Understanding Hearing and Hearing Loss in Children With Down Syndrome

Purpose

This study evaluated the prevalence of permanent and transient hearing loss, the use of hearing aids as a recommendation, and middle ear dysfunction in children with Down syndrome (DS) through a large multiage and ethnically diverse sample, using current audiologic testing practices.

Method

Retrospective analysis of data collected on 308 children with DS (168 boys, 140 girls; average age = 5.99 ± 4.88 years) who received an audiological evaluation during 2013 as part of their medical care at a large pediatric hospital.

Results

Permanent hearing loss was identified in 24.9% of the children, among whom bilateral (75.4%) and conductive (33.3%) hearing losses occurred most often. Of children with DS, 22%–30% experienced a transient hearing loss, with a high incidence of middle ear pathologies from infancy until early adulthood. There were no statistical differences between ethnicity and permanent/transient hearing loss diagnosis. Twenty-three percent were current hearing aid users or had them recommended in a treatment plan.

Conclusions

The prevalence of hearing loss and abnormal middle ear status is high in the pediatric population with DS. Audiologic evaluations should follow the American Academy of Pediatrics practice guidelines to monitor this high-risk population, and amplification should be considered as an appropriate intervention option if repeated audiologic examinations reveal hearing loss.

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://article/doi/10.1044/2017_AJA-17-0010/2653279/Understanding-Hearing-and-Hearing-Loss-in-Children
via IFTTT

Understanding Hearing and Hearing Loss in Children With Down Syndrome

Purpose

This study evaluated the prevalence of permanent and transient hearing loss, the use of hearing aids as a recommendation, and middle ear dysfunction in children with Down syndrome (DS) through a large multiage and ethnically diverse sample, using current audiologic testing practices.

Method

Retrospective analysis of data collected on 308 children with DS (168 boys, 140 girls; average age = 5.99 ± 4.88 years) who received an audiological evaluation during 2013 as part of their medical care at a large pediatric hospital.

Results

Permanent hearing loss was identified in 24.9% of the children, among whom bilateral (75.4%) and conductive (33.3%) hearing losses occurred most often. Of children with DS, 22%–30% experienced a transient hearing loss, with a high incidence of middle ear pathologies from infancy until early adulthood. There were no statistical differences between ethnicity and permanent/transient hearing loss diagnosis. Twenty-three percent were current hearing aid users or had them recommended in a treatment plan.

Conclusions

The prevalence of hearing loss and abnormal middle ear status is high in the pediatric population with DS. Audiologic evaluations should follow the American Academy of Pediatrics practice guidelines to monitor this high-risk population, and amplification should be considered as an appropriate intervention option if repeated audiologic examinations reveal hearing loss.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://article/doi/10.1044/2017_AJA-17-0010/2653279/Understanding-Hearing-and-Hearing-Loss-in-Children
via IFTTT

Understanding Hearing and Hearing Loss in Children With Down Syndrome

Purpose

This study evaluated the prevalence of permanent and transient hearing loss, the use of hearing aids as a recommendation, and middle ear dysfunction in children with Down syndrome (DS) through a large multiage and ethnically diverse sample, using current audiologic testing practices.

Method

Retrospective analysis of data collected on 308 children with DS (168 boys, 140 girls; average age = 5.99 ± 4.88 years) who received an audiological evaluation during 2013 as part of their medical care at a large pediatric hospital.

Results

Permanent hearing loss was identified in 24.9% of the children, among whom bilateral (75.4%) and conductive (33.3%) hearing losses occurred most often. Of children with DS, 22%–30% experienced a transient hearing loss, with a high incidence of middle ear pathologies from infancy until early adulthood. There were no statistical differences between ethnicity and permanent/transient hearing loss diagnosis. Twenty-three percent were current hearing aid users or had them recommended in a treatment plan.

