 Subjects -> DISABILITY (Total: 103 journals)
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- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 833-844: Low-Frequency Air–Bone
Gap and Pulsatile Tinnitus Due to a Dural Arteriovenous Fistula:
Considerations upon Possible Pathomechanisms and Literature Review
Authors: Andrea Tozzi, Andrea Castellucci, Giuseppe Ferrulli, Salvatore Martellucci, Pasquale Malara, Cristina Brandolini, Enrico Armato, Angelo Ghidini
First page: 833
Abstract: Low-frequency air–bone gap (ABG) associated with pulsatile tinnitus (PT) and normal impedance audiometry represents a common finding in patients with third window syndromes. Other inner disorders, including Meniere’s disease (MD), perilymphatic fistula and intralabyrinthine schwannoma, might sometimes result in a similar scenario. On the other hand, PT is frequently associated with dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF), while conductive hearing loss (CHL) is extremely rare in this clinical setting. A 47-year-old patient was referred to our center with progressive left-sided PT alongside ipsilateral fullness and hearing loss. She also experienced headache and dizziness. Otoscopy and video-oculographic examination were unremarkable. Conversely, a detailed instrumental audio-vestibular assessment revealed low-frequency CHL with normal impedance audiometry, slight left-sided caloric weakness, slightly impaired vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials on the left and normal results on the video-head impulse test, consistent with an MD-like instrumental profile. Gadolinium-enhanced brain MRI revealed an early enhancement of the left transverse sinus, consistent with a left DAVF between the left occipital artery and the transverse sinus, which was then confirmed by angiography. A trans-arterial embolization with Onyx glue was performed, resulting in a complete recession of the symptoms. Post-operatively, the low-frequency ABG disappeared, supporting the possible role of venous intracranial hypertension and abnormal pressure of inner ear fluids in the onset of symptoms and offering new insights into the pathomechanism of inner ear CHL.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-11-01
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13060073
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 845-858: Episodic Vertigo: A Narrative
Review Based on a Single-Center Clinical Experience
Authors: Augusto Pietro Casani, Mauro Gufoni, Nicola Ducci
First page: 845
Abstract: (1) Background: Usually, the majority of patients suffering from vertigo and dizziness can be identified in four major categories: acute spontaneous vertigo, episodic (recurrent) vertigo, recurrent positional vertigo, and chronic imbalance. Our purpose is to retrospectively evaluate the main causes of episodic vertigo and to find indications for a reliable clinical suspicion useful for a definitive diagnosis, comparing patients affected by different presenting symptomatology (acute vertigo, recurrent episodic vertigo, and imbalance). (2) Methods: we retrospectively evaluated the clinical records in a population of 249 consecutive patients observed for vertigo in our tertiary referral center in the period 1 January 2019–31 January 2020. On the basis of the reported clinical history, patients were divided into three groups: patients with their first ever attack of vertigo, patients with recurrent vertigo and dizziness, and patients with chronic imbalance. (3) Results: On the basis of the results of the instrumental examination, we arbitrarily divided (for each type of symptoms) the patients in a group with a normal vestibular instrumental examination and a group of patients in which the clinical–instrumental evaluation showed some pathological results; a highly significant difference (p: 0.157) was found between recurrent and acute vertigo and between recurrent vertigo and imbalance. (4) Conclusions: Patients with recurrent vertigo more frequently exhibit a negative otoneurological examination since they are often examined in the intercritical phase. A precise and in-depth research of the patient’s clinical history is the key to suspect or make a diagnosis together with the search for some instrumental or clinical hallmark, especially in cases where the clinical picture does not fully meet the international diagnostic criteria.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-11-01
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13060074
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 859-870: Cross-Cultural Translation and
Adaptation of the Consumer Ear Disease Risk Assessment (CEDRA)
Questionnaire in Danish
Authors: Lene Dahl Siggaard, Henrik Jacobsen, Dan Dupont Hougaard, Mina Shereen Khaled, Morten Høgsbro
First page: 859
Abstract: This study aimed to cross-culturally translate and adapt the Consumer Ear Disease Risk Assessment (CEDRA) questionnaire into Danish for remote ear, nose, and, throat assessments in adult, first-time hearing aid users when used in conjunction with audiometric measures and visual images of the tympanic membrane. Employing field-specific guidelines, the tool underwent a rigorous translation process. This was succeeded by field testing via cognitive debriefing with 30 intendent respondents and a pilot test involving 600 adult, potential first-time hearing aid users from 2020–2022. Test–retest reliability analysis in 113 respondents revealed high consistency and reproducibility, with most items showing Spearman’s correlation coefficients of 0.82 or higher and a Pearson’s correlation of 0.92 for the total score. The tool demonstrated moderate discriminative ability in identifying individuals at high and low risk of complicated hearing loss and targeted ear diseases, supported by an area under the curve of 0.82 on the receiver operating characteristics curve. Our findings suggest that the Danish-translated version of CEDRA is a reliable and effective screening instrument when used with audiometry and tympanometry, warranting further validation in a larger population.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-11-02
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13060075
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 871-888: Management of Cartilage
Conduction Hearing Aids in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Satomi Yakawa, Tomoko Sugiuchi, Rika Myojin, Kiyoko Sato, Takako Murakami, Yuki Miyoshi, Yuichiro Sugio
First page: 871
Abstract: Forty-nine children who started wearing cartilage conduction hearing aids (CC-HAs) before completing elementary school (17 with bilateral hearing loss and 32 with unilateral hearing loss) were followed-up and examined. The wearing and utilization status of the CC-HA and its progress to date were evaluated. In addition, 33 participants who purchased the CC-HAs were interviewed to assess the wearing effect. Eleven of seventeen children with bilateral hearing loss and 25 of 32 children with unilateral hearing loss continued to use the CC-HAs. In terms of wearing effect, a good wearing effect was reported, even by those with unilateral hearing loss. In cases where it was difficult to wear CC-HAs stably with pasting or ear tips, it was possible to fix them stably using commercially available hair bands and eyeglass vines. In two cases, the CC-HAs were worn from infancy. With ingenuity and appropriate educational and medical support, it is possible to wear CC-HAs from infancy.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-11-06
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13060076
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 889-897: Acute Otitis Media and Facial
Paralysis in Children: A Systemic Review and Proposal of an Operative
Algorithm
Authors: Piergabriele Fichera, Luca Bruschini, Stefano Berrettini, Silvia Capobianco, Giacomo Fiacchini
First page: 889
Abstract: Acute otitis media (AOM) is one of the most common ENT diseases in children. In the antibiotic/post-antibiotic era, facial paralysis is a very rare complication of AOM (0.004–0.005%). Despite the rarity of this complication, it should be known by all physicians for proper therapeutic management to avoid serious sequelae. The aim of this review is to provide a management guide based on the current literature. Materials and Methods: Fifteen studies published between 2000 and 2022 were selected, including 120 patients (62 M/58 F) with an average age of 4.96 years old (range = 4 months–16 years; SD: 4.2). The paralysis frequently has a sudden onset and is of a severe grade (medium House–Brackmann (HB) score at onset: 4.68; SD: 0.5); however, it tends to have an almost complete recovery in most patients (88.49% HB 1 at follow-up). Results: Its first-line treatment must be based on the use of antibiotics (beta-lactam antibiotics as penicillins or cephalosporins). Corticosteroids should be used concomitantly for their anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective actions; however, there is no unanimity between authors about their application. Myringotomy, with or without ventilation tube insertion, is indicated in cases where the tympanic membrane is intact. Other kinds of surgery should be performed only in patients who have a worsening of their AOM symptoms or a worsening in HB score even with clinical treatment. Conclusions: The obtained data show that a conservative treatment can be sufficient for complete recovery in most patients, and it is preferred as the first-line therapy. Mastoidectomy should be performed only in patients with acute mastoiditis and without symptom improvement after a conservative approach. There are insufficient data in the current literature to provide clear selection criteria for patients who need to undergo mastoidectomy with facial nerve decompression. The choice of this treatment is based on an individual center expertise. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of corticosteroids and the role of facial nerve decompression in this clinical scenario.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-11-08
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13060077
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 898-909: Cartilage Conduction Sounds in
Cases of Wearing Different Transducers on a Head and Torso Simulator with
a Manipulated Ear Pinna Simulator
Authors: Ryota Shimokura, Tadashi Nishimura, Hiroshi Hosoi
First page: 898
Abstract: Cartilage conduction is known widely as a third hearing transmission mechanism after the air and bone conduction methods, and transducers dedicated to the production of cartilage conduction sounds have been developed by several Japanese companies. To estimate the acoustic performance of the five cartilage conduction transducers selected for this study, both airborne sounds and cartilage conduction sounds were measured. Airborne sounds can be measured using a commercial condenser microphone; however, cartilage conduction sounds are impossible to measure using a conventional head and torso simulator (HATS), because the standard-issue ear pinna simulator cannot reproduce cartilage conduction sounds with the same spectral characteristics as the corresponding sounds measured in humans. Therefore, this study replaced the standard-issue simulator with a developed pinna simulator that can produce similar spectral characteristics to those of humans. The HATS manipulated in this manner realized results demonstrating that transducers that fitted the entrance to the external auditory canal more densely could produce greater cartilage conduction sounds. Among the five transducers under test, the ring-shaped device, which was not much larger than the entrance to the canal, satisfied the spectral requirements.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-11-09
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13060078
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 910-928: Vestibular Testing—New
Physiological Results for the Optimization of Clinical VEMP Stimuli
Authors: Christopher J. Pastras, Ian S. Curthoys
First page: 910
Abstract: Both auditory and vestibular primary afferent neurons can be activated by sound and vibration. This review relates the differences between them to the different receptor/synaptic mechanisms of the two systems, as shown by indicators of peripheral function—cochlear and vestibular compound action potentials (cCAPs and vCAPs)—to click stimulation as recorded in animal studies. Sound- and vibration-sensitive type 1 receptors at the striola of the utricular macula are enveloped by the unique calyx afferent ending, which has three modes of synaptic transmission. Glutamate is the transmitter for both cochlear and vestibular primary afferents; however, blocking glutamate transmission has very little effect on vCAPs but greatly reduces cCAPs. We suggest that the ultrafast non-quantal synaptic mechanism called resistive coupling is the cause of the short latency vestibular afferent responses and related results—failure of transmitter blockade, masking, and temporal precision. This “ultrafast” non-quantal transmission is effectively electrical coupling that is dependent on the membrane potentials of the calyx and the type 1 receptor. The major clinical implication is that decreasing stimulus rise time increases vCAP response, corresponding to the increased VEMP response in human subjects. Short rise times are optimal in human clinical VEMP testing, whereas long rise times are mandatory for audiometric threshold testing.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-11-09
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13060079
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 929-938: Does Trauma-Informed Care Have
a Place in Audiology' A Review and Practical Suggestions
Authors: Shade Avery Kirjava, Jennifer Phelan
First page: 929
Abstract: Background. Trauma from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and serious traumatic events in adulthood is a significantly prevalent concern for public-health-hearing healthcare professionals. The pediatric and geriatric populations that audiologists often work with have been shown to be at an increased risk of experiencing traumatic events. Childhood and adult trauma can significantly impact the hearing and vestibular testing and treatment of these patients. Methods. This narrative review article discusses trauma-informed care (TIC) strategies that audiologists can use to recognize and respond to trauma in patients and prevent retraumatizing patients during their encounters in audiology clinics. Conclusions. This article will provide an overview of TIC and direct the reader to resources for their continued learning. Practical guidance on implementing trauma-informed practices in clinical audiology are also provided.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-11-10
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13060080
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 939-941: Robert J. Gorlin: Personal
Memory of a Friend and Mentor in Clinical Genetics
Authors: Bruno Dallapiccola, Rita Mingarelli
First page: 939
Abstract: Robert J [...]
