Showing papers in "International Journal of Audiology in 2016"
TL;DR: The analysis suggests that behavioural planning might be more likely to occur if audiologists’ psychological capability, physical and social opportunity, and reflective and automatic motivation were addressed and this analysis forms the basis of an intervention design to encourage behavioural planning by audiologists and subsequent hearing-aid use by people with hearing loss.
Abstract: Objectives: To introduce a psychological model of behaviour; the COM-B model and describe how this has been used in combination with the behaviour change wheel (BCW) in developing an intervention which aims to promote regular, long-term use of hearing aids by adults with acquired hearing loss. Design: Qualitative structured interview study using the COM-B model to identify the determinants of behavioural planning on the part of audiologists; a potentially important factor in encouraging long-term hearing-aid use. Study sample: Ten audiologists drawn from a random sample of five English audiology departments. Results: The analysis suggests that behavioural planning might be more likely to occur if audiologists’ psychological capability, physical and social opportunity, and reflective and automatic motivation were addressed. This analysis forms the basis of an intervention design, using the BCW, to encourage behavioural planning by audiologists and subsequent hearing-aid use by people with hearing l...
199 citations
TL;DR: This novel application of the self-regulatory model demonstrates that it can be used to capture the key psychosocial experiences of adults with mild-moderate hearing loss within a single, unifying framework.
Abstract: Objective: This study explored the psychosocial experiences of adults with hearing loss using the self-regulatory model as a theoretical framework. The primary components of the model, namely cognitive representations, emotional representations, and coping responses, were examined. Design: Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted. The data were analysed using an established thematic analysis procedure. Study sample: Twenty-five adults with mild-moderate hearing loss from the UK and nine hearing healthcare professionals from the UK, USA, and Canada were recruited via maximum variation sampling. Results: Cognitive representations: Most participants described their hearing loss as having negative connotations and consequences, although they were not particularly concerned about the progression or controllability/curability of the condition. Opinions differed regarding the benefits of understanding the causes of one’s hearing loss in detail. Emotional representations: negative emotions dominated, although some experienced positive emotions or muted emotions. Coping responses: engaged coping (e.g. hearing aids, communication tactics) and disengaged coping (e.g. withdrawal from situations, withdrawal within situations): both had perceived advantages and disadvantages. Conclusions: This novel application of the self-regulatory model demonstrates that it can be used to capture the key psychosocial experiences (i.e. perceptions, emotions, and coping responses) of adults with mild-moderate hearing loss within a single, unifying framework.
100 citations
TL;DR: Hearing-impaired children under three years of age may benefit from cochlear implantation if their PTA exceeds 60 dB HL bilaterally, and as young as possible should minimize any language delay resulting from an initial period of auditory deprivation.
Abstract: Objective: Establish up-to-date evidence-based guidelines for recommending cochlear implantation for young children. Design: Speech perception results for early-implanted children were compared to children using traditional amplification. Equivalent pure-tone average (PTA) hearing loss for cochlear implant (CI) users was established. Language of early-implanted children was assessed over six years and compared to hearing peers. Study sample: Seventy-eight children using CIs and 62 children using traditional amplification with hearing losses ranging 25–120 dB HL PTA (speech perception study). Thirty-two children who received a CI before 2.5 years of age (language study). Results: Speech perception outcomes suggested that children with a PTA greater than 60 dB HL have a 75% chance of benefit over traditional amplification. More conservative criteria applied to the data suggested that children with PTA greater than 82 dB HL have a 95% chance of benefit. Children implanted under 2.5 years with no sign...
84 citations
TL;DR: The studies indicate a clear association between tinnitus and aspects of cognitive function, specifically the executive control of attention, with additive effects of anxiety, depression, and somatic cognitive bias.
Abstract: The authors would like to acknowledge the support of the Ear Science Institute Australia and the Lions Hearing Clinic.
84 citations
TL;DR: The results of five headphone types indicate that the smartphone-based hearing test is reliable and can be conducted using standard Android smartphone headphones or clinical headphones.
