MedWorm: Audiometry

Cochleo-vestibular clinical findings among drug resistant Tuberculosis Patients on therapy-a pilot study.

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: A multi-disciplinary close surveillance of MDR and XDR TB patients on therapy is imperative. Finally researches into therapeutic trials on antidotes and potent safer substitutes for aminoglycosides in the management are recommended. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

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14. Electrophysiological intraoperative monitoring in vestibular schwannoma surgery

Clinical Neurophysiology — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:42:18 +0100

We present the results of 48 patients, who underwent surgery of vestibular schwannomas (VS) from 2001 to 2011, with electrophysiological monitoring. Material and methods: Fifty operations (two re-resection). Monitoring used: EMG in identification and monitoring of CN VII, auditory evoked potentials (BAEP, ABR), motor evoked potentials (MEP). House–Brackmann scale (HB) was used in evaluation of postoperative deficit of CN VII. To determine the hearing disability we used audiometry or AAO-HNS score. We detected preoperative anacusis (respectively D score in the AAO-HNS classification) by 82% of patiens. (Source: Clinical Neurophysiology)

Association Between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Hearing Sensitivity.

American Journal of Audiology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with hearing sensitivity using the non-exercise prediction equation. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings that suggest a potentially auditory-protective effect of cardiorespiratory fitness. PMID: 22271908 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Audiology)

The Challenge of Detecting Minimal Hearing Loss in Audiometric Surveys.

American Journal of Audiology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The definition of an otologically normal individual, the pass-fail criterion representing the upper limit of the range of normal hearing, and the quality of the audiometry affect the percentage of persons identified falsely as having a minimal hearing loss. An upper limit of normal hearing of 15 dB HL yields an unacceptably high false-positive rate, particularly when the more variable higher audiometric frequencies are examined. When air-conduction thresholds are assessed in isolation to estimate potential noise damage, the failure to exclude persons who have possible middle- and external-ear problems, including earwax, results in high false positive rates. When these factors and other limitations are considered, audiograms from teens from a recent CDC survey do not show evide...

Effect of 1 Hz Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Over the Auditory Cortex on Audiometry and Otoacustic Emissions.

Brain Topography — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, we found in this pilot approach no obvious indication for auditory dysfunctions due to direct electromagnetic stimulation of the superior temporal gyrus after one session of rTMS in healthy controls that may be interpreted as unwanted side effects. Nevertheless monitoring of auditory functions is strongly recommended in future clinical trials stimulating the auditory cortex, as this has not been done systematically in the past. PMID: 22258394 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Brain Topography)

Cochlear involvement in Familial Mediterranean Fever: A new feature of an old disease

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:16:09 +0100

In this study we first aimed to assess the cochlear functions in children with Familial Mediterranean Fever. The second aim was to investigate the correlation between the hearing levels and some clinical features of Familial Mediterranean Fever including the duration of the disease, age at onset, genetic analysis and colchicine use.Methods: Thirty-four children with Familial Mediterranean Fever and 27 age matched children were included in the study. Following otologic examination, all children underwent audiometric evaluation, including Pure Tone Average measurements and Distortion Product Otoaoustic Emission testing. Audiological results of the two groups were compared and correlation between the audiologic status and clinical parameters of the disease like the duration of disease, age at...

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Extended High Frequency Audiometry in Secretory Otitis Media

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:42:22 +0100

The objective of the present study was to determine the status of extended high frequencies in subjects with secretory otitis media. The study evaluated 30 ears of 20 subjects with secretory otitis media in the age group of 15–30 years. This data was compared with 20 ears of 10 volunteers of the same age group with clinically normal hearing. Pure tone air conduction thresholds were analyzed in three frequency groups: low frequency (LF: 0.25, 0.5, and 1 kHz), high frequency (HF: 2, 4, and 8 kHz) and extended high frequency (EHF: 10, 12, and 16 kHz). The results showed elevated extended high frequency thresholds (EHFG) as compared to control group and comparatively better thresholds at high frequencies(HFG)s as compared to low (LFG)and extended high frequencies(EH...

Role of acamprosate in sensorineural tinnitus

Indian Journal of Pharmacology — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Acamprosate is an effective drug in treating the severity of sensorineural tinnitus without causing much of the side effects. (Source: Indian Journal of Pharmacology)

Celiac disease and sensorineural hearing loss in children.

Acta Oto-Laryngologica — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:13:35 +0100

Conclusion: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a neurological situation and celiac disease (CD) may be seen coincidentally. Children with clinical signs of hearing deficiency of unknown etiology should be assessed for CD. Objective: CD is a chronic inflammatory gluten-dependent intestinal disease and has extraintestinal findings. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of CD and SNHL in our pediatric patients. Methods: A total of 25 pediatric patients (50 ears) with biopsy-proven CD were diagnosed in the pediatric gastroenterology department; 25 healthy control subjects (50 ears) were also included in the study. All subjects underwent pure tone audiometry at frequencies of 250-8000 Hz and tympanometry. Results: In the patients and controls, normal peak compliance, gradient, ...

Use of Telehealth for Research and Clinical Measures in Cochlear Implant Recipients: A Validation Study.

Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study demonstrate that telehealth is a viable option for research and clinical measures. Additional studies are needed to investigate ways to improve speech perception at remote locations that lack sound booths, and to validate the use of telehealth for pediatric services (e.g., play audiometry), sound-field threshold testing, and troubleshooting equipment. PMID: 22232388 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR)

Hearing loss in bullous myringitis

Auris, Nasus, Larynx — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 20:04:34 +0100

Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrate a high incidence of mixed or sensorineural hearing loss in bullous myringitis patients, and emphasize the need for routine early audiometric evaluation and appropriate follow up for individuals diagnosed as having bullous myringitis. (Source: Auris, Nasus, Larynx)

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Clinical characteristics and natural course of recurrent vestibulopathy: A long‐term follow‐up study

The Laryngoscope — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:The study suggests that in the majority of cases, vertigo spontaneously resolves, and that the risks of development to Ménière's disease or migraine are low. (Source: The Laryngoscope)

Hearing Loss in Chronic Renal Failure Patient Undergoing Hemodialysis

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:01:39 +0100

Abstract End stage renal failure patients, face to multiple complications. One of them is the involvement of auditory system. There are several proposed mechanisms for occurrence of hearing loss in these patients. There is no study performed in Iran for determining the status of hearing loss and results of audiometric tests in chronic renal failure patients. To assess prevalence, type and accompanying factors of auditory complications in end stage renal disease patients. Seventy chronic renal failure patients underwent clinical examination and audiometric tests. Their medical records reviewed to find out any contributing factor with auditory complications. There was higher prevalence of sensory neural hearing loss in CRF patients. The hearing loss was more obvious in highe...

Benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood: Diagnostic value of vestibular test and high stimulus rate auditory brainstem response test

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Vascular mechanisms might be involved in the pathogenesis of BPVC and there is strong evidence for close relationship between BPVC and migraine. High stimulus rate ABR is helpful in the diagnosis of BPVC. The inferior vestibular pathway is much more impaired than the superior vestibular pathway in BPVC. (Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology)

Progressive hearing loss after completion of cisplatin chemotherapy is common and more pronounced in children without spontaneous otoacoustic emissions before chemotherapy

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Cisplatin chemotherapy follow-up should include audiological monitoring in all children with elevated pure tone thresholds after therapy. Routine SOAE measurements taken as part of baseline audiometry before the start of chemotherapy can be taken into consideration. (Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology)

Novel mutations in ATP6V0A4 are associated with atypical progressive sensorineural hearing loss in a Chinese patient with distal renal tubular acidosis

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Mutations in ATP6V0A4 lead to distal renal acidosis (MIM 602722) with a highly variable range of hearing phenotype. We identified two novel ATP6V0A4 mutations in a Chinese patient with distal renal tubular acidosis and late onset hearing loss, and presented the first direct evidence of progressive hearing loss associated with ATP6V0A4 mutations by sequential audiological assessments. A unique audiometric profile of progressive hearing loss of the patient was described that may provide useful insights when studying the highly variable hearing phenotypes associated with the ATP6V0A4 mutations. (Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology)

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Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct in Congenital Non-Syndromic Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Egypt

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:45:27 +0100

Abstract To estimate the frequency of isolated enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) in patients with non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in an Egyptian population sample and to correlate its size with the degree of hearing loss. The study group comprised 16 patients (32 ears) suffering from non-syndromic SNHL since childhood. After a complete basic audiological evaluation, all patients were submitted to non contrast CT scan of the petrous bone in both axial & coronal planes. Vestibular aqueduct (VA) was measured at two points (midpoint & operculum) on right & left sides. The study group was divided according to VA size into three groups: group A, B and C. Group A included 6 ears (4 patients) with EVA, group B included 11 ears (7 patients) with borderline EVA and ...

Management of Hearing Aid Assembly by Urban-Dwelling Hearing-Impaired Adults in a Developed Country: Implications for a Self-Fitting Hearing Aid.

Trends in Amplification — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, the management of such tasks was investigated. Eighty older, urban-dwelling, hearing-impaired adults in a developed country were asked to follow a set of written, illustrated instructions to assemble two slim-fit behind-the-ear hearing aids. Participants were allowed to access assistance with the task from an accompanying partner. A range of personal and audiometric variables was measured through the use of structured questionnaires and standardized tests of health literacy, cognitive function, and manual dexterity. The results showed that 99% of participants were able to complete the hearing aid assembly task, either on their own or with assistance. Health literacy, or the ability to read and understand health-related text, and gender most strongly influenced participants' ...

Hearing loss prevention program in fishermen: hearing profile and educational actions

Revista CEFAC — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 03:42:57 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: there was significant dependence between the auditory and age of the fishermen, in other words, the occurrence of hearing loss is significantly greater from 40 year old. Thus, the fishermen who were more than 40 year old had 18.05 times more hearing loss than those who are less than 40 year old. (Source: Revista CEFAC)

Relationship between Consonant Recognition in Noise and Hearing Threshold.

Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: HT (f) did not account for the majority of the variance (39%) in consonant recognition in noise when the complete body of the CM was considered. PMID: 22199184 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR)

Speech Recognition and Acoustic Features in Combined Electric and Acoustic Stimulation.

Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The aided PTA is an important indicator for bimodal advantage in speech perception. The lack of bimodal benefits in the poor group may be attributed to the non-optimal HA fitting. Bimodal listening provides a synergistic effect for cues in both low and high frequency components in speech. PMID: 22199183 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR)

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The Relationship Between Metabolic Presbycusis and Serum Paraoxonase/Arylesterase Activity

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:51:17 +0100

This study puts forth that especially the type of nutrition and life style are very important with regard to metabolic presbycusis. Furthermore, the results of this study make us think that there could be a relationship between metabolic presbycusis and cardiovascular diseases. In this case, metabolic presbycusis may be a determining parameter in the early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. We consider that this study may be the pioneer for further studies conducted with larger patient numbers. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s12070-011-0382-8Authors Erol Keleş, Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Fırat University, 23100 Elazig, TurkeyZeliha Kapusuz, Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Bozok University, 66200 Yozgat, TurkeyMehmet Fe...

Heavy Metals Exposure and Hearing Loss in US Adolescents [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Blood lead levels well below the current recommended action level are associated with substantially increased odds of high-frequency hearing loss. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

MRSA and Non-MRSA Otorrhea in Children: A Comparative Study of Clinical Course [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion In this study, a diagnosis of otorrhea due to MRSA did not carry an increased risk for surgical procedures or infection-associated sequelae compared with a diagnosis of non-MRSA otorrhea. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

Total Ossiculoplasty in Children: Predictive Factors and Long-term Follow-up [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Total ossiculoplasty is a reliable technique in children. Long-term hearing outcomes are stable and satisfactory, but luxation can occur at any time. Preoperative ABG and footplate status are negative predictive factors of auditory results. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

Sustained auditory attention ability in children with cleft lip and palate and phonological disorders

Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 22:11:29 +0100

CONCLUSION: The sustained auditory attention ability in children with cleft lip and palate and phonological disorder do not differ from the sustained auditory attention ability of children with cleft lip and palate without phonological disorder. (Source: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia)

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Performance of 7 to 12-year-old children on the Gaps-in-Noise test

Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 22:11:29 +0100

CONCLUSION: The mean gap detection threshold in the right ear was 5 ms and in the left ear, 5.19 ms. No age, gender, or ear effects were found for gap detection thresholds assessed by the GIN test. (Source: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia)

Tinnitus in noise-exposed workers

Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 22:11:29 +0100

CONCLUSION: The absence of hearing loss in half the individuals and the correlation between noise exposure time and tinnitus perception time, in these subjects, suggest a possible effect of noise not restrained to the peripheral auditory system, and the need to include tinnitus in hearing conservation programs. (Source: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia)

Otitis media with effusion in children: current management

Paediatrics and Child Health — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:26:00 +0100

Abstract: Otitis Media with Effusion (OME, ‘glue ear’) is the commonest cause of childhood hearing loss. Because the condition fluctuates, initial management of otitis media with effusion is audiometric confirmation and quantification of any hearing loss involved, explanation to parents or carers and watchful waiting with continued audiometric monitoring.Neither medical treatments nor “complementary/alternative” treatments have been proven to be effective in the management of otitis media with effusion. Insertion of ventilation tubes (grommets) for children over 3 years of age with a bilateral hearing impairment associated with otitis media with effusion, who have failed watchful waiting, is effective in restoring hearing thresholds. The hearing returns to normal almost immediately...

Long-term tumor control and cranial nerve outcomes following Gamma Knife surgery for larger-volume vestibular schwannomas.

Journal of Neurosurgery — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Single-session radiosurgery is a successful treatment for the majority of patients with larger VSs. Although tumor control rates are lower than those for smaller VSs managed with GKS, the cranial nerve morbidity of GKS is significantly lower than that typically achieved via resection of larger VSs. PMID: 22175724 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Neurosurgery)

High-Frequency Hearing Loss Among Mobile Phone Users

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:39:57 +0100

This study showed that there is significant loss in the dominant ear compared to the non-dominant ear (P < 0.05). Chronic usage mobile phone revealed high frequency hearing loss in the dominant ear (mobile phone used) compared to the non dominant ear. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s12070-011-0406-4Authors P. Velayutham, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaGopala Krishnan Govindasamy, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaR. Raman, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Mala...

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Tinnitus and hearing in 7-year-old children

Archives of Disease in Childhood — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion This study confirms an increased occurrence of spontaneous tinnitus in children with TTS or HI and in children with both TTS and HI, in particular, but also in children with normal hearing. Possibly, tinnitus in young children correlates with stress as in adolescents and adults. (Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood)

Prospective Study of ‘Otological Injury Secondary to Head Trauma’

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:14:19 +0100

Abstract The aim of study was to evaluate etiological factors, types of skull fracture and associated hearing loss in 50 cases of head injury. This was prospective study involving 50 cases of head injury. Each patient will be subjected to detailed history, otological and neuro otological examination, radiological study followed by audiological assessment by pure tone audiometry. Road traffic injuries were the most frequent cause of injuries in our patients comprising 64% of the total, personal accidents/domestic falls, assaults and agriculture and related injuries were responsible for 8% of the total injuries each. Other causes of the injuries were sports injuries (6%), industrial accidents (4%) and fire arm injuries (2%). Out of the 9 patients having temporal bone fractur...

Markers of inflammatory status are associated with hearing threshold in older people: findings from the Hertfordshire ageing study

Age and Ageing — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: markers of inflammatory status were significantly associated with degree of hearing loss in older people. The findings are consistent with the possibility that inflammatory changes occurring with ageing may be involved in age-related hearing loss. Longitudinal data would enable this hypothesis to be explored further. (Source: Age and Ageing)

Island cartilage tympanoplasty in revision cases: anatomic and functional results

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:01:06 +0100

We report our experience with island cartilage tympanoplasty in revision cases and assess the anatomical and functional outcomes. We conducted a retrospective chart review at a tertiary referral center for patients who underwent revision tympanoplasty using cartilage with the island technique without mastoidectomy between January 2002 and December 2008. 60 cases were included in the study and successful closure without reperforation was obtained in 52 of 60 patients (87%). Three failed cases underwent a subsequent procedure endaurally with a positive result (92% accumulated success rate). Average postoperative pure-tone audiometry air-bone gap was 13 ± 7 dB compared with 21 ± 11 dB preoperatively (p = 0.004). An overall postoperative air-bone ...

Cochleovestibular dysfunction in patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia.

Acta Otorrinolaringologica Espanola — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Cochlear dysfunction occurs in patients with MICD and the impact is greater than that of vestibular dysfunction. However, the age factor, duration and number of MICDs contribute to CVD. It is necessary to act on the MICDs and lifestyles to improve CVD. PMID: 22153963 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Otorrinolaringologica Espanola)

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Improving Detection of Adolescent Hearing Loss [Article]

Archives of Pediatrics — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Pure-tone threshold testing incorporating high frequencies detects adolescent hearing loss more often than rapid hearing screens. Most state hearing screens omit high-frequency testing, potentially missing high-frequency losses, such as noise-induced hearing loss. Because noise-induced hearing loss in particular is preventable and hazardous noise exposures have increased, a reliable school hearing screen to detect high-frequency hearing loss in adolescents is warranted. (Source: Archives of Pediatrics)

Tinnitus measurement with conventional audiometer versus high-frequency audiometer.

Acta Otorrinolaringologica Espanola — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: 1) The frequency of tinnitus determined by high-frequency audiometer is greater than the frequency determined by conventional audiometer; 2) the higher the frequency of tinnitus, the more discomfort the patient manifests; and 3) there is no relationship between the intensity and discomfort caused by tinnitus. PMID: 22152652 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Otorrinolaringologica Espanola)

A Self-Fitting Hearing Aid: Need and Concept.

Trends in Amplification — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This article details the self-fitting concept and its potential application in both developing and developed countries. Potential advantages and disadvantages of such a device are discussed, and considerations for further investigations into the concept are presented. Overall, the concept is considered technologically viable with the main challenges anticipated to be development of clear, simple user instructions and a delivery model that ensures reliable supplies of instant-fit ear tips and batteries. PMID: 22143873 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Amplification)

Development of the screening test for hearing problems.

American Journal of Audiology — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The 2 scales of the Screening Test for Hearing Problems can be used to screen for communication and adjustment problems that warrant a comprehensive rehabilitative assessment. PMID: 22158633 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Audiology)

Intratympanic steroid use for hearing salvage in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome.

Ear, Nose and Throat Journal — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Pelosi S, Chandrasekhar SS Abstract We discuss the rare case of a 68-year-old woman with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) who was successfully treated with intratympanic corticosteroid injections. The patient had presented with bilaterally asymmetric (i.e., moderate and moderate to severe) SNHL, tinnitus, vertigo, and vitiligo. She received two intratympanic injections in her worse-hearing ear over the course of 1 month. Subsequent audiometry showed an immediate 5- to 10-dB improvement in her hearing across multiple frequencies, as well as a long-term improvement to near-normal thresholds. The hearing thresholds in her untreated ear remained stable. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with VKH syndrom...

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Clinical and Audio Vestibular Profile of Meniere’s Disease in a Tertiary Care Centre in India

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:38:51 +0100

Abstract The aims of this study are to determine the frequency of patients presenting with Meniere’s Disease(MD) in an Indian setting, using the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO) diagnostic criteria, and to describe the clinical and audio vestibular profiles of these patients. The study was based on prospective case series design in the settings of a tertiary referral hospital. The study included all consecutive patients aged between 5 and 75 years presenting with the history of hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus and or aural fullness as participants, satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria for MD (AAO 1995) recruited over a 12 month period. Main outcome measures comprised the evaluation of epidemiological profile, clinical feature...