Conclusions

The prevalence of hearing loss and abnormal middle ear status is high in the pediatric population with DS. Audiologic evaluations should follow the American Academy of Pediatrics practice guidelines to monitor this high-risk population, and amplification should be considered as an appropriate intervention option if repeated audiologic examinations reveal hearing loss.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://article/doi/10.1044/2017_AJA-17-0010/2653279/Understanding-Hearing-and-Hearing-Loss-in-Children
via IFTTT

Training Peer Partners to Use a Speech-Generating Device With Classmates With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Exploring Communication Outcomes Across Preschool Contexts

Purpose

This study examined effects of a peer-mediated intervention that provided training on the use of a speech-generating device for preschoolers with severe autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and peer partners.

Method

Effects were examined using a multiple probe design across 3 children with ASD and limited to no verbal skills. Three peers without disabilities were taught to Stay, Play, and Talk using a GoTalk 4+ (Attainment Company) and were then paired up with a classmate with ASD in classroom social activities. Measures included rates of communication acts, communication mode and function, reciprocity, and engagement with peers.

Results

Following peer training, intervention effects were replicated across 3 peers, who all demonstrated an increased level and upward trend in communication acts to their classmates with ASD. Outcomes also revealed moderate intervention effects and increased levels of peer-directed communication for 3 children with ASD in classroom centers. Additional analyses revealed higher rates of communication in the added context of preferred toys and snack. The children with ASD also demonstrated improved communication reciprocity and peer engagement.

Conclusions

Results provide preliminary evidence on the benefits of combining peer-mediated and speech-generating device interventions to improve children's communication. Furthermore, it appears that preferred contexts are likely to facilitate greater communication and social engagement with peers.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://article/doi/10.1044/2017_JSLHR-L-17-0049/2653179/Training-Peer-Partners-to-Use-a-SpeechGenerating
via IFTTT

Distributed Training Enhances Implicit Sequence Acquisition in Children With Specific Language Impairment

Purpose

This study explored the effects of 2 different training structures on the implicit acquisition of a sequence in a serial reaction time (SRT) task in children with and without specific language impairment (SLI).

Method

All of the children underwent 3 training sessions, followed by a retention session 2 weeks after the last session. In the massed-training condition, the 3 training sessions were in immediate succession on 1 day, whereas in the distributed-training condition, the 3 training sessions were spread over a 1-week period in an expanding schedule format.

Results

Statistical analyses showed that the children with normal language were unaffected by the training conditions, performing the SRT task similarly in both training conditions. The children with SLI, however, were affected by the training structure, performing the SRT task better when the training sessions were spaced over time rather than clustered on 1 day.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that although intensive training does not increase learning in children with SLI, distributing training sessions over time does increase learning. The implications of these results on the learning abilities of children with SLI are discussed, as are the mechanisms involved in massed versus distributed learning.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://article/doi/10.1044/2017_JSLHR-L-16-0146/2653205/Distributed-Training-Enhances-Implicit-Sequence
via IFTTT

Training Peer Partners to Use a Speech-Generating Device With Classmates With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Exploring Communication Outcomes Across Preschool Contexts

Purpose

This study examined effects of a peer-mediated intervention that provided training on the use of a speech-generating device for preschoolers with severe autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and peer partners.

Method

Effects were examined using a multiple probe design across 3 children with ASD and limited to no verbal skills. Three peers without disabilities were taught to Stay, Play, and Talk using a GoTalk 4+ (Attainment Company) and were then paired up with a classmate with ASD in classroom social activities. Measures included rates of communication acts, communication mode and function, reciprocity, and engagement with peers.

Results

Following peer training, intervention effects were replicated across 3 peers, who all demonstrated an increased level and upward trend in communication acts to their classmates with ASD. Outcomes also revealed moderate intervention effects and increased levels of peer-directed communication for 3 children with ASD in classroom centers. Additional analyses revealed higher rates of communication in the added context of preferred toys and snack. The children with ASD also demonstrated improved communication reciprocity and peer engagement.

Conclusions

Results provide preliminary evidence on the benefits of combining peer-mediated and speech-generating device interventions to improve children's communication. Furthermore, it appears that preferred contexts are likely to facilitate greater communication and social engagement with peers.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://article/doi/10.1044/2017_JSLHR-L-17-0049/2653179/Training-Peer-Partners-to-Use-a-SpeechGenerating
via IFTTT

Distributed Training Enhances Implicit Sequence Acquisition in Children With Specific Language Impairment

Purpose

This study explored the effects of 2 different training structures on the implicit acquisition of a sequence in a serial reaction time (SRT) task in children with and without specific language impairment (SLI).