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-11-23
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13060081
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 942-951: Preceding Benign Paroxysmal
Positional Vertigo as a Trigger for Persistent Postural–Perceptual
Dizziness: Which Clinical Predictors'
Authors: Augusto Pietro Casani, Nicola Ducci, Francesco Lazzerini, Nicola Vernassa, Luca Bruschini
First page: 942
Abstract: Objective: Persistent postural–perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a syndrome described as secondary, when it is the consequence of an organic disorder (s-PPPD), or primary, when no somatic triggers can be identified. We evaluated a group of patients diagnosed as s-PPPD, with Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo (BPPV) as the main somatic trigger, with the aim of identifying the predictive clinical elements of evolution towards PPPD. Study Design: Retrospective case review. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients: We evaluated 126 patients diagnosed with PPPD; 54 patients were classified as p-PPPD (43%) and 72 as s-PPPD (57%). Of these, 51 patients had BPPV as a somatic trigger of PPPD, and in this group, we evaluated the prevalence of some clinical features (age, sex, latency between the onset of BPPV and the final diagnosis, recurrence of BPPV and the presence of migraine headache) for comparison with a group of patients who suffered from BPPV without an evolution towards PPPD (control group). Results: In the group with PPPD secondary to BPPV, we found a significantly higher mean age and a longer latency between the onset of BPPV and the final diagnosis compared to the control group. No difference between the two groups was found regarding sex, recurrence rate and the presence of migraine headache. Conclusions: The parameters most involved as potential precipitants of PPPD after BPPV were the age of the patients and a long latency between the onset of BPPV and the final diagnosis; the mean age of the subjects who developed PPPD following BPPV was significantly higher. These findings lead us to emphasize the importance of the early identification and treatment of BPPV, especially in older patients.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-12-01
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13060082
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 6 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 670-685: Bedside Testing in Acute
Vestibular Syndrome—Evaluating HINTS Plus and Beyond—A
Critical Review
Authors: Alexander A. Tarnutzer, Jonathan A. Edlow
First page: 670
Abstract: Acute vertigo and dizziness are frequent presenting symptoms in patients in the emergency department. These symptoms, which can be subtle and transient, present diagnostic challenges because they can be caused by a broad range of conditions that cut across many specialties and organ systems. Previous work has emphasized the value of combining structured history taking and a targeted examination focusing on subtle oculomotor signs. In this review, we discuss various diagnostic bedside algorithms proposed for the acutely dizzy patient. We analyzed these different approaches by calculating their area-under-the-curve (ROC) characteristics and sensitivity/specificity. We found that the algorithms that incorporated structured history taking and the use of subtle oculomotor signs had the highest diagnostic accuracy. In fact, both the HINTS+ bedside exam and the STANDING algorithm can more accurately diagnose acute strokes than early (<24 to 48 h after symptom onset) MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). An important caveat is that HINTS and STANDING require moderate training to achieve this accuracy. Therefore, for physicians who have not undergone adequate training, other approaches are needed. These other approaches (e.g., ABCD2 score, PCI score, and TriAGe+ score) rely on vascular risk factors, clinical symptoms, and focal neurologic findings. While these other scores are easier for frontline providers to use, their diagnostic accuracy is far lower than HINTS+ or STANDING. Therefore, a focus on providing dedicated training in HINTS+ or STANDING techniques to frontline clinicians will be key to improving diagnostic accuracy and avoiding unnecessary brain imaging.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-09-01
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13050059
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 5 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 686-699: Cochlear Function in
Individuals with and without Spontaneous Otoacoustic Emissions
Authors: Changgeng Mo, Bradley McPherson, Ting-Fung Ma
First page: 686
Abstract: Purpose: This study investigated the status of spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) on cochlear function in a cohort of male/female participants with a wide age range. It examined whether there was a correlation between the presence of SOAEs and measurements of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs), distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), SOAEs and extended high-frequency (EHF) hearing thresholds. Methods: 463 participants (222 male, 241 female; age range 20–59 years) with pure-tone thresholds ≤25 dB HL for octave frequencies of 500–8000 Hz were included in the study, divided into three age groups (20–29, 30–39, and 40–59 years). Evaluations included EHF (9000–16,000 Hz) hearing thresholds and TEOAE, DPOAE and SOAE measures. Results: Multiple regression models showed that participants with SOAEs had larger expected amplitudes and signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) for TEOAE and DPOAE responses than participants without SOAEs, holding gender and age variables constant. Spearman correlation tests identified deterioration in TEOAE and DPOAE amplitudes and SNRs, and EHF hearing thresholds with age in participants without SOAEs. Among participants with SOAEs, no significant decreases in TEOAE and DPOAE measures were shown in participants with older age. Nonetheless, as expected, EHF hearing thresholds did become worse with age, with or without SOAEs. Conclusions: Participants with identifiable SOAEs had greater TEOAE and DPOAE amplitudes and SNRs than participants without SOAEs. SOAEs appear to be a useful marker of cochlear health in adults.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-09-05
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13050060
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 5 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 700-709: Clinical and Prognostic
Implications of Cervical and Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials
(cVEMP and oVEMP) in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A
Prospective Study
Authors: Maria Silvia Rosa, Massimo Campagnoli, Davide Masnaghetti, Fausto Taranto, Giulia Pisani, Massimiliano Garzaro, Paolo Aluffi Valletti
First page: 700
Abstract: Objective: Several studies have investigated the efficacy of VEMP (vestibular evoked myogenic potential) in patients with vestibular disorders and BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo). However, previous data were inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in latency, amplitude P1-N1, asymmetry ratio (AR), and cervical/ocular-VEMP values between BPPV patients and healthy controls. Methods: 125 healthy subjects and 42 BPPV patients were prospectively enrolled in the study. In both groups, c/oVEMP tests with 500 Hz tone-burst stimuli were performed. Latencies P1, N1 peaks, and corrected amplitudes (CA) were measured, and AR was calculated. Results: in the BPPV group, 14.29% of patients lacked oVEMPs that recovered after therapy. N1 latencies were significantly elongated, and 50% of patients had pathological AR; this value normalized at follow-up sessions. In addition, there was a reduction in CA in the pathologic ear compared to healthy ears (p = 0.04) and compared to healthy controls (p = 0.01). For cVEMP, a significant reduction in latency-P1 was observed in BPPV patients compared to controls; no significant differences were observed for P1, N1, and CA values between the two ears. The cVEMPs were absent in 14.29% of BPPV patients (AR > 35) that recovered after therapy. Conclusion: We identified several abnormal c/oVemp values in BPPV patients compared with healthy controls, with most changes in values occurring in oVEMPs, suggesting that utricular dysfunction may be more common than saccular. In addition, patients with oVEMP alteration showed later clinical recovery, suggesting a possible prognostic role of the test.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-09-12
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13050061
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 5 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 710-720: Self-Reported Hearing Aid Use
in Russian Adults According to a National Survey
Authors: Svetlana Chibisova, Evgenia Tsigankova, George Tavartkiladze
First page: 710
Abstract: Background: Hearing loss is a significant public problem affecting 466 million people worldwide. Hearing-impaired persons benefit from the use of hearing aids, but the need is unmet in 85% of the global population. For the Russian population, no data have been found on this issue. The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of hearing aid use in the Russian adult population. Methods: data on hearing aid use and self-reported trouble with hearing were obtained from the open access database of the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey—Higher School of Economics (RLMS-HSE) for the years 1994–2021. Results: the prevalence of hearing aid use in Russian adults ranged from 4.3 per 1000 (95% CI 3.2–5.9) to 8.8 per 1000 (95% CI 7.5–10.2). The mean rate of self-reported trouble with hearing was 22.2% (SD 0.8); of them, 2.2% (SD 0.2) used hearing aids, and it strongly correlated with older age (r = 0.889) and more severe hearing issues (r = 0.938). Conclusions: The overall prevalence of hearing aid use in Russian adults is very low with unmet needs in 98% of the cases of self-reported trouble with hearing, which is worse than in other populational studies and global estimates. The RLMS-HSE can be used for the monitoring of the national hearing health care system.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-09-18
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13050062
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 5 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 721-723: Translational Research in
Audiology
Authors: Agnieszka J. Szczepek
First page: 721
Abstract: The importance of translational research in the medical sciences is growing logarithmically, as this type of research provides the translation of basic research into a clinical product (a drug, therapeutic agent or means of monitoring a disease), as well as the inverse translation of clinical findings into basic research models [...]
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-09-25
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13050063
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 5 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 724-729: Vestibular Migraine Therapy:
Update and Recent Literature Review
Authors: Laura Zanandrea, Bruno Colombo, Massimo Filippi
First page: 724
Abstract: Vestibular migraine (VM) is a neurological condition that causes vertigo and headache. It is considered the most common cause of episodic vertigo. However, specific treatments are missing, and medications currently used in VM are borrowed from migraine therapy. A comprehensive practical review of the literature assessing the evidence for abortive and preventive interventions in adults with VM was published in 2022, providing practical recommendations about VM treatment. The aim of our paper is to provide an updated overview of the current state of the art of VM treatment, illustrating new evidence available in this field. Along with traditional pharmacological preventive therapies, medications targeting the CGRP pathways have recently been investigated in terms of treatment effect in VM patients, with encouraging results. Also, there is new evidence of the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions. However, the overall evidence base for VM treatment remains sparse.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-09-27
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13050064
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 5 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 730-740: Hearing Results after
Transmastoid Superior Semicircular Canal Plugging for Superior
Semicircular Canal Dehiscence: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Efterpi Michailidou, Pascal Oliver Rüegg, Tanya Karrer, Athanasia Korda, Stefan Weder, Martin Kompis, Marco Caversaccio, Georgios Mantokoudis
First page: 730
Abstract: Objective: The transmastoid plugging of a superior semicircular canal is considered a safe and effective technique for the management of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD). The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess the postoperative hearing outcomes after the transmastoid plugging of the superior semicircular canal. Search method and data sources: A systematic database search was performed on the following databases until 30 January 2023: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, ICTRP, and clinicaltrials.gov. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of the pooled data were conducted. We also included a consecutive case series with SCDS for those who underwent transmastoid plugging treatment at our clinic. Results: We identified 643 citations and examined 358 full abstracts and 88 full manuscripts. A total of 16 studies were eligible for the systematic review and 11 studies for the meta-analysis. Furthermore, 159 ears (152 patients) were included. The postoperative mean air conduction threshold remained unchanged (mean difference, 2.89 dB; 95% CI: −0.05, 5.84 dB, p = 0.58), while the mean bone conduction threshold was significantly worse (mean difference, −3.53 dB; 95% CI, −6.1, −0.95 dB, p = 0.9). Conclusion: The transmastoid plugging technique for superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome, although minimally worsening the inner ear threshold, is a safe procedure in terms of hearing preservation and satisfactory symptom relief.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-10-08
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13050065
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 5 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 741-752: Modulation of Gut Microbiome
as a Therapeutic Modality for Auditory Disorders
Authors: Dimitri A. Godur, Alexa J. Denton, Nicolas Eshraghi, Jeenu Mittal, Jaimee Cooper, Moeed Moosa, Rahul Mittal
First page: 741
Abstract: The gut microbiome has been shown to play a pivotal role in health and disease. Recently, there has been increased interest within the auditory community to explore the role of the gut microbiome in the auditory system and its implications for hearing disorders such as sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), otitis media, and tinnitus. Studies have suggested that modulating the gut microbiome using probiotics as well as with diets high in monounsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids is associated with a reduction in inflammation prevalence in auditory disorders. This review aims to evaluate the current literature on modulation of the gut microbiome and its effects on otological conditions. The probiotic conversion of nondigestible carbohydrates into short-chain fatty acids has been shown to provide benefits for improving hearing by maintaining an adequate vascular supply. For acute and secretory otitis media, studies have shown that a combination therapy of probiotics with a decreased dose of antibiotics yields better clinical outcomes than aggressive antibiotic treatment alone. Gut microbiome modulation also alters neurotransmitter levels and reduces neuroinflammation, which may provide benefits for tinnitus by preventing increased neuronal activity. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics, natural health products, and micronutrients on auditory disorders, paving the way to develop novel interventions.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-10-10
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13050066
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 5 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 753-766: How Can We Compare Cochlear
Implant Systems across Manufacturers' A Scoping Review of Recent
Literature
Authors: Elinor Tzvi-Minker, Andreas Keck
First page: 753
Abstract: Electric stimulation via a cochlear implant (CI) enables people with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss to regain speech understanding and music appreciation and, thus, allow them to actively engage in social life. Three main manufacturers (CochlearTM, MED-ELTM, and Advanced BionicsTM “AB”) have been offering CI systems, thus challenging CI recipients and otolaryngologists with a difficult decision as currently no comprehensive overview or meta-analysis on performance outcomes following CI implantation is available. The main goals of this scoping review were to (1) map the literature on speech and music performance outcomes and to (2) find whether studies have performed outcome comparisons between devices of different manufacturers. To this end, a literature search was conducted to find studies that address speech and music outcomes in CI recipients. From a total of 1592 papers, 188 paper abstracts were analyzed and 147 articles were found suitable for an examination of full text. From these, 42 studies were included for synthesis. A total of 16 studies used the consonant-nucleus-consonant (CNC) word recognition test in quiet at 60 db SPL. We found that aside from technical comparisons, very few publications compared speech outcomes across manufacturers of CI systems. However, evidence suggests that these data are available in large CI centers in Germany and the US. Future studies should therefore leverage large data cohorts to perform such comparisons, which could provide critical evaluation criteria and assist both CI recipients and otolaryngologists to make informed performance-based decisions.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-10-17
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13050067
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 5 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 767-778: Concordant GRADE-3 Truncal
Ataxia and Ocular Laterodeviation in Acute Medullary Stroke
Authors: Jorge C. Kattah
First page: 767
