MedWorm: Audiology

Editors' response to clark and bohl.

Ear and Hearing — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:07:34 +0100

Page: 817DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0b013e318186bea8 (Source: Ear and Hearing)

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Authors' response to editorial note.

Ear and Hearing — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:07:34 +0100

Page: 816DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0b013e318186be96Authors: Clark, William W. Ph.D.; Bohl, Carl D. Sc.D. (Source: Ear and Hearing)

Editorial note regarding sufficiency of authors' disclosures: hearing levels of firefighters: risk of occupational noise-induced hearing loss assessed by cross-sectional and longitudinal data [ear hear 2005;26(3):327-340].

Ear and Hearing — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:07:34 +0100

Page: 815DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0b013e318186be60Authors: Ryals, Brenda M. Ph.D.; Svirsky, Mario A. Ph.D. (Source: Ear and Hearing)

Retraction.

Ear and Hearing — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:07:34 +0100

Page: 814DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0b013e3181850ec (Source: Ear and Hearing)

Exploring the role of the modulation spectrum in phoneme recognition.

Ear and Hearing — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:07:34 +0100

The ability of listeners to identify consonants on the basis of primarily temporal information was compared with the predictions of a model based on amplitude modulation spectra. Listeners and model were presented with phonemes processed so that one to eight bands of spectral information remained. The similarity of the modulation spectra across phonemes was a strong predictor of the confusions made by human listeners, suggesting that a sparse set of time-averaged patterns of modulation energy can capture a meaningful aspect of the information listeners use to distinguish among speech signals.Page: 800DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0b013e31817e73efAuthors: Gallun, Frederick 1; Souza, Pamela 2 (Source: Ear and Hearing)

Young adults' use and output level settings of personal music systems.

Ear and Hearing — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:07:34 +0100

The purpose of this study was to 1)determine the prevalence of personal music system use in young adults; and 2) measure the dB SPL in the ear canal of a small sample of these adults. The Personal Music System Use Survey was completed by over 1000 undergraduate students; over 90% reported using a personal music system with earphones and almost 90% reported listening at either a medium or loud volume. Mean dB SPL for the medium and loud volume categories were 71.6 and 87.7, respectively. These data demonstrate the impact this noise exposure may have on hearing.Page: 791DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0b013e31817e7409Authors: Torre, Peter III (Source: Ear and Hearing)

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Development of a large-item environmental sound test and the effects of short-term training with spectrally-degraded stimuli.

Ear and Hearing — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:07:34 +0100

Environmental sound perception is an important concern for cochlear implant patients. In this study, a large 160-item test of environmental sound perception was developed and used to examine whether auditory training improves listeners' identification of environmental sounds processed by an acoustically simulated cochlear implant. Seven normal-hearing listeners identified spectrally-degraded stimuli obtained with a four-channel noise-based vocoder before and after five training sessions. Identification performance improved after training, mostly for the sounds included in the training set, but also, to a lesser extent, for untrained sounds. Results provide preliminary basis for incorporating environmental sounds into cochlear implant rehabilitation programs.Page: 775DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0b013e31817e08eaAuthors: Shafiro, Valeriy (Source: Ear and Hearing)

Natural boundaries in gap detection are related to categorical perception of stop consonants.

Ear and Hearing — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:07:34 +0100

We examined the hypothesis that a natural auditory psychophysical discontinuity contributes to a perceptual category boundary between voiced-voiceless English stop consonants. Voice onset time (VOT) phonetic boundary and gap-detection thresholds for conditions in which the sounds delimiting the gap were acoustically identical or different were examined in English speakers. Statistically significant positive correlations and predictive linear relations were found between VOT phonetic boundaries and between-channel gap thresholds but not within-channel gap thresholds. Detection of gaps between different nonspeech acoustic markers and categorical perception of VOT seems to share the same underlying perceptual timing mechanisms in English speakers.Page: 761DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0b013e318185ddd2Authors: Elangovan, Saravanan 1; Stuart, Andrew 2 (Source: Ear and Hearing)

Tune in or tune out: age-related differences in listening to speech in music.

Ear and Hearing — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:07:34 +0100

This study examined age-related differences in listening to speech in music. In the first experiment, word identification accuracy was assessed in different background conditions (music or multitalker babble). In the second experiment, recognition recall was measured for background music heard during a word identification task. For older adults, word identification did not depend on the type of background, but for younger adults word identification was better when the background was familiar music than when it was unfamiliar music or babble. The pattern of false alarms in recognition suggested that younger listeners consciously processed the background music more than older listeners.Page: 746DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0b013e31817bdd1fAuthors: Russo, Frank A. 1; Pichora-Fuller, M Kathleen 2,3 (Source: Ear and Hearing)

Classification and cue weighting of multidimensional stimuli with speech-like cues for young normal hearing and elderly hearing-impaired listeners.

