Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology via MedWorm.com

Peer Reviewers -- 2010

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 32(1): 60-60 (Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology)

A History of Australian Audiology

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 32(1): 56-59 Abstract Laurence Upfold, Phonak Pty Ltd Australia, Sydney, 2008, Printed by McPherson Printing Group, Mulgrave, Victoria (Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology)

An Independent Review of Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment Controlled Clinical Trials

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 32(1): 41-55 Abstract Traditional methods for the clinical management of tinnitus generally involve some combination of three common elements: education/counseling, stress reduction, and use of therapeutic sound. Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment (NTT), which originated in Australia and recently has gained visibility in the United States, comprises a new variation of traditional tinnitus therapies. NTT uses a proprietary wearable audio player as its primary treatment modality. NTT is unique amongst tinnitus treatments in that a corporate entity controls all operations, including clinician training, provision of sound therapy devices, and oversight of the clinical activities involved in this trademarked therapy. We review here the three published...

Communicating With Australian Deaf People About Communication Technology

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 32(1): 31-40 Abstract The paper examines deaf people's knowledge of modern Internet communication technologies and the possible benefits they could obtain from them. We found that organisations for deaf people were active in informing their members but a very large number of people deafened by ageing were not so aware of possible benefits. Signing deaf people benefit from video communication by telephone and the Internet. Signing avatars are also of considerable benefit in making available text and voice sites on the Internet. Methods of promoting awareness for better access and suggestions for their implementation are examined. (Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology)

Student Audiologists' Impressions of a Simulation Training Program

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

This study used a questionnaire to determine if 25 first-year audiology students from an audiology program in a large Australian university felt their interactions with SPs and CBSs had improved their ability to interact with clients and perform a basic audiometric assessment. These students reported their interactions with the SPs significantly (p < .01) improved their performance in 10 out of 10 areas of client interaction and their interactions with the CBS significantly (p < .01) improved their abilities in 6 out of 8 areas of basic audiometry. They also reported that the SPs' portrayals of the cases and the content of the simulated cases were realistic, although further preparation for interacting with the SPs was desirable. Overall, these results support the continued investigation o...

Rehabilitation Efforts and Stress in Parents of Children With Cochlear Implants

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 32(1): 1-18 Abstract This mixed methods study investigated the impact on Australian families of the decision-making process and the ongoing (re)habilitation demands of their children's cochlear implantation. Quantitative results from a survey of 247 parents found that parents experienced stress related to the decision-making and rehabilitation processes at significantly higher levels than they had expected pre-implant. Multiple regression analysis identified factors that were predictive of parents' experiences of rehabilitation efforts and stress. Qualitative data from interviews with 27 of the survey respondents elaborated on the quantitative findings and provided insights into the impact on families' lives, identifying the greatest problem ...

Acknowledgment of Peer Reviewers for 2009

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 31(2): 116-116 (Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology)

Abstracts of the Australian Newborn Hearing Screening Conference, May 22-23, 2009, Brisbane, Australia

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 31(2): 105-115 (Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology)

A History of Australian Audiology

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 31(2): 101-104 Abstract Lawrence Upfold Phonak Pty Ltd Australia, Sydney, 2008. (Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology)

A Pilot Investigation Into the Provision of Hearing Services Using Tele-Audiology to Remote Areas

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 31(2): 96-100 Abstract A pilot investigation has been conducted by Australian Hearing to assess the feasibility of providing hearing services using tele-audiology to adult clients in remote areas. The services on trial included hearing assessment, hearing aid fitting, and hearing rehabilitation. The equipment used for remote area services, the personnel required, and the methodology used are outlined. Case studies are presented and implications for future needs discussed. (Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology)

On The Benefits of Using Chained Stimuli for Frequency-Specific ABR Acquisition

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 31(2): 80-95 Abstract To avoid the adaptation effects caused by increasing the stimulus repetition rate in frequency-specific ABR testing, some researchers have trialed alternative stimuli called `chained stimuli'. The current study analysed the latency variance in Wave V for auditory brainstem responses evoked by representative chained stimuli (tone-pulse series stimulation with simultaneous Gliding HIghpass NOise Masker -- `GHINOMA') and conventional nonchained stimuli (tone bursts) and found that these `chained stimuli' can be used to obtain frequency-specific ABR waveforms in less time compared to conventional stimuli, without sacrificing the `quality' of waveforms obtained. Our findings suggest that the test-retest repeatability of chain...