Abstract: Objective: The objective of this study was to develop and validate a smartphone-based digits-in-noise hearing test for South African English. Design: Single digits (0–9) were recorded and spoken by a first language English female speaker. Level corrections were applied to create a set of homogeneous digits with steep speech recognition functions. A smartphone application was created to utilize 120 digit-triplets in noise as test material. An adaptive test procedure determined the speech reception threshold (SRT). Experiments were performed to determine headphones effects on the SRT and to establish normative data. Study sample: Participants consisted of 40 normal-hearing subjects with thresholds ≤15 dB across the frequency spectrum (250–8000 Hz) and 186 subjects with normal-hearing in both ears, or normal-hearing in the better ear. Results: The results show steep speech recognition functions with a slope of 20%/dB for digit-triplets presented in noise using the smartphone application. The results ...
79 citations
TL;DR: It is proposed that attempts to use unreliable models to explain and predict hearing health behaviours should now be replaced by work which integrates the latest in behaviour change science, such as the Behaviour Change Wheel and Theoretical Domains Framework.
Abstract: Objective:
In recent years, there has been an increase in the application of behavioural models, such as social cognition models, to the promotion of hearing health. Despite this, there exists a well-developed body of literature that suggests such models may fail to consistently explain reliable amounts of variability in human behaviours.
Design:
This paper provides a summary of this research across selected models of health-related behaviour, outlining the current state of the evidence.
Results:
Recent work in the field of behaviour change is presented together with commentary on the design and reporting of behaviour change interventions.
Conclusions:
We propose that attempts to use unreliable models to explain and predict hearing health behaviours should now be replaced by work which integrates the latest in behaviour change science, such as the Behaviour Change Wheel and Theoretical Domains Framework.
75 citations
TL;DR: The most effective components of the tinnitus and hyperacusis therapy interventions were judged by the patients to be counselling, education, and CBT.
Abstract: Objective: To assess patients’ judgements of the effectiveness of the tinnitus and hyperacusis therapies offered in a specialist UK National Health Service audiology department Design: Cross-sectional service evaluation questionnaire survey Patients were asked to rank the effectiveness of the treatment they received on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 = no effect, 5 = very effective) Study sample: The questionnaire was sent to all patients who received treatment between January and March 2014 (n = 200) and 92 questionnaires were returned Results: The mean score was greatest for counselling (Mean = 47, SD = 06), followed by education (Mean = 45, SD = 08), cognitive behavioural therapy - CBT (Mean = 44, SD = 07), and hearing tests (Mean = 44, SD = 09) Only 6% of responders rated counselling as 3 or below In contrast, bedside sound generators, hearing aids, and wideband noise generators were rated as 3 or below by 25%, 36%, and 47% of participants, respectively Conclusion: The most effective com
74 citations
TL;DR: Assessment of the structural relations between three classes of test variables and the theoretical implications for the Ease of Language Understanding (ELU) model found all LEVEL 2 factors are important theoretically as well as for clinical assessment.
Abstract: Objective: The aims of the current n200 study were to assess the structural relations between three classes of test variables (i.e. HEARING, COGNITION and aided speech-in-noise OUTCOMES) and to des...
74 citations
TL;DR: It is crucial to develop appropriate standards and safe recommendations for daily music exposure dose in future studies to help raise awareness, increase knowledge, and consequently change attitudes and listening habits.
Abstract: Objective: This systematic review aimed to explore the evidence on whether the preferred listening levels (PLLs) and durations of music listening through personal listening devices (PLDs) in adolescents and young adults exceed the current recommended 100% daily noise dose; together with the impact on hearing and possible influential factors of such listening behaviours. Design: A systematic search was conducted using multiple online bibliographic databases. Study sample: The 26 studies were included on the basis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The results showed that up to 58.2% of participants exceeded the 100% daily noise dose, particularly in the presence of background noise. Significantly positive correlations were found among background noise levels and mean PLLs, as well as the proportion of participants exceeding the 100% daily noise dose. Moreover, significantly worse hearing thresholds were found in PLD users using audiometry, and significantly poor results in otoacousti...
71 citations
TL;DR: Personality traits have a consistent association with the distress experienced by adult tinnitus help-seekers, and help- Seekers are also more likely to experience affective symptoms and/or disorders.