Ear and Hearing — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:07:34 +0100

The purpose of this study was to investigate how young normal hearing (YNH) and elderly hearing-impaired (EHI) listeners make use of three redundant speech-like cues when classifying nonspeech sounds. Before the classification task, two experiments were conducted to verify the perceptual independence of the cues and to establish that each cue was easily discriminable for all the listeners. During the classification task, both YNH and EHI groups attended primarily to the frequency-transition cue. The EHI listeners required more time to learn to categorize the stimuli, and to change their focus of attention from preferred to alternate stimulus cues.Page: 725DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0b013e31817bdd42Authors: Wang, Xin; Humes, Larry E. (Source: Ear and Hearing)

The development of frequency weighting for speech in children with a history of otis media with effusion.

Ear and Hearing — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:07:34 +0100

We hypothesized that the fluctuating hearing loss associated with chronic otitis media with effusion (OME) early in development impacts the frequency weighting of speech. Eleven school-aged children with a history of OME were tested 1 to 2 wks after placement of tympanostomy tubes, and their performance was compared with that of 21 control children. The frequency content of Bamford-Kowal-Bench sentences was manipulated to determine the relative importance of cues in the regions of 1, 2, and 4 kHz. Results indicated that children with an OME history gave more weight to speech frequencies in the region of 2000 Hz compared with age-matched controls.Page: 718DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0b013e31817a98cbAuthors: Eapen, Rose J.; Buss, Emily; Grose, John H.; Drake, Amelia F.; Dev, Madhu; Hall, Joseph W. (Source: Ear and Hearing)

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The electrically evoked auditory change complex: preliminary results from nucleus cochlear implant users.

Ear and Hearing — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:07:34 +0100

Electrically evoked, auditory potentials were measured from Nucleus cochlear implant users. The speech processor was bypassed and the implanted electronics were controlled directly. A 600 ms train of biphasic current pulses was presented. In experimental conditions, the stimulus train included a change in the stimulating electrode position. The amplitude of the responses that were elicited by this change in electrode location tended to increase as the distance between the two stimulating electrodes increased. These results suggest that it may be feasible to use electrophysiologic techniques to assess sensitivity to change in various aspects of an ongoing electrical stimulus.Page: 704DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0b013e31817a98afAuthors: Brown, Carolyn J. 1,2; Etler, Christine 2; He, Shuman 1,2; O'Brien, Sara 2; Erenberg, Sheryl 2; Kim, Jae-Ryong 2,3; Dhuldhoya, Aayesha N. 1; Abbas, Paul J. 1,2 (Source: Ear and Hearing)

Measurement of individual loudness functions by trisection of loudness ranges.

Ear and Hearing — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:07:34 +0100

A loudness trisection method of measuring individual loudness functions from loudness judgments was tested on 9 normal-hearing subjects over the 40-80 dB SPL range. The average difference between these data and the loudness function defined by the accepted equations relating loudness and SPL for normal listeners (e.g. ANSI Standard S3.20-1973) was 0.78 dB ignoring sign; the standard deviation of the measurements was approximately 1 dB, compared to 6-8 dB in other studies. This may prove useful as a tool for selecting compression ratios for hearing aids on an individual basis; something impractical with previous methods because of the uncertainty of the judgments.Page: 693DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0b013e318177d9c6Authors: Villchur, Edgar 1; Killion, Mead C. 2,3 (Source: Ear and Hearing)

Personality and perception of tinnitus.

Ear and Hearing — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:07:34 +0100

We interviewed a large general population birth cohort about tinnitus, and assessed their personalities using the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire. People with tinnitus were more socially withdrawn, stress reactive, alienated, and less Self-Controlled than those without. Amongst people who reported tinnitus, those who were more socially withdrawn, stress reactive, and alienated found their tinnitus more distressing. Our interpretation of the findings rests on the notion that percepts are probabilistic phenomena, and that personality factors may thus influence one's awareness of the perceptual features of tinnitus. If this is so, treatments which foster personality change may be effective in controlling tinnitus symptoms.Page: 684DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0b013e318177d9acAuthors: Welch, David 1; Dawes, Patrick J. D. 2 (Source: Ear and Hearing)

Interaural time discrimination of envelopes carried on high-frequency tones as a function of level and interaural carrier mismatch.

Ear and Hearing — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:07:34 +0100

This study investigated the consequences of presenting binaural stimuli to mismatched frequency regions in normal-hearing listeners. Temporal envelopes were manipulated to present low frequency timing cues to high frequency auditory channels, and interaural time discrimination thresholds were measured. Sensitivity improved with increasing presentation level, and carrier frequency mismatches reduced sensitivity. These results are interpreted in terms of spread of excitation into binaurally matched auditory channels. It is suggested that spatial hearing in listeners with bilateral cochlear implants could benefit from spread of current that results in the stimulation of neural populations that share common tonotopic space bilaterally.Page: 674DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0b013e3181775e03Authors: Blanks, Deidra A.; Buss, Emily; Grose, John H.; Fitzpatrick, Douglas C.; Hall, Joseph W. III (Source: Ear and Hearing)

Health tip: adjusting to a hearing aid

MedicineNet Hearing General — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Health Tip: Adjusting to a Hearing AidCategory: Health NewsCreated: 9/4/2008 2:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 9/4/2008 (Source: MedicineNet Hearing General)

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Transmission pathways of vibratory stimulation as measured by subjective thresholds and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions.