An Exploratory Study Involving Mindfulness Meditation in the Treatment of King-Kopetzky Syndrome

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 31(2): 72-79 Abstract King-Kopetzky syndrome (KKS) is a common condition in which individuals with normal audiograms complain of hearing difficulties, particularly in the presence of background noise. The aim of this study was to examine the usefulness of mindfulness cognitive behavioural therapy in KKS sufferers. Patients were selected from a dedicated KKS clinic in the Welsh Hearing Institute. A total of 32 consecutive patients with KKS, of which 20 responded to the six-month follow-up questionnaires, were recruited and analysed using content analysis based on the open-ended benefit/shortcomings questionnaire, as well as two questions on the impact of therapy on hearing difficulties at the six-month follow-up. The qualitative analysis showe...

The Benefit of Sound-Field Amplification in First Nations Elementary School Children in Nova Scotia, Canada

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 31(2): 55-71 Abstract The present study investigated the effects of sound-field FM amplification on student classroom performance in a First Nations elementary school classroom. Overall, students -- including those with and without hearing loss -- demonstrated a significant improvement in classroom performance during use of the sound-field FM amplification system. Results suggest that children can improve in the areas of academics, attention, communication, class participation, and school behaviour when amplification is utilised. The area of attention was shown to have the greatest increase, which suggests that it is the most readily influenced behaviour. Clinical implications of hearing screenings in First Nations schools are discussed, as a...

Electronics and Instrumentation for Audiologists

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 31(1): 53-53 Abstract Paul James Moser. Psychology Press, 2009. Available from Elsevier Australia, Customer Service. Email: customerservice@elsevier.com (Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology)

Investigating the Performance of a Questionnaire for Hearing Screening of Schoolchildren in China

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a questionnaire for mass screening of rural school children in China. A total of 154 children, ages ranging from 6-13 years (mean = 9.3 years, SD = 1.7), were screened using the Chinese Hearing Questionnaire for School Children (CHQS-II). The CHQS-II was designed to detect cases at risk of otitis media with effusion and/or at least a moderate hearing loss in one or both ears. The test performance of the questionnaire was determined through comparison with `gold standard' assessments. The diagnostic protocol was failed by 9.7% of participants, whilst the questionnaire was failed by 47.4%. Overall, the CHQS-II was found to be only moderately accurate (.62) as a screening system. When compared with standard diagnostic tests, its sensitivity was moderat...

High Frequency Pure Tone Audiometry (8-16 kHz) in Children: A Normative Study

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 31(1): 33-44 Abstract Establishing normative high frequency pure tone audiometry (HFPTA) threshold data would assist in monitoring ototoxicity in the paediatric oncology population. The present study aimed to acquire HFPTA (8-16 kHz) data from normally hearing children in a common clinical setting. Participants were 129 normally hearing children (63 males and 66 females), aged between 4 and 13 years (mean = 8.4 years; SD = 2.2 years). HFPTA thresholds at 8, 9, 10, 11.2, 12.5, 14, and 16 kHz were measured using an Interacoustics AC40 audiometer with Koss R/80 high frequency headphones. The results from the normative HFPTA data showed that the mean threshold and standard deviation values increased with frequency. A significant age effect was fo...

Test-Retest Reliability of Acoustic Reflex Test in 6-Week-Old Healthy Infants

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 31(1): 25-32 Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the test-retest reliability of acoustic reflex (AR) test measured from a group of 6-week-old infants who passed a transient evoked otoacoustic emission test and an automated auditory brainstem response screening test. Ipsilateral acoustic reflex thresholds for a 2 kHz pure tone and broadband noise were recorded from 70 infants using a Madsen Otoflex Diagnostic Immittance meter with a probe tone of 1000 Hz. The mean AR thresholds obtained in the first test were 67.3 and 80.9 dB HL for the broadband noise and 2 kHz tone, respectively. The results for the retest condition did not differ significantly from those of the first test. The AR test also showed high test-retest reliability a...

