Objectives: The main aim of this study was to collect information on music listening and music appreciation from postlingually deafened adults who use hearing aids (HAs). It also sought to investigate whether there were any differences in music ratings from HA users with different levels of hearing loss (HL; mild, versus moderate to moderately-severe, versus severe or worse. Design: An existing published questionnaire developed for cochlear implant recipients was modified for this study. It had 51 questions divided into seven sections: (1) music listening and music background; (2) sound quality; (3) musical styles; (4) music preferences; (5) music recognition; (6) factors affecting music listening enjoyment; and (7) music training program. The questionnaire was posted out to adult HA users, who were subsequently divided into three groups: (i) HA users with a mild HL (Mild group); (ii) HA users with a moderate to moderately-severe HL (Moderate group); and (iii) HA users with a severe or worse (Severe group) HL. Results: One hundred eleven questionnaires were completed; of these, 51 participants had a mild HL, 42 had a moderate to moderately-severe loss, and 18 a severe or worse loss. Overall, there were some significant differences noted, predominantly between the Mild and Severe groups, with fewer differences between the Mild and Moderate groups. The respondents with the greater levels of HL reported a greater reduction in their music enjoyment as a result of their HL and that HAs made music sound significantly less melodic for them. It was also observed that the Severe group’s mean scores for both the pleasant rating as well as the combined rating for the six different musical styles were lower than both the Mild and Moderate groups’ ratings for every style, with just one exception (pop/rock pleasantness rating). There were significant differences between the three groups for the styles of music that were reported to sound the best with HA(s), as well as differences between the ratings on more specific timbre rating scales used to rate different elements of each style. In rating the pleasantness and naturalness of different musical instruments or instrumental groups, there was no difference between the groups. There were also significant differences between the Mild and Severe groups in relation to musical preferences for the pitch range of music, with the Severe group significantly preferring male singers and lower pitched instruments. Conclusions: The overall results indicated little difference in music appreciation between those with a mild versus moderate loss. However, poorer appreciation scores were given by those with a severe or worse HL. This would suggest that HAs or HL have a negative impact on music listening, particularly when the HL becomes more significant. There was a large degree of variability in ratings, though, with music listening being satisfactory for some listeners and largely unsatisfactory for others, in all three groups. Music listening preferences also varied significantly, and the reported benefit (or otherwise) provided by the HA for music was also mixed. The overriding variability in listening preferences and ratings leads to the question as to the benefit and effectiveness of generic, manufacturer-derived music programs on HAs. Despite the heterogeneity in the listening habits, preferences, and ratings, it is clear that music appreciation and enjoyment is still challenging for many HA users and that level of HL is one, but not the only factor that impacts on music appreciation. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: The authors thank Karen Allen, Shirley-Anne Hodgson, Dr Keith Kuhlemeier, Dr Katrina Light, Dr Catherine Moran, Karen Pedley, Paul Peryman, Prof Michael Robb, Jennifer She, Attune, staff at the audiology clinics involved, and all of the survey respondents. The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. Although the second author currently works for Oticon A/S, this study was fully completed (including all of the data analysis and interpretation) prior to the author commencing with Oticon. No consultation with Oticon or any other company occurred at any stage of the study or in the preparation of this article. Similarly, the first author now works for Advanced Bionics, however, only started in this role after the original version of the manuscript was submitted. Advanced Bionics have had no input into any part of this study or its publication. Address for correspondence: Valerie Looi, c/o Advanced Bionics, 12 Inglewood Place, Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153, Australia. E-mail: valerielooi@hotmail.com Received March 2, 2017; accepted May 21, 2018. Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Πέμπτη 9 Αυγούστου 2018
P 129 - “The influence of limited ankle dorsal flexion on anterior pelvis tilt during different intensity exercises”
Publication date: Available online 9 August 2018
Source: Gait & Posture
Author(s): I. Schops, S. Indeherberge, P. Borgions
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INFLUENCE OF FOOT POSITIONING ON COP MEASURES OF POST STROKE PATIENTS IN QUIET STANDING
Publication date: Available online 9 August 2018
Source: Gait & Posture
Author(s): Tatiane Caroline Boumer, Suzane Ketlyn Martello, Gisele Francini Devetak, Dielise Debona Iucksch, Nicoly Scrok, Elisangela Ferretti Manffra
Abstract
Background
Foot placement is an important methodological parameter in experiments that analyse the behavior of the center of pressure (CoP) at quiet standing. In the case of stroke patients, this is a relevant issue, as the standardized position, usually adopted is not ecological.
Reseach question
Do between limb synchronization, weight-bearing symmetry and amplitude of the postural sway of post-stroke individuals differ between standardized and comfortable foot positioning during quiet standing?
Methods
A total of 36 volunteers (20 with stroke and 16 healthy) stood barefoot, for 60 s, on two force plates with feet in a comfortable and a standardized position (14° of external rotation and heels 17 cm apart). Three trials were performed in each position and the average values among themwere analyzed.