“High Frequency Presbycusis”–Is There an Earlier Onset?

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:38:41 +0100

The objective of this study is to determine whether presbycusis occurs much earlier than previously believed if the high frequency (above 8 kHz) are included. Tertiary referral center (a teaching University). This is a cross-sectional observational study. Healthy adults from 20 to 49 years of age who had essentially normal hearing were included into the study. They were subjected to high frequency pure tone audiometry (until 16 kHz). Participants were grouped based on age ranges of 10 years (e.g., 20–29, 30–39, and 40–49) and the presence of symmetrical high frequency sensor neural hearing loss were documented. There is a significant presence of symmetrical high frequency sensor neural hearing loss (not attributed to any known risk factors) as early as from ...

Association of Skin Color, Race/Ethnicity, and Hearing Loss Among Adults in the USA

JARO - Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:22:09 +0100

Abstract Epidemiologic studies of hearing loss in adults have demonstrated that the odds of hearing loss are substantially lower in black than in white individuals. The basis of this association is unknown. We hypothesized that skin pigmentation as a marker of melanocytic functioning mediates this observed association and that skin pigmentation is associated with hearing loss independent of race/ethnicity. We analyzed cross-sectional data from 1,258 adults (20–59 years) in the 2003–2004 cycle of the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey who had assessment of Fitzpatrick skin type and pure-tone audiometric testing. Audiometric thresholds in the worse hearing ear were used to calculate speech- (0.5–4 kHz) and high-frequency (3–8 kHz) pure-t...

Early Posttreatment Audiometry Underestimates Hearing Recovery after Intratympanic Steroid Treatment of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:09:15 +0100

Conclusions. Recovery from ISSNHL after ITS injections occurs more frequently >5 weeks after initiating ITS. This may be due to the natural history of sudden hearing loss or the prolonged effect of steroid in the inner ear. (Source: Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology)

ENT Function in a 14-Days Guinness Scuba Dive

International Journal of Sports Medicine — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Int J Sports MedDOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1283187Scuba diving is known to affect the rhino-pharyngo-tubaric district (RPT unit). The aim of the study was to document function modifications of the RPT unit in 6 Italian divers (3 men and 3 women) who lived for 14 days consecutively at a depth of 8–10 m, breathing air (21% oxygen) at a pressure ranging between 1.8 and 2 ATA. RPT and inner ear assessment were carried out before the dive (TIME 0) and 24 h (TIME 1) after resurfacing, in order to investigate diving-related RPT and inner ear alterations. Physical examination after resurfacing revealed: fungal external otitis, otoscopic findings consistent with middle ear barotraumas and rhinosinusitis. Rhinomanometry showed a remarkable increase in inspiratory nasal flow and a substantial decrea...

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Otologic complications of cotton swab use: One institution's experience

The Laryngoscope — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:Observation is an appropriate consideration for patients who have a TMP due to a cotton swab injury. Surgical intervention should be offered early when a PLF is suspected, or if facial paralysis, severe vertigo, and/or profound sensorineural hearing loss are present. As otolaryngologists, we should be reluctant to offer surgical intervention of an acute injury without significant symptoms as most patients will heal spontaneously within 2 months. Laryngoscope, 2011. (Source: The Laryngoscope)

Daily life consequences of hearing loss in the elderly.

Disability and Rehabilitation — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:15:03 +0100

Conclusions. Daily life consequences of hearing loss, health conditions and general life satisfaction are closely related. These findings indicate that health factors and psychosocial aspects should be emphasised as a natural part of audiological rehabilitation. PMID: 22026556 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Disability and Rehabilitation)

Randomized Trial of a Hearing Conservation Intervention for Rural Students: Long-term Outcomes

PEDIATRICS — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: This novel trial provides objective evidence that a comprehensive educational intervention by itself may be of limited effectiveness in preventing NIHL in a young rural population. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Recurrent bilateral branch retinal artery occlusion with hearing loss and encephalopathy: the first case report of susac syndrome in Korea.

J Korean Med Sci — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We report the first case of Susac syndrome in Koreans, in a 23-yr-old female patient who presented with sudden visual loss and associated neurological symptoms. Ophthalmic examination and fluorescein angiography showed multiple areas of branch retinal artery occlusion, which tended to recur in both eyes. Magnetic resonance imaging showed dot-like, diffusion-restricted lesions in the corpus callosum and left fornix, and audiometry showed low-frequency sensory hearing loss, compatible with Susac syndrome. She received immunosuppressive therapy with oral steroid and azathioprine. Three months later all the symptoms disappeared but obstructive vasculitis have been relapsing. This patient demonstrated the entire clinical triad of Susac syndrome, which tends to occur in young females. Although t...

Effect of vitamin E supplementation on carbogen-induced amelioration of noise induced hearing loss in man.

Noise and Health — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kapoor N, Mani KV, Shyam R, Sharma RK, Singh AP, Selvamurthy W Abstract The study explores the effect of occupational noise on oxidative stress status and prophylactic effect of Vitamin E and carbogen (5% CO 2 +95%O 2 ) breathing in alleviating the oxidative damage and conserving the hearing in human volunteers exposed to intense occupational noise. Plasma total antioxidant status, blood glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant enzyme activities of GSH peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9, GPx), superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1; SOD) in erythrocytes, nitric oxide and nitric oxide synthase in plasma were assessed before and after 6 days of administration of Vitamin E and Carbogen. Results of the study indicate that the exposure to noise for 6 days increased blood concentra...

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High-frequency audiometry: A means for early diagnosis of noise-induced hearing loss.

Noise and Health — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mehrparvar AH, Mirmohammadi SJ, Ghoreyshi A, Mollasadeghi A, Loukzadeh Z Abstract Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), an irreversible disorder, is a common problem in industrial settings. Early diagnosis of NIHL can help prevent the progression of hearing loss, especially in speech frequencies. For early diagnosis of NIHL, audiometry is performed routinely in conventional frequencies. We designed this study to compare the effect of noise on high-frequency audiometry (HFA) and conventional audiometry. In a historical cohort study, we compared hearing threshold and prevalence of hearing loss in conventional and high frequencies of audiometry among textile workers divided into two groups: With and without exposure to noise more than 85 dB. The highest hearing threshold was obs...

High rate of unperceived hearing loss in patients after liver transplantation

Clinical Transplantation — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We confirmed the high incidence of reported hearing loss in adults post‐OLT by objective audiometric data. Pathological hearing tests were even found in many patients without perception of hearing impairment. (Source: Clinical Transplantation)

Assessment of the central hearing system of sport divers.

Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Dichotic listening and CERA did not reveal a significant reduction of central hearing performance in divers. Persistent on-shore BERA wave latency prolongations that were present in one study could not be confirmed in our study group. This first comprehensive topographic examination of the central hearing system of divers showed no abnormalities. PMID: 22292258 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine)

Assessment of the peripheral hearing system of sport divers.

Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: There are no published studies of the peripheral cochlear system of divers that have used a combination of PTA, speech audiometry and OAE. All studies suggesting hearing impairment in divers were based on PTA and might have been influenced by a lack of accuracy of PTA. Our results suggest that diving does not adversely affect the hearing system of sport divers. A thorough test battery of audiological methods implying PTA, speech audiometry and OAE may contribute to offer more reliable results to answer the question of whether commercial or military divers are at higher risk for hearing detoriation. PMID: 22292257 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine)

Hearing impairment in otitis media with effusion: A cross-sectional study based in Pokhara, Nepal

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 01:32:16 +0100

Conclusions: HI is a common complication of OME in Nepal. There is hitherto-unreported variation between populations in the number of cases of OME complicated by HI. This study identified higher rates of morbidity amongst rural populations but was unable to identify associated factors. (Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology)

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Hearing loss in children with mitochondrial disorders

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 01:32:14 +0100

Conclusion: In comparison with previous studies, generally including less than 20 patients, this is one of the largest collections of audiometric data on children with mitochondrial disorders. Unlike prior studies describing a progressive, sensorineural loss across all frequencies or mainly affecting high frequencies, the hearing loss in our patients was more variable including low frequency losses, mid-frequency losses, and conductive losses and was often not progressive or even improved. Our overall 38% rate of sensorineural hearing loss correlates well with previous case series; this study clearly justifies the use of routine audiometric screening in children with mitochondrial disorders, including use of ABR and OAEs as ASND can be seen in this population, as well as repeat testing ove...

Is behavioral audiometry achievable in infants younger than 6 months of age?

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 01:32:13 +0100

Conclusions: Assessment of hearing after newborn screening should not be restricted to objective tests before 5½ months. It should also include bone- and air-conduction behavioral tests adjusted to developmental stage and performed in presence of parents. (Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology)

Efficacy of a topical suspension of bacterial antigens for the management of chronic suppurative otitis media

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 05:47:46 +0100

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of a topical suspension of bacterial antigens for the management of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). Two-hundred ten patients with CSOM were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into two numerically equal groups and randomized to receive a topical suspension of bacterial antigens, Lantigen B (group A), or placebo (group B), according to the following protocol: 5 drops thrice a day for 12 consecutive weeks in the external acoustic duct. The topical suspension of bacterial antigens and placebo were administered by identical, anonymous dispensers in order to maintain double-blind conditions. Before, at the end and 3 months, and after the end of the treatment, all patients who enter...

Audio-vestibular evaluation in patients with essential tremor

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 05:47:43 +0100

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate audio-vestibular function in patients with essential tremor. Twenty-three patients with essential tremor (46 ears) and 21 health control subjects (42 ears) were included in the present study. Patients and comparison subjects were matched for age and gender. All patient and control subjects underwent pure tone audiometric test, tympanogram, transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions and auditory brainstem response. Vestibular system was evaluated by bitermal caloric test. Comparison of variables between the groups was performed. Investigation of the relationship between parameters about ET disease and hearing levels were also studied. Pure tone thresholds significantly differed between patients and controls in 250 and 500 H...