High Frequency (1000 HZ) Tympanometry Findings in Newborns: Normative Data Using a Component Compensated Admittance Approach

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 31(1): 15-24 Abstract Recently clinicians have started to use a new approach, called the component compensation method, to evaluate middle ear function in newborn babies using high frequency (1000 Hz) tympanometry. The present study aimed to establish tympanometric normative data using this new method. Participants were 157 normal, healthy, full-term newborn babies with chronological age between 1 and 8 days. Normative data showing the 90% range for tympanometric peak pressure, admittance at 200 daPa, uncompensated peak admittance, component compensated static admittance (YCC) and traditional baseline compensated static admittance (YBC) are provided. The results showed no significant gender and ear asymmetry effects, nor their interactions wi...

Progress Towards Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening: A World Review

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study reviewed the performance of universal neonatal hearing screening (UNHS) programs in 46 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Oceania and Africa. The review was based on data collected from a 2004 survey of early hearing detection programs; responses to a 2006 survey of audiologists undertaken by the authors; a literature review of 55 articles, reports and internet sources from 1995 to 2007; and one 2006 Market Research Report. This data was compared to the UNHS benchmarks set by the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) in 2007. In the 21 countries where data on national screening coverage were available, the average coverage was 46% (JCIH recommends 95% or more). In the 32 countries where data on regional or local screening coverage were available, t...

Guest Editorial

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 31(1): 1-1 (Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology)

Erratum

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 30(2): 141-142 (Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology)

Strategies for the Selection of Music in the Short-Term Management of Mild Tinnitus

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 30(2): 129-140 Abstract The aims of this pilot study were to determine any difference in short-term tinnitus relief between pieces of music with differing musical element extremes and to establish any possible relationship between musical aptitude and/or subjective response to music and the stimulus perceived to be of the greatest benefit to tinnitus relief. Baroque music pieces, which covered a range of musical elements, were presented to 13 participants with mild tinnitus along with silence and broadband noise. Ratings on visual analogue scales were obtained and correlation analysis revealed that two pieces of music in the major musical mode provided a significant reduction in tinnitus annoyance. The results of this study suggest that music...

Rehabilitative Management Strategies in Patients With King-Kopetzky Syndrome

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 30(2): 119-128 Abstract King-Kopetzky syndrome (KKS) is defined as the condition in which an individual complains of difficulties understanding speech in background noise, but has normal thresholds on pure tone audiometry. Various studies have claimed that a number of factors, including peripheral and central auditory function, linguistic, speech processes and psychological factors, may be responsible for the condition. Because of the large variety of the causes underlying this condition, the clinical management of such a multifactorial disorder is extremely diverse. The purpose of this article is to highlight important aspects of the appropriate rehabilitative management strategies that should be considered in audiology clinics to treat this...

Taking the Pressure Off Bone Conduction Hearing Aid Users

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 30(2): 113-118 Abstract The long-term use of headband-worn bone vibrators has been associated with skin ulceration and, in severe cases, physical depression at the point of contact. The cause for this problem has been poorly understood and a mechanism is suggested for the skin condition. When the pressure applied at the bone vibrator contact area exceeds the capillary closure pressure, blood supply is cut off. This affects skin and underlying tissue. Eleven subjects were tested to measure bone-vibrator pressure on the head. Bone conduction hearing aid fittings result in pressure on the head that greatly exceeds capillary closure pressure. It is recommended that bone vibrator contact area and headband force be chosen to avoid exceeding a maxim...

Relationships Between Hearing Disability, Quality of Life and Wellbeing in Older Community-Based Australians

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 30(2): 99-112 Abstract The aims of this study were to: (1) investigate the relationships between measured hearing impairment and self-reported hearing and communication difficulties (i.e., activity limitations, participation restrictions), health-related quality of life and wellbeing in community-based older Australians; and (2) investigate the influence of age, gender, living situation and hearing aid use on these relationships. Data were collected from 178 older people with hearing impairment. Pure-tone audiometry was used to assess hearing impairment and self-report questionnaires were used to assess activity limitations, participation restrictions, health-related quality of life and wellbeing. Results showed a relationship between hearing...

