period. We present first evidence of a bidirectional association between psychological distress and self-reported hearing problems. These findings suggest that stress management interventions may contribute to the prevention of self-reported hearing problems, and, in turn, alleviating self-reported hearing problems may reduce psychological distress.

PMID: 30052099 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2uXhi7k
via IFTTT

The use of self-report measures to examine changes in perception in response to fittings using different signal processing parameters.

The use of self-report measures to examine changes in perception in response to fittings using different signal processing parameters.

Int J Audiol. 2018 Jul 27;:1-7

Authors: Anderson M, Rallapalli V, Schoof T, Souza P, Arehart K

Abstract
Clinicians have long used self-report methods to assess hearing aid benefit. However, there are fewer data as to whether self-report instruments can be used to compare differences between signal processing settings. This study examined how self-perceived performance varied as a function of modifications in signal processing using two self-report measures. Data were collected as part of a double-blind randomised crossover clinical trial. Participants were fit with two fittings: mild processing (slow time constants, disabled frequency lowering) and strong processing (fast time constants, frequency lowering enabled). The speech, spatial, and qualities of hearing (SSQ) questionnaire and the Effectiveness of Auditory Rehabilitation (EAR) questionnaire were collected at multiple time points. Older adults with sensorineural hearing loss who had not used hearing aids within the previous year participated (49 older adults were consented; 40 were included in the final data analyses). Findings show that listeners report a difference in perceived performance when hearing aid features are modified. Both self-report measures were able to capture this change in perceived performance. Self-report measures provide a tool for capturing changes in perceived performance when hearing aid processing features are modified and may enhance provision of an evidence-based hearing aid fitting.

PMID: 30052097 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2vgvmIy
via IFTTT

The use of self-report measures to examine changes in perception in response to fittings using different signal processing parameters

.


from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2K4OC0R
via IFTTT

Bidirectional associations between psychological distress and hearing problems: an 18-year longitudinal analysis of the British Household Panel Survey

.


from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2mQyEym
via IFTTT

The use of self-report measures to examine changes in perception in response to fittings using different signal processing parameters

.


from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2K4OC0R
via IFTTT

Bidirectional associations between psychological distress and hearing problems: an 18-year longitudinal analysis of the British Household Panel Survey

.


from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2mQyEym
via IFTTT

The use of self-report measures to examine changes in perception in response to fittings using different signal processing parameters

.


from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2K2WUWR
via IFTTT

Bidirectional associations between psychological distress and hearing problems: an 18-year longitudinal analysis of the British Household Panel Survey

.


from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2LrHH7z
via IFTTT

The use of self-report measures to examine changes in perception in response to fittings using different signal processing parameters

.


from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2K2WUWR
via IFTTT

Bidirectional associations between psychological distress and hearing problems: an 18-year longitudinal analysis of the British Household Panel Survey

.


from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2LrHH7z
via IFTTT

Bidirectional associations between psychological distress and hearing problems: an 18-year longitudinal analysis of the British Household Panel Survey.

Bidirectional associations between psychological distress and hearing problems: an 18-year longitudinal analysis of the British Household Panel Survey.

Int J Audiol. 2018 Jul 27;:1-9

Authors: Herr RM, Bosch JA, Theorell T, Loerbroks A

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Hearing problems are a significant public health concern. It has been suggested that psychological distress may represent both a cause and a consequence of hearing problems. Prospective data that allow testing such potential bi-directionality have thus far been lacking. The present study aimed to address this knowledge gap. Random (RE) and fixed effects (FE) panel regression models estimated the association of psychological distress (GHQ-12) and participant-reported hearing problems. Data from 18 annual waves of the British Household Panel Survey were used (n = 10,008). Psychological distress was prospectively associated with self-reported hearing problems in women (multivariable odds ratios (ORs) ≥1.44; one-year time lag ≥ 1.16) and men (ORs ≥ 1.15; time lag ≥ 1.17). Conversely, self-reported hearing problems were associated with increases in psychological distress in both sexes (OR ≥ 1.26; time lag ≥ 1.08). These associations were independent of the analytical strategy and of adjustment for sociodemographic variables, lifestyle factors, and measurement period. We present first evidence of a bidirectional association between psychological distress and self-reported hearing problems. These findings suggest that stress management interventions may contribute to the prevention of self-reported hearing problems, and, in turn, alleviating self-reported hearing problems may reduce psychological distress.

PMID: 30052099 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2uXhi7k
via IFTTT

The use of self-report measures to examine changes in perception in response to fittings using different signal processing parameters.

The use of self-report measures to examine changes in perception in response to fittings using different signal processing parameters.

Int J Audiol. 2018 Jul 27;:1-7

Authors: Anderson M, Rallapalli V, Schoof T, Souza P, Arehart K

Abstract
Clinicians have long used self-report methods to assess hearing aid benefit. However, there are fewer data as to whether self-report instruments can be used to compare differences between signal processing settings. This study examined how self-perceived performance varied as a function of modifications in signal processing using two self-report measures. Data were collected as part of a double-blind randomised crossover clinical trial. Participants were fit with two fittings: mild processing (slow time constants, disabled frequency lowering) and strong processing (fast time constants, frequency lowering enabled). The speech, spatial, and qualities of hearing (SSQ) questionnaire and the Effectiveness of Auditory Rehabilitation (EAR) questionnaire were collected at multiple time points. Older adults with sensorineural hearing loss who had not used hearing aids within the previous year participated (49 older adults were consented; 40 were included in the final data analyses). Findings show that listeners report a difference in perceived performance when hearing aid features are modified. Both self-report measures were able to capture this change in perceived performance. Self-report measures provide a tool for capturing changes in perceived performance when hearing aid processing features are modified and may enhance provision of an evidence-based hearing aid fitting.

PMID: 30052097 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2vgvmIy
via IFTTT

Bidirectional associations between psychological distress and hearing problems: an 18-year longitudinal analysis of the British Household Panel Survey.

Bidirectional associations between psychological distress and hearing problems: an 18-year longitudinal analysis of the British Household Panel Survey.

Int J Audiol. 2018 Jul 27;:1-9

Authors: Herr RM, Bosch JA, Theorell T, Loerbroks A

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Hearing problems are a significant public health concern. It has been suggested that psychological distress may represent both a cause and a consequence of hearing problems. Prospective data that allow testing such potential bi-directionality have thus far been lacking. The present study aimed to address this knowledge gap. Random (RE) and fixed effects (FE) panel regression models estimated the association of psychological distress (GHQ-12) and participant-reported hearing problems. Data from 18 annual waves of the British Household Panel Survey were used (n = 10,008). Psychological distress was prospectively associated with self-reported hearing problems in women (multivariable odds ratios (ORs) ≥1.44; one-year time lag ≥ 1.16) and men (ORs ≥ 1.15; time lag ≥ 1.17). Conversely, self-reported hearing problems were associated with increases in psychological distress in both sexes (OR ≥ 1.26; time lag ≥ 1.08). These associations were independent of the analytical strategy and of adjustment for sociodemographic variables, lifestyle factors, and measurement period. We present first evidence of a bidirectional association between psychological distress and self-reported hearing problems. These findings suggest that stress management interventions may contribute to the prevention of self-reported hearing problems, and, in turn, alleviating self-reported hearing problems may reduce psychological distress.

PMID: 30052099 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2uXhi7k
via IFTTT