Teleaudiology

Otolaryngologic clinics of North America — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:51:19 +0100

has become a more viable approach to delivering care. Asynchronous and synchronous delivery can be used to deliver Teleaudiology. Hybrid delivery involves using both synchronous and asynchronous modes of delivery. Teleaudiology has been used for otoscopy, audiometry, immitance, cochlear implant programming and newborn screening. Teleaudiology is a viable technology, although reimbursement remains unclear. (Source: Otolaryngologic clinics of North America)

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The Clinical Picture of Large Vestibular Aqueduct Syndrome

Seminars in Hearing — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Semin Hear 2011; 32: 354-366DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1291939ABSTRACTLarge vestibular aqueduct syndrome (LVAS) is one of the most common congenital inner ear malformations. LVAS is generally diagnosed via high-resolution computed tomography (CT) as a vestibular aqueduct midpoint greater than 1.5 mm; however, other criteria have recently been proposed. LVAS can be found in isolation as well as in conjunction with both syndromic and nonsyndromic hereditary hearing loss. The typical presentation of LVAS is that of down-sloping hearing loss, oftentimes accompanied by a conductive component, with progressions in hearing loss occurring either spontaneously or paired with a precipitating event. CT and traditional audiometry including bone conduction testing, tympanometry, and acoustic reflex testing sh...

Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease

Seminars in Hearing — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Semin Hear 2011; 32: 299-307DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1291934ABSTRACTAutoimmune inner ear disease (AIED), first reported by McCabe in 1979, describes a disease process in which cochleovestibular is compromised by one's own immune system. Only indirect laboratory evidence exists regarding the underlying immune reaction, which can only be confirmed histopathologically in postmortem studies. Diagnosis involves a thorough history and complete head and neck, otomicroscopic, and audiometric evaluation. AIED classically presents with bilateral, fluctuating, or rapidly progressive asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), which typically occurs over weeks to months but can occur suddenly over a period of a few hours or days. Fifty percent of patients have vestibular symptoms as well, which can be un...

Audiological Management of Cogan's Syndrome

Seminars in Hearing — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This article prepares the audiologist to evaluate and treat the hearing loss seen in patients with CS. Previously published research in the medical literature is reviewed. Results of a retrospective chart review are presented along with four representative case studies. These serve to illustrate the variability of audiometric configurations and treatment options, which include corticosteroids, hearing aids, and cochlear implants. Audiologists play a pivotal role in the patient's medical team, which may include neuro-otologists, ophthalmologists, internists, rheumatologists, and other professionals as needed. It is especially important for audiologists to recognize the signs of CS and make prompt recommendations for medical intervention.[...]© Thieme Medical PublishersArticle in Thieme eJo...

Case of the Month #171: Osteogenesis Imperfecta of the Temporal Bone

Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 09:30:41 +0100

A 35-year-old man presented to the Department of Otolaryngology with progressive bilateral hearing loss, worse on the right, over the past 12 years. Audiometry determined the hearing loss to be mixed, both conductive and sensorineural. He had no otalgia, vertigo, or otorrhea. There was no history of otologic surgery, noise exposure, or familial hearing loss. He described remote minor head injury at age 4 years that required stitches, and prior fractures, which generally occurred during hockey matches, of his clavicle, fingers, a toe, and the left tibia and fibula. He was not taking any regular medications. Results of a general physical examination were normal. Results of an otologic examination revealed tortuous external auditory canals bilaterally but normal tympanic membranes. High-resol...

Clinical features of functional hearing loss with inattention problem in Japanese children

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 08:22:29 +0100

Conclusions: In children's functional hearing loss, there exists a group with psychological trait of inattention. Three younger children 5–6 years old with attention problems showed no psychological problems, their FHL was considered to be caused by generalized maturation and development. Nearly all of the rest children showed psychological problems, supporting the notion that FHL in children is psychogenic in nature. Because clinical features in Inattention group children were different from the Attention group significantly, it was concluded that distinguishing the Inattention group as a subtype of functional hearing loss in children would be effective for both diagnosis and treatment. Larger scale studies with many angles needed for the inattention problem in FHL children. (Source: In...

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Hearing in adults with Pompe disease

Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:42:55 +0100

Abstract Hearing loss has been recognized as an important cause of morbidity in infants with Pompe disease, a metabolic disorder caused by deficiency of acid α-glucosidase. It is unknown whether hearing is also affected in adult Pompe patients. We have studied the prevalence, severity, and type of hearing loss in 58 adult patients using tympanometry and pure-tone audiometry. Compared to normative data (International Organisation for Standardisation standard 7029), 72% of patients had impaired hearing thresholds at one or more frequencies in at least one ear. All measured frequencies were equally affected. All patients had a sensorineural type of hearing loss, pointing to cochlear or retrocochlear pathology. Categorised according to the standards of the World Health Organi...

Correlation between plasma levels of radical scavengers and hearing threshold among elderly subjects with age-related hearing loss.

Acta Oto-Laryngologica — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:20:22 +0100

Conclusion: Low plasma melatonin is significant in the development of high frequency hearing loss (HL) among the elderly. Objective: To determine the correlation between hearing threshold and the plasma melatonin and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 126 apparently healthy elderly subjects, 59 males and 67 females, aged >60 years. Subjects underwent pure tone audiometry and plasma melatonin and vitamin C were assayed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: The mean ± SD of plasma melatonin among the subjects with normal hearing (NH) (0-30 dB) and those with HL in the speech frequencies was 18.3 ± 3.6 μg/L and 16.4 ± 4.7μg/L, respectively. In the high frequencies the values were 17.7 ± 6.2 μg/L and 13.1 ± 6.4μg/L for NH...

Congenital aural atresia surgery: Transmastoid approach, complications and outcomes

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 15:44:55 +0100

Abstract Repair of complete congenital aural atresia (CAA) could be a challenging procedure due to complications reported with CAA surgery such as facial nerve palsy, canal stenosis, graft lateralization, sensorineural hearing loss or the difficulty involved in the surgical technique. From 2006 to 2009, we used a one stage-modified transmastoid approach for surgical repair of 33 ears with complete CAA via a non-randomized controlled clinical trial. Some modifications in the technique of mastoidectomy, ossiculoplasty, fascia and skin grafting and meatoplasty have been described. Patients were followed up for 12 months to assess audiometric results and post-operative complications. Changes in air-bone gap and need for revision surgery or hearing aids were assessed at fo...

Audiological Investigation of Otitis Media in Children with Atopy

Current Allergy and Asthma Reports — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 05:48:56 +0100

Abstract Otitis media (OM) describes an inflammatory process within the middle ear space that is generally associated with accumulation of fluid and that may lead to hearing loss, learning difficulties, and delays in language development. The pathogenesis of OM is multifactorial, involving the adaptive and native immune system, eustachian tube dysfunction, viral and bacterial load, and genetic and environmental factors. The involvement of IgE-mediated allergic reactions in the pathogenesis of OM has been suggested by clinical observations of a high prevalence of OM among patients with allergies. Evidence from studies involving tympanometric measurements, audiometric measurements, and otoscopic examination confirms the role of atopy in the development and persistence of OM....

Audiological and graft take results of cartilage reinforcement tympanoplasty (a new technique) versus fascia

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 05:50:40 +0100

Abstract Our objective is to compare hearing and graft take results of temporal muscle fascia tympanoplasty and cartilage reinforcement tympanoplasty. Seventy seven patients are classified into two groups: Group 1 included 37 patients for whom cartilage graft, harvested from symba concha, is used as reinforcement under temporalis muscle fascia anteriorly and Group 2 included 40 patients for whom only temporalis muscle fascia is used in type 1 tympanoplasty. A pure-tone audiometry is done within 1 week prior to surgery and at 6 months postoperatively. There is statistically significant difference between postoperative graft take results among groups. In both groups postoperative anterior TM perforation is encountered most commonly. Success rate of cartilage reinfo...

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Hearing losses in wholetime firefighters occurring early in their careers

Occupational Medicine — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Statistically significant hearing losses occur in some firefighters during the early stages of their careers. Further work needs to be done to establish if this continues, and steps taken to reduce the noise hazard at work. (Source: Occupational Medicine)

Ira Hirsh (1922–2010).

American Psychologist — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Ira Hirsh was a person who had high standards, for himself as well as others. As an academic leader and scientist he could be forceful and demanding, but his goal was always the betterment of the field. He had an unflagging devotion to psychology as a hard science. Ira published The measurement of hearing (McGraw Hill, 1952), which quickly became the standard textbook in audiologists. In addition to this book, he published over 100 scholarly articles, many of which laid the groundwork for research that has revolutionized such fields as audiology, psychoacoustics, audiometry, and deaf education. For example, Ira was among the first scientists to push auditory research beyond the study of single tones, clicks, or noise bursts. Ira was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Shirley, who p...

Musical anhedonia: Selective loss of emotional experience in listening to music.

Neurocase — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We report a patient who showed selective impairment of emotional experience only in listening to music, that is musical anhednia. A 71-year-old right-handed man developed an infarction in the right parietal lobe. He found himself unable to experience emotion in listening to music, even to which he had listened pleasantly before the illness. In neuropsychological assessments, his intellectual, memory, and constructional abilities were normal. Speech audiometry and recognition of environmental sounds were within normal limits. Neuromusicological assessments revealed no abnormality in the perception of elementary components of music, expression and emotion perception of music. Brain MRI identified the infarct lesion in the right inferior parietal lobule. These findings suggest that emotional ...

Ira hirsh (1922-2010).

The American Psychologist — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Larsen R Abstract Ira Hirsh was a person who had high standards, for himself as well as others. As an academic leader and scientist he could be forceful and demanding, but his goal was always the betterment of the field. He had an unflagging devotion to psychology as a hard science. Ira published The measurement of hearing (McGraw Hill, 1952), which quickly became the standard textbook in audiologists. In addition to this book, he published over 100 scholarly articles, many of which laid the groundwork for research that has revolutionized such fields as audiology, psychoacoustics, audiometry, and deaf education. For example, Ira was among the first scientists to push auditory research beyond the study of single tones, clicks, or noise bursts. Ira was preceded in death by h...