Abstract: Background: Severe truncal ataxia associated with an inability to sit up without assistance (STA grade 3) is frequent in patients with central acute vestibular syndrome (AVS) involving the brainstem or cerebellum. When these patients have nystagmus, central HINTS excludes peripheral lesions; however, additional localization and lateralization signs are helpful, not only to resolve the peripheral versus central vestibular lesion dilemma, but to zero in on a precise lesion localization/lateralization to the lateral medulla, the most common ischemic lesion localization associated with an initially false-negative stroke MRI. Methods: This is a study of AVS patients with additional inclusion criteria: grades 2 or 3 ataxia with an eventual diagnosis of medullary stroke (MS), either involving the lateral medulla (LMS) or the medial medulla (MMS), and horizontal (h) gaze paralysis was the main exclusion criteria. All patients sat on the side of the bed or stretcher, with assistance if needed. A general neurologic examination followed in the sitting position, the testing protocol included the head impulse, spontaneous nystagmus, and skew deviation (HINTS) tests, followed by observation of the effect of brief 3–5 sec eyelid closure on ocular position, and saccade and pursuit eye movement tests. If they could sit, the protocol included the ability to stand with a wide base, then a narrow base, the Romberg test, and tandem gait. Radiographic lesion localization and horizontal gaze deviation concluded the protocol. Results: A total of 34 patients met the entry criteria, 34 MS (13 in the lateral medulla, 12 previously described, and 1 new patient), and 1 new MMS. Among them, n = 10/12 had grade 3 ataxia, and 3 (1 new patient) had grade 2 ataxia. In addition, overt ocular laterodeviation (OLD) was present in thirteen of them (35.3%). All OLD patients had gaze deviation and ipsilateral saccade and truncal lateropulsion, 1 medial medulla stroke patient had grade 3 truncal contrapulsion and contralateral hemiparesis without OLD, n = 20/21 patients with LMS without OLD had grade 3 truncal ataxia, and 1 had grade 2 truncal ataxia. Discussion: AVS patients with severe truncal ataxia (inability to sit without assistance) potentially have brainstem, cerebellum, or subcortical lesions. All patients had central HINTS; however, simultaneous direction-concordant STA 3 and OLD provided greater lateral medulla localization specificity, affecting the ipsilateral medulla. Future work to explore a practical posterior circulation stroke scale that includes HINTS, STA, and OLD will potentially select cases for thrombolysis even in the event of initially false-negative imaging.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-10-18
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13050068
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 5 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 779-790: Practice of Monitoring
Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity by Audiology, ENT, and Oncology Specialists:
A Survey-Based Study in a Single Italian Medical Center
Authors: Valeria Gambacorta, Eva Orzan, Mario Faralli, Mario Gullà, Ruggero Lapenna, Irene Baietta, Verena De Angelis, Giampietro Ricci
First page: 779
Abstract: Ototoxic drugs can result in hearing loss and tinnitus. Early detection of the ototoxic process can help minimize or prevent these consequences. The American Speech–Language–Hearing Association has provided guidelines for monitoring ototoxicity, whereas Italy has not yet implemented a national monitoring protocol. This study aims to assess the current state of ototoxicity monitoring in patients receiving cisplatin therapy. A self-administered survey has been used to gather information from oncologists, audiologists, and ENT specialists. The research was conducted at Santa Maria della Misericordia hospital in Perugia. Two questionnaires were administered, one to ENT/audiology specialists and another to oncology specialists. Both questionnaires were used to collect information on awareness of chemotherapy-induced ototoxicity. A comprehensive understanding of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity has been widely established (100%). The most commonly reported audiological symptoms by patients were hearing loss (100%) and tinnitus (87.5%). The majority of ENT and audiologists (93.8%) and oncologists (92.9%) expressed the need for a specific ototoxic monitoring program. However, they noted the absence of a well-defined ototoxicity monitoring protocol. A well-established and efficient ototoxic monitoring system facilitates early detection of ototoxic hearing loss and subsequent rehabilitation of inevitable hearing impairment.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-10-18
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13050069
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 5 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 791-801: Otological Planning
Software—OTOPLAN: A Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Annalisa Gatto, Margherita Tofanelli, Ludovica Costariol, Serena Rizzo, Daniele Borsetto, Nicoletta Gardenal, Francesco Uderzo, Paolo Boscolo-Rizzo, Giancarlo Tirelli
First page: 791
Abstract: The cochlear implant (CI) is a widely accepted option in patients with severe to profound hearing loss receiving limited benefit from traditional hearing aids. CI surgery uses a default setting for frequency allocation aiming to reproduce tonotopicity, thus mimicking the normal cochlea. One emerging instrument that may substantially help the surgeon before, during, and after the surgery is a surgical planning software product developed in collaboration by CASCINATION AG (Bern, Switzerland) and MED-EL (Innsbruck Austria). The aim of this narrative review is to present an overview of the main features of this otological planning software, called OTOPLAN®. The literature was searched on the PubMed and Web of Science databases. The search terms used were “OTOPLAN”, “cochlear planning software” “three-dimensional imaging”, “3D segmentation”, and “cochlear implant” combined into different queries. This strategy yielded 52 publications, and a total of 31 studies were included. The review of the literature revealed that OTOPLAN is a useful tool for otologists and audiologists as it improves preoperative surgical planning both in adults and in children, guides the intraoperative procedure and allows postoperative evaluation of the CI.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-10-18
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13050070
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 5 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 802-820: Impaired Vestibulo-Ocular
Reflex on Video Head Impulse Test in Superior Canal Dehiscence:
“Spontaneous Plugging” or Endolymphatic Flow Dissipation'
Authors: Andrea Castellucci, Pasquale Malara, Salvatore Martellucci, Mohamad Alfarghal, Cristina Brandolini, Gianluca Piras, Enrico Armato, Rosanna Rita Ruberto, Pasquale Brizzi, Livio Presutti, Angelo Ghidini
First page: 802
Abstract: Surgical plugging of the superior semicircular canal (SSC) represents an effective procedure to treat disabling symptoms in superior canal dehiscence (SCD), despite resulting in an impaired vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain for the SSC. On the other hand, SSC hypofunction on video head impulse test (vHIT) represents a common finding in patients with SCD exhibiting sound/pressure-induced vertigo, a low-frequency air–bone gap (ABG), and enhanced vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs). “Spontaneous canal plugging” has been assumed as the underlying process. Nevertheless, missing/mitigated symptoms and/or near-normal instrumental findings would be expected. An endolymphatic flow dissipation has been recently proposed as an alternative pathomechanism for SSC VOR gain reduction in SCD. We aimed to shed light on this debate by comparing instrumental findings from 46 ears of 44 patients with SCD exhibiting SSC hypofunction with post-operative data from 10 ears of 10 patients with SCD who underwent surgical plugging. While no difference in SSC VOR gain values was found between the two groups (p = 0.199), operated ears developed a posterior canal hypofunction (p = 0.002). Moreover, both ABG values (p = 0.012) and cervical/ocular VEMP amplitudes (p < 0.001) were significantly higher and VEMP thresholds were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in ears with SCD compared to operated ears. According to our data, canal VOR gain reduction in SCD should be considered as an additional sign of a third window mechanism, likely due to an endolymphatic flow dissipation.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-10-20
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13050071
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 5 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 821-832: Cavitating Lesions around the
Cochlea Can Affect Audiometric Threshold and Clinical Practice
Authors: Giulia Zambonini, Sara Ghiselli, Giuseppe Di Trapani, Daria Salsi, Domenico Cuda
First page: 821
Abstract: There are several pathologies that can change the anatomy of the otic capsule and that can distort the bone density of the bony structures of the inner ear, but otosclerosis is one of the most frequent. Similar behavior has been shown in patients affected by osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a genetic disorder due to a mutation in the genes coding for type I (pro) collagen. In particular, we note that otosclerosis and OI can lead to bone resorption creating pericochlear cavitations in contact with the internal auditory canal (IAC). In this regard, we have collected five cases presenting this characteristic; their audiological data and clinical history were analyzed. This feature can be defined as a potential cause of a third-window effect, because it causes an energy loss during the transmission of sound waves from the oval window (OW) away from the basilar membrane.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-10-20
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13050072
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 5 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 473-483: Prognostic Factors for Hearing
Preservation Surgery in Small Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Stefano Concheri, Alessandra Deretti, Giulia Tealdo, Elisabetta Zanoletti
First page: 473
Abstract: Objective: to evaluate recent contributions to the literature on prognostic factors of hearing preservation in small vestibular schwannoma microsurgery. Methods: review of the most recent studies. Results: factors such as tumor size, preoperative hearing status, tumor growth rate, tumor origin, surgical approach, radiological characteristics, results of preoperative neurophysiological tests, preoperative symptoms and demographic features have been investigated and some of them reported to be significant in the prediction of hearing preservation. Conclusions: tumor size and preoperative hearing status are the most impactful factors and play a key role in patient selection for hearing preservation surgery. Other features such as fundal extension, tumor origin and impaired ABR could have prognostic value on hearing preservation. Tumor growth rate, preoperative impedance, cVEMPs and age have also recently been found to be significant, but more studies are needed. The role of preoperative tinnitus, vertigo and gender is lacking and controversial, whereas the differences between available surgical approaches have been smoothed out in recent years.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-07-03
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13040042
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 4 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 484-494: The Effect of Alpha-Lipoic
Acid in the Treatment of Chronic Subjective Tinnitus through the Tinnitus
Handicap Inventory Scores
Authors: Luca Sacchetto, Daniele Monzani, Enrico Apa, Andrea Lovato, Valeria Caragli, Chiara Gherpelli, Silvia Palma, Elisabetta Genovese, Riccardo Nocini
First page: 484
Abstract: Background and Objectives: Tinnitus affects millions of adults. Many therapies, including complementary and alternative medicine and tinnitus retraining therapies, have been trialed, but an effective option, particularly for chronic subjective tinnitus (CTS), is still lacking. Materials and Methods: This study investigated the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (600 mg. per day for two months) on two groups of patients using a questionnaire. One group (A) was affected by tinnitus associated with likely cochlear dysfunction and metabolic syndrome, and the other (B) was composed of subjects with acoustic nerve lesions. All the patients were asked to complete the Italian version of the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) to determine the overall degree of perceived annoyance at the beginning and end of therapy. Pure tone averages for speech frequencies and for high frequencies were computed, and psychoacoustic pitch and loudness matches were determined for each subject before and after treatment. Results: The pure tone audiometry, pitch, loudness, and THI scores of both groups were reported. In group A, statistically significant differences were observed for the “functional” and “emotional” subscales. The total score of THI and the loudness of tinnitus were also significantly reduced. No statistically significant differences were observed in group B. Conclusions: These findings suggest a possible contribution of the antioxidant effect to the organ of Corti in subjects with metabolic syndrome and CST.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-07-07
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13040043
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 4 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 495-505: In Vivo Measurement of Ear
Ossicle and Bony Wall Vibration by Sound Stimulation of Cartilage
Conduction
Authors: Hiroaki Yazama, Shiro Arii, Hideyuki Kataoka, Tasuku Watanabe, Ryo Kamitani, Kazunori Fujiwara
First page: 495
Abstract: The cartilage-conduction pathway was recently proposed as a third auditory pathway; however, middle-ear vibrations have not yet been investigated in vivo. We aimed to measure the ossicles and bone vibration upon cartilage-conduction stimulation with a non-contact laser Doppler vibrometer. We recruited adult patients with normal ear structures who underwent cochlear implant surgery at our hospital between April 2020 and December 2022. For sound input, a cartilage-conduction transducer, custom-made by RION Corporation (Tokyo, Japan), was fixed to the surface of the tragus and connected to an audiometer to regulate the output. A posterior tympanotomy was performed and a laser beam was directed through the cavity to measure the vibration of the ossicles, cochlear promontory, and posterior wall of the external auditory canal. Five participants (three men, mean age: 56.4 years) were included. The mean hearing loss on the operative side was 96.3 dB HL in one patient, and that of the other patients was off-scale. The vibrations were measured at a sound input of 1 kHz and 60 dB. We observed vibrations of all three structures, demonstrating the existence of cartilage-conduction pathways in vivo. These results may help uncover the mechanisms of the cartilage-conduction pathway in the future.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-07-12
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13040044
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 4 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 506-515: Cartilage Conduction Hearing
Aids in Clinical Practice
Authors: Tadashi Nishimura, Hiroshi Hosoi, Ryota Shimokura, Tadashi Kitahara
First page: 506
Abstract: A relatively loud sound is audible when a vibrator is attached to the aural cartilage. This form of conduction is referred to as cartilage conduction (CC). In Japan, a new type of hearing aid has been developed using CC and has been available in clinical practice since 2017. A clinical study conducted prior to its launch demonstrated its benefits, particularly in patients with aural atresia who were unable to use air conduction hearing aids. Several studies have been published on the benefits of CC hearing aids since their introduction into clinical practice. Most of the patients included in these studies had canal stenosis or aural atresia, and the purchase rates of CC hearing aids in these patients were relatively high. However, the number of patients with canal-open ears was small, with overall poor results in the trials, with the exception of patients with continuous otorrhea. CC hearing aids are considered a good option for compensating for hearing loss in ears with canal stenosis or atresia in both bilateral and unilateral cases. However, CC hearing aids are not currently considered the first choice for patients with a canal-open ear.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-07-13
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13040045
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 4 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 516-527: Association between Third
Mobile Window Disorders and Symptom Reduction Using a Noise Cancelling
Device: Inverse Tullio Phenomena
Authors: Debby Feinberg, Mark Rosner, Gerard Gianoli
First page: 516
Abstract: Identifying a vestibular source of pathology in patients complaining of post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) dizziness can be difficult. We describe a possible new method utilizing a reduction in post-TBI symptoms (including dizziness) with the use of a noise cancellation device (NCD). This retrospective case series included patients with TBI and dizziness presenting to a binocular vision specialty clinic, who were diagnosed with a vertical heterophoria (VH). If they did not respond adequately to microprism lenses and/or if they experienced hyperacusis, they were evaluated with an NCD. If there was marked reduction in TBI symptoms (including dizziness), the patients were referred to a neuro-otologist for vestibular diagnostic evaluation and treatment. Fourteen patients were identified and found to have abnormalities on vestibular testing consistent with third mobile window disorder (TMWD). All were treated with a 6-week medical protocol (diuretics, no straining, low sodium/no caffeine diet). Five responded positively, requiring no further treatment. Nine required surgical intervention and responded positively. In conclusion, in 14 patients with post-concussive dizziness and VH, a positive response to NCD was associated with abnormal vestibular testing, a diagnosis of TMWD, and symptom reduction/resolution with a medical or surgical approach. The removal of sound resulting in reduction or resolution of vestibular symptoms represents an inverse Tullio phenomenon.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-07-17
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13040046
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 4 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 528-545: Management of