Ear and Hearing — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:59:53 +0100

To clarify the contribution of the skull contents to the transmission of bone vibratory stimuli, we compared auditory thresholds and DPOAE levels with a bone vibrator placed on various sites of the head. The best audiometric thresholds and DPOAE levels were obtained from the mastoid and the temple. The audiometric thresholds from the eye were similar to those of the forehead and about 10 dB higher than at the best sites. DPOAEs were clearly present when elicited by a combination of air-conducted stimuli and with the bone vibrator placed on the eye. These results indicate that vibratory sounds can be transmitted through the skull contents to the inner ear.Page: 667DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0b013e3181775ddeAuthors: Watanabe, Tomoo; Bertoli, Sibylle; Probst, Rudolf (Source: Ear and Hearing)

Hearing specialist leads effort to craft first professional guidelines for earwax

Hearing / Deafness News From Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100

The age old advice to routinely clean out earwax is discouraged under the first published guidelines from health care professionals about removing wax from the ear. "Unfortunately, many people feel the need to manually remove earwax, called cerumen, which serves an important protective function for the ear," said the guidelines' lead author, Dr. Peter Roland, chairman of otolaryngology head and neck surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center. (Source: Hearing / Deafness News From Medical News Today)

Earwax: too much of a good thing?

MedicineNet Hearing General — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Earwax: Too Much of a Good Thing?Category: Health NewsCreated: 9/2/2008Last Editorial Review: 9/2/2008 (Source: MedicineNet Hearing General)

Issues and trends in american annals of the deaf publication. 2001 to 2007.

American Annals of the Deaf — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:50:05 +0100

Issues and trends in American Annals of the Deaf publication. 2001 to 2007.

Am Ann Deaf. 2008;153(2):99-120

Authors: Moores D, Anderson K, Ayers K, Krantz K, Lafferty M, Locke A, Smith AM, Vander Weide R

PMID: 18711837 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Annals of the Deaf)

Educational programs for deaf students. schools and programs in the united states.

American Annals of the Deaf — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:50:05 +0100

Educational programs for deaf students. Schools and programs in the United States.

Am Ann Deaf. 2008;153(2):122-85

Authors:

PMID: 18711838 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Annals of the Deaf)

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Educational programs for deaf students. schools and programs in canada.

American Annals of the Deaf — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:50:05 +0100

Educational programs for deaf students. Schools and programs in Canada.

Am Ann Deaf. 2008;153(2):186-91

Authors:

PMID: 18711839 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Annals of the Deaf)

Educational programs for deaf students. postsecondary programs.

American Annals of the Deaf — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:50:05 +0100

Educational programs for deaf students. Postsecondary programs.

Am Ann Deaf. 2008;153(2):192-201

Authors:

PMID: 18711840 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Annals of the Deaf)

University and college programs for personnel in deafness.

American Annals of the Deaf — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:50:05 +0100

University and college programs for personnel in deafness.

Am Ann Deaf. 2008;153(2):202-21

Authors:

PMID: 18711841 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Annals of the Deaf)

Programs for deaf-blind children and adults.

American Annals of the Deaf — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:50:05 +0100

Programs for deaf-blind children and adults.

Am Ann Deaf. 2008;153(2):222-31

Authors:

PMID: 18711842 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Annals of the Deaf)

Advocacy, support, and rehabilitation programs.

American Annals of the Deaf — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:50:05 +0100

Advocacy, support, and rehabilitation programs.

Am Ann Deaf. 2008;153(2):232-64

Authors:

PMID: 18711843 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Annals of the Deaf)

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Research on deafness. doctoral dissertations.

American Annals of the Deaf — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:50:05 +0100

Research on deafness. Doctoral dissertations.

Am Ann Deaf. 2008;153(2):265-8

Authors:

PMID: 18711844 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Annals of the Deaf)

Clinical and scientific aspects of tinnitus

Seminars in Hearing — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:18:43 +0100

Semin Hear 2008; 29: 229-230DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1082029© Thieme Medical PublishersGet connected:Table of contents | Full text (Source: Seminars in Hearing)

Strategies for managing patients with tinnitus: a clinical pathway model

Seminars in Hearing — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:18:43 +0100