A new model for calculating auditory excitation patterns and loudness for cases of cochlear hearing loss.

Hearing Research — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chen Z, Hu G, Glasberg BR, Moore BC Abstract A model for calculating auditory excitation patterns and loudness for steady sounds for normal hearing is extended to deal with cochlear hearing loss. The filters used in the model have a double ROEX-shape, the gain of the narrow active filter being controlled by the output of the broad passive filter. It is assumed that the hearing loss at each audiometric frequency can be partitioned into a loss due to dysfunction of outer hair cells (OHCs) and a loss due to dysfunction of inner hair cells (IHCs). OHC loss is modeled by decreasing the maximum gain of the active filter, which results in increased absolute threshold, reduced compressive nonlinearity and reduced frequency selectivity. IHC loss is modeled by a level-dependent atte...

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Congenital Stapes Ankylosis Associated With Another Ossicular Chain Anomaly: Surgical Results in 30 Ears [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Surgery for congenital stapes footplate ankylosis with a concomitant ossicular chain anomaly can provide worthwhile hearing improvement. The ABG closure was 20 dB or less in 21 of 30 ears (70%). Most ears had some sensorineural impairment (10-20 dB), which influenced the final hearing level after surgery. Over recent decades, the technique of the malleostapedotomy procedure has been improved. Preoperative assessment is mandatory for syndromal diagnoses, which might be important for patient counseling and prognosis. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

Chronic Tinnitus following Electroconvulsive Therapy

Advances in Pharmacological Sciences — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 23:36:49 +0100

A 43-year-old female with a 27-year history of obsessive-compulsive disorder and major depression had previously been treated with psychotherapy, antidepressant, and antipsychotic medications. Because these treatments were minimally effective and because the frequency and duration of her depressive episodes continued to increase, the patient was scheduled to undergo a series of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) procedures. The patient received four ECT treatments during one month. Stimulating current was delivered to the right frontotemporal region of the head. Electroencephalographic seizures occurred during each of the ECT procedures. After the patient recovered fro...

Interventions to promote the wearing of hearing protection.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:32:03 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The evidence found in this review shows that some interventions improve the mean use of hearing protection devices compared to non-intervention. Future trials should have standard outcomes and interventions to allow the combining of results in meta-analysis. PMID: 21901696 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)

Hearing loss in diffuse cutaneous systemic scleroderma.

Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Patients with dcSSc have a high prevalence of sensorineural audiometric hearing impairment and otological complaints, suggesting that the cochlea is an additional target organ in this disease. PMID: 21916804 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology)

Development and validation of a screening questionnaire for noise-induced hearing loss

Occupational Medicine — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The questionnaire developed in this study was found to have an unacceptably low sensitivity for noise-induced hearing loss and therefore cannot be a valid substitute for audiometry. Pure tone industrial audiometry needs to be used more widely than currently in developing countries. (Source: Occupational Medicine)

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P3.54 Auditory system involvement study in 20 patients with late onset Pompe disease

Neuromuscular Disorders — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 03:39:57 +0100

Glycogen storage disease type II (GSD II), also known as Pompe disease, is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder, caused by a reduced activity of the alfa glucosidase. Two different clinical forms have been described: a rapidly fatal infantile form and a late onset form. Hearing loss has been described in classic infantile Pompe patients (Van Capelle C. et al., 2010) but, so far, no extensive studies have been performed in the late onset form. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the possible involvement of the auditory system in a cohort of patients with the late onset GSD II. We have enrolled 20 patients with late onset GSD II, 12 males and 8 females. The age range was from 8 to 74years (mean value 45). Alfa-glucosidase residual activity ranged from 0.5% to 35%. The audi...

Significant auditory threshold shift among workers exposed to different noise levels

Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 07:31:57 +0100

CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study suggest the existence of an association between significant auditory threshold shifts in workers and the years of exposure to low risk noise levels. (Source: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia)

The Impact of Tinnitus on Sufferers in Indian Population

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:50:32 +0100

This study could be done on the basis of verbal description of tinnitus, Audiological measurement of tinnitus and psychological characteristics of tinnitus in terms of distress, anxiety, depression and disturbance of personality, to understand the impact of tinnitus on sufferers. Fifty adults in the age range of 18–60 years with subjective tinnitus with bilateral normal hearing or pure SNHL ranging from mild to moderately severe were selected. An audiological profile of each subject was prepared on the basis of brief case history of subject, otoscopic examination, pure tone audiometry, impedance audiometry, frequency (pitch) and intensity (loudness) of tinnitus. A psychometric profile was developed by using Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire and Nature of Tinnitus Questionnaire....

Audiological findings in 100 USH2 patients.

Clinical Genetics — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Abadie C, Blanchet C, Baux D, Larrieu L, Besnard T, Ravel P, Biboulet R, Hamel C, Malcolm S, Mondain M, Claustres M, Roux AF Abstract Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (HL), classically described as mild to severe with a typically down-sloping audiometric configuration, is the earliest symptom occurring in Usher syndrome type II (USH2). Audiological findings were analysed in a total of 100 USH2 patients (92 families) divided into three groups according to the gene involved: 88 USH2A, 10 GPR98 and 2 DFNB31 patients. A fine analysis of audiograms was performed (pure tone average, degree of severity, configuration). The median age of HL diagnosis was 5 years (range 8 months - 31 years) although the median age at USH2 diagnosis was 34.5 (range 8-76). Moderate HL was predomi...

Bilateral Type 1 Tympanoplasty in Chronic Otitis Media

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 06:39:46 +0100

Abstract A theoretical risk of iatrogenic sensorineural hearing loss during surgery has induced a reluctance to perform bilateral tympanoplasty type I among some otosurgeons. This paper presents results of bilateral surgery in 14 patients (28 ears). Fourteen patients with bilateral, dry tympanic membrane perforations caused by chronic otitis media were selected prospectively for bilateral tympanoplasty type I (28 ears) at a tertiary referral center. All patients had a HL corresponding to the size and localization of the perforation (no suspicion of ossicular chain defect or other pathology). Mean age was 37.5 years. There were seven males and seven females in our study. All but five ears were operated through an endaural or endomeatal approach, and five ears operated ...

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[Cochlear implantation and rehabilitation in prelingually deafened adolescents and young adults].

Journal of Southern Medical University — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: These patients can obtain appropriate speech discrimination scores with improved quality of life after CI. PMID: 21945765 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Southern Medical University)

Hearing status among aircraft maintenance personnel in a commercial airline company.

Noise and Health — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Smedje G, Lund N M, Gärtner L, Lundgren H, Lindgren T Abstract The aim was to study subjective and objective hearing loss in a population of aircraft maintenance workers and identify predictors. A total of 327 aircraft maintenance personnel answered a self-administered work environment questionnaire (response rate 76%) and underwent audiometric test. The mean values for the hearing threshold at 3, 4, and 6 kHz for the ear with the most hearing loss were compared with a Swedish population database of persons not occupationally exposed to noise. Equivalent noise exposure during a working day was measured. Relationships between subjective and objective hearing loss and possible predictors (age, years of employment, self-reported exposure to solvents, blood pressure, and psyc...

Hearing impairment among workers exposed to excessive levels of noise in ginning industries.

Noise and Health — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In this study, estimates of typical sound levels prevailing at the workplace environment and its effects on hearing ability of the exposed workers were made among cotton ginning workers. Data on self-reported health status was collected by a questionnaire survey at 10 cotton ginning industries located at Jalgaon district of Maharashtra state, India. The cotton ginning workers were exposed to continuous noise levels between 89 and 106 dBA. The hearing ability of the subjects was accessed by pure tone audiometry. The results of audiometry show mild, moderate and moderately severe degree of hearing impairment among the cotton ginning workers. The data generated during the study show that hearing loss was significantly associated with period of exposure to the workplace noise (P <0.0001). T...

Prevalence of hearing loss and accuracy of self-report among factory workers.

Noise and Health — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: McCullagh MC, Raymond D, Kerr MJ, Lusk SL Abstract Noise represents one of the most common occupational health hazards. A Healthy People 2020 objective aims to reduce hearing loss in the noise-exposed public. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare perceived and measured hearing, and to determine the prevalence of hearing loss among a group of factory workers. Data collected as part of an intervention study promoting hearing protector use among workers at an automotive factory in the Midwest were used. Plant employees (n=2691) provided information regarding their perceived hearing ability, work role, and other demographics. The relationships among audiograms, a single-item measure of perceived hearing ability, and demographic data were explored using chi-squa...

Otosclerosis: thirty-year follow-up after surgery.

The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with otosclerosis have a sensorineural hearing loss that cannot be explained by age. Otosclerosis should be regarded as a middle and inner ear disease. Almost all patients with otosclerosis are in need of ongoing audiological rehabilitation and hearing aids. PMID: 22032075 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology)

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Assessment of noise levels generated by music shops in an urban city in Nigeria

Public Health — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This study found very high levels of noise in music shops, which could be a source of occupational noise exposure among music dealers. Enlightenment campaigns on the hazards of exposure to loud noise and periodic audiometry examinations are recommended for this occupational group. (Source: Public Health)

Variable degrees of hearing impairment in a Dutch DFNX4 (DFN6) family.

Hearing Research — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the phenotypic heterogeneity in this large family with an X-linked pattern of inherited sensorineural hearing impairment. The men showed more severe hearing impairment at a younger age with more pronounced progression during the first two decades of life, while women demonstrated less severe hearing impairment with more gradual progression and a wider variation in age of onset, degree of hearing impairment and inter-aural asymmetry in thresholds. PMID: 21893181 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Hearing Research)

Late onset vitiligo and audiological abnormalities: Is there any association?