Repeatability of Real-Ear-to-Coupler Differences Measured by an Acoustic Method for Determining Probe Tube Insertion Depth

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:00:00 +0100

This article reports the real-ear-to-coupler differences (RECD) of 24 children (46 ears) and the repeatability of measures for 30 ears. For measuring real-ear sound pressure level (SPL), the probe tube must be positioned close to the eardrum in order to be representative of the SPL at the eardrum. In this study, an acoustic method that used a 6 kHz standing wave minimum in the real ear to place the probe tube tip at 9 mm from the eardrum was used with custom earmoulds for measuring the real-ear portion of the RECD. The results showed a mean insertion depth from the inter-tragal notch of 24.4 mm. Across frequencies between 0.25 to 4 kHz, the test-retest difference was less than 1.0 dB, and the reliability coefficients ranged from 0.7 to 0.9. The finding on insertion depths from the inter-tr...

The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology: Patterns of Publication Since 1979 and Trends Toward the Future

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 30(1): 86-89 (Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology)

Transitioning Hearing Aid Users With Severe and Profound Hearing Loss From Linear to Nonlinear Amplification: Three Case Studies

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 30(1): 73-85 Abstract In a research study conducted at the National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL), a group of severely and profoundly hearing-impaired users of amplification was fit with wide dynamic range compression (WDRC) for the first time. Many of the study participants expressed reservations about their initial sound experience with the new devices, prompting the experimenters to develop a set of recommendations for facilitating the transition from linear to nonlinear amplification for long-term, full-time hearing aid users with severe and profound hearing loss. Recommended management strategies include: (1) optimisation of the gain/frequency response prior to the activation of compression; (2) in situ demonstrations of new hearing aid fe...

Hearing Aid Use and Satisfaction in Young Australian Adults With Severe to Profound Hearing Loss

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 30(1): 59-72 Abstract The primary aim of the present research was to investigate factors affecting amplification use and satisfaction in young Australian adults with severe to profound hearing impairment. Opinions were gathered from 57 subjects (40 male and 17 female), with a mean age of 23.6 years, through self-administration of the Factors Affecting Hearing Aid Use in Adults (FAHA) questionnaire. A significant difference in opinions between those who wore hearing aids daily and those who did not was noted for 10 of the 49 questionnaire statements. The findings suggested that there are a number of factors that impact on amplification use in young Australian adults with severe to profound hearing impairment. These related to self-perceived ai...

Noise Levels, Hearing Disturbances, and Use of Hearing Protection at Entertainment Venues

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 30(1): 50-58 Abstract An investigation of noise levels experienced by patrons and workers at entertainment venues, and a survey of exposure times, experience of adverse effects, attitudes towards noise levels and hearing protection, use of hearing protection, and knowledge of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) education campaigns were undertaken. Noise level measurements were taken at various points in the venues and a questionnaire was conducted with 303 of the patrons. Mean recorded sound levels exceeded 95 dB (A) and mean exposure time was almost five hours per session. The majority (81%) of respondents had suffered auditory symptoms such as temporary hearing loss, tinnitus and headache. The use of earplugs was low, especially in females an...

Effect of Early Otitis Media on Speech Identification

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 30(1): 38-49 Abstract Otitis media (OM) is the most common cause of conductive hearing loss in children in India. Hearing loss secondary to OM has been reported to result in deficits in auditory processing. It was hypothesised that such deficits can be more deleterious if OM occurs in the first year of life as there is maximum development of auditory neural pathways during this period. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to document the effects of reduced auditory experience secondary to OM in the first year of life on speech identification. Another purpose was to study the persistence of the negative effects of auditory deprivation on speech perception. A cross-sectional approach and a standard group comparison design was used in the st...