Migraine-Associated Vestibulocochlear Disorders
Authors: Kayla K. Umemoto, Karen Tawk, Najva Mazhari, Mehdi Abouzari, Hamid R. Djalilian
First page: 528
Abstract: Migraine is a chronic neurological disorder that frequently coexists with different vestibular and cochlear symptoms (sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, otalgia, aural fullness, hyperacusis, dizziness, imbalance, and vertigo) and disorders (recurrent benign positional vertigo, persistent postural perceptual dizziness, mal de debarquement, and Menière’s disease). Despite evidence of an epidemiological association and similar pathophysiology between migraine and these vestibulocochlear disorders, patients suffering from migraine-related symptoms are usually underdiagnosed and undertreated. Current migraine treatment options have shown success in treating vestibulocochlear symptoms. Lifestyle and dietary modifications (reducing stress, restful sleep, avoiding migraine dietary triggers, and avoiding starvation and dehydration) and supplements (vitamin B2 and magnesium) offer effective first-line treatments. Treatment with migraine prophylactic medications such as tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., nortriptyline), anticonvulsants (e.g., topiramate), and calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil) is implemented when lifestyle and dietary modifications are not sufficient in improving a patient’s symptoms. We have included an algorithm that outlines a suggested approach for addressing these symptoms, taking into account our clinical observations. Greater recognition and understanding of migraine and its related vestibular and cochlear symptoms are needed to ensure the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of affected patients.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-07-19
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13040047
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 4 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 546-562: Identifying Health-Related
Conditions Associated with Tinnitus in Young Adults
Authors: Ishan Sunilkumar Bhatt, Nilesh J. Washnik, Sarah Kingsbury, Aniruddha K. Deshpande, Hailey Kingsbury, Srividya Grama Bhagavan, Klayre Michel, Raquel Dias, Ali Torkamani
First page: 546
Abstract: Objective: The present study investigated the epidemic of tinnitus in college-aged young adults. Our first objective was to identify health conditions associated with tinnitus in young adults. The second objective was to evaluate the predictive utility of some known risk factors. Study design: A cross-sectional design was used to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for tinnitus. Setting: A questionnaire was distributed, reaching out to a large college-aged population. A total of 2258 young adults aged 18–30 years were recruited from April 2021 to February 2022. Interventions: A questionnaire was administered to investigate the epidemiology of tinnitus in a population of college-aged young adults. Results: About 17.7% of young adults reported bothersome tinnitus perception lasting for ≥5 min in the last 12 months. The prevalence of chronic tinnitus (bothersome tinnitus for ≥1 year) and acute tinnitus (bothersome tinnitus for <1 year) was 10.6% and 7.1%, respectively. About 19% of the study sample reported at least one health condition. Individuals reporting head injury, hypertension, heart disease, scarlet fever, and malaria showed significantly higher odds of reporting chronic tinnitus. Meningitis and self-reported hearing loss showed significant associations with bothersome tinnitus. The prevalence of chronic tinnitus was significantly higher in males reporting high noise exposure, a positive history of reoccurring ear infections, European ethnic background, and a positive health history. Risk modeling showed that noise exposure was the most important risk factor for chronic tinnitus, followed by sex, reoccurring ear infections, and a history of any health condition. A positive history of COVID-19 and self-reported severity showed no association with tinnitus. Individuals reporting reoccurring ear infections showed a significantly higher prevalence of COVID-19. Conclusions: While young adults with health conditions are at a higher risk of reporting tinnitus, the predictive utility of a positive health history remains relatively low, possibly due to weak associations between health conditions and tinnitus. Noise, male sex, reoccurring ear infections, European ethnicity, and a positive health history revealed higher odds of reporting chronic tinnitus than their counterparts. These risk factors collectively explained about 16% variability in chronic tinnitus, which highlights the need for identifying other risk factors for chronic tinnitus in young adults.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-07-20
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13040048
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 4 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 563-572: Comparative Analysis of
Cartilage Conduction Hearing Aid Users and Non-Users: An Investigative
Study
Authors: Satofumi Sugimoto, Tadao Yoshida, Yukari Fukunaga, Aya Motegi, Ken Saito, Masumi Kobayashi, Michihiko Sone
First page: 563
Abstract: Clinical findings on cartilage conduction hearing aids (CCHAs) have gradually become clear; however, few reports include a large number of cases. This study included 91 ears from 69 patients who underwent CCHA fitting in our hospital. Their ears were divided into six groups (i.e., bilateral aural atresia or severe canal stenosis, unilateral aural atresia or severe canal stenosis, chronic otitis media or chronic otitis externa with otorrhea, sensorineural hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, and conductive hearing loss) according to their clinical diagnosis and type of hearing loss. Most clinical diagnoses were aural atresia or meatal stenosis (bilateral, 21.8%; unilateral, 39.6%). The purchase rate of CCHAs was higher in the closed-ear group (bilateral, 77.3%; unilateral, 62.5%). In the bilateral closed-ear group, air conduction thresholds at 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz and aided thresholds with CCHAs at 4000 Hz were significantly lower in the purchase group than the non-purchase group. No significant difference was observed between the purchase and non-purchase groups in the unilateral closed-ear group. In the bilateral closed-ear group, air conduction thresholds and aided thresholds were associated with the purchase rate of CCHAs. In the unilateral closed-ear group, factors other than hearing might have affected the purchase rate of CCHAs.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-07-27
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13040049
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 4 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 573-585: Influence of Bone Conduction
Hearing Device Implantation on Health-Related Quality of Life for Patients
with and without Tinnitus
Authors: Nasrene Khan, Aaran T. Lewis
First page: 573
Abstract: (1) Background: Tinnitus, often related to hearing loss, is an addressable public health concern affecting health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to explore the influence of bone conduction hearing aid (BCHA) implantation on HRQoL and hearing disability in patients with hearing loss suffering from tinnitus. (2) Methods: Data were collected from an international hearing implant registry. Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI-3), Spatial and Qualities of Hearing- 49 Questionnaire (SSQ) and self-reported tinnitus burden data for adult patients implanted with a BCHA (n = 42) who provided baseline as well as follow-up data 1-year post-implantation were extracted from the registry. Wilcoxon signed rank tests and paired samples t-tests were used to analyse outcomes data. (3) Results: Patients, with or without tinnitus, demonstrated clinically important mean improvements in HUI-3 multi-attribute utility scores, HUI-3 hearing attribute and SSQ scores. Hearing loss patients with tinnitus presented with a lower HRQoL than patients without tinnitus. (4) Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the importance of hearing rehabilitation in improving the quality of life and hearing disability of patients with or without tinnitus and in providing tinnitus relief in some patients with hearing loss and tinnitus.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-08-01
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13040050
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 4 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 586-599: Contralateral Routing of
Signal Disrupts Monaural Sound Localization
Authors: Sebastian A. Ausili, Hillary A. Snapp
First page: 586
Abstract: Objectives: In the absence of binaural hearing, individuals with single-sided deafness can adapt to use monaural level and spectral cues to improve their spatial hearing abilities. Contralateral routing of signal is the most common form of rehabilitation for individuals with single-sided deafness. However, little is known about how these devices affect monaural localization cues, which single-sided deafness listeners may become reliant on. This study aimed to investigate the effects of contralateral routing of signal hearing aids on localization performance in azimuth and elevation under monaural listening conditions. Design: Localization was assessed in 10 normal hearing adults under three listening conditions: (1) normal hearing (NH), (2) unilateral plug (NH-plug), and (3) unilateral plug and CROS aided (NH-plug + CROS). Monaural hearing simulation was achieved by plugging the ear with E-A-Rsoft™ FX™ foam earplugs. Stimuli consisted of 150 ms high-pass noise bursts (3–20 kHz), presented in a random order from fifty locations spanning ±70° in the horizontal and ±30° in the vertical plane at 45, 55, and 65 dBA. Results: In the unilateral plugged listening condition, participants demonstrated good localization in elevation and a response bias in azimuth for signals directed at the open ear. A significant decrease in performance in elevation occurs with the contralateral routing of signal hearing device on, evidenced by significant reductions in response gain and low r2 value. Additionally, performance in azimuth is further reduced for contralateral routing of signal aided localization compared to the simulated unilateral hearing loss condition. Use of the contralateral routing of signal device also results in a reduction in promptness of the listener response and an increase in response variability. Conclusions: Results suggest contralateral routing of signal hearing aids disrupt monaural spectral and level cues, which leads to detriments in localization performance in both the horizontal and vertical dimensions. Increased reaction time and increasing variability in responses suggests localization is more effortful when wearing the contralateral rerouting of signal device.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-08-03
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13040051
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 4 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 600-614: X-Linked Gusher Disease DFNX2
in Children, a Rare Inner Ear Dysplasia with Mixed Hearing and Vestibular
Loss
Authors: Soumit Dasgupta, James Hong, Rhyanna Morris, Javed Iqbal, Amy Lennox-Bowley, Jeyasakthy Saniasiaya
First page: 600
Abstract: Conductive hearing losses are typically present in disorders of the external/middle ear. However, there is a rare group of inner ear conditions called third windows that can also generate a conductive hearing loss. This is due to an abnormal connection between the middle and the inner ear or between the inner ear and the cranial cavity. X-linked gusher disorder is an extremely rare congenital inner ear dysplastic syndrome with an abnormal connection due to a characteristic incomplete cochlear partition type III and an incomplete internal auditory meatus fundus. The disorder is inherited in an X-linked fashion due to the mutation of the POU3F4 gene. We present two siblings diagnosed with the condition and their long-term follow-ups. They both presented audiovestibular symptoms and showed progressive mixed losses and bilateral vestibular weakness. They were treated with cochlear implant, digital amplification and with vestibular rehabilitation. Significant others around them were involved in their journey with the medical team, and in both, a very favourable outcome was achieved. This is the first time that we have reported evolving audiovestibular function with vestibular quantification in X-linked gusher disorder and emphasize on the multidisciplinary holistic approach to manage these children effectively.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-08-04
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13040052
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 4 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 615-626: Vestibular and Oculomotor
Findings in Vestibular Migraine Patients
Authors: Sofia Waissbluth, Valeria Sepúlveda, Jai-Sen Leung, Javier Oyarzún
First page: 615
Abstract: Background: Vestibular migraine (VM) is the most frequent etiology of recurrent spontaneous episodic vertigo. Vestibular and oculomotor abnormalities have been described in VM; however, the diagnosis is currently based on symptoms. The objective of this study was to determine the most frequent abnormalities in videonystagmography (VNG), caloric testing (Cal) and video head impulse test (vHIT) in patients with VM. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including all VM and probable VM patients seen from January 2021 to July 2022. Demographics, auditory symptoms and results via VNG, Cal and vHIT were evaluated. VNG results were compared with a control group. Results: Sixty patients, 81.7% with VM and 18.3% with probable vestibular migraine, were included. VNG revealed the following abnormalities: 21.7% spontaneous nystagmus; 33.3% positional nystagmus, mostly central; 26.7% optokinetic nystagmus; 56.7% smooth pursuit abnormalities and 70% saccade test abnormalities, mostly velocity and latency. An abnormal unilateral caloric response was seen in 22.9%, while vHIT revealed a low gain in at least one canal in 21.7%, and saccades were seen in at least one canal with normal gains in 18.3%. Concordant results between Cal and lateral vHIT were seen in 77.1% of cases. Conclusions: Although VM is a clinical diagnosis, vestibular and oculomotor abnormalities are commonly seen. The most frequent oculomotor findings were an abnormal saccade test, abnormal smooth pursuit and central positional nystagmus.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-08-08
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13040053
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 4 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 627-635: Hearing Aid in
Vestibular-Schwannoma-Related Hearing Loss: A Review
Authors: Valerio Maria Di Pasquale Fiasca, Flavia Sorrentino, Martina Conti, Giulia De Lucia, Patrizia Trevisi, Cosimo de Filippis, Elisabetta Zanoletti, Davide Brotto
First page: 627
Abstract: (1) Background: Several types of hearing aids are available for the rehabilitation of vestibular-schwannoma (VS)-related hearing loss. There is a lack of recently published papers regarding this theme. The aim of the present work is to organize current knowledge. (2) Methods: A review of the literature regarding the topics “vestibular schwannoma”, “hearing loss”, and “hearing aid” was performed. Nineteen studies were thus considered. (3) Results: Conventional hearing aids, contralateral routing of signal (CROS) aids, bone anchored hearing aids (BAHA), and others are available options for hearing rehabilitation in VS patients. The speech discrimination score (SDS) is considered the best measure to assess candidacy for rehabilitation with hearing aids. The best hearing rehabilitative conditions in VS patients when using conventional hearing aid devices are a mild−moderate hearing loss degree with good word recognition (more than 50% SDS). CROS-Aid and BAHA are reported to be beneficial. CROS-Aid expands on the area of receiving hearing. BAHA aids use direct bone-conduction stimulation. Unfortunately, there are no available studies focused specifically on VS patients that compare CROS and BAHA technologies. (4) Conclusions: Hearing aids, CROS, and BAHA are viable options for rehabilitating hearing impairment in VS, but require an accurate case-by-case audiological evaluation for rehabilitating hearing impairment in VS. Further studies are needed to prove if what is currently known about similar hearing illnesses can be confirmed, particularly in the case of VS.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-08-08
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13040054
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 4 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 636-650: A Systematic Review of the
Audiological Efficacy of Cartilage Conduction Hearing Aids and the Factors
Influencing Their Clinical Application
Authors: Bei Li, Sinyoung Lee, Zuwei Cao, Takuji Koike, Robin Joseph, Tamsin Holland Brown, Fei Zhao
First page: 636
Abstract: This systematic review evaluates the efficacy and benefit of cartilage conduction hearing aids (CC-HAs) and that factors that influence purchasing decisions. The hearing thresholds and functional gain following CC-HA wear were synthesised. A one-way analysis of variance compared the differences in the hearing thresholds and functional gain at individual frequencies and in patients with a variety of pathological changes. The synchronised aided hearing threshold and functional gain at 2.0 kHz were significantly better than at 0.5, 1.0, and 4.0 kHz. There was no significant difference in the synchronised unaided hearing thresholds across individual frequencies between 0.5 and 4.0 kHz. The synchronised functional gain in patients with atresia was significantly greater than in patients with aural atresia or stenosis and middle ear pathologies with normal ear canals. The acceptability of CC-HAs in terms of purchase decision is influenced by the condition of the external auditory meatus and severity of hearing loss, with the highest purchase rate seen in patients with aural atresia or stenosis. CC-HAs’ fitting procedure advantages and cosmetic considerations make these devices a viable and preferred choice for individuals with microtia and aural atresia. Additional research to evaluate the benefits towards emotional well-being is crucial to gain insights into the psychological impact of CC-HA use.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-08-10
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13040055
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 4 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 651-652: Comment on Manchaiah et al.