Abstract: Objective: Scoping reviews of existing literature were conducted to identify key personality traits relevant to tinnitus, and examine the relationship between affective disorders and tinnitus. Design: The methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley was followed. Study sample: Sixty studies were chosen for charting the data, 14 studies examined personality traits exclusively, 31 studies examined affective disorders exclusively, and 15 studies investigated both. Results: The presence of one or more specific personality traits of high neuroticism, low extraversion, high stress reaction, higher alienation, lower social closeness, lower well-being, lower self control, lower psychological acceptance, presence of a type D personality, and externalized locus of control were associated with tinnitus distress. Anxiety and depression were more prevalent among the tinnitus clinical population and at elevated levels. Conclusions: Personality traits have a consistent association with the distress experience...
69 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a 12-month review of post-operative speech perception performance of adults implanted at the Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, was performed to support the provision of cochlear implantation.
Abstract: Objective: Adult selection criteria for cochlear implantation have been developed based on analysis of the post-operative performance of a large group of postlingually deafened adults. Original criteria published in 2004 were reviewed and amended to reflect outcomes currently being achieved by implant recipients. Design: Retrospective review of 12-month post-operative speech perception performance of adults implanted at the Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Study sample: A total of 382 postlingually deafened adults, using a Freedom, Nucleus 5, or CI422 Slim Straight cochlear implant were used to create a comparative set of data. Results: Revised guidelines suggest that adults with postlingual hearing loss can now be considered cochlear implant candidates if they obtain scores of up to 55% for open-set phonemes in quiet in the ear to be implanted. Functional benefit may vary depending on the recipients’ contralateral hearing. Conclusions: This study supports the provision of cochlear impl...
TL;DR: Air-conduction hearing thresholds determined by smartphone-based audiometry was compared to conventional audiometry in a sound booth and a primary health-care clinic environment to validate a calibrated smartphones-based hearing test in asound booth environment and in primary health -care clinics.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To validate a calibrated smartphone-based hearing test in a sound booth environment and in primary health-care clinics.DESIGN: A repeated-measure within-subject study design was employed ...
TL;DR: Assessment of expectations of hearing aids, and readiness to improve hearing, may be useful to help identify individuals attending audiology clinics who would most likely benefit from hearing aid provision.
Abstract: Objective: To examine the impact of self-efficacy and expectations for hearing aids, and readiness to improve hearing, on hearing aid outcome measures in first-time adult hearing aid users Design: A prospective, single centre design. Predictor variables measured at the hearing assessment included measures of self-efficacy, expectations and readiness to improve hearing. Outcome measures obtained at sixweek follow-up were the Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile and Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life. Study sample: A sample of 30 first-time adult hearing aid users were recruited through a public-sector funded audiology clinic. Results: When measured prior to hearing aid fitting, self-efficacy for hearing aids predicted satisfaction with hearing aids but was not related to other hearing aid outcomes. Expectations of hearing aids, in particular positive expectations, and readiness to improve hearing predicted outcomes for hearing aid satisfaction and benefit, although not hearing aid use. Hearing sensitivity was not correlated with hearing aid outcomes. Conclusions: These results suggest that assessment of expectations of hearing aids, and readiness to improve hearing, may be useful to help identify individuals attending audiology clinics who would most likely benefit from hearing aid provision.
TL;DR: Lexical-access ability is an important predictor of SRTs in normal-hearing listeners and is important to consider in the interpretation of speech-in-noise scores of hearing-impaired listeners.
Abstract: Objective: The main objective was to investigate the effect of linguistic abilities (lexical-access ability and vocabulary size) on different measures of speech-in-noise recognition in normal-hearing listeners with various levels of language proficiency. Design: Speech reception thresholds (SRTs) were measured for sentences in steady-state (SRTstat) and fluctuating noise (SRTfluc), and for digit-triplets in steady-state noise (DIN). Lexical-access ability was measured with a lexical-decision test and a word-naming test. Vocabulary size was also measured. For the SRT, keyword scoring and sentence scoring were compared. Study sample: To introduce variation in linguistic abilities, three groups of 24 young normal-hearing listeners were included: higher-educated native, lower-educated native, and higher-educated non-native listeners. Results: Lexical-access ability was most accurately measured with combined results of lexical decision and word naming. Lexical-access ability explained 60% of the varian...
TL;DR: A counseling-based intervention targeting the attitudes and beliefs assessed by the transtheoretical model and the health belief model has the potential to increase uptake of hearing health care.