The Stigma of Wearing Hearing Aids in an Adolescent Aboriginal Population

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

This study explored whether a `Hearing Aid Effect' (HAE) (negative stigma attached to the presence of a hearing aid) is a basis for the lack of amplification use. A sample of Northern Territory Indigenous adolescents boarding at high schools in Alice Springs participated and were asked to judge, using a purpose-designed attitude scale, 12 photographs of male and female peers wearing a behind the ear hearing aid, or a bone conductor hearing aid or wearing no hearing aids. The results indicated that the more visible the hearing aid, the more negatively the adolescents viewed the individual. There was also a trend towards a response bias as a function of the gender of the hearing-aid user. Interestingly, it was found that a brief intervention explaining the benefits of hearing aids provided s...

Perceptual Consequences of Conductive Hearing Loss: Speech Perception in Indigenous Students Learning English as a `School' Language

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

This study aims to consider the effect of hearing loss and native-language phonology on learning English by Australian Indigenous children. Twenty-one standard Australian English consonants were considered in a consonant-vowel (CV) context. Each consonant was paired with each other to yield `same' and `different' consonant pairs. The participants were classified into three groups: (1) English speaking, non-Indigenous children without history of hearing loss and otitis media (three males, four females, mean age 13.7 years); (2) Indigenous children speaking Tiwi as their native language, without history of hearing loss and otitis media and learning English as a second language (two males, three females, mean age 12.1 yrs) and (3) Indigenous children speaking Tiwi as their native language, wi...

Book Reviews

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 29(2): 115-116 Abstract HEARING SCIENCE FUNDAMENTALS Norman J. Lass and Charles M. Woodford (2007). Mosby, Elsevier. TINNITUS TREATMENT, CLINICAL PROTOCOLS Dr Richard S. Tyler, (Ed.). (2006). New York: Thieme Medical Publishers Inc. (Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology)

Stimulus Repetition Rate and the Reference Levels for Clicks and Short Tone Bursts: A Warning to Audiologists, Researchers, Calibration Laboratories and Equipment Manufacturers

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 29(2): 113-114 Abstract This brief article highlights a technical issue with potential for misunderstanding which could affect the design, calibration and use of auditory brainstem response (ABR) systems. The issue is explained and recommendations provided. (Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology)

Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials: Clinical Implications of a Normative Investigation

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

This study aimed to develop procedures for ensuring reliable VEMP recordings in the clinical setting and to provide comprehensive normative data. VEMP responses from 30 normal adults were collected using the Biologic Navigator. The factors of stimulus type, frequency and intensity were considered. Only stimulus type had a significant effect on VEMP recordings, with responses from click stimuli having lower thresholds, shorter latencies and higher test-retest correlations than the tone burst stimuli. However, as the maximum click intensity of the system was 90 dB nHL, the click stimulus only elicited responses from 73.3% of ears. The results of this investigation, along with a review of the existing literature, have led to the creation of a clinical protocol for VEMP testing. (Source: Austr...

Application of ASSR in the Hearing Aid Selection Process

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 29(2): 89-97 Abstract The present study investigated the possible use of the auditory steady state response (ASSR) technique in hearing aid fitting. The relationship between the real ear insertion gain (REIG) and ASSR gain (unaided ASSR threshold vs. aided ASSR threshold) was examined. Thirty subjects with mild to moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss with age range of 15 years to 50 years (mean age 32 years) participated in the study. Based on the degree, configuration and type of hearing loss, two digital BTE hearing aids were preselected. For each subject insertion gain and ASSR gain were measured at 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz and 4 kHz. The hearing aid that best matched with the target curve during insertion gain measurement was selected...

Habituation of Auditory Evoked Potentials: The Dynamics of Waveform Morphology

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

This study presents a unique methodology to elaborate on auditory habituation over time with the acquisition of evoked potentials. Subjects were presented with clicks at a rate of 1 per second for 90 min. Each subject listened to a total of 5400 click stimuli (trials). A time epoch of 500 ms was used and each trial was digitised at a sample rate of 12,800 samples per second. The trials were individually saved and 4401 evoked potentials were obtained offline using a moving average of 1000 trials (1-1000; 2-1001, and so on). A unique paradigm was developed, which allowed the early, middle and late components of the auditory evoked potential to be acquired simultaneously and also permitted the study of amplitude and latency interdifferences between the evoked potentials in order to observe th...