Social Representations of “Tinnitus” and “Health”
among Individuals with Tinnitus Seeking Online Psychological
Interventions. Audiol. Res. 2023, 13, 207–220
Authors: Mirko Aldè, Giannicola Iannella, Jerome Rene Lechien, Francois Simon, Antonino Maniaci
First page: 651
Abstract: We read with pleasure the interesting paper titled “Social Representations of “Tinnitus” and “Health” among Individuals with Tinnitus Seeking Online Psychological Interventions” by Vinaya Manchaiah et al. [...]
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-08-14
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13040056
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 4 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 653-654: Reply to Aldè et al.
Comment on “Manchaiah et al. Social Representations of
“Tinnitus” and “Health” among Individuals with
Tinnitus Seeking Online Psychological Interventions. Audiol. Res. 2023,
13, 207–220”
Authors: Vinaya Manchaiah, Pierre Ratinaud, Eldre W. Beukes
First page: 653
Abstract: We would like to thank Dr. Aldè and his colleuage’s for their thoughtful comments [...]
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-08-14
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13040057
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 4 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 655-669: Neonatal Hearing Rescreening
in a Second-Level Hospital: Problems and Solutions
Authors: Marta Gómez-Delgado, Jose Miguel Sequi-Sabater, Ana Marco-Sabater, Alberto Lora-Martin, Victor Aparisi-Climent, Jose Miguel Sequi-Canet
First page: 655
Abstract: Second-level hospitals face peculiarities that make it difficult to implement hearing rescreening protocols, which is also common in other settings. This study analyzes the hearing rescreening process in these kinds of hospitals. A total of 1130 individuals were included; in this cohort, 61.07% were hospital newborns who failed their first otoacoustic emission test after birth (n = 679) or were unable to perform the test (n = 11), and who were then referred to an outpatient clinic. The remaining 38.93% were individuals born in another hospital with their first test conducted in the outpatient clinic (n = 440). A high number of rescreenings were made outside of the recommended time frame, mainly in children referred from another hospital. There was a high lost-to-follow-up rate, especially regarding otolaryngologist referrals. Neonatal hearing screening at second-level hospitals is difficult because of staffing and time constraints. This results in turnaround times that are longer than recommended, interfering with the timely detection of hearing loss. This is particularly serious in outpatient children with impaired screening. Referral to out-of-town centers leads to unacceptable follow-up loss. Legislative support for all these rescreening issues is necessary. In this article, these findings are discussed and some solutions are proposed.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-08-15
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13040058
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 4 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 314-325: Balance Rehabilitation with
Peripheral Visual Stimulation in Patients with Panic Disorder and
Agoraphobia: An Open-Pilot Intervention Study
Authors: Daniela Caldirola, Claudia Carminati, Silvia Daccò, Massimiliano Grassi, Giampaolo Perna, Roberto Teggi
First page: 314
Abstract: Given the involvement of balance system abnormalities in the pathophysiology of panic disorder and agoraphobia (PD-AG), we evaluated initial evidence for feasibility, acceptability, and potential clinical usefulness of 10 sessions of balance rehabilitation with peripheral visual stimulation (BR-PVS) in an open-pilot 5-week intervention study including six outpatients with PD-AG who presented residual agoraphobia after selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment and cognitive–behavioral therapy, dizziness in daily life, and peripheral visual hypersensitivity measured by posturography. Before and after BR-PVS, patients underwent posturography, otovestibular examination (no patients presented peripheral vestibular abnormalities), and panic-agoraphobic symptom and dizziness evaluation with psychometric tools. After BR-PVS, four patients achieved postural control normalization measured by posturography, and one patient exhibited a favorable trend of improvement. Overall, panic-agoraphobic symptoms and dizziness decreased, even though to a lesser extent in one patient who had not completed the rehabilitation sessions. The study presented reasonable levels of feasibility and acceptability. These findings suggest that balance evaluation should be considered in patients with PD-AGO presenting residual agoraphobia and that BR-PVS might be an adjunctive therapeutic option worth being tested in larger randomized controlled studies.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-04-28
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13030027
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 3 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 326-340: Impacts and Identification of
Hearing Aid Refurbishing Programs for People with Hearing Loss: A Scoping
Review
Authors: Mathieu Hotton, Virginie Prud’Homme, Léa Richard, Laurie Cormier, Katherine Simoneau, Mathilde Lefebvre-Demers, Claude Vincent, Normand Boucher
First page: 326
Abstract: This article consists of a scoping review completed to describe the impacts of refurbished hearing aids (HAs) for people with hearing loss, and to identify existing HA refurbishing programs around the world. In this review, JBI methodological guidance for scoping reviews was followed. All types of sources of evidence were considered. Thirty-six sources of evidence were included, 11 articles and 25 web pages. Results suggest that refurbished HAs may improve communication and social participation for individuals with hearing loss and provide monetary savings to them and to governmental agencies. Twenty-five HA refurbishing programs were identified, all based in developed countries and distributing refurbished HAs mostly locally, but also in developing countries. Issues related to refurbished HAs were highlighted, such as potential cross-contamination, quick obsolescence, and repairing problems. Some facilitators for the success of this intervention are to offer accessible and affordable follow-up services, repairs, and batteries, and to ensure awareness and participation of hearing healthcare professionals and citizens with hearing loss. In conclusion, the use of refurbished HAs appears to be a valuable option for low-income people with hearing loss, but it should be included in a more global intervention program to ensure its sustainability.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-05-06
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13030028
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 3 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 341-346: Genetic Evaluation of
Prelingual Hearing Impairment: Recommendations of an European Network for
Genetic Hearing Impairment
Authors: Laurence Jonard, Davide Brotto, Miguel A. Moreno-Pelayo, Ignacio del Castillo, Hannie Kremer, Ronald Pennings, Helena Caria, Graça Fialho, An Boudewyns, Guy Van Camp, Monika Ołdak, Dominika Oziębło, Naïma Deggouj, Romolo Daniele De Siati, Paolo Gasparini, Giorgia Girotto, Margriet Verstreken, Silvia Dossena, Sebastian Roesch, Saba Battelino, Katarina Trebušak Podkrajšek, Athanasia Warnecke, Thomas Lenarz, Anke Lesinski-Schiedat, Michel Mondain, Anne-Françoise Roux, Françoise Denoyelle, Natalie Loundon, Margaux Serey Gaut, Patrizia Trevisi, Elisa Rubinato, Alessandro Martini, Sandrine Marlin
First page: 341
Abstract: The cause of childhood hearing impairment (excluding infectious pathology of the middle ear) can be extrinsic (embryofoetopathy, meningitis, trauma, drug ototoxicity, noise trauma, etc [...]
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-05-10
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13030029
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 3 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 347-356: Examination of Factors
Affecting the Likelihood of Whether Individuals Would Purchase Cartilage
Conduction Hearing Aids
Authors: Shunsuke Takai, Takeshi Sato, Yuya Miyakura, Mika Adachi, Yohei Honkura, Daisuke Yamauchi, Yukio Katori
First page: 347
Abstract: Cartilage conduction hearing aids (CC-HAs) are a novel type of hearing aid relying on cartilage conduction, the so-called third auditory conduction pathway. However, CC-HAs have only recently entered routine clinical use, and therefore data on their usefulness are lacking. The purpose of this study was to examine the possibility of assessing whether individual patients would show good adaptation to CC-HAs. Thirty-three subjects (41 ears in total) underwent a free trial of CC-HAs. Age, disease category, and the pure-tone threshold of air and bone conduction, unaided field sound threshold, aided field sound threshold, and functional gain (FG) at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz were compared between patients who subsequently purchased and did not purchase the CC-HAs. Overall, 65.9% of the subjects purchased CC-HAs after the trial. In comparison to non-purchasers, those who decided to purchase CC-HAs showed better pure tone hearing thresholds at high frequencies for both air conduction (2 and 4 kHz) and bone conduction (1, 2, and 4 kHz), as well as for aided thresholds in the sound field (1, 2, and 4 kHz) when using CC-HAs. Therefore, the high-frequency hearing thresholds of subjects trialing CC-HAs might be helpful for identifying those who are likely to benefit from them.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-05-11
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13030030
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 3 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 357-366: Hearing Rehabilitation in
Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Gauri Mankekar, Sean Holmes
First page: 357
Abstract: The most common complaint among patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) is hearing loss. This significantly affects the quality of life before, during, and after treatment for patients with VS. Untreated hearing loss in VS patients may even lead to depression and feelings of social isolation. A variety of devices are available for hearing rehabilitation for patients with vestibular schwannoma. These include contralateral routing of hearing signals (CROSs), bone-anchored hearing devices, auditory brainstem implants (ABI), and cochlear implants. In the United States, ABI is approved for patients 12 years of age and older with neurofibromatosis type 2. In the past few years, cochlear implantation has been offered simultaneously or sequentially with tumor resection or irradiation, or even to patients whose VS have been monitored with serial imaging. However, determining the functional integrity of the auditory nerve in patients with vestibular schwannoma is a challenge. This review article consists of (1) the pathophysiology of vestibular schwannoma (VS), (2) hearing loss in VS, (3) treatment of VS and associated hearing loss, (4) options for auditory rehabilitation in patients with VS with their individual benefits and limitations, and (5) challenges in hearing rehabilitation in this cohort of patients to determine auditory nerve functionality. (6) Future directions.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-05-12
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13030031
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 3 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 367-377: Cochlear Aqueduct Morphology
in Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome
Authors: Nimesh V. Nagururu, Diane Jung, Ferdinand Hui, Monica S. Pearl, John P. Carey, Bryan K. Ward
First page: 367
Abstract: The cochlear aqueduct (CA) connects the scala tympani to the subarachnoid space and is thought to assist in pressure regulation of perilymph in normal ears, however, its role and variation in inner ear pathology, such as in superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS), is unknown. This retrospective radiographic investigation compared CA measurements and classification, as measured on flat-panel computerized tomography, among three groups of ears: controls, n = 64; anatomic superior canal dehiscence without symptoms (SCD), n = 28; and SCDS, n = 64. We found that in a multinomial logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, and BMI, an increase in CA length by 1 mm was associated with a lower odds for being in the SCDS group vs. control (Odds ratio 0.760 p = 0.005). Hierarchical clustering of continuous CA measures revealed a cluster with small CAs and a cluster with large CAs. Another multinomial logistic regression adjusted for the aforementioned clinical covariates showed an odds ratio of 2.97 for SCDS in the small CA cluster as compared to the large (p = 0.004). Further, no significant association was observed between SCDS symptomatology—vestibular and/or auditory symptoms—and CA structure in SCDS ears. The findings of this study lend support to the hypothesis that SCDS has a congenital etiology.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-05-15
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13030032
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 3 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 378-388: Third-Party Disability for
Significant Others of Individuals with Tinnitus: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Design
Authors: Eldré W. Beukes, Gerhard Andersson, Vinaya Manchaiah
First page: 378
Abstract: There is currently increasing awareness of third-party disability, defined as the disability and functioning of a significant other (SO) due to a health condition of one of their family members. The effects of third-party disability on the SOs of individuals with tinnitus has received little attention. To address this knowledge gap, this study investigated third-party disability in the significant others (SOs) of individuals with tinnitus. A cross-sectional survey design included 194 pairs of individuals from the USA with tinnitus and their significant others. The SO sample completed the Consequences of Tinnitus on Significant Others Questionnaire (CTSOQ). Individuals with tinnitus completed standardized self-reported outcome measures for tinnitus severity, anxiety, depression, insomnia, hearing-related quality of life, tinnitus cognitions, hearing disability, and hyperacusis. The CTSOQ showed that 34 (18%) of the SOs were mildly impacted, 59 (30%) were significantly impacted, and 101 (52%) were severely impact. The clinical variables of tinnitus severity, anxiety, and hyperacusis in individuals with tinnitus were the best predictors of the impact of tinnitus on SOs. These results show that the SOs of individuals with tinnitus may experience third-party disability. The effect of the individual’s tinnitus on their SO may be greater when the individual with tinnitus has a higher level of tinnitus severity, anxiety, and hyperacusis.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-05-23
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13030033
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 3 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 389-397: Tinnitus Education for
Audiologists Is a Ship at Sea: Is It Coming or Going'
Authors: Marc Fagelson
First page: 389
Abstract: Subjective tinnitus is a highly prevalent sound sensation produced in most cases by persistent neural activity in the auditory pathway of the patient. Audiologists should be confident that they can employ elements of sound therapy and related counseling to support patients in coping. However, patients with bothersome tinnitus may be challenged by mental health complications, and they struggle to find adequate care when tinnitus and psychological distress co-occur. Audiologists in many cases lack the confidence to provide in-depth counseling while mental health providers lack basic understanding of tinnitus, its mechanisms, and the elements of audiologic management that could support patients in coping. At the very least, audiologists should be able to explain the mechanisms involved in and contributing to negative tinnitus effects, conduct valid measures of these effects, and offer reasonable options for managing the consequences linked by the patient to bothersome tinnitus and sound-related sensations. This brief communication summarizes the current state of tinnitus-related opportunities offered in US audiology training programs, and the substantial need to improve both the education of practitioners and the delivery of services to patients in need.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-05-25