Abstract: Objective: To understand hearing behaviors of adults seeking help for the first time through the application of two models of health behavior change: the transtheoretical model and the health belief model. Design: The relationships between attitudes and beliefs were examined relative to hearing-aid uptake and outcomes six months later. Study sample: One hundred and sixty adults completed the University of Rhode Island change assessment (targeting the transtheoretical model), and the hearing beliefs questionnaire (targeting the health belief model), as well as the hearing handicap inventory and the psychosocial impact of hearing loss scale, within two months of an initial hearing assessment. Six months later, participants completed these same questionnaires, while those who had taken up hearing aids also completed hearing-aid outcome questionnaires. Results: (1) Attitudes and beliefs were associated with future hearing-aid uptake, and were effective at modeling this behavior; (2) attitudes and beli...
TL;DR: D-met significantly reduced ABR threshold shifts and increased OHC percentages compared to kanamycin-treated controls and may be clinically significant particularly for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients who frequently suffer from kanamytin-induced hearing loss in developing countries.
Abstract: Objective: Test D-methionine (D-met) as an otoprotectant from kanamycin-induced ototoxicity and determine the lowest maximally protective D-met dose. Design: Auditory brainstem responses (ABR) were measured at 4, 8, 14, and 20 kHz at baseline and two, four, and six weeks after kanamycin and D-met administration initiation. ABR threshold shifts assessed auditory function. Following six-week ABR testing, animals were decapitated and cochleae collected for outer hair cell (OHC) quantification. Study sample: Eight groups of 10 male pigmented guinea pigs were administered a subcutaneous kanamycin (250 mg/kg/dose) injection once per day and an intraperitoneal D-met injection (0 (saline), 120, 180, 240, 300, 360, 420, or 480 mg/kg/day) twice per day for 23 days. Results: Significant ABR threshold shift reductions and increased OHC counts (p ≤0.01) were measured at multiple D-met-dosed groups starting at two-week ABR assessments. A 300 mg/kg/day optimal otoprotective D-met dose provided 34–41 dB ABR thres...
TL;DR: There were some positive results from motivational engagement early in the patient journey, and future research should consider using qualitative methods to explore whether there are longer-term benefits of motivational engagement in hearing aid users.
Abstract: Objective: To assess (1) the feasibility of incorporating the Ida Institute’s Motivation Tools into a UK audiology service, (2) the potential benefits of motivational engagement in first-time hearing aid users, and (3) predictors of hearing aid and general health outcome measures.
Design: A feasibility study using a single-centre, prospective, quasi-randomized controlled design with two arms. The Ida Institute’s Motivation Tools formed the basis for motivational engagement. Study sample: First-time hearing aid users were recruited at the initial hearing assessment appointment. The intervention arm underwent motivational engagement (M+, n = 32), and a control arm (M-, n = 36) received standard care only. Results: The M+ group showed greater self-efficacy, reduced anxiety, and greater engagement with the audiologist at assessment and fitting appointments. However, there were no significant between-group differences 10-weeks post-fitting. Hearing-related communication scores predicted anxiety, and social isolation scores predicted depression for the M+ group. Readiness to address hearing difficulties predicted hearing aid outcomes for the M- group. Hearing sensitivity was not a predictor of outcomes. Conclusions: There were some positive results from motivational engagement early in the patient journey. Future research should consider using qualitative methods to explore whether there are longer-term benefits of motivational engagement in hearing aid users.
TL;DR: The association between recurrence of BPPV and age, female sex, and presence of comorbidities is stronger in patients affected by multiple associated diseases; the most frequently involved pathologies are psychiatric disorders, followed by neurological and vascular diseases.
Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between clinical features of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and age, sex, trauma, presence of one or more comorbidities such as cardiovascular, neurological, endocrinological, metabolic, psychiatric diseases. Design: Retrospective review of medical records (chart review). Study sample: A total of 475 patients aged from 14 to 87 years, affected by BPPV. Results: Recurrence of BPPV occurred in 139/475 patients (29.2%). The recurrence rate was significantly higher in female and older patients. Comorbidities were present in 72.6% of subjects with recurrent BPPV vs. 48.9% of patients with no recurrence (p <0.01). Forty-two patients (8.8%) reported a cranial trauma as a triggering event. Post-traumatic patients showed a significantly higher persistence rate (45.2%) compared to patients affected by non-traumatic BPPV (20.5%). Recurrence rates are overlapping between the two groups. Conclusion: Our results confirm the association...