Method

All of the children underwent 3 training sessions, followed by a retention session 2 weeks after the last session. In the massed-training condition, the 3 training sessions were in immediate succession on 1 day, whereas in the distributed-training condition, the 3 training sessions were spread over a 1-week period in an expanding schedule format.

Results

Statistical analyses showed that the children with normal language were unaffected by the training conditions, performing the SRT task similarly in both training conditions. The children with SLI, however, were affected by the training structure, performing the SRT task better when the training sessions were spaced over time rather than clustered on 1 day.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that although intensive training does not increase learning in children with SLI, distributing training sessions over time does increase learning. The implications of these results on the learning abilities of children with SLI are discussed, as are the mechanisms involved in massed versus distributed learning.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://article/doi/10.1044/2017_JSLHR-L-16-0146/2653205/Distributed-Training-Enhances-Implicit-Sequence
via IFTTT

Training Peer Partners to Use a Speech-Generating Device With Classmates With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Exploring Communication Outcomes Across Preschool Contexts

Purpose

This study examined effects of a peer-mediated intervention that provided training on the use of a speech-generating device for preschoolers with severe autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and peer partners.

Method

Effects were examined using a multiple probe design across 3 children with ASD and limited to no verbal skills. Three peers without disabilities were taught to Stay, Play, and Talk using a GoTalk 4+ (Attainment Company) and were then paired up with a classmate with ASD in classroom social activities. Measures included rates of communication acts, communication mode and function, reciprocity, and engagement with peers.

Results

Following peer training, intervention effects were replicated across 3 peers, who all demonstrated an increased level and upward trend in communication acts to their classmates with ASD. Outcomes also revealed moderate intervention effects and increased levels of peer-directed communication for 3 children with ASD in classroom centers. Additional analyses revealed higher rates of communication in the added context of preferred toys and snack. The children with ASD also demonstrated improved communication reciprocity and peer engagement.

Conclusions

Results provide preliminary evidence on the benefits of combining peer-mediated and speech-generating device interventions to improve children's communication. Furthermore, it appears that preferred contexts are likely to facilitate greater communication and social engagement with peers.

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://article/doi/10.1044/2017_JSLHR-L-17-0049/2653179/Training-Peer-Partners-to-Use-a-SpeechGenerating
via IFTTT

Distributed Training Enhances Implicit Sequence Acquisition in Children With Specific Language Impairment

Purpose

This study explored the effects of 2 different training structures on the implicit acquisition of a sequence in a serial reaction time (SRT) task in children with and without specific language impairment (SLI).

Method

All of the children underwent 3 training sessions, followed by a retention session 2 weeks after the last session. In the massed-training condition, the 3 training sessions were in immediate succession on 1 day, whereas in the distributed-training condition, the 3 training sessions were spread over a 1-week period in an expanding schedule format.

Results

Statistical analyses showed that the children with normal language were unaffected by the training conditions, performing the SRT task similarly in both training conditions. The children with SLI, however, were affected by the training structure, performing the SRT task better when the training sessions were spaced over time rather than clustered on 1 day.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that although intensive training does not increase learning in children with SLI, distributing training sessions over time does increase learning. The implications of these results on the learning abilities of children with SLI are discussed, as are the mechanisms involved in massed versus distributed learning.

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://article/doi/10.1044/2017_JSLHR-L-16-0146/2653205/Distributed-Training-Enhances-Implicit-Sequence
via IFTTT

Preliminary evaluation of a novel non-linear frequency compression scheme for use in children

.


from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2gp7Kxj
via IFTTT

Preliminary evaluation of a novel non-linear frequency compression scheme for use in children

.


from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2gp7Kxj
via IFTTT

Preliminary evaluation of a novel non-linear frequency compression scheme for use in children

.


from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2vIU8z0
via IFTTT

Preliminary evaluation of a novel non-linear frequency compression scheme for use in children

.


from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2vIU8z0
via IFTTT

Preliminary evaluation of a novel non-linear frequency compression scheme for use in children

.


from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2vIU8z0
via IFTTT

NLRP3 mutation and cochlear autoinflammation cause syndromic and nonsyndromic hearing loss DFNA34 responsive to anakinra therapy.