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13030034
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 3 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 398-407: Intraoperative Cochlear Nerve
Authors: Valerio Maria Di Pasquale Fiasca, Giulia Tealdo
First page: 398
Abstract: Background: The use of a cochlear implant (CI) for hearing rehabilitation after vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection is widely spreading. The procedure is usually performed simultaneously to tumor resection with a translabyrinthine approach. To ensure the best device function, assessing the integrity of the cochlear nerve is of primary importance. Methods: A narrative review of the literature on the present topic was carried out up to June 2022. Finally, nine studies were considered. Results: Electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses (eABR) is the most widely used method of intraoperative monitoring of cochlear nerve (CN) during VS resection, although its limits are known. It can be assessed through the CI electrode array or through an intracochlear test electrode (ITE). Variations of the graph are evaluated during the surgical procedure, in particular the wave V amplitude and latency. As tumor dissection progresses, the parameters may change, informing of the CN status, and the surgical procedure may be modulated. Conclusion: An eABR positive result seems to be reliably correlated with a good CI outcome in those cases in which a clear wave V is recorded before and after tumor removal. On the contrary, in those cases in which the eABR is lost or altered during the surgical procedure, the positioning of a CI is still debatable.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-05-30
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13030035
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 3 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 408-417: The Effects of Utilizing
Cartilage Conduction Hearing Aids among Patients with Conductive Hearing
Loss
Authors: Takuya Kakuki, Ryo Miyata, Yurie Yoshida, Aya Kaizaki, Ayami Kimura, Kaede Kurashima, Rui Kuwata, Kenichi Takano
First page: 408
Abstract: The cartilage-conduction hearing aid (CC-HA) is a new hearing device that is suitable for use in patients with conductive hearing loss. It has been 5 years since the introduction of the CC-HA. Although the number of users has increased, the CC-HA is not yet widely known. This study examines the effects of CC-HA on patients with conductive hearing loss and investigates factors that affect the willingness to use the device by comparing purchasers and non-purchasers of CC-HA in patients with unilateral conductive hearing loss. Eight patients had bilateral conductive hearing loss, and 35 had unilateral conductive hearing loss. Each patient underwent sound field tests and speech audiometry, and the effects of the CC-HA were compared with those of conventional bone conduction hearing aids (BC-HA). In patients with bilateral conductive hearing loss, the CC-HA was non-inferior to BC-HA. The CC-HA improved the hearing thresholds and speech recognition in patients with unilateral conductive hearing loss. Moreover, in patients with unilateral conductive hearing loss, experiencing the effect of wearing the CC-HA under conditions such as putting noise in the better ear could affect patients’ willingness to use the CC-HA.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-06-01
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13030036
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 3 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 418-430: A Review of Neural Data and
Modelling to Explain How a Semicircular Canal Dehiscence (SCD) Causes
Enhanced VEMPs, Skull Vibration Induced Nystagmus (SVIN), and the Tullio
Phenomenon
Authors: Ian S. Curthoys, Christopher M. Smith, Ann M. Burgess, Julia Dlugaiczyk
First page: 418
Abstract: Angular acceleration stimulation of a semicircular canal causes an increased firing rate in primary canal afferent neurons that result in nystagmus in healthy adult animals. However, increased firing rate in canal afferent neurons can also be caused by sound or vibration in patients after a semicircular canal dehiscence, and so these unusual stimuli will also cause nystagmus. The recent data and model by Iversen and Rabbitt show that sound or vibration may increase firing rate either by neural activation locked to the individual cycles of the stimulus or by slow changes in firing rate due to fluid pumping (“acoustic streaming”), which causes cupula deflection. Both mechanisms will act to increase the primary afferent firing rate and so trigger nystagmus. The primary afferent data in guinea pigs indicate that in some situations, these two mechanisms may oppose each other. This review has shown how these three clinical phenomena—skull vibration-induced nystagmus, enhanced vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, and the Tullio phenomenon—have a common tie: they are caused by the new response of semicircular canal afferent neurons to sound and vibration after a semicircular canal dehiscence.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-06-02
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13030037
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 3 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 431-440: Hearing Outcomes Following
Endolymphatic Duct Blockage Surgery and Factors Associated with Improved
Audition at Two Years Follow-Up
Authors: Issam Saliba, Marc-Henri Asmar
First page: 431
Abstract: Objective: To evaluate hearing outcomes at 2 years post endolymphatic duct blockage (EDB) surgery, with an analysis of factors that may predict hearing improvement. Study Design: Retrospective comparative study. Setting: Tertiary care center. Subjects: Definite Ménière’s Disease (MD) patients undergoing EDB for refractory disease. Methods: Chart review was conducted to assign cases to one of the three hearing outcome groups (deteriorated, stable, and improved). All cases that met our inclusion criteria were selected. Preoperative data collected were audiograms, bithermal caloric tests, preoperative vertigo episodes, history of previous ear surgery for Ménière, intratympanic steroid injections (ITS) and intraoperative endolymphatic sac (ELS) tear or opening. Postoperative data collected at 24 months were audiograms, vertigo episodes and bithermal caloric testing. Results: Preoperative vertigo episodes, caloric paresis and history of surgery, ITS injections or ELS integrity, as well as postoperative vertigo class distribution and caloric paresis changes were not different between our groups. Preoperative word recognition score (WRS) was lowest in the improved hearing group (p = 0.032). The persistence of tinnitus at 2 years postoperatively was associated with deteriorated hearing (p = 0.033). Conclusions: There are no strong predictors of hearing improvement on presentation pre-EDB, but low preoperative WRS may be the best estimator available. Therefore, ablative interventions should be considered very carefully in patients presenting with low WRS, as they may benefit more from EDB; there is a fair chance of a good hearing outcome with EDB surgery. Persistence of tinnitus can reflect deteriorating audition. Vertigo control and hearing preservation are independent outcomes of EDB surgery, making it desirable as an early intervention for refractory MD cases.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-06-02
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13030038
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 3 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 441-458: Universal Recommendations on
Planning and Performing the Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR) with a
Focus on Mice and Rats
Authors: Ewa Domarecka, Agnieszka J. Szczepek
First page: 441
Abstract: Translational audiology research aims to transfer basic research findings into practical clinical applications. While animal studies provide essential knowledge for translational research, there is an urgent need to improve the reproducibility of data derived from these studies. Sources of variability in animal research can be grouped into three areas: animal, equipment, and experimental. To increase standardization in animal research, we developed universal recommendations for designing and conducting studies using a standard audiological method: auditory brainstem response (ABR). The recommendations are domain-specific and are intended to guide the reader through the issues that are important when applying for ABR approval, preparing for, and conducting ABR experiments. Better experimental standardization, which is the goal of these guidelines, is expected to improve the understanding and interpretation of results, reduce the number of animals used in preclinical studies, and improve the translation of knowledge to the clinic.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-06-02
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13030039
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 3 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 459-465: Using a Bone Conduction
Hearing Device as a Tactile Aid
Authors: Martin Kompis, Manfred Langmair, Georgios Mantokoudis, Stefan Weder, Tom Gawliczek, Marco Domenico Caversaccio
First page: 459
Abstract: Background: With the advent of cochlear implants, tactile aids for the profoundly deaf became obsolete decades ago. Nevertheless, they might still be useful in rare cases. We report the case of a 25-year-old woman with Bosley–Salih–Alorainy Syndrome and bilateral cochlear aplasia. Methods: After it was determined that cochlear or brainstem implants were not an option and tactile aids were not available anymore, a bone conduction device (BCD) on a softband was tried as a tactile aid. The usual retroauricular position and a second position close to the wrist, preferred by the patient, were compared. Sound detection thresholds were measured with and without the aid. Additionally, three bilaterally deaf adult cochlear implant users were tested under the same conditions. Results: At 250–1000 Hz, sounds were perceived as vibrations above approximately 45–60 dB with the device at the wrist. Thresholds were approximately 10 dB poorer when placed retroauricularly. Differentiation between different sounds seemed difficult. Nevertheless, the patient uses the device and can perceive loud sounds. Conclusions: Cases where the use of tactile aids may make sense are probably very rare. The use of BCD, placed, e.g., at the wrist, may be useful, but sound perception is limited to low frequencies and relatively loud levels.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-06-07
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13030040
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 3 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 466-472: Similarities and Differences
between Vestibular Migraine and Recurrent Vestibular Symptoms—Not
Otherwise Specified (RVS-NOS)
Authors: Roberto Teggi, Bruno Colombo, Iacopo Cangiano, Omar Gatti, Mario Bussi, Massimo Filippi
First page: 466
Abstract: Menière’s disease and vestibular migraine (VM) are two common inner ear disorders whose diagnoses are based on clinical history and audiometric exams. In some cases, patients have been reporting different episodes of vertigo for years but not fulfilling the Bárány Society criteria for either. These are called Recurrent Vestibular Symptoms—Not Otherwise Specified (RVS-NOS). It is still under debate if this is a single disease entity or a part of the spectrum of already established disorders. The purpose of our work was to establish similarities and differences with VM in terms of clinical history, bedside examination, and family history. We enrolled 28 patients with RVS-NOS who were followed for at least 3 years with stable diagnosis; results were compared with those of 34 subjects having a diagnosis of definite VM. The age of onset of vertigo was lower in VM than in RVS-NOS (31.2 vs. 38.4 years). As for the duration of attacks and symptoms, we detected no differences other than subjects with RVS-NOS reporting milder attacks. Cochlear accompanying symptoms were more frequently reported by VM subjects (one subject reporting tinnitus and another one reported tinnitus and fullness). Motion sickness was equally reported by subjects across two samples (around 50% for both). Bipositional long-lasting, non-paroxysmal nystagmus was the most common finding in the two groups, with no significant difference. Finally, the percentage of familial cases of migrainous headache and episodic vertigo did not differ between the two samples. In conclusion, RVS-NOS shares some common aspects with VM, including the temporal profile of attacks, motion sickness (commonly considered a migraine precursor), bedside examination, and family history. Our results are not inconsistent with the possibility that RVS-NOS may be a heterogeneous disorder, even if some of these subjects may share common pathophysiological mechanisms with VM.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-06-08
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13030041
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 3 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 160-168: Ménière’s
Disease: Insights from an Italian Nationwide Survey
Authors: Fulvio Mammarella, Antonella Loperfido, Elizabeth G. Keeling, Gianluca Bellocchi, Luca Marsili
First page: 160
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to obtain data from a large community sample of patients with Ménière’s disease (MD) in Italy through a web-based nationwide survey. Demographic, clinical, and epidemiological features of MD among members of the Italian Association of Ménière’s Disease (AMMI) were collected through a web-based survey. The questionnaire was posted on the AMMI website between 01/SEP/2021 and 31/OCT/2021. A total of 520 patients (374 F, 146 M) with MD were included. The age at interview (average ± standard deviation, SD) was 51.4 ± 10.9 years, with a disease duration of 9.9 ± 9.8 years. Eighty percent of cases were unilateral. No patients reported neurocognitive disorders or Parkinson’s disease. A positive family history of MD was reported in 13% of participants, while a history of allergic diseases was reported in 33%. Comorbid thyroid disorders were present in 25% of participants, and 28% used betahistine as the main treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first study that has investigated the epidemiology and current patterns of care of MD in Italy, using an anonymous survey directly sent to patients, thus implying their active participation. We hope that future studies will support the utilization of web-based surveys to address the unmet needs in the management of patients with MD.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-02-28
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13020016
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 2 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 169-184: Cochlear Implantation in
Intralabyrinthine Schwannoma: Case Series and Systematic Review of the
Literature
Authors: Sebastiano Franchella, Marzia Ariano, Francesca Bevilacqua, Stefano Concheri, Elisabetta Zanoletti
First page: 169
Abstract: Intralabyrinthine schwannomas (ILS) are rare benign tumours arising from the peripheral branches of the cochlear or vestibular nerves in the membranous labyrinth, intracochlear schwannomas being the most frequent ones. When hearing is no longer feasible on the affected side, surgical removal along with simultaneous cochlear implantation can be proposed to the patient. We hereby present a systematic review of the literature on the topic, as well as two original cases from our centre (Ospedale Università degli Studi di Padova). Cochlear implantation in intracochlear schwannomas is feasible, with overall satisfactory hearing outcomes in accordance with the evidence found in the literature.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-02-28
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13020017
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 2 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 185-195: Hearing Healthcare
Professionals’ Views about Over-The-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids:
Analysis of Retrospective Survey Data
Authors: Vinaya Manchaiah, Anu Sharma, Hansapani Rodrigo, Abram Bailey, Karina C. De Sousa, De Wet Swanepoel
First page: 185