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Late onset vitiligo was not found to have statistically significant association with audiological abnormalities in this study. (Source: Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology)

Characteristics and determinants of music appreciation in adult CI users

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 05:57:46 +0100

Abstract The main objective of this study was to assess the associations between self-reported listening habits and perception of music and speech perception outcomes in quiet and noise for both unilateral cochlear implant (CI) users and bimodal (CI in one ear, hearing aid in contra-lateral ear) users. Information concerning music appreciation was gathered by means of a newly developed questionnaire. Moreover, audiological data (pure-tone audiometry, speech tests in noise and quiet) were gathered and the relationship between speech perception and music appreciation is studied. Bimodal users enjoy listening to music more in comparison with unilateral CI users. Also, music training within rehabilitation is still uncommon, while CI recipients believe that music training might...

Audiological Profile of Children and Young Adults With Syndromic and Complex Craniosynostosis [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Most patients with syndromic and complex craniosynostosis have recurrent otitis media with effusion, causing episodes of conductive hearing loss throughout their lives. Sensorineural hearing loss can occur in all 4 syndromes studied but is the primary cause of hearing loss in children and young adults with Muenke syndrome. For patients with these syndromes, we recommend routine visits to the general practitioner or otolaryngologist, depending on national standards of care, to screen for otitis media with effusion throughout life. We also advise early screening for sensorineural hearing loss among children and young adults with these syndromes. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

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Primary Stapes Surgery in Patients With Otosclerosis: Prediction of Postoperative Outcome [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Following primary stapes surgery, a postoperative ABG of 10 dB or less and a postoperative gain in AC exceeding 20 dB may be predicted with accuracies of 62.1% and 80.1%, respectively. Clinicians can use this information to inform patients more explicitly about expected postoperative audiometric results. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

Another cause of ototoxicity: Clarithromycin

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Extra — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Reported is a case of cervical atypical mycobacterial infection treated with an extended course of clarithromycin in a 23-month-old child who developed sensorineural hearing loss. While no subjective change in hearing was reported, hearing loss was identified through audiologic ototoxicity monitoring. Audiometric changes encompassing frequency specific threshold shifts and changes in distortion product otoacoustic emissions are shown during the use of and following discontinuation of clarithromycin. Observed hearing loss resolved following termination of clarithromycin. This is believed to be the first report of a pediatric patient on clarithromycin developing reversible sensorineural hearing loss with documented serial audiometric changes. (Source: International Journal of Pedia...

Evaluation of hearing loss in patients with Graves’ disease

Endocrine — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 06:56:04 +0100

Abstract Hearing loss has commonly been reported in association with thyroid disorders and during treatment with propylthiouracil. The relationship between hyperthyroidism and the auditory system has not been previously investigated. The aim of this cross-sectional, case–control study was to investigate hearing loss in patients with Graves’ disease (GD). The study population consisted of patients with newly diagnosed GD and healthy controls. Pure tone audiometry at frequencies of 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 and 8000 Hz, along with immittance measures including tympanometry and acoustic reflex tests, were performed in all participants. Twenty-two GD patients and 22 healthy controls consented to inclusion in the study. The differences between groups with regards to a...

Audiological implications of earplugs used for the prevention of aural exostoses

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 05:46:39 +0100

The objective of this study is to establish the hearing impairment of commonly available earplugs used by surfers. Staff and patients with normal hearing were recruited to have pure tone audiometry performed multiple times, initially with no earplugs, and subsequently with earplugs. Three earplug types were tested which differed in their nature and material (prefabricated elastomer, custom-fitted silicone, and custom-fitted acrylic). Vented and non-vented forms of the earplugs were tested. 30 normal hearing ears were included. Two-tailed paired t-tests comparing hearing thresholds between different earplugs identified that the elastomer earplugs caused the least hearing impairment (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in hearing thresholds between vented and n...

Relationship between pure tone audiometry and tone burst auditory brainstem response at low frequencies gated with Blackman window

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:20:49 +0100

Abstract To assess the reliability of Blackman windowed tone burst auditory brainstem response (ABR) as a predictor of hearing threshold at low frequencies. Fifty-six subjects were divided in to three groups (normal hearing, conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss) after pure tone audiometry (PTA) testing. Then they underwent tone burst ABR using Blackman windowed stimuli at 0.5 kHz and 1 kHz. Results were compared with PTA threshold. Mean threshold differences between PTA and ABR ranged between 11 dB at 0.5 kHz and 14 dB at 1 kHz. ABR threshold was worse than PTA in each but 2 cases. Mean discrepancy between the two thresholds was about 20 dB in normal hearing, reducing in presence of hearing loss, without any differences in c...

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Central auditory processes evaluated with psychoacoustic tests in normal children.

Acta Otorrinolaringologica Espanola — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: This information represents an advance in the normative standards in the field of psychoacoustic tests for CAP in Spanish and in the socio-educational context prevalent in Mexico. It is important to evaluate these results against CAP disorders. PMID: 21820638 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Otorrinolaringologica Espanola)

Prevalence and significance of high-frequency hearing loss in subjectively normal-hearing patients with tinnitus.

The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Even if patients with tinnitus do not have any subjective hearing impairment, most of them have HFHL and/or EHFHL. The effects on the clinical features of the patients are still vague. PMID: 21922976 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology)

[Hearing loss in adolescents due to leisure noise : The OHRKAN study].

Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Twardella D, Perez Alvarez C, Steffens T, Fromme H, Raab U Alarming reports have been published about hearing loss in adolescents, and increasing leisure time noise exposure has been blamed. If the exposure limits from the Noise at Work Regulations are applied, discotheque music as well as music from portable music players are associated with the risk of hearing loss. The empirical evidence for this association, however, is not sufficient. Not even an increase in the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss among adolescents can be documented. OHRKAN is a prospective cohort study aimed to produce information on the prevalence of hearing loss as well as its risk factors in adolescents. Currently, a total of 2,240 pupils in grade 9 at schools in the city of Regensburg, Germany,...

Hearing loss among survivors of childhood brain tumors treated with an irradiation‐sparing approach

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsWhile eliminating cranial irradiation has dramatically improved survival and neurocognitive and neuroendocrine outcomes in this population, clinically significant hearing loss is now the leading late effect due to the necessity of platinum‐based chemotherapy. Our results document the need for audiometric monitoring and developing otoprotective strategies in this vulnerable population. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

An evaluation of preservation of residual hearing using the suprameatal approach for cochlear implantation

The Laryngoscope — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 18:32:01 +0100

Conclusions:The results of this study demonstrate that complete preservation of residual hearing is possible in a limited number of patients using the suprameatal approach technique for cochlear implantation. For a reliable analysis of the audiometric effects of cochlear implant surgery, it is important to take into account the ceiling effects, therefore using different calculation methods to estimate the accurate deterioration of hearing thresholds. (Source: The Laryngoscope)

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Audiometric characteristics of a Dutch family with Muckle-Wells syndrome.

Hearing Research — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Weegerink NJ, Schraders M, Leijendeckers J, Slieker K, Huygen PL, Hoefsloot L, Oostrik J, Pennings RJ, Simon A, Snik A, Kremer H, Kunst HP Description of the audiometric and vestibular characteristics of a Dutch family with Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS). Examination of all family members consisted of pure tone audiometry, otoscopy and genetic analysis. In addition, a selected group underwent speech audiometry, vestibulo-ocular examination, acoustic reflex testing and tests assessing loudness scaling, gap detection, difference limen for frequency and speech perception in noise. Linear regression analyses were performed on the audiometric data. Six clinically affected family members participated in this study and all were carriers of a p.Tyr859His mutation in the NLPR3 gene. Most ...

Early subclinical cochlear dysfunction in myotonic dystrophy type 1

European Journal of Neurology — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our study indicates that cochlear impairment in DM1 is present, even in patients without evidence of hearing loss at a standard audiometric analysis. Hence, in the current clinical practice, an assessment of cochlear function by TEOAE recording may be useful in DM1 patients to identify precocious signs of cochlear dysfunction. (Source: European Journal of Neurology)

Primary Stapes Surgery in Patients With Otosclerosis: Prediction of Postoperative Outcome [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Secondhand Smoke and Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Adolescents [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Secondhand smoke is associated with elevated pure-tone thresholds and an increased prevalence of low-frequency SNHL that is directly related to level of exposure, and most affected individuals are unaware of the hearing loss. Thus, adolescents exposed to SHS may need to be closely monitored for early hearing loss with periodic audiologic testing. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

Detection of Ototoxicity

Seminars in Hearing — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Semin Hear 2011; 32: 196-202DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1277242ABSTRACTOtotoxicity monitoring is particularly critical in patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy or long-term aminoglycoside antibiotic administration. Furthermore, as new otoprotective agents are developed, audiologists need to not only be able to monitor for ototoxicity but know the various criteria for early detection of ototoxicity and how to grade ototoxic adverse events. The three primary methods for ototoxicity monitoring are conventional audiometry, high-frequency audiometry, and otoacoustic emissions. However, early detection and adverse event criteria depend primarily on conventional and high-frequency audiometry. No consensus exists on determining significant changes in otoacoustic emissions secondary to ototoxic dr...

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Screening for delayed-onset hearing loss in preschool children who previously passed the newborn hearing screening

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 17:18:57 +0100

Conclusions: A significant proportion of preschool children have undiagnosed delayed-onset hearing loss. Hearing screening in preschool is recommended for an early detection. (Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology)

Study of hearing in children with visual deficiency

Revista CEFAC — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:22:16 +0100

CONCLUSION: Group I demonstrated unfavorable performance in comparison with Group II, either in the basic auditory evaluation or in the sequence of auditory processing tests. (Source: Revista CEFAC)

Audiometric correlations of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults

Revista CEFAC — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:22:16 +0100

CONCLUSION: data from this study reinforce the need for using an instrument for evaluating the participation restriction, since it cannot be inferred from the audiometric data and/or socio-demographic factors. (Source: Revista CEFAC)

Cochlear hearing loss in patients with Laron syndrome

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 05:51:23 +0100

In conclusion, auditory defects seem to be associated with Laron syndrome and may be prevented by starting treatment with IGF-I at an early developmental age. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00405-011-1668-xAuthors Joseph Attias, Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Haifa, IsraelOmer Zarchi, Institute of Audiology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, IsraelBen I. Nageris, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery,, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, IsraelZvi Laron, Endocrinology and Diabetes Research Unit, Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, 14 Kaplan Street, Petach Tikva, Israel Journal European Archives of Oto-Rhino-LaryngologyOnl...