Semin Hear 2008; 29: 300-309DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1082035ABSTRACTTinnitus is a distressing symptom affecting the health-related quality of life of many individuals. Yet most audiologists feel ill equipped in providing clinical services to these patients. This article presents an overview of a clinical pathway for patients seen in the multidisciplinary Tinnitus Management Clinic at the Cleveland Clinic. The model illustrates an efficient approach for managing patients with varying levels of perceived tinnitus severity and annoyance by sequencing patient care and intervention strategies. After providing a general overview of the clinical pathway, three unique components of the model are highlighted: (1) benefits of a Group Education Session; (2) usefulness of the Sound Therapy Option Profile, a new tool designed to guide the clinician in selecting the most appropriate sound therapy device for a given patient; and (3) participation of a psychologist and neurologist on the multidisciplinary management team.[...]© Thieme Medical PublishersGet connected:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: Seminars in Hearing)

Tinnitus and transcranial magnetic stimulation

Seminars in Hearing — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:18:43 +0100

Semin Hear 2008; 29: 288-299DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1082034ABSTRACTTinnitus is a frequent disorder that is very difficult to treat. Both functional imaging studies in patients and electrophysiological studies in animals suggest that hyperactivity in the central auditory system due to increased synchronicity may cause tinnitus. Targeted modulation of tinnitus-related cortical activity has been proposed as a promising new treatment. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive method that can focally modulate cortical activity. This technique has been used to diagnose and treat tinnitus. Single sessions of high-frequency rTMS over the temporal cortex have been used to suppress tinnitus transiently and could become a useful predictor for treatment outcome of epidural stimulation. Another approach uses rTMS as a treatment for tinnitus by applying repeated sessions of low-frequency rTMS to induce a lasting reduction of excitability in the auditory cortex. Beneficial effects of treatment have been consistently demonstrated in several controlled studies. However results are characterized by high interindividual variability and only moderate effect sizes. Convincing evidence indicates that rTMS represents a promising tool for diagnosis and treatment of tinnitus. Further development of this technique will depend on a more detailed understanding of the neurobiological effects that mediate the clinical effects of TMS.[...]© Thieme Medical PublishersGet connected:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: Seminars in Hearing)

Assessment and modification of the tinnitus-related cortical network

Seminars in Hearing — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:18:43 +0100

Semin Hear 2008; 29: 270-287DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1082033ABSTRACTTinnitus refers to the perception of a sound in the absence of any physical source, and it is widely believed that this phantom sound is generated in the central nervous system. Thus the activation of neuronal cell assemblies is chronically changed in patients with an ongoing tinnitus perception. We used magnetoencephalography to investigate these changes in a resting condition. There was an increase of synchronized activity in the gamma and delta frequency range together with a decrease in the α band. Manipulation of these cortical networks by means of neurofeedback therapy resulted in a reduction of tinnitus loudness and distress. In this article we review the basic research and the clinical studies conducted in our laboratory and propose a model that explains the results and helps guide future research and therapy.[...]© Thieme Medical PublishersGet connected:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: Seminars in Hearing)

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Effects of high-intensity sound exposure on neurotransmitter chemistry in the central auditory system

Seminars in Hearing — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:18:43 +0100

Semin Hear 2008; 29: 259-269DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1082032ABSTRACTExposure to intense sound often leads to tinnitus, the perception of a monotonous sound not actually present. Increased neural spontaneous activity in the central auditory system found in animal models of tinnitus should have a basis in their chemistry. Most chemical studies so far have focused on neurotransmitters, by which neurons communicate with each other, because alteration of this chemistry could easily lead to abnormal neural activity that might be perceived as tinnitus. Although increased spontaneous activity has been observed in the hamster dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) a month after intense tone exposure, we did not find increased glutamate concentrations in the 3 layers of the hamster dorsal DCN at that time. We did, however, find decreased glutamate concentrations 2 days after exposure that might correlate with slightly decreased spontaneous activity observed then. Others have provided evidence for decreased glutamate release in the chinchilla DCN 2 days after intense sound exposure. Other intense-sound-induced changes are increased choline acetyltransferase activity in some cochlear nucleus regions, increased acetylcholine receptor sensitivity in some DCN neurons, and some changes in the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter system in the inferior colliculus. There is a need for more study of these and other neurotransmitter systems to determine their possible roles in tinnitus.[...]© Thieme Medical PublishersGet connected:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: Seminars in Hearing)

Learning about tinnitus from an animal model

Seminars in Hearing — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:18:43 +0100

Semin Hear 2008; 29: 242-258DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1082031ABSTRACTSeveral animal models of tinnitus have been developed in the past 20 years. The premise on which these models are based is that chronic tinnitus is most likely a primitive hearing disorder. Because no evidence indicates that higher-order cognitive skills are required to experience tinnitus, it is also likely that animals such as laboratory rats can experience tinnitus. Chronic tinnitus in humans commonly emerges after peripheral auditory damage caused by exposure to loud sound, ototoxic agents, or aging. Tinnitus can be induced in animals using the same treatments. A significant advantage of using animals to study tinnitus is that the etiology of their disorder can be carefully controlled in a laboratory setting, a difficult task in human clinical studies. Although animals cannot describe their tinnitus verbally, their perception of sound, both objective and subjective, can be measured using psychophysical procedures. Furthermore, sensory processing and brain function can be determined with great detail in animals using a variety of measures. Over the past decade we have used our animal model of tinnitus to examine many fundamental aspects of tinnitus, including its sensory features, the time course of development, interactions with aging, neurophysiological correlates from cochlea to brain, and pharmacological treatment.[...]© Thieme Medical PublishersGet connected:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: Seminars in Hearing)