TL;DR: The present study investigated differences between NL DIN and US DIN speech reception thresholds (SRTs) for a group of native Dutch-speaking listeners and demonstrated that these better SRTs cannot be explained by the combined effect of inter-digit coarticulation and prosody in the American-English triplets.
Abstract: Objective: The Dutch digits-in-noise test (NL DIN) and the American-English version (US DIN) are speech-in-noise tests for diagnostic and clinical usage. The present study investigated differences between NL DIN and US DIN speech reception thresholds (SRTs) for a group of native Dutch-speaking listeners. Design: In experiment 1, a repeated-measures design was used to compare SRTs for the NL DIN and US DIN in steady-state noise and interrupted noise for monaural, diotic, and dichotic listening conditions. In experiment 2, a subset of these conditions with additional speech material (i.e. US DIN triplets without inter-digit coarticulation/prosody) was used. Study sample: Experiment 1 was conducted with 16 normal-hearing Dutch students. Experiment 2 was conducted with nine different students. Results: No significant differences between SRTs measured with the NL DIN and US DIN were found in steady-state noise. In interrupted noise the US DIN SRTs were significantly better in monaural and diotic listen...
TL;DR: It is reliable to use the mastoid to determine BC thresholds in clinical audiometry, however, stimulation on a position superior-anterior to the pinna provides more efficient BC transmission than stimulation on the mastoids.
Abstract: Objective: This study explores the influence of stimulation position on bone conduction (BC) hearing sensitivity with a BC transducer attached using a headband. Design: (1) The cochlear promontory motion was measured in cadaver heads using laser Doppler vibrometry while seven different positions around the pinna were stimulated using a bone anchored hearing aid transducer attached using a headband. (2) The BC hearing thresholds were measured in human subjects, with the bone vibrator Radioear B71 attached to the same seven stimulation positions. Study sample: Three cadaver heads and twenty participants. Results: Stimulation on a position superior-anterior to the pinna generated the largest promontory motion and the lowest BC thresholds. Stimulations on the positions superior to the pinna, the mastoid, and posterior-inferior to the pinna showed similar magnitudes of promontory motion and similar levels of BC thresholds. Conclusion: Stimulations on the regions superior to the pinna, the mastoid, and ...
TL;DR: A review of primary classification systems used in cochleototoxicity monitoring aims to increase awareness of their relative strengths and limitations in the assessment and monitoring of ototoxic hearing loss and to indicate how future classification systems may improve upon the status-quo.
Abstract: Objective: Drug-mediated ototoxicity, specifically cochleotoxicity, is a concern for patients receiving medications for the treatment of serious illness. A number of classification schemes exist, most of which are based on pure-tone audiometry, in order to assist non-audiological/non-otological specialists in the identification and monitoring of iatrogenic hearing loss. This review identifies the primary classification systems used in cochleototoxicity monitoring. By bringing together classifications published in discipline-specific literature, the paper aims to increase awareness of their relative strengths and limitations in the assessment and monitoring of ototoxic hearing loss and to indicate how future classification systems may improve upon the status-quo. Design: Literature review. Study sample: PubMed identified 4878 articles containing the search term ototox*. Results: A systematic search identified 13 key classification systems. Cochleotoxicity classification systems can be divided into ...
TL;DR: The audiometric threshold at 4 kHz and perhaps 6’kHz should be taken into account when assessing hearing in a medico-legal context and is important for the ability to understand speech in background sounds and for the able to localize sounds.
Abstract: Background: Hearing loss caused by exposure to intense sounds usually has its greatest effects on audiometric thresholds at 4 and 6 kHz. However, in several countries compensation for occupational noise-induced hearing loss is calculated using the average of audiometric thresholds for selected frequencies up to 3 kHz, based on the implicit assumption that hearing loss for frequencies above 3 kHz has no material adverse consequences. This paper assesses whether this assumption is correct. Design: Studies are reviewed that evaluate the role of hearing for frequencies above 3 kHz. Results: Several studies show that frequencies above 3 kHz are important for the perception of speech, especially when background sounds are present. Hearing at high frequencies is also important for sound localization, especially for resolving front-back confusions. Conclusions: Hearing for frequencies above 3 kHz is important for the ability to understand speech in background sounds and for the ability to localize sounds....
TL;DR: The gaps in information reflect previous data on clinician communication and highlight the need for consistent information on a range of interventions to manage hearing loss.