Results
The comfortable position adopted by stroke individuals was characterized by the heels 17 cm apart and 21° of external rotation. None of the the measures of the healthy group were influenced by feet positioning. In the stroke group, the lag to maximal between-feet correlation in the mediolateral direction (ML ρmax lag) higher (0.45 s), and the weight bearing symmetry was better in the comfortable condition (38%), in comparison to the standardized one (0.19 s and 32% respectively). Neither the other CoP measures were sensitive to feet positioning, nor the intra-subject variability.
Significance
The assumption that standardization leads to reduced variability might not be valid to the post-stroke and healthy individuals with age around 55 years old. Therefore, the adoption of a comfortable might be advantageous, once it allows evaluating postural control in more practically and realistically.
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P 129 - “The influence of limited ankle dorsal flexion on anterior pelvis tilt during different intensity exercises”
Publication date: Available online 9 August 2018
Source: Gait & Posture
Author(s): I. Schops, S. Indeherberge, P. Borgions
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INFLUENCE OF FOOT POSITIONING ON COP MEASURES OF POST STROKE PATIENTS IN QUIET STANDING
Publication date: Available online 9 August 2018
Source: Gait & Posture
Author(s): Tatiane Caroline Boumer, Suzane Ketlyn Martello, Gisele Francini Devetak, Dielise Debona Iucksch, Nicoly Scrok, Elisangela Ferretti Manffra
Abstract
Background
Foot placement is an important methodological parameter in experiments that analyse the behavior of the center of pressure (CoP) at quiet standing. In the case of stroke patients, this is a relevant issue, as the standardized position, usually adopted is not ecological.
Reseach question
Do between limb synchronization, weight-bearing symmetry and amplitude of the postural sway of post-stroke individuals differ between standardized and comfortable foot positioning during quiet standing?
Methods
A total of 36 volunteers (20 with stroke and 16 healthy) stood barefoot, for 60 s, on two force plates with feet in a comfortable and a standardized position (14° of external rotation and heels 17 cm apart). Three trials were performed in each position and the average values among themwere analyzed.
Results
The comfortable position adopted by stroke individuals was characterized by the heels 17 cm apart and 21° of external rotation. None of the the measures of the healthy group were influenced by feet positioning. In the stroke group, the lag to maximal between-feet correlation in the mediolateral direction (ML ρmax lag) higher (0.45 s), and the weight bearing symmetry was better in the comfortable condition (38%), in comparison to the standardized one (0.19 s and 32% respectively). Neither the other CoP measures were sensitive to feet positioning, nor the intra-subject variability.
Significance
The assumption that standardization leads to reduced variability might not be valid to the post-stroke and healthy individuals with age around 55 years old. Therefore, the adoption of a comfortable might be advantageous, once it allows evaluating postural control in more practically and realistically.
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Ohio company cited for exposing workers to noise hazards
Polystar Inc., a manufacturing company based in Stow, OH, is being fined more than $330,000 by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for various health hazards in their factory, primarily noise damage.
OSHA's investigation was in response to a complaint, and they found 12 employees whose audiograms indicated mild to moderate hearing loss. They also found that Polystar did not have an audiometric testing program to check the hearing status of employees, or controls to decrease noise levels. "Failing to protect employees from excessive noise can lead to long-term and irreversible hearing loss," said Howard Eberts, director of OSHA's Cleveland Area Office. "Employers are required to take appropriate precautions to keep employees safe from well-known hazards."
Other infractions that OSHA found included the lack of machine guards and proper respiratory protection. Damaged forklifts were not removed from the active pool, workers were not trained on hazardous communication, and flammable materials were improperly stored.
Polystar has 15 business days from the time of their citation to improve their workplace for compliance, ask for an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or argue the findings of the investigation to the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Published: 8/8/2018 1:36:00 PM
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Ohio company cited for exposing workers to noise hazards
Polystar Inc., a manufacturing company based in Stow, OH, is being fined more than $330,000 by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for various health hazards in their factory, primarily noise damage.
OSHA's investigation was in response to a complaint, and they found 12 employees whose audiograms indicated mild to moderate hearing loss. They also found that Polystar did not have an audiometric testing program to check the hearing status of employees, or controls to decrease noise levels. "Failing to protect employees from excessive noise can lead to long-term and irreversible hearing loss," said Howard Eberts, director of OSHA's Cleveland Area Office. "Employers are required to take appropriate precautions to keep employees safe from well-known hazards."
Other infractions that OSHA found included the lack of machine guards and proper respiratory protection. Damaged forklifts were not removed from the active pool, workers were not trained on hazardous communication, and flammable materials were improperly stored.
Polystar has 15 business days from the time of their citation to improve their workplace for compliance, ask for an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or argue the findings of the investigation to the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Published: 8/8/2018 1:36:00 PM
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