Tinnitus retraining therapy using portable music players

Auris, Nasus, Larynx — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:23:47 +0100

Conclusions: TRT using a PMP had efficacy similar to those of TCI and HA. The murmur of a stream was one of the most effective sounds in TRT. TRT using a PMP as the sound generator can provide the most cost-effective treatment option for tinnitus patients. (Source: Auris, Nasus, Larynx)

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Hearing loss and cognition in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.

Neuropsychology — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Hearing loss is independently associated with lower scores on tests of memory and executive function. Further research examining the longitudinal association of hearing loss with cognitive functioning is needed to confirm these cross-sectional findings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: Neuropsychology)

The influence of military service on auditory health and the efficacy of a hearing conservation program.

Noise and Health — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Muhr P, Rosenhall U The influence of military service on self-assessed hearing symptoms and measured auditory function was studied as well as the efficacy of the Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) of the Swedish Armed Forces. 839 conscripts were recruited for the study at reporting to military service. They were all exposed to noise over the risk-limits from weapons and vehicles and used earmuffs and/or earplugs. Questionnaires and pure tone screening audiometry were studied at the start and the end of the military service. Retrospective information regarding audiometry at conscription before military service was included as control. The prevalence values of tinnitus were 23% before and 32% after the service and of sensitivity to noise 16% and 19% respectively. The prevalence ...

Hearing speech in music.

Noise and Health — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ekström SR, Borg E The masking effect of a piano composition, played at different speeds and in different octaves, on speech-perception thresholds was investigated in 15 normal-hearing and 14 moderately-hearing-impaired subjects. Running speech (just follow conversation, JFC) testing and use of hearing aids increased the everyday validity of the findings. A comparison was made with standard audiometric noises [International Collegium of Rehabilitative Audiology (ICRA) noise and speech spectrum-filtered noise (SPN)]. All masking sounds, music or noise, were presented at the same equivalent sound level (50 dBA). The results showed a significant effect of piano performance speed and octave (P<.01). Low octave and fast tempo had the largest effect; and high octave and slow tem...

Audiology telepractice in a clinical environment: a communication perspective.

The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

This article details our experience of using a web-based system with wireless audiometers and videoconferencing software to administer remote audiological assessments in an active medical practice. It discusses the technological infrastructure used and the pragmatic issues that arise when the Internet, Bluetooth wireless audiometers, and videoconferencing devices are converged into a clinical setting. Patients at a local office of otolaryngologists were recruited to participate in a study in which remote assessment results were compared to those collected from a traditional face-to-face assessment. Preliminary data demonstrated that the assessment results from the two sources were comparable. We conclude that remote hearing assessment over the Internet can be achieved through a distributed...

Melatonin: can it stop the ringing?

The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin is associated with a statistically significant decrease in tinnitus intensity and improved sleep quality in patients with chronic tinnitus. Melatonin is most effective in men, those without a history of depression, those who have not undergone prior tinnitus treatments, those with more severe and bilateral tinnitus, and those with a history of noise exposure. PMID: 21859051 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology)

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General and disease-specific quality of life in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media - a prospective study

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Tympanoplasty did lead to a significant improvement of disease-specific HR-QOL in patients with CSOM while general HR-QOL did not change. Very well correlations were found between the subscale hearing function from the COMOT-15 questionnaire and audiological findings. Revision surgery seems to be a predictor for a worse outcome. (Source: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes)

Effectiveness of Intratympanic Dexamethasone in Otitis Media with Effusion Resistant to Conventional Therapy

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:47:37 +0100

This study was applied on 75 ears of 64 patients aged from 12 to 60 years. ITD received 47 ears of 41 patients who had previously been treated by medical or surgical therapy middle ear effusion without resolution classified as study group. They were taken conventional medical therapy again 28 ears of 23 patients classified as a control group. ITDs were administered 0.5 ml/4 mg per mm directly in antero-superior quadrant of tympanic membrane. These injections were repeated once a week for 4 weeks. Results were evaluated by using audiometric and tympanometric measurements 1 and 3 months after the treatments. Audiometric measurement shows that 9.91 dB improvement in the mean air–bone gap 15.17 dB in air conduction (AC) pure-tone averages (PTA) and 5....

Visual and hearing impairment among rural elderly of south India: A community‐based study

Geriatrics and Gerontology International — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Visual and hearing impairment are important health problems among elderly persons in rural areas of South India. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2011; ••: ••–••. (Source: Geriatrics and Gerontology International)

Audiometric thresholds and prevalence of tinnitus among male veterans in the United States: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2006.

J Rehabil Res Dev — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:45:11 +0100

This study used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data to estimate the prevalence of these auditory conditions among male veterans. Between 1999 and 2006, pure tone audiometric data collected from 845 male veterans were compared with pure tone thresholds collected from 2,086 male nonveterans. We used questionnaire data collected between 1999 and 2004 to calculate and compare the prevalence of tinnitus for 2,174 veterans and 4,995 nonveterans. In general, pure tone thresholds did not differ significantly between veterans and nonveterans for most frequencies tested (500-8,000 Hz). The overall prevalence of tinnitus was greater for veterans than that for nonveterans (p < 0.001), with statistically significant differences in the 50 to 59 and 60 to 69 age groups. PMID: 216...

Hearing Sensitivity in Older Adults: Associations with Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Modifiable risk factors for CVD may play a role in the development of age‐related hearing loss. (Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society)

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Use of historical data and a novel metric in the evaluation of the effectiveness of hearing conservation program components

Occupational and Environmental Medicine — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Historical audiometric data combined with noise monitoring data can be used to better understand the effectiveness of HCPs. Regular collection and maintenance of quality data should be encouraged and used to monitor the effectiveness of these interventions. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

The comparison of acoustic and psychic parameters of subjective tinnitus

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 06:01:09 +0100

Abstract We aim to assess the correlation between audiometric data, and psychotic and acoustic measures associated with subjective tinnitus (ST) and to clarify the importance of the psychological process in determining the degree of subjective annoyance and disability due to tinnitus. Fifty-four patients experiencing unilateral ST were allocated for the study. Acoustic assessment of patients including LDL (loudness discomfort levels), MML (minimum masking level) and RI (residual inhibition) was performed. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) tests were performed for the psychological aspects of subjective annoyance. RI was positive in 23 patients with 13 frequency-matched stimuli at 8,000 Hz. Masking treatmen...

Low early ototoxicity rates for pediatric medulloblastoma patients treated with proton radiotherapy

Radiation Oncology — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Rates of high-grade early post-radiation ototoxicity following proton radiotherapy for pediatric medulloblastoma are low. Preservation of hearing in the audible speech range, as observed here, may improve both quality of life and cognitive functioning for these patients. (Source: Radiation Oncology)

Med Sci Monit 2011; 17(6):MT41-49 "Post-processing analysis of transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions to detect 4 kHz-notch hearing impairment – a pilot study"

Medical Science Monitor — Tue, 31 May 2011 17:56:35 +0100

Conclusions: In this preliminary study there is evidence that the new parameter RAD2D defines the topology and the quantification of the damage in the inner ear. The proposed protocol can be useful in hearing screenings to identify hearing impairments much earlier than conventional pure tone audiometry and TEOAE pass/fail test. (Source: Medical Science Monitor)

The effect of oral isotretinoin (13‐cis retinoic acid) on hearing systems in patients with acne vulgaris: a prospective study

International Journal of Dermatology — Mon, 30 May 2011 16:19:24 +0100

Evaluating the Perceptual and Pathophysiological Consequences of Auditory Deprivation in Early Postnatal Life: A Comparison of Basic and Clinical Studies

JARO - Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology — Tue, 24 May 2011 05:53:08 +0100

Abstract Decades of clinical and basic research in visual system development have shown that degraded or imbalanced visual inputs can induce a long-lasting visual impairment called amblyopia. In the auditory domain, it is well established that inducing a conductive hearing loss (CHL) in young laboratory animals is associated with a panoply of central auditory system irregularities, ranging from cellular morphology to behavior. Human auditory deprivation, in the form of otitis media (OM), is tremendously common in young children, yet the evidence linking a history of OM to long-lasting auditory processing impairments has been equivocal for decades. Here, we review the apparent discrepancies in the clinical and basic auditory literature and provide a meta-analysis to show th...

Pure-tone auditory threshold in school children

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Sat, 21 May 2011 23:19:31 +0100

Abstract To determine pure-tone auditory thresholds, 197 screened children at a typical primary school in a German town (~70,000 inhabitants) were examined. All children underwent a tympanometry and an audiometry at 17 frequencies from 125 to 16 kHz. Regarding age effects, two groups (6–8 and 9–12 years) were analyzed. The cross-sectional research was supplemented by a follow-up study with 35 children of the first graders 3 years later. School children have the poorest hearing sensitivity at low frequencies (below 1 kHz) and the best sensitivity at the extended high frequencies above 8 kHz. Hearing thresholds are rising significantly with age. Through all frequencies, averaged improvements were 3.8 dB (right ear) and 3.7 dB (left ear) ...

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Review of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis.

Trends in Amplification — Sat, 21 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kuhn M, Heman-Ackah SE, Shaikh JA, Roehm PC Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is commonly encountered in audiologic and otolaryngologic practice. SSNHL is most commonly defined as sensorineural hearing loss of 30dB or greater over at least three contiguous audiometric frequencies occurring within a 72-hr period. Although the differential for SSNHL is vast, for the majority of patients an etiologic factor is not identified. Treatment for SSNHL of known etiology is directed toward that agent, with poor hearing outcomes characteristic for discoverable etiologies that cause inner ear hair cell loss. Steroid therapy is the current mainstay of treatment of idiopathic SSNHL in the United States. The prognosis for hearing recovery for idiopathic SSNHL is dependent on a number ...