Abstract: Objective: The Any Qualified Provider framework in the National Health Service has changed the way adult audiology services are offered in England. Under the new rules, patients are being offered a choice in geographical location and audiology provider. This study aimed to explore how choices in treatment are presented and to identify what information patients need when they are seeking help with hearing loss. Design: This study adopted qualitative methods of ethnographic observations and focus group interviews to identify information needed prior to, and during, help-seeking. Observational data and focus group data were analysed using the constant comparison method of grounded theory. Study sample: Participants were recruited from a community Health and Social Care Trust in the west of England. This service incorporates both an Audiology and a Hearing Therapy service. Twenty seven participants were involved in focus groups or interviews. Results: Participants receive little information beyond the detail of hearing aids. Participants report little information that was not directly related to uptake of hearing aids. Conclusions: Participant preferences were not explored and limited information resulted in decisions that were clinician-led. The gaps in information reflect previous data on clinician communication and highlight the need for consistent information on a range of interventions to manage hearing loss.
TL;DR: The prevalence of hyperacusis in the population of 11-year-old UK children is estimated to be 3.7%, more common in boys than girls, and was associated with larger amplitude otoacoustic emissions but with no other auditory factors.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of reduced sound tolerance (hyperacusis) in a UK population of 11-year-old children and examine the association of early life and auditory risk factors with report of hyperacusis. DESIGN: A prospective UK population-based study. STUDY SAMPLE: A total of 7097 eleven-year-old children within the Avon longitudinal study of parents and children (ALSPAC) were asked about sound tolerance; hearing and middle-ear function was measured using audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, and tympanometry. Information on neonatal risk factors and socioeconomic factors were obtained through parental questionnaires. RESULTS: 3.7% (95% CI 3.25, 4.14) children reported hyperacusis. Hyperacusis report was less likely in females (adj OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.49, 0.85), and was more likely with higher maternal education level (adj OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.08, 2.72) and with readmission to hospital in first four weeks (adj OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.20, 3.25). Report of hyperacusis was associated with larger amplitude otoacoustic emissions but with no other auditory factors. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hyperacusis in the population of 11-year-old UK children is estimated to be 3.7%. It is more common in boys.
TL;DR: This pilot study suggests that conducting an RCT on using motivational interviewing for facilitating hearing- aid use in people who do not use their hearing aids is feasible, and that MI combined with SC may have more positive effects on hearing-aid use compared to SC only.
Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on the effect of motivational interviewing (MI) on hearing-aid use. Design: This was a pilot single-blind, randomized parallel-group study conducted in the UK. Study sample: Thirty-seven adult patients who reported using their hearing aid(s) less than four hours per day were randomized to MI combined with Standard Care (MISC) (n = 20), and Standard Care only (SC) (n = 17). Results: Of 220 patients invited, 37 were enrolled giving the recruitment rate of 17%. One participant withdrew giving the retention rate of 97%. It was feasible to combine MI with SC for facilitating hearing-aid use and deliver the intervention with high fidelity in an audiology setting. The measure on hearing-aid use (data logging) one month after interventions favoured the MISC group. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that conducting an RCT on using MI for facilitating hearing-aid use in people who do not u...
TL;DR: Children referred to 5 clinical sites for auditory processing disorder assessment were tested with two dichotic listening tests, one with word pairs and the other with pairs of digits, as part of a comprehensive diagnostic battery, and amblyaudia was most prevalent.
Abstract: Children (n = 141) referred to 5 clinical sites for auditory processing disorder assessment were tested with two dichotic listening tests, one with word pairs and the other with pairs of digits, as part of a comprehensive diagnostic battery. Scores from the Randomized Dichotic Digits Test and the Dichotic Words Test were compared to age-appropriate norms and used to place children into one of four diagnostic categories (normal, dichotic dysaudia, amblyaudia, or amblyaudia plus) or to identify them as undiagnosed. Results from the two dichotic tests led to diagnosis of 56% of the children tested, leaving 44% undiagnosed. When results from a third dichotic listening test were used as a tie-breaker among originally undiagnosed children, a total of 79% of the children’s scores were placed into diagnostic categories (13% normal, 19% dichotic dysaudia, 35% amblyaudia, 12% amblyaudia plus). Amblyaudia, a binaural integration deficit evident only from dichotic listening test results, was most prevalent (3...