The roadmap to a cure, who pays for basic science, and the future of tinnitus research

Seminars in Hearing — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:18:43 +0100

Semin Hear 2008; 29: 231-241DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1082030ABSTRACTThe American Tinnitus Association (ATA) exists to cure tinnitus through the development of resources that advance tinnitus research. A large part of the population suffers from tinnitus, yet private donations to tinnitus research remain limited. This article explains who pays for tinnitus research: industry, government, and private and public philanthropy. To encourage larger donations, donors who suffer from tinnitus need to see a clear connection between their financial support of research and future treatments. An expanded version of the “Roadmap to a Cure,” adopted in its original form by the ATA, is offered as a vehicle to show how donor contributions can make a difference. Finally, this article gives an overview of certain issues of academic priority in research and the growing role of the financial value of intellectual property, and it explores how these issues relate to advancing tinnitus research.[...]© Thieme Medical PublishersGet connected:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: Seminars in Hearing)

Continuing education self-study program

Seminars in Hearing — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:40:51 +0100

Semin Hear 2008; 29: C1-C10DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1082036© Thieme Medical PublishersGet connected:Table of contents (Source: Seminars in Hearing)

Over-expression of bdnf by adenovirus with concurrent electrical stimulation improves cochlear implant thresholds and survival of auditory neurons.

Hearing Research — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Over-expression of BDNF by adenovirus with concurrent electrical stimulation improves cochlear implant thresholds and survival of auditory neurons.

Hear Res. 2008 Aug 19;

Authors: Chikar JA, Colesa DJ, Swiderski DL, Polo AD, Raphael Y, Pfingst BE

The survival of the auditory nerve in cases of sensorineural hearing loss is believed to be a major factor in effective cochlear implant function. The current study assesses two measures of cochlear implant thresholds following a post-deafening treatment intended to halt auditory nerve degeneration. We used an adenoviral construct containing a gene insert for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a construct that has previously been shown to promote neuronal survival in a number of biological systems. We implanted ototoxically deafened guinea pigs with a multichannel cochlear implant and delivered a single inoculation of an adenovirus suspension coding for BDNF (Ad.BDNF) into the scala tympani at the time of implantation. Thresholds to electrical stimulation were assessed both psychophysically and electrophysiologically over a period of 80 days. Spiral ganglion cell survival was analyzed at the 80 days time point. Compared to the control group, the Ad.BDNF treated group had lowers psychophysical and electrophysiological thresholds as well as higher survival of spiral ganglion cells. Electrophysiological, but not psychophysical, thresholds correlated well with the density of spiral ganglion cells. These results indicate that the changes in the anatomy of the auditory nerve induced by the combination of Ad.BDNF inoculation and the electrical stimulation used for testing improved functional measures of CI performance.

PMID: 18768155 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

(Source: Hearing Research)

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Envelope and spectral frequency-following responses to vowel sounds.

Hearing Research — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Envelope and spectral frequency-following responses to vowel sounds.

Hear Res. 2008 Aug 19;

Authors: Aiken SJ, Picton TW

Frequency-following responses (FFRs) were recorded to two naturally-produced vowels (/a/ and /i/) in normal hearing subjects. A digitally implemented Fourier analyzer was used to measure response amplitude at the fundamental frequency and at 23 higher harmonics. Response components related to the stimulus envelope ("envelope FFR") were distinguished from components related to the stimulus spectrum ("spectral FFR") by adding or subtracting responses to opposite polarity stimuli. Significant envelope FFRs were detected at the fundamental frequency of both vowels, for all of the subjects. Significant spectral FFRs were detected at harmonics close to formant peaks, and at harmonics corresponding to cochlear intermodulation distortion products, but these were not significant in all subjects, and were not detected above 1500Hz. These findings indicate that speech-evoked FFRs follow both the glottal pitch envelope as well as spectral stimulus components.

PMID: 18765275 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

(Source: Hearing Research)

Ylc ‘08 graduates!