Prospective Study on the Dose Distribution to the Acoustic Structures during Postoperative 3D Conformal Radiotherapy for Parotid Tumors

Strahlentherapie und Onkologie — Fri, 20 May 2011 16:04:26 +0100

Conclusion: Post-parotidectomy 3D-CRT is associated with relatively low doses to the ear and the surrounding structures. Post-RT audiometry did not show any permanent (neither conductive nor perceptive) hearing impairment. Only in 3 patients were there signs of transient unilateral dysfunction of the Eustachian tube observed during the first few months after RT. Longer follow-up and larger patient series are warranted to confirm these preliminary findings. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00066-011-2170-5Authors Barbara A. Jereczek-Fossa, Division of Radiotherapy, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, ItalyElena Rondi, Division of Medical Physics, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, ItalyAndrzej Zarowski, University Department of Otolaryngolo...

Pre-surgical auditory assessment of subjects with operated cleft lip and palate

Revista CEFAC — Thu, 19 May 2011 18:40:14 +0100

OBJETIVO: descrever as características audiológicas de indivíduos com fissura labiopalatina operada (FLP) e indicação de cirurgia otológica, comparando os grupos quanto ao tipo e grau da perda auditiva, bem como a curva timpanométrica. MÉTODOS: análise de 150 prontuários, ambos os gêneros, idade igual ou superior a 4 anos, FLP e indicação de cirurgia otológica, divididos em 3 grupos: I - Tubo de ventilação (TV), II - Timpanoplastia e III - Timpanomastoidectomia, analisando aspectos quanto a entrevista audiológica, audiometria tonal limiar e imitanciometria. RESULTADOS: o grupo I apresentou porcentagem maior de cirurgia bilateral (86%), o que não ocorreu nos demais grupos. Na entrevista audiológica, 83% apresentou algum tipo de queixa auditiva, sendo a mais frequente a pe...

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Risk Factors for Hearing Impairment Among U.S. Adults With Diabetes: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004.

Diabetes Care — Tue, 17 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS Low HDL, coronary heart disease, peripheral neuropathy, and having poor health are potentially preventable correlates of hearing impairment for people with diabetes. Glycemic control, years since diagnosis, and type of glycemic medication were not associated with hearing impairment. PMID: 21593298 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Diabetes Care)

Early Prediction of Postmeningitic Hearing Loss in Children Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Sun, 15 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Gadolinium-enhanced MRI detected meningitic labyrinthitis at early stages and accurately predicted which patients would later develop hearing loss. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

Evaluation of cochlear involvement by transient evoked otoacoustic emission test in children with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology — Thu, 12 May 2011 18:18:17 +0100

Conclusions: CCHF disease does not impair cochlear function in children. The clinical course of CCHF among children seems to be milder than in adults. (Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology)

An audiometer to monitor progressive hearing change in school-aged children

Journal of Medical Screening — Sun, 01 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion The newly developed audiometer is quite cost-effective and can be easily operated. The threshold dB values obtained by the audiometer developed in a conference room were comparable with the results of a clinical audiometer in a soundproof room. The audiometer developed could measure the hearing threshold values and, therefore, be useful in monitoring progressive hearing change in school-aged children. (Source: Journal of Medical Screening)

Symptom reporting compared with audiometry for the detection of cochleotoxicity in patients on long-term aminoglycoside therapy.

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Palmay L, Walker SA, Walker SE, Simor AE Aminoglycoside-associated auditory toxicity (cochleotoxicity) is a major concern in patients receiving prolonged aminoglycoside therapy. There are no published data comparing symptom monitoring to audiometry testing for the detection of aminoglycoside-induced cochleotoxicity; thus, agreement regarding the optimal monitoring of these patients for early detection of this effect is lacking. PMID: 21521861 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Annals of Pharmacotherapy)

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The role of ultrahigh-frequency audiometry in the early detection of systemic drug-induced hearing loss.

Ear, Nose and Throat Journal — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Singh RC, Saxena RK, Varshey S In monitoring patients for drug-induced hearing loss, most audiometric evaluations are limited to the range of frequencies from 0.25 to 8 kHz. However, such testing would fail to detect ototoxicity in patients who have already experienced hearing loss in the ultrahigh frequencies from 10 to 20 kHz. Awareness of ultrahigh-frequency ototoxicity could lead to changes in a drug regimen to prevent further damage. We conducted a prospective study of 105 patients who were receiving a potentially ototoxic drug-either gentamicin, amikacin, or cisplatin-to assess the value of ultrahigh-frequency audiometry in detecting systemic drug-induced hearing loss. We found that expanding audiometry into the ultrahigh-frequency range led to the detection of a substan...

Resolution of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Following a Roller Coaster Ride

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 05:50:49 +0100

We report a case of sudden unilateral sensorineural hearing loss of sudden onset during an aeroplane flight, which completely resolved during a roller coaster ride at Alton Towers theme park. A review of the literature concerning sudden idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss and spontaneous resolution are discussed. Initially, pure-tone audiometry showed a profound sensorineural hearing loss in the right ear and mild sensorineural hearing loss in the left ear (of note, the hearing was normal prior to the episode). Following resolution of the patient’s symptoms during a roller coaster ride, pure-tone audiometry showed normal hearing thresholds in both ears. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a symptom of cochlear injury and the mechanism of the patient’s symptoms was attributed t...

Identifying the affected branches of vestibular nerve in vestibular neuritis.

Acta Oto-Laryngologica — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. The inner ear monitoring system is useful for identifying the affected branches of the vestibular nerve in cases of vestibular neuritis, providing insight about the interval for the relief of vertigo. Objective: This study conducted an inner ear monitoring system including audiometry, and caloric, ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP), and cervical VEMP (cVEMP) tests in cases of vestibular neuritis for assessing the affected branches of the vestibular nerve. Methods: Twenty patients with vestibular neuritis underwent caloric, oVEMP, and cVEMP tests. Type I indicates that one of the three tests is abnormal; type II indicates that two test results are abnormal; and type III indicates that no test result is normal. Results: All patients had normal hearing, bilaterall...

Incidence and Predictors of Hearing Aid Use and Ownership Among Older Adults With Hearing Loss

Annals of Epidemiology — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Incident hearing aid ownership and usage was relatively low among hearing impaired adults. Age, question-defined hearing handicap, and measured HL were significant predictors of incident hearing aid use/ownership. (Source: Annals of Epidemiology)

Using multi-stimulus auditory steady state response to predict hearing thresholds in high-risk infants

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 18:01:53 +0100

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate whether multi-stimulus auditory steady-state responses were capable of estimating hearing thresholds in high-risk infants. A retrospective chart review study. Three tertiary referral centers. Infants born between January 2004 and December 2006 who met the criteria for risk factors of congenital hearing loss were enrolled in the study. While under sedation, the multi-stimulus auditory steady-state response was used to determine multi-channel auditory steady-state response thresholds for high-risk infants younger than 13 months. Conditioned play audiometry was then applied to these children at 23–48 months of age to obtain pure tone audiograms. Auditory steady-state response thresholds and pure tone thresholds...

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DFNA8/12 caused by TECTA mutations is the most identified subtype of non‐syndromic autosomal dominant hearing loss

Human Mutation — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe prevalence of DFNA8/DFNA12 (DFNA8/12), a type of autosomal dominant non‐syndromic hearing loss (ADNSHL), is unknown as comprehensive population‐based genetic screening has not been conducted. We therefore completed unbiased screening for TECTA mutations in a Spanish cohort of 372 probands from ADNSHL families. Three additional families (Spanish, Belgian and English) known to be linked to DFNA8/12 were also included in the screening. In an additional cohort of 835 American ADNSHL families, we preselected 73 probands for TECTA screening based on audiometric data. In aggregate, we identified 23 TECTA mutations in this process. Remarkably 20 of these mutations are novel, more than doubling the number of reported TECTA ADNSHL mutations from 13 to 33. Mutations lie in all domains...

DFNA8/12 caused by TECTA mutations is the most identified subtype of nonsyndromic autosomal dominant hearing loss

Human Mutation — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe prevalence of DFNA8/DFNA12 (DFNA8/12), a type of autosomal dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss (ADNSHL), is unknown as comprehensive population‐based genetic screening has not been conducted. We therefore completed unbiased screening for TECTA mutations in a Spanish cohort of 372 probands from ADNSHL families. Three additional families (Spanish, Belgian, and English) known to be linked to DFNA8/12 were also included in the screening. In an additional cohort of 835 American ADNSHL families, we preselected 73 probands for TECTA screening based on audiometric data. In aggregate, we identified 23 TECTA mutations in this process. Remarkably, 20 of these mutations are novel, more than doubling the number of reported TECTA ADNSHL mutations from 13 to 33. Mutations lie in all domains ...

The clinical status of the eardrum: An inclusion criterion for the treatment of chronic secretory otitis media in children

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:12:39 +0100

Abstract: Objective: To investigate if the clinical status of the eardrum could be an inclusion criterion for the therapy of chronic secretory otitis media (CSOM). To compare the results of treating CSOM by adenoidectomy and by adenoidectomy in combination with tympanostomy tubes in two groups of patients chosen according to that criterion.Methods: 161 ears in 87 children were treated for CSOM. An otomicroscopic examination showed there were no pathological changes on the tympanic membrane (signs of adhesive process, malleus rotation, and dangerous attic retractions). The patients were randomly divided into two groups: the first group of 59 ears was treated by myringotomy and tympanostomy tubes and adenoidectomy, while the other group of 102 ears was treated only by adenoidectomy. At least...

Effects of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Surgery on Middle Ear Function [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions We found that Z-palatopharyngoplasty plus radiofrequency of the base of the tongue for obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome induces changes in middle ear function. However, the changes were temporary and not significant after 3 months of follow-up. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)