TL;DR: Under similar fitting and testing conditions of this study, FL techniques may not provide speech understanding benefit in certain background noise situations.
Abstract: Objective: Frequency lowering (FL) strategies move high frequency sound into a lower frequency range. This study determined if speech perception differences are observed between some of the different frequency lowering strategies that are available. Design: A cross-sectional, repeated-measures design was used to compare three hearing aids that used wide-dynamic range compression (WDRC) and either non-linear frequency compression (NFC), linear frequency transposition (LFT), or frequency translation (FT). The hearing aids were matched to prescriptive real ear targets for WDRC. The settings for each FL strategy were adjusted to provide audibility for a 6300 Hz filtered speech signal. Sentence recognition in noise, subjective measures of sound quality, and a modified version of the speech intelligibility index (SII) were measured. Study sample: Ten adults between the ages of 63 to 82 years with bilateral, high frequency hearing loss. Results: LFT and FT led to poorer sentence recognition compared to W...
TL;DR: The data indicate that suppressors reduce discharge levels to 140 dB peak SPL or below in only a subset of AR-15 conditions, shorter barrel length and use of muzzle brake devices can substantially increase exposure level for the user, and there are significant left/right ear sound pressure differences under suppressed conditions.
Abstract: Objective: Firearm discharges produce hazardous levels of impulse noise that can lead to permanent hearing loss. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of suppression, ammunition, and barrel length on AR-15 rifles. Design: Sound levels were measured left/right of a user’s head, and 1-m left of the muzzle, per MIL-STD-1474-D, under both unsuppressed and suppressed conditions. Study sample: Nine commercially available AR-15 rifles and 14 suppressors were used. Results: Suppressors significantly decreased peak dB SPL at the 1-m location and the left ear location. However, under most rifle/ammunition conditions, levels remained above 140 dB peak SPL near a user’s right ear. In a subset of conditions, subsonic ammunition produced values near or below 140 dB peak SPL. Overall suppression ranged from 7–32 dB across conditions. Conclusions: These data indicate that (1) suppressors reduce discharge levels to 140 dB peak SPL or below in only a subset of AR-15 conditions, (2) shorter barrel length an...
TL;DR: Group mean benefit was obtained with use of the combined mode on measures of speech recognition in coincident speech in noise, localization ability, subjective ratings of real-world benefit, and musical sound quality ratings.
Abstract: Objective: The aim of the study was to quantify the benefit provided by having access to amplified acoustic hearing in the implanted ear for use in combination with contralateral acoustic hearing and the electrical stimulation provided by the cochlear implant. Design: Measures of spatial and non-spatial hearing abilities were obtained to compare performance obtained with different configurations of acoustic hearing in combination with electrical stimulation. In the combined listening condition participants had access to bilateral acoustic hearing whereas the bimodal condition used acoustic hearing contralateral to the implanted ear only. Experience was provided with each of the listening conditions using a repeated-measures A-B-B-A experimental design. Study sample: Sixteen post-linguistically hearing-impaired adults participated in the study. Results: Group mean benefit was obtained with use of the combined mode on measures of speech recognition in coincident speech in noise, localization ability...
TL;DR: Sennheiser HD 202 II supra-aural headphones can be used as an affordable headphone for screening audiometry provided reported MPANLs, maximum intensities and ETSPL values are employed.
Abstract: Objective: Evaluation of the Sennheiser HD 202 II supra-aural headphones as an alternative headphone to enable more affordable hearing screening. Design: Study 1 measured the equivalent threshold sound pressure levels (ETSPL) of the Sennheiser HD 202 II. Study 2 evaluated the attenuation of the headphones. Study 3 determined headphone characteristics by analyzing the total harmonic distortion (THD), frequency response and force of the headband. Study sample: Twenty-five participants were included in study 1 and 15 in study 2 with ages ranging between 18 and 25. No participants were involved in study 3. Results: The Sennheiser HD 202 II ETSPLs (250–16000 Hz) showed no significant effects on ETSPL for ear laterality, gender or age. Attenuation was not significantly different (p > 0.01) to TDH 39 except at 8000 Hz (p < 0.01). Maximum permissible ambient noise levels (MPANL) were specified accordingly. The force of the headband was 3.1N. THD measurements showed that between 500 and 8000 Hz intensities...