NAD YLC Blog — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 06:47:33 +0100

So, today was the last day of NAD YLC ’08! Throughout the day, the campers packed up all of their belongings and filled out surveys as their opinions and ideas are valued by NAD YLC for improvements in the years to come. The campers also cleaned up all of the facilities on the campground including their cabins, restrooms, Leadership Hall, and the Daily Drum building. Many campers were involved in various committees to finish up the Camp Project, a new wooden “workshop table” structure designed to hold equipment and materials for workshop presentations and the Banquet Night Committee members worked together to decorate the Leadership Hall for “YLC Fever!” themed banquet. Banquet Night was a huge YLC FEVERingly success as the campers and staff members enjoyed yummy chicken and cheese enchiladas along with refried beans and Mexican rice. After a nice plate of dinner, the Awards Ceremony begun with some performances follwed with award winners for the following awards: Mr. & Miss Congeniality Award Datrell Scott and Rachella Shephard All Around Camper Award Rachella Shephard Most Improved Camper Award Kristina Akina Most Emerging Leader Award Victoria Rainey Best Cabin Award Campers of Cabin A! Kristin Akina, Michelle Giterman, Janna DiBiase, Jackie Mamorsky, Kellie Martin, Teresa Pichardo, and Valerie Speir! Best Group Award Group Eyeth! Shea Rasmus, Victoria Ward, Ashleigh Dreyer, Serina Arellano, Teresa Pichardo, Johanna Arrigo, Cecilia Milligan, Marissa Polvere, Janna DiBiase, Clayton McMillan, Edison Lopez, Richard Iancului, Jonathan Ramser, and Carl Sorrentino! Congratulations to all of the Award Recipients! The Candlelight Ceremony caused goose-bumps as the campers and staff members stood around a bonfire with their own candles attached to wood plates. After the bonfire was ignited, the campers and staff members walked together in a line to the Debate Time site, to the Leadership Hall, to the Santiam River, to the Pool, to the Restrooms, to the Girls Cabins, to the Canteen, to the flagpole, to the Infirmary, to the Administrative Building, to the Leedler’s Court, to the Discovery site, to the Boys Cabins, to the Daily Drum, and then they all returned back to the Fireside. The return back to Fireside indicated that the Candelight Ceremony around the campsite was complete so everybody put their candles on the rocks in a circle around the bonfire then each person got to say a few final words reflecting upon their YLC ’08 experience. Right after the last person in the circle shared a few final words, the Camp Director began the hugging process by hugging the next person then the next person turned to the next person to give a hug and that hugging ripple effect continued to the last person and this process took approximately an hour! What an hour filled with tears, joy, memories, and hugs! More tears, joy, memories, and hugs were shared in the Leadership Hall after the Candlelight Ceremony with a looping picture slideshow of over 3,000 pictures from the beginning of the camp! Now, in a few hours, the campers will be waving good-bye to Youth Leadership Camp and Camp Taloali with tears and a vibrating shout, “Y … L … C … 0 … 8!!” CONGRATULATIONS TO FIFTY-SEVEN NEW ALUMNIS OF THE NAD YLC FAMILY!! Here’s a final Good Night from NAD YLC ’08 until NAD YLC ’09! The campers are working on finishing up their Camp Project, the “workshop table”! LONG LIVE NAD YLC! All the ladies are beautified for Banquet Night, YLC Fever!, hosted in the Leadership Hall! Here’s what the FEVER looked like in the Leadership Hall for Banquet Night! Creative seating assignments for everybody during Banquet Night! Datrell Scott and Rachella Shephard pose with their Mr. & Miss Congeniality Award along with Mr. and Miss YLC, Edison Lopez and Jessica Willoughby! Rachella Shephard receives her All-Around Camper Award Plaque from Camp Director Melissa Kononenko! Kristin Akina receives her Most Improved Camper Award Plaque from Camp Director Melissa Kononenko! Victoria Rainey receives her Most Emerging Leader Award Plaque from Camp Director Melissa Kononenko! Cabin A poses proudly with their Best Cabin Award! Gentlemen, can’t you keep up with them ladies and their cabins?! Group Eyeth does a silly pose after winning the Best Group Award! Here’s our “Cinnamon Roll” hug for the last time with everybody before the camp session has concluded. (Source: NAD YLC Blog)

Campers’ day!

NAD YLC Blog — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 15:09:11 +0100