Related Articles

NLRP3 mutation and cochlear autoinflammation cause syndromic and nonsyndromic hearing loss DFNA34 responsive to anakinra therapy.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2017 Aug 28;:

Authors: Nakanishi H, Kawashima Y, Kurima K, Chae JJ, Ross AM, Pinto-Patarroyo G, Patel SK, Muskett JA, Ratay JS, Chattaraj P, Park YH, Grevich S, Brewer CC, Hoa M, Kim HJ, Butman JA, Broderick L, Hoffman HM, Aksentijevich I, Kastner DL, Goldbach-Mansky R, Griffith AJ

Abstract
The NLRP3 inflammasome is an intracellular innate immune sensor that is expressed in immune cells, including monocytes and macrophages. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome leads to IL-1β secretion. Gain-of-function mutations of NLRP3 result in abnormal activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, and cause the autosomal dominant systemic autoinflammatory disease spectrum, termed cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS). Here, we show that a missense mutation, p.Arg918Gln (c.2753G > A), of NLRP3 causes autosomal-dominant sensorineural hearing loss in two unrelated families. In family LMG446, hearing loss is accompanied by autoinflammatory signs and symptoms without serologic evidence of inflammation as part of an atypical CAPS phenotype and was reversed or improved by IL-1β blockade therapy. In family LMG113, hearing loss segregates without any other target-organ manifestations of CAPS. This observation led us to explore the possibility that resident macrophage/monocyte-like cells in the cochlea can mediate local autoinflammation via activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. The NLRP3 inflammasome can indeed be activated in resident macrophage/monocyte-like cells in the mouse cochlea, resulting in secretion of IL-1β. This pathway could underlie treatable sensorineural hearing loss in DFNA34, CAPS, and possibly in a wide variety of hearing-loss disorders, such as sudden sensorineural hearing loss and Meniere's disease that are elicited by pathogens and processes that stimulate innate immune responses within the cochlea.

PMID: 28847925 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2xLXuD1
via IFTTT

Succinyl-CoA synthetase (SUCLA2) deficiency in two siblings with impaired activity of other mitochondrial oxidative enzymes in skeletal muscle without mitochondrial DNA depletion.

Related Articles

Succinyl-CoA synthetase (SUCLA2) deficiency in two siblings with impaired activity of other mitochondrial oxidative enzymes in skeletal muscle without mitochondrial DNA depletion.

Mol Genet Metab. 2017 Mar;120(3):213-222

Authors: Huang X, Bedoyan JK, Demirbas D, Harris DJ, Miron A, Edelheit S, Grahame G, DeBrosse SD, Wong LJ, Hoppel CL, Kerr DS, Anselm I, Berry GT

Abstract
Mutations in SUCLA2 result in succinyl-CoA ligase (ATP-forming) or succinyl-CoA synthetase (ADP-forming) (A-SCS) deficiency, a mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle disorder. The phenotype associated with this gene defect is largely encephalomyopathy. We describe two siblings compound heterozygous for SUCLA2 mutations, c.985A>G (p.M329V) and c.920C>T (p.A307V), with parents confirmed as carriers of each mutation. We developed a new LC-MS/MS based enzyme assay to demonstrate the decreased SCS activity in the siblings with this unique genotype. Both siblings shared bilateral progressive hearing loss, encephalopathy, global developmental delay, generalized myopathy, and dystonia with choreoathetosis. Prior to diagnosis and because of lactic acidosis and low activity of muscle pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC), sibling 1 (S1) was placed on dichloroacetate, while sibling 2 (S2) was on a ketogenic diet. S1 developed severe cyclic vomiting refractory to therapy, while S2 developed Leigh syndrome, severe GI dysmotility, intermittent anemia, hypogammaglobulinemia and eventually succumbed to his disorder. The mitochondrial DNA contents in skeletal muscle (SM) were normal in both siblings. Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex, and several mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) activities were low or at the low end of the reference range in frozen SM from S1 and/or S2. In contrast, activities of PDC, other mitochondrial enzymes of pyruvate metabolism, ETC and, integrated oxidative phosphorylation, in skin fibroblasts were not significantly impaired. Although we show that propionyl-CoA inhibits PDC, it does not appear to account for decreased PDC activity in SM. A better understanding of the mechanisms of phenotypic variability and the etiology for tissue-specific secondary deficiencies of mitochondrial enzymes of oxidative metabolism, and independently mitochondrial DNA depletion (common in other cases of A-SCS deficiency), is needed given the implications for control of lactic acidosis and possible clinical management.