The Impact of Hearing Loss on Tinnitus Severity

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 04:00:00 +0100

This study related results for two self-report questionnaires, the Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire (THQ) (Kuk, Tyler, Russell, & Jordan, 1990) and the Tinnitus Severity Index (TSI) (Meikle, Griest, Stewart, & Press, 1995) to audiometric results from 79 patients attending a tinnitus clinic. The TSI did not show a statistically significant correlation with any variables obtained from the audiogram. The Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire score was correlated to aspects of the pure tone audiometry -- in particular elevated low frequency thresholds were correlated with greater tinnitus handicap. The relationship between hearing loss and measures of tinnitus impact are discussed. (Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology)

Book Review

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 29(1): 65-66 RESEARCH METHODS FOR CLINICAL THERAPISTS: APPLIED PROJECT DESIGN AND ANALYSIS (4TH ED.) Carolyn Hicks. (2004). London: Churchill Livingstone. (Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology)

Normative Data for Behavioural Tests of Auditory Processing for New Zealand School Children Aged 7 to 12 Years

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 29(1): 60-64 (Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology)

Rehabilitation of Adults with Auditory Processing Disorder and Normal Peripheral Hearing: Two Case Studies

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 29(1): 53-59 The management of auditory processing disorder (APD) is frequently discussed for the school-aged population but management strategies are also needed for adults with APD. The strategies established for rehabilitation of APD are often targeted towards children and may not be appropriate for adults. These two case studies explore the results of utilising low-gain hearing aids coupled to an FM system for adults with APD and normal peripheral hearing. Results suggest that with appropriate management and follow up the utilisation of low-gain hearing aids coupled to an FM system may be a beneficial rehabilitation option. (Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology)

A Case Study of an 11-Year-Old With Auditory Processing Disorder

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 29(1): 40-52 The article presents a case study of a child (‘Sally’) with multiple risk factors for auditory processing disorder (APD), including low birth weight and a history of otitis media. Sally presented for auditory processing assessment at age 7 years 9 months due to learning difficulties, despite normal intelligence. Sally had persistent mild hearing loss associated with repeated middle ear infections and hearing aids were trialed at 22 months. Mother reported increased vocalisations and improved listening with hearing aids. Three years later, hearing aids were withdrawn, as Sally's hearing thresholds had improved. Following diagnosis of APD an FM device was trialed successfully, but Sally is no longer using the device. Trial of m...

Evaluation of Screening Instruments for Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) in a Sample of Referred Children

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

This study investigated the sensitivity and specificity of four instruments, audiological and nonaudiological, against diagnostic outcome in a clinical sample of 23 children, aged 7-10 years, referred for assessment of their auditory processing abilities. One instrument, the Competing Sentences Test, which is a subtest of the SCAN-A, met the study's statistical and practicality criteria for a potential screening test. A cut off score for the left ear of four out of 10 gave a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 61%. Further research is needed to test the Competing Sentences Test, and other instruments, on larger samples of children for their potential as screening tests for APD. (Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology)

The Australian Staggered Spondaic Word Test (ASSW)

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 29(1): 14-25 The American English EC recording of the Staggered Spondaic Word Test (EC SSW), first introduced by Katz in 1962, remains one of the most widely used audiological tests for the identification of auditory sites-of-lesion and (central) auditory processing disorder ([C]APD). This use has seen the EC SSW re-recorded into several different languages and dialects, including an Australian English recording produced by Golding, Lilly and Lay in 1996: the Macquarie SSW (MSSW). The MSSW used a ‘peak energy alignment’ method to overlap its competing monosyllables, whereas the original EC SSW had used a ‘perceptual simultaneity’ method, with some authors suggesting such a difference could affect test performance. This paper describes...

Central Auditory Processing (CAP) Abnormalities in Older Adults: A Review

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

This article will review these differences together with prevalence and risk factors for CAP abnormality in older adults. The impact of this condition on the older adult as well as potential approaches to rehabilitation and (re)training will also be reviewed. (Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology)

Acknowledgment of Peer Reviewers for 2006