Today, the campers had the chance to finally take over NAD YLC! The campers and staff members swapped shoes with each other and the campers got a glimpse at what it was like to be in the shoes of the staff members. The staff members on the other hand, became the campers throughout the day. Our Campers’ Day Director and Assistant Director were Janna DiBiase and Johanna Arrigo, they both did a fabulous job as the entire day went by smoothly without any bumps. Campers’ Day is one of the most cherished traditions by the campers here at YLC as they have the opportunity to really take over and learn how to be organized and delegate a large amount of duties among each other to maintain the staff members as campers throughout the day. The campers facilitated activities and taught classes. One thing that is for sure is that the “real” campers realized how much it takes to be in the shoes of a staff member and with that realization, they now appreciate their staff members more for instilling the campers with effective tools to become builders of leaders! Tomorrow is going to be a heartfelt day, as the campers will begin to wrap things up and pack up all of their belongings after a month long of constant leadership stimulation. Tomorrow is going to be a very memorable day as there will be a Banquet for the campers and staff members for the last time before NAD YLC ’08 concludes. The biggest part is that right when the campers board the buses and depart at three o’clock to the airport on Monday morning, they all will be official NAD YLC ’08 Graduates! *Goosebumps* Good Night from NAD YLC ’08! Phosync staff members are all decked up in their YLC sweaters to represent unity during Calisthenics on Campers’ Day! This must have been a photo finish between Travis Clevenger and Kyle Emard! Eyeth poses for an “arms open in the air” picture! The Yellow Brickroad poses for an “all smiles” group picture! WIBS! Women In Black Shades! Johanna Arrigo, Krystal Johnson, Rachella Shephard, Serina Arellano, Janna DiBiase, and Tenja Smith all are wearing black shades! Doesn’t this look like a paparazzi picture with Selima Carlin and Joey Schappa taking pictures as Jennifer Love, Richard Spiecker, and Lorne Farovitch entertain the audience with their stage performance?! Kellie Martin and Kristin Akina are presenting the NAD YLC ‘08 Camp Banner! Clayton McMillan entertained the audience right before the traditional YLC ‘08 Good Night! Camp Director Melissa Kononenko and Assistant Camp Director Jonathan Kessel pose with Campers’ Day Director Janna DiBiase and Assistant Campers’ Day Director Johanna Arrigo! (Source: NAD YLC Blog)

Preventing bullying & two more days left…

NAD YLC Blog — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 07:52:31 +0100

Maureen Behrens was our Guest Speaker today and her workshop topic was “Preventing Bullying”. Behrens shared numerous statistical information, which included the following statistics that 80% of children are bullies due to factors of their environment such as negative peer influence. Not only statistical information was shared, but also methods and victims of bullying were explored. She activated bystanders of bullying to speak up to bullies and reach out to isolated peers who experience bullying and become their friends. Today, cyber-bullying is a major issue within teenagers and Behrens quoted Nancy Willard, the Director of the Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use, to describe cyber-bullying as “Using the internet or other mobile devices to send or post harmful or cruel text or images to bully others.” Many people don’t realize that sending cruel text to others is also considered as bullying and it is harmful to others. It is important to respect others, as they also are a part of your life. Behrens also planted a seed into the campers mind on one way to prevent bullying and that is hosting an “Anti-Bullying Awareness Day” where banners, posters, and newsletters could be posted up around along with producing a handbook on ways to prevent bullying. During Fireside tonight, Staff Clevenger shared his insights on how people should carry themselves. Especially when they return to their respective school and community from YLC. Some campers asked questions and staff members gave advice on how to become a well-rounded person by being involved in academics, organizations, and sports. It is important to have a good balance in everything one does. The punch line of his conversation with the campers was, “If I were to interview you for a job and I asked you, “If I browse through your Facebook or Myspace page, would I still want to hire you?”. Many campers responded with a “No” and that made the campers realize that how they carry themselves is very critical. There is only two more days left until the campers will be looking back at the Youth Leadership Camp entrance sign at Camp Taloali for their last time as campers and reflect upon all their accomplishments and growth into builders of leaders as the buses turn left onto Highway 22 then right onto Interstate 5 straight up to Portland International Airport. Good Night from NAD YLC ’08! Maureen Behrens presents to the campers on “Preventing Bullying”. In a circle, everybody felt her presence on the significance of preventing bullying. With Scholarship, Leadership, and Citzenship — Victoria Rainey and Joey Schappa are being empowered. They both handled the Debate Time by themselves. Dartell Scott shares his opinion about what the opening statement should include. Apparently this group in particular, The Domino Effect, are really debating on what their favorite memory at YLC is so they can present it. They are definitely putting their critcal thinking skills to use! Victoria Ward presents her group’s favorite memory throughout their time here at YLC! Have you ever wondered what it looks like behind the stage? Here you go. Everybody’s eyes are upon you! Janel Schmidt and Kayla Gonzalez incorporated teamwork to lift each other off the ground. Jeremy Wagoner appears to be a multitasker — talking while playing basketball. Krystal Johnson looks away as she thinks of something to add to Jeremy’s multitasking skills! The Camp Banner is in the works! (Source: NAD YLC Blog)

Laundry day #2, actionary, and camp project!