PMID: 27913098 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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

Beyond Cell-Cell Adhesion: Sensational Cadherins for Hearing and Balance.

Related Articles

Beyond Cell-Cell Adhesion: Sensational Cadherins for Hearing and Balance.

Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2017 Aug 28;:

Authors: Jaiganesh A, Narui Y, Araya-Secchi R, Sotomayor M

Abstract
Cadherins form a large family of proteins often involved in calcium-dependent cellular adhesion. Although classical members of the family can provide a physical bond between cells, a subset of special cadherins use their extracellular domains to interlink apical specializations of single epithelial sensory cells. Two of these cadherins, cadherin-23 (CDH23) and protocadherin-15 (PCDH15), form extracellular "tip link" filaments that connect apical bundles of stereocilia on hair cells essential for inner-ear mechanotransduction. As these bundles deflect in response to mechanical stimuli from sound or head movements, tip links gate hair-cell mechanosensitive channels to initiate sensory perception. Here, we review the unusual and diverse structural properties of these tip-link cadherins and the functional significance of their deafness-related missense mutations. Based on the structural features of CDH23 and PCDH15, we discuss the elasticity of tip links and models that bridge the gap between the nanomechanics of cadherins and the micromechanics of hair-cell bundles during inner-ear mechanotransduction.

PMID: 28847902 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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

Beyond Cell-Cell Adhesion: Sensational Cadherins for Hearing and Balance.

Related Articles

Beyond Cell-Cell Adhesion: Sensational Cadherins for Hearing and Balance.

Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2017 Aug 28;:

Authors: Jaiganesh A, Narui Y, Araya-Secchi R, Sotomayor M

Abstract
Cadherins form a large family of proteins often involved in calcium-dependent cellular adhesion. Although classical members of the family can provide a physical bond between cells, a subset of special cadherins use their extracellular domains to interlink apical specializations of single epithelial sensory cells. Two of these cadherins, cadherin-23 (CDH23) and protocadherin-15 (PCDH15), form extracellular "tip link" filaments that connect apical bundles of stereocilia on hair cells essential for inner-ear mechanotransduction. As these bundles deflect in response to mechanical stimuli from sound or head movements, tip links gate hair-cell mechanosensitive channels to initiate sensory perception. Here, we review the unusual and diverse structural properties of these tip-link cadherins and the functional significance of their deafness-related missense mutations. Based on the structural features of CDH23 and PCDH15, we discuss the elasticity of tip links and models that bridge the gap between the nanomechanics of cadherins and the micromechanics of hair-cell bundles during inner-ear mechanotransduction.

PMID: 28847902 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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

Dual-Task Walking Performance in Older Persons With Hearing Impairment: Implications for Interventions From a Preliminary Observational Study.

Objectives: Adults with "hearing loss" have an increased falls risks. There may be an association between hearing impairment and walking performance under dual-task (DT) and triple-task (TT) conditions. The aim of this study was to identify DT and TT effects on walking speed, step length, and cadence in adults with hearing impairment, previous falls, and physical limitations. Design: The observational study included 73 community-dwelling older people seeking audiology services. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, previous falls, fear of falling, physical limitations, and walking performance under three task conditions. Differences between the task conditions (single task [ST], DT, and TT) and the hearing groups were analyzed with a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures. The influence of fall risks and limited physical functioning on walking under ST, DT, and TT conditions was analyzed with ANOVAs, with ST, DT, and TT performance as repeated measurement factor (i.e., walking speed, step length and Cadence x Previous falls, or short physical performance battery

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

Stability of Auditory Steady State Responses Over Time.