Abstract: Over-the-counter hearing aids have been available to consumers in the US since 17 October 2022 following a ruling by the Food and Drug Administration. However, their reception by hearing healthcare professionals (HHP) has been mixed, and concerns have been expressed by many HHPs. The aim of this study was to examine the concerns that HHPs have towards over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. The study used a retrospective survey design. The survey data of HHPs (n = 730) was obtained from Hearing Tracker. A 22-item structured questionnaire was administered using a Question Scout platform. Descriptive analyses examined reported areas of concern and a Fisher’s exact test examined the relationship between demographics and responses. A cluster analysis with partitioning around medoids (PAM) was used to identify a sub-group of participants based on responses. Nearly half of HHPs who participated reported that they will support patients with OTC hearing aids purchased elsewhere, whereas a quarter reported that they will sell OTC hearing aids in their clinic or website. HHPs expressed over 70% agreement in ‘concern’ statements in 14 of the 17 items. Issues about safety, counseling, and audiological care were the key concerns expressed by HHPs about OTC hearing aids. Some demographics (i.e., profession, primary position) were associated with responses to some statements. Two groups were identified based on the responses to concern statements. The HHPs in the first cluster ‘OTC averse’ (51%) agreed on all the 17 concern statements, whereas the second cluster ‘OTC apprehensive’ (49%) had some items rated as disagree (i.e., consumers will give up on amplification) and neither agree nor disagree (i.e., do not provide good value, warranties and return periods will be worse), and remaining items were rated as agree. OTC hearing aids were initiated to improve affordability, accessibility, and hearing aid uptake and are currently a rapidly emerging category of hearing devices. Overall, the results of the current study indicate that HHPs have serious concerns about OTC hearing aids. HHP concerns cited in this study provide useful feedback to stakeholders (e.g., HHP professional agencies, FDA, industry, and insurance payers) involved in improving OTC hearing aid implementation.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-03-01
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13020018
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 2 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 196-206: Induction and Cancellation of
Self-Motion Misperception by Asymmetric Rotation in the Light
Authors: Vito Enrico Pettorossi, Chiara Occhigrossi, Roberto Panichi, Fabio Massimo Botti, Aldo Ferraresi, Giampietro Ricci, Mario Faralli
First page: 196
Abstract: Asymmetrical sinusoidal whole-body rotation sequences with half-cycles at different velocities induce self-motion misperception. This is due to an adaptive process of the vestibular system that progressively reduces the perception of slow motion and increases that of fast motion. It was found that perceptual responses were conditioned by four previous cycles of asymmetric rotation in the dark, as the perception of self-motion during slow and fast rotations remained altered for several minutes. Surprisingly, this conditioned misperception remained even when asymmetric stimulation was performed in the light, a state in which vision completely cancels out the perceptual error. This suggests that vision is unable to cancel the misadaptation in the vestibular system but corrects it downstream in the central perceptual processing. Interestingly, the internal vestibular perceptual misperception can be cancelled by a sequence of asymmetric rotations with fast/slow half-cycles in a direction opposite to that of the conditioning asymmetric rotations.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-03-02
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13020019
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 2 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 207-220: Social Representations of
“Tinnitus” and “Health” among Individuals with
Tinnitus Seeking Online Psychological Interventions
Authors: Vinaya Manchaiah, Srikanth Chundu, Pierre Ratinaud, Gerhard Andersson, Eldre W. Beukes
First page: 207
Abstract: (1) Objective: Social representations theory (SRT) is a body of theory within social psychology concerned with how individuals, groups, and communities collectively make sense of socially relevant or problematic issues, ideas, and practices. SRT has been increasingly sued in the area of health and disability. The current study examined the social representations of “tinnitus” and “health” among individuals with tinnitus who are seeking online psychological interventions. (2) Materials/Method: The data were gathered using a free association task about their “tinnitus” and “health” from 399 individuals with tinnitus. The data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative analyses methods. (3) Results: The responses resulted in 39 and 30 categories respectively, for “tinnitus” and “health”. The most commonly occurring categories for tinnitus included: descriptions of tinnitus (18%), annoying (13.5%), persistent (8%), and distracting (5%). The most commonly occurring categories for health included: content (12%), conditions (8%), active (7%), take control (6%), and overweight (5%). The responses to tinnitus had predominantly negative connotations (i.e., 76.9%) whereas a larger proportion of responses toward their health was related to positive connotations (i.e., 46.4%). These frequently occurring items were also dominant in similarities analysis. Prototypical analysis of tinnitus responses identified categories horrible and bothersome to be key items in the central zone. The categories in central zone of health responses included: content, active, healthy, grateful, and overweight. (4) Conclusions: Individuals with tinnitus have very negative view of their tinnitus impacting their psychological status. Tinnitus management should focus on reducing the negative associations toward their tinnitus and strengthen the positive aspects related to their general health.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-03-06
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13020020
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 2 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 221-235: Self-Reported Hearing-Aid Use
Patterns in an Adult Danish Population
Authors: Sreeram K. Narayanan, Sabina S. Houmøller, Anne Wolff, Katja Lund, Sören Möller, Dan D. Hougaard, Michael Gaihede, Jesper H. Schmidt, Dorte Hammershøi
First page: 221
Abstract: The retrospective reporting of users’ hearing aid (HA) usage can provide insight into individualized HA usage patterns. Understanding these HA usage patterns can help to provide a tailored solution to meet the usage needs of HA users. This study aims to understand the HA usage pattern in daily-life situations from self-reported data and to examine its relationship to self-reported outcomes. A total of 1537 participants who responded to questions related to situations where they always took off or put on the HAs were included in the study. A latent class analysis was performed to stratify the HA users according to their HA usage pattern. The results showed distinct usage patterns in the latent classes derived for both scenarios. The demographics, socio-economic indicators, hearing loss, and user-related factors were found to impact HA usage. The results showed that the HA users who reported using the HAs all the time (regular users) had better self-reported HA outcomes than situational users, situational non-users, and non-users. The study explained the underlying distinct HA usage pattern from self-reported questionnaires using latent class analysis. The results emphasized the importance of regular use of HAs for a better self-reported HA outcome.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-03-27
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13020021
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 2 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 236-253: Neuropsychological Functions
and Audiological Findings in Elderly Cochlear Implant Users: The Role of
Attention in Postoperative Performance
Authors: Ilaria Giallini, Bianca Maria Serena Inguscio, Maria Nicastri, Ginevra Portanova, Andrea Ciofalo, Annalisa Pace, Antonio Greco, Hilal Dincer D’Alessandro, Patrizia Mancini
First page: 236
Abstract: Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate in a group of elderly CI users working memory and attention, conventionally considered as predictors of better CI performance and to try to disentangle the effects of these cognitive domains on speech perception, finding potential markers of cognitive decline related to audiometric findings. Methods Thirty postlingually deafened CI users aged >60 underwent an audiological evaluation followed by a cognitive assessment of attention and verbal working memory. A correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between cognitive variables while a simple regression investigated the relationships between cognitive and audiological variables. Comparative analysis was performed to compare variables on the basis of subjects’ attention performance. Results: Attention was found to play a significant role in sound field and speech perception. Univariate analysis found a significant difference between poor and high attention performers, while regression analysis showed that attention significantly predicted recognition of words presented at Signal/Noise +10. Further, the high attention performers showed significantly higher scores than low attentional performers for all working memory tasks. Conclusion: Overall findings confirmed that a better cognitive performance may positively contribute to better speech perception outcomes, especially in complex listening situations. WM may play a crucial role in storage and processing of auditory-verbal stimuli and a robust attention may lead to better performance for speech perception in noise. Implementation of cognitive training in auditory rehabilitation of CI users should be investigated in order to improve cognitive and audiological performance in elderly CI users.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-03-27
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13020022
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 2 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 254-270: Value Propositions of Public
Adult Hearing Rehabilitation in Denmark
Authors: Katja Lund, Rodrigo Ordoñez, Jens Bo Nielsen, Stine Christiansen, Sabina Storbjerg Houmøller, Jesper Hvass Schmidt, Michael Gaihede, Dorte Hammershøi
First page: 254
Abstract: Objective: To obtain and evaluate detailed descriptions of potential value propositions as seen by adults undergoing hearing rehabilitation with hearing aids. Design: Semi-structured interviews with patients and audiologists, a literature search, and the inclusion of domain knowledge from experts and scientists were used to derive value propositions. A two-alternative forced-choice paradigm and probabilistic choice models were used to investigate hearing aid users’ preferences for the value propositions through an online platform. Study sample: Twelve hearing aid users (mean age 70, range 59–70) and eleven clinicians were interviewed. A total of 173 experienced hearing aid users evaluated the value propositions. Results: Twenty-nine value propositions as described by patients, clinicians, and hearing care experts where identified, from which twenty-one value propositions were evaluated. Results of the pair-wise evaluation method show that the value propositions judged to be the most important for the hearing aid users were: “13. To solve the hearing problem you have”, “09. Thorough diagnosis of the hearing”, and “16. The hearing aid solution is adapted to individual needs”, which are related to finding the correct hearing solution and to be considered in the process. The value propositions judged to be least important were: “04 Next of kin and others involved in the process”, “26. To be in the same room as the practitioner”, and “29. The practitioner’s human characteristics”, related to the involvement of others in the process and the proximity and personal manner of the practitioners.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-04-12
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13020023
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 2 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 271-284: Hearing Health Awareness and
the Need for Educational Outreach Amongst Teachers in Malawi
Authors: Grant Kapalamula, Kelly Gordie, Memory Khomera, J. Zachary Porterfield, Julia Toman, Jenna Vallario
First page: 271
Abstract: Malawi, as a low-income country in southeastern Africa, severely lacks early identification, diagnosis and intervention measures for hearing loss. Due to its constrained resources, an educational awareness campaign targeted at professionals can be a cost-effective instrument in promoting good health care through awareness, prevention, and early identification of hearing loss. The aim of this study is to assess school teachers’ knowledge of hearing health, audiology services, identification, and management of hearing issues before and after an educational intervention. Methods: A Pre-Survey, followed by an educational intervention, and a Post-Survey were completed by teacher participants. A similar World Health Organization-derived survey was also administered to compare to our locally adapted survey. Trends related to efficacy, performance, and survey improvement were evaluated. Results: A total of 387 teachers participated. The average score on the Post-Survey was significantly improved compared to the Pre-Survey (71% to 97% correct responses) with the educational intervention. The only predictive variable related to performance was the location of the school within the capital of Lilongwe compared to rural sites outside of the capital. Our locally adapted survey compared favorably to the WHO survey. Conclusions: The results suggest that there is a statistically significant improvement in the implementation of an educational program to increase the knowledge and awareness of hearing health care among teachers. Some topics were more poorly understood than others, suggesting the need for targeted awareness interventions. Location within the capital city had some effect on performance but a high rate of correct responses was achievable across the participants independent of age, teaching experience, or gender. Our data support the idea that hearing health awareness interventions can be an effective and low-cost option to equip teachers to effectively serve as an advocate for improved identification, early diagnosis and appropriate referral of students with hearing loss.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-04-12
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13020024
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 2 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 285-303: Vestibular Impairment in
Patients with Vestibular Schwannoma: A Journey through the Pitfalls of
Current Literature
Authors: Davide Pisani, Federico Maria Gioacchini, Giuseppe Chiarella, Alessia Astorina, Filippo Ricciardiello, Alfonso Scarpa, Massimo Re, Pasquale Viola
First page: 285
Abstract: Vestibular Schwannoma is the most common tumour of Ponto Cerebellar Angle and is capable of strongly impacting the patient’s quality of life. In recent decades, the proposals for the management of the disease have multiplied, just as the diagnostic capacity has improved. While in the past, the primary objective was the preservation of the facial function, and subsequently also of the auditory function, the attention to the vestibular symptomatology, which appears to be one of the main indicators of deterioration of quality of life, is still unsatisfactory. Many authors have tried to provide guidance on the best possible management strategy, but a universally recognized guideline is still lacking. This article offers an overview of the disease and the proposals which have advanced in the last twenty years, evaluating their qualities and defects in a critical reading.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-04-13
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13020025
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 2 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 304-313: Paroxysmal Positional
Nystagmus in Acoustic Neuroma Patients
Authors: Francesco Comacchio, Paola Magnavita, Barbara Bellemo
First page: 304
Abstract: The association between acoustic neuroma and positional vertigo with paroxysmal positional nystagmus is relatively rare, but, when present, it certainly represents a challenge for the otoneurologist. There are few reports in the literature on this particular issue, and some questions are still unanswered, particularly regarding the characteristics of positional nystagmus that may distinguish between a true benign paroxysmal vertigo and a positional nystagmus associated with the tumor. We present the videonystagmographic patterns of seven patients with acoustic tumor who had paroxysmal positional nystagmus and analyzed its features. A concomitant true benign paroxysmal positional vertigo may be present during the follow-up of a non-treated patient, as the paroxysmal positional vertigo may be the first symptom of the tumor, and it may show characteristics that are very similar to a posterior semicircular canal canalolithiasis or a horizontal canal “heavy or light cupula”. The possible mechanisms are discussed.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-04-13