Objectives: Auditory steady state responses (ASSRs) are used in clinical practice for objective hearing assessments. The response is called steady state because it is assumed to be stable over time, and because it is evoked by a stimulus with a certain periodicity, which will lead to discrete frequency components that are stable in amplitude and phase over time. However, the stimuli commonly used to evoke ASSRs are also known to be able to induce loudness adaptation behaviorally. Researchers and clinicians using ASSRs assume that the response remains stable over time. This study investigates (1) the stability of ASSR amplitudes over time, within one recording, and (2) whether loudness adaptation can be reflected in ASSRs. Design: ASSRs were measured from 14 normal-hearing participants. The ASSRs were evoked by the stimuli that caused the most loudness adaptation in a previous behavioral study, that is, mixed-modulated sinusoids with carrier frequencies of either 500 or 2000 Hz, a modulation frequency of 40 Hz, and a low sensation level of 30 dB SL. For each carrier frequency and participant, 40 repetitions of 92 sec recordings were made. Two types of analyses were used to investigate the ASSR amplitudes over time: with the more traditionally used Fast Fourier Transform and with a novel Kalman filtering approach. Robust correlations between the ASSR amplitudes and behavioral loudness adaptation ratings were also calculated. Results: Overall, ASSR amplitudes were stable. Over all individual recordings, the median change of the amplitudes over time was -0.0001 [mu]V/s. Based on group analysis, a significant but very weak decrease in amplitude over time was found, with the decrease in amplitude over time around -0.0002 [mu]V/s. Correlation coefficients between ASSR amplitudes and behavioral loudness adaptation ratings were significant but low to moderate, with r = 0.27 and r = 0.39 for the 500 and 2000 Hz carrier frequency, respectively. Conclusions: The decrease in amplitude of ASSRs over time (92 sec) is small. Consequently, it is safe to use ASSRs in clinical practice, and additional correction factors for objective hearing assessments are not needed. Because only small decreases in amplitudes were found, loudness adaptation is probably not reflected by the ASSRs. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2iImDM4
via IFTTT

Dual-Task Walking Performance in Older Persons With Hearing Impairment: Implications for Interventions From a Preliminary Observational Study.

Objectives: Adults with "hearing loss" have an increased falls risks. There may be an association between hearing impairment and walking performance under dual-task (DT) and triple-task (TT) conditions. The aim of this study was to identify DT and TT effects on walking speed, step length, and cadence in adults with hearing impairment, previous falls, and physical limitations. Design: The observational study included 73 community-dwelling older people seeking audiology services. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, previous falls, fear of falling, physical limitations, and walking performance under three task conditions. Differences between the task conditions (single task [ST], DT, and TT) and the hearing groups were analyzed with a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures. The influence of fall risks and limited physical functioning on walking under ST, DT, and TT conditions was analyzed with ANOVAs, with ST, DT, and TT performance as repeated measurement factor (i.e., walking speed, step length and Cadence x Previous falls, or short physical performance battery

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

Stability of Auditory Steady State Responses Over Time.