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13020026
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 2 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 64-75: The Role and Relevance of
Hearing Dogs from the Owner’s Perspective: An Explorative Study
among Adults with Hearing Loss
Authors: Audrey Lalancette, Marie-Alycia Tremblay, Mathieu Hotton
First page: 64
Abstract: This study aimed to explore perceptions and experiences about how owning a hearing dog can influence the functioning and the autonomy of people with hearing loss. Three adults participated in a semi-structured interview. The interviews were video recorded, transcribed, and coded. A procedure combining qualitative content analysis and interpretative phenomenological analysis was used. The study shows how specific aspects of hearing dogs are associated with increased autonomy and sense of security among owners. The attentive dog-owner pairing, the outstanding training and the companion role of the hearing dog are the main elements supporting the high satisfaction related by all the participants. In regard of the location context (Quebec, Canada), ongoing challenges for owners are reflected in the lack of visibility of this rehabilitation means and its poor recognition from the society, resulting in the constant burden to explain the dog’s work to others. For adults with hearing loss, the hearing dog is a relevant way of offering both the benefits of functional assistance and the psychosocial support of a pet. The association between owning a hearing dog and improved overall well-being suggests that this form of rehabilitation should be considered as a pertinent option by hearing health professionals.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-01-05
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13010006
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 1 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 76-86: Efferent Control in Musicians: A
Review
Authors: Francisca Acuña, Rodrigo Jeria, Elisabeth Pavez, Enzo Aguilar-Vidal
First page: 76
Abstract: It is widely established that musicians possess a higher level in certain auditory perceptual abilities when compared to non-musicians. This improvement may be mediated, at least in part, by changes in the cochlear response induced by reflex activation of the olivocochlear efferent system. In this review, we describe and analyze the scientific evidence regarding possible differences in the efferent response in musicians and non-musicians. The main evidence observed is that musicians present a greater robustness of the efferent olivocochlear reflex when measured by suppression of otoacoustic emissions and compared to non-musicians. Analyzing the articles presented in this review, it is possible to point out that the differential role of the efferent effect in musicians is not yet established. There is not enough evidence to support the idea that the olivocochlear system favors comparative changes in the properties of musicians’ auditory filters. New studies with psychoacoustic techniques, among others, are needed to measure the effect of the olivocochlear reflex on tuning, gain, compression, or temporal resolution in musicians and non-musicians.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-01-06
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13010007
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 1 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 86-93: Facial Palsy Secondary to
Cholesteatoma: A Case-Series of 14 Patients
Authors: George Psillas, Jiannis Constantinidis
First page: 86
Abstract: Background: To evaluate patients with middle ear cholesteatoma presenting with facial palsy (FP). Material-Methods: A total of 14 subjects (10 males and 4 females), with a mean age of 42.5 years, were included in our study. The majority of patients presented with incomplete FP (House–Brackmann HB II-IV, 11 cases) and the remaining 3 patients had complete facial paralysis (HB V-VI). A canal wall down mastoidectomy was performed in all the patients, followed by partial facial nerve decompression. Results: At the one-year follow-up, eleven (78.5%) patients demonstrated satisfactory recovery to HB I-II. Facial function recovered to HB grade I-II in 9 (100%) patients who were surgically treated within one month, and in 2 (40%) patients who underwent surgery after one month. The tympanic segment of facial nerve was the most common site of involvement (8 patients). The multiple regression analysis showed that a higher preoperative HB grade combined with a gradual than sudden onset of FP more likely resulted in worse postoperative HB grade. Conclusion: Early surgical removal of cholesteatoma associated with FP is more likely to result in good facial nerve recovery (78.5% of cases), when it is performed within one month from the onset of FP. According to the literature, the tympanic segment of the facial nerve was more frequently damaged (77.7%), followed by the mastoid segment (22.9%), labyrinthine segment (11.1%), and geniculate ganglion (11.1%). Labyrinthine fistula, mainly of the lateral semicircular canal, can be expected in cases of facial nerve dehiscence. The canal wall down mastoidectomy combined with partial decompression surgery was the most preferred surgical treatment for the FP secondary to cholesteatoma.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-01-15
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13010008
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 1 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 94-95: Acknowledgment to the Reviewers
of Audiology Research in 2022
Authors: Audiology Research Editorial Office Audiology Research Editorial Office
First page: 94
Abstract: High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-01-19
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13010009
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 1 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 96-106: Do Patients Aged 85 Years and
above Benefit from Their Cochlear Implants'
Authors: Karin Hallin, Ulrika Larsson, Nadine Schart-Morén
First page: 96
Abstract: The present study aims to investigate the usage and benefits of cochlear implants (CIs) in elderly patients aged ≥85 years, including their device-handling issues, follow-ups, and the influence on their well-being. The patients answered one questionnaire regarding quality of life, EQ5D-3L , and one questionnaire, obtained from the Swedish CI quality register, regarding usage, handling, satisfaction, remaining difficulties, etc. The medical records were searched for the implantation date, implant model, speech processor model, monosyllabic (MS) word scores, infections over the implant, and compliance regarding scheduled visits to the clinic. The results show that most elderly patients are satisfied full-time users of their implants. Even though most patients had no problems handling their CI, handling issues must be considered. Recurring guidance and training on device operation are needed. We suggest that follow-up visits are essentially needed for this group of patients on a regular basis. CI surgery is considered a safe treatment, even for the elderly. Upgrads to new external equipment (e.g., sound processors) should not be excluded because of their age. The results suggested that the CI positively affected their well-being. This study was approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (5/10-2021, Dnr: 2021-04970).
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-01-19
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13010010
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 1 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 107-115: Prevalence of Congenital
Infections in Newborns and Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening in Santa
Catarina, Brazil
Authors: Eduarda Besen, Karina Mary Paiva, Luciana Berwanger Cigana, Marcos José Machado, Alessandra Giannella Samelli, Patrícia Haas
First page: 107
Abstract: Objective: to verify the frequency of congenital infections in newborns and their possible associations with the universal-neonatal-hearing-screening (UNHS) results, and evaluate a reference UNHS service in the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde—SUS), according to quality indicators. Methods: Historical cohort study with data analysis of newborns attending prestigious hearing-health SUS services from January 2017 to December 2021, in Santa Catarina, Brazil. The quality of screening coverage was assessed based on the quality indicators proposed by the Brazilian neonatal-hearing-screening-care guidelines (Diretrizes de Atenção da Triagem Auditiva Neonatal—DATAN). Logistic-regression analysis, crude OR calculations, Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel OR calculation, and chi-square test were performed to estimate the association between risk indicators for hearing loss and UNHS failure. Results: In the last five years, the prestigious services performed UNHS on 34,801 newborns and met the DATAN quality indicators. Congenital syphilis was the most frequent (1.59%) congenital infection in newborns, followed by HIV (0.87%), whereas the least frequent was rubella (0.029%). Conclusion: Prestigious UNHS services reached ≥95% hearing screening coverage. Considering all congenital infections, the prevalence was 2.87%, with congenital syphilis the most frequent. Newborns with congenital syphilis or HIV are more likely to fail UNHS.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-01-27
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13010011
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 1 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 116-129: How Cochlear Implant
Authors: Francesco P. Iannacone, Francesca Visconti, Elisabetta Zanoletti
First page: 116
Abstract: Background: Since both surgery and more conservative treatments show long-term outcomes in patients with VS, the current challenge in its therapeutic strategy is to offer a cure with lower functional morbidity in terms of facial and hearing preservation or the possibility of hearing rehabilitation with a cochlear implant. Methods: PubMed and Scopus databases were searched from 2017 to November 2022. Fifteen articles met our selection criteria: (1) patients with a diagnosis of VS, either sporadic or NF2-related; (2) simultaneous or sequential cochlear implantation; (3) specified audiological test results and follow-up timing. Conclusions: Although the level of evidence for the presently included studies is low due to either the study design or the lack of treatment consensus, CI rehabilitation is a promising option, especially in small VS with compromised hearing and as a salvage option after a failed attempt at hearing preservation surgery.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-02-08
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13010012
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 1 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 130-142: Vestibular Loss in Children
Affected by LVAS and IP2 Malformation and Operated with Cochlear Implant
Authors: Åsa Bonnard, Eva Karltorp, Luca Verrecchia
First page: 130
Abstract: This is a single center cohort study regarding the prevalence of vestibular loss in hearing impaired children affected by large vestibular aqueduct syndrome (LVAS) with incomplete cochlear partition malformation type II (IP2), fitted with cochlear implant (CI). Twenty-seven children received CI operations at 0.4–13 years on one or both ears and tested for vestibular loss with head impulse test, video head impulse test, mini ice-water test and cervical VEMP. Vestibular loss was found in 19% of operated ears and in 13.9% of non-operated ears. The difference was not statistically significant and was not significantly modified by age at implantation, age at testing, sex, presence of SLC26A4 gene mutation or bilaterality. However, the presence of anatomic anomalies at the level of the vestibulum or semicircular canals was significantly associated with a higher incidence of vestibular loss in CI operated children but not in those non-operated. No other factors, such as the surgical access, the electrode type, the presence of Gusher perioperatively, or post-operative vertigo modified significantly the prevalence of vestibular loss. In conclusion, LVAS/IP2 appears to be the major determinant of vestibular loss in these children, with a less obvious impact of CI, excluding the cases with vestibulum/canal anomalies: this group might have a higher risk for vestibular loss after CI surgery.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-02-09
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13010013
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 1 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 143-150: Comparison of Speech, Spatial,
and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) and the Abbreviated Profile of
Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) Questionnaires in a Large Cohort of
Self-Reported Normal-Hearing Adult Listeners
Authors: Nirmal Srinivasan, Sadie O’Neill
First page: 143
Abstract: The Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) and the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) are two most commonly used questionnaires in the audiology clinic to assess an individual’s self-perception of their hearing ability. Here, we present the outcomes of these two questionnaires on a large group of self-reported normal hearing adult listeners. A total of 254 self-reported normal-hearing younger and older adults completed the SSQ and the APHAB questionnaire. The younger participants completed the questionnaires through Qualtrics, whereas the older participants completed the questionnaire through Qualtrics and a traditional pen-and-paper method. The younger listeners perceived a higher ability compared to the older adults in all the SSQ subscales (Speech, Spatial, and Qualities) and reported a lesser frequency of the problems in three of the four APHAB subscales (Ease of communication, Reverberation, and Background Noise). There was no significant difference in the frequency of the problems reported in the Aversiveness subscale. Self-reported normal-hearing listeners do not rate their listening ability at the top of the ability scale. Additionally, the large dataset presented here has a potential normative value for the SSQ and the APHAB questionnaires for self-reported normal-hearing adult listeners.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-02-10
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13010014
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 1 (2023)
- Audiology Research, Vol. 13, Pages 151-159: Socio-Economic Status and
Language Development in Hearing Loss: A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Paris Binos, Theodora Papastefanou, George Psillas
First page: 151
Abstract: The impact of language input on children’s speech, language, and brain development was borne out of Hart and Risley’s famous “30-million-word gap”. A perspective bolstered by many studies in the last decade relates higher socio-economic status (SES) to better qualitative and quantitative differences in children’s speech. The logic chains found in these studies suggest that literacy development depends on language and brain development. Thus, brain building develops based on environmental experience and language input depends on the brain’s perception of the auditory information. This essay uses the latest published peer-reviewed research to outline the current landscape of the role of SES in the development of speech and language skills among children with hearing loss (HL) who are enrolled in auditory-driven habilitation programs. This essay argues that low SES families may provide sufficient input for their children. The outcome of auditory-driven programs implemented by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) seems to be detached from SES. The role of SES on this developmental trajectory remains unclear, and clinical practice may be related to other validated and robust parameters related to hearing loss.
Citation: Audiology Research
PubDate: 2023-02-14
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13010015
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 1 (2023)
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