Objectives: Auditory steady state responses (ASSRs) are used in clinical practice for objective hearing assessments. The response is called steady state because it is assumed to be stable over time, and because it is evoked by a stimulus with a certain periodicity, which will lead to discrete frequency components that are stable in amplitude and phase over time. However, the stimuli commonly used to evoke ASSRs are also known to be able to induce loudness adaptation behaviorally. Researchers and clinicians using ASSRs assume that the response remains stable over time. This study investigates (1) the stability of ASSR amplitudes over time, within one recording, and (2) whether loudness adaptation can be reflected in ASSRs. Design: ASSRs were measured from 14 normal-hearing participants. The ASSRs were evoked by the stimuli that caused the most loudness adaptation in a previous behavioral study, that is, mixed-modulated sinusoids with carrier frequencies of either 500 or 2000 Hz, a modulation frequency of 40 Hz, and a low sensation level of 30 dB SL. For each carrier frequency and participant, 40 repetitions of 92 sec recordings were made. Two types of analyses were used to investigate the ASSR amplitudes over time: with the more traditionally used Fast Fourier Transform and with a novel Kalman filtering approach. Robust correlations between the ASSR amplitudes and behavioral loudness adaptation ratings were also calculated. Results: Overall, ASSR amplitudes were stable. Over all individual recordings, the median change of the amplitudes over time was -0.0001 [mu]V/s. Based on group analysis, a significant but very weak decrease in amplitude over time was found, with the decrease in amplitude over time around -0.0002 [mu]V/s. Correlation coefficients between ASSR amplitudes and behavioral loudness adaptation ratings were significant but low to moderate, with r = 0.27 and r = 0.39 for the 500 and 2000 Hz carrier frequency, respectively. Conclusions: The decrease in amplitude of ASSRs over time (92 sec) is small. Consequently, it is safe to use ASSRs in clinical practice, and additional correction factors for objective hearing assessments are not needed. Because only small decreases in amplitudes were found, loudness adaptation is probably not reflected by the ASSRs. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2iImDM4
via IFTTT

Dual-Task Walking Performance in Older Persons With Hearing Impairment: Implications for Interventions From a Preliminary Observational Study.

Objectives: Adults with "hearing loss" have an increased falls risks. There may be an association between hearing impairment and walking performance under dual-task (DT) and triple-task (TT) conditions. The aim of this study was to identify DT and TT effects on walking speed, step length, and cadence in adults with hearing impairment, previous falls, and physical limitations. Design: The observational study included 73 community-dwelling older people seeking audiology services. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, previous falls, fear of falling, physical limitations, and walking performance under three task conditions. Differences between the task conditions (single task [ST], DT, and TT) and the hearing groups were analyzed with a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures. The influence of fall risks and limited physical functioning on walking under ST, DT, and TT conditions was analyzed with ANOVAs, with ST, DT, and TT performance as repeated measurement factor (i.e., walking speed, step length and Cadence x Previous falls, or short physical performance battery

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

Stability of Auditory Steady State Responses Over Time.

Objectives: Auditory steady state responses (ASSRs) are used in clinical practice for objective hearing assessments. The response is called steady state because it is assumed to be stable over time, and because it is evoked by a stimulus with a certain periodicity, which will lead to discrete frequency components that are stable in amplitude and phase over time. However, the stimuli commonly used to evoke ASSRs are also known to be able to induce loudness adaptation behaviorally. Researchers and clinicians using ASSRs assume that the response remains stable over time. This study investigates (1) the stability of ASSR amplitudes over time, within one recording, and (2) whether loudness adaptation can be reflected in ASSRs. Design: ASSRs were measured from 14 normal-hearing participants. The ASSRs were evoked by the stimuli that caused the most loudness adaptation in a previous behavioral study, that is, mixed-modulated sinusoids with carrier frequencies of either 500 or 2000 Hz, a modulation frequency of 40 Hz, and a low sensation level of 30 dB SL. For each carrier frequency and participant, 40 repetitions of 92 sec recordings were made. Two types of analyses were used to investigate the ASSR amplitudes over time: with the more traditionally used Fast Fourier Transform and with a novel Kalman filtering approach. Robust correlations between the ASSR amplitudes and behavioral loudness adaptation ratings were also calculated. Results: Overall, ASSR amplitudes were stable. Over all individual recordings, the median change of the amplitudes over time was -0.0001 [mu]V/s. Based on group analysis, a significant but very weak decrease in amplitude over time was found, with the decrease in amplitude over time around -0.0002 [mu]V/s. Correlation coefficients between ASSR amplitudes and behavioral loudness adaptation ratings were significant but low to moderate, with r = 0.27 and r = 0.39 for the 500 and 2000 Hz carrier frequency, respectively. Conclusions: The decrease in amplitude of ASSRs over time (92 sec) is small. Consequently, it is safe to use ASSRs in clinical practice, and additional correction factors for objective hearing assessments are not needed. Because only small decreases in amplitudes were found, loudness adaptation is probably not reflected by the ASSRs. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2iImDM4
via IFTTT