NAD YLC Blog — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 07:23:36 +0100

Two weeks ago, the campers and staff members all went out on their first trip to the Laundromat and the mall then thirteen days later today, the campers and staff members all went out on their second trip to the Laundromat and the mall! This is an indication that the time is flying by so fast, faster than the blink of our eyes. Campers and staff members have been cherishing every second with each other before Monday August 18th, 2008. The campers will be proud NAD YLC Alumni! Throughout the day at the Laundromat and the mall, laughter was contagious as campers and staff members made each other reflect upon great memories and friendships that have been made throughout NAD YLC 2008! Tonight’s Evening Program was a lot of fun as the campers played a game called “Actionary”! The game is similar to the game of “Pictionary” except that illustrations are not used, but acting is used in place of illustrating! It was such a challenge for the campers because once upon seeing the given clues, they were to run to their groups and act out the clues by using gestures without signing or spelling! What a mind stretching activity it was for the campers to think out of the box with their gesturing skills. One of YLC’s many valued traditions includes the Camp Project. The purpose of the Camp Project is for the campers to come up with a “gift” that they would like to make and give to YLC to keep and use for generations to come. Some groups of campers in the past have given YLC a brand new stage, a fresh coat of paint with the NAD logo onto the stage, a Podium for the stage, an entrance sign for YLC, and so on forth. The contribution the campers decided to make for this year is… Sorry, it will not be revealed just yet, but here’s three different ideas that the campers thought of: Make a wooden carving of the Jr. NAD Beliefs Build a new wooden “workshop table” structure designed to hold equipment and materials for workshop presentations Remodel and expand the Debate Time stage The contribution that the campers decide to make is in one of the above three ideas. Have fun trying to guess which one! Good Night from NAD YLC ‘08! Tenja Smith and Serina Arellano excitedly washes their clothes after thirteen days! Richard Spiecker and Clayton McMillan took the time to have a chit-chat with our Guest Coordinator Beckman while their clothes were tumbling away in the dryers. I spy three people in blue! Marisa Polvere, Ashleigh Dreyer, and Carl Sorrentino. Cleve Farrell and Sandy Frank debating about which drink, his or her, is better. Lorne Farovtich and Jeremy Wagonger posing for a picture! Isn’t Michael “Tyler” Frederick swimming in a pool of lemonade?! (special camera effects, of course) Dive, Janel Schmidt, Dive! Let’s give Britnee Hursin a round of applause! Now, she’s the President of NAD YLC 2008! Michelle Giterman and Jeffrey McGregor anxiously await for their clue to be shown so they can improvise a skit to help their groups guess what the clue is! Since when could tables stand up? What an interesting floor plan for “Actionary”! (Source: NAD YLC Blog)

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Characterization of a potassium-based leak conductance in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body.

Hearing Research — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Characterization of a potassium-based leak conductance in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body.

Hear Res. 2008 Aug 15;

Authors: Berntson AK, Walmsley B

Principal neurons of the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) integrate the large, excitatory inputs from anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) bushy cells with conventional inhibitory inputs to produce an inhibitory output to the lateral and medial superior olive. This circuit is critical in the sound localization pathway of the auditory brainstem. Many ionic currents act in concert to produce the rapid phase-locked firing properties characteristic of MNTB principal neurons. We report here that MNTB neurons of the mouse possess a 2-4nS instantaneous potassium-based leak current, probably mediated by TWIK two-pore potassium leak channels. The function of the leak current was examined by modulating its magnitude with a dynamic clamp. The leak current modulates the resting voltage by 5mV/nS, reduces the input resistance of the cell by 5MOmega/nS and reduces the membrane time constant by 0.075mus/nS. The leak current also modulates spike timing. Given leak channels are highly regulated, they are well placed to influence the firing properties, and action potential timing in principal neurons of the MNTB.

PMID: 18761066 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

(Source: Hearing Research)

Ear and contralateral masker effects on auditory temporal gap detection thresholds.

Hearing Research — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Ear and contralateral masker effects on auditory temporal gap detection thresholds.

Hear Res. 2008 Aug 15;

Authors: Carmichael ME, Hall SE, Phillips DP

A temporal processing advantage is thought to underlie the left hemisphere dominance for language. One measure of a temporal processing advantage is temporal acuity or resolution. A standard paradigm for measuring auditory temporal resolution is gap detection in its "within-channel" and "between-channel" forms. Previous experiments investigating a right ear advantage for within-channel gap detection have yielded conflicting results, and between-channel gap detection has not previously been studied for ear differences. In the present study, the two types of gap detection task were employed, under each of three contralateral masking conditions (no noise, continuous noise and interrupted noise). An adaptive tracking procedure was used to measure the minimal detectable gap at each ear (and therefore, the temporal acuity of the contralateral hemisphere). A significant effect of masking noise was observed in both of the gap detection tasks. Within-channel gap threshold durations were longer in the interrupted noise condition for both ears. Between-channel gap threshold durations were shorter in the interrupted noise condition at the left ear, with a trend in the same direction at the right ear. The study found no significant difference between the ears in thresholds in either gap detection task in any of the masking conditions. This suggests that if the left cerebral hemisphere has a temporal processing advantage, then it is not in the form of acuity for temporal gap detection.

PMID: 18761067 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

(Source: Hearing Research)

Nad ylc picture day!

NAD YLC Blog — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 05:26:24 +0100

Tonight’s blog is going to be short because you will be treated with many pictures of the fellow campers and staff members of NAD YLC 2008! During Recreation Time today, the campers and staff members huddled together and smiled big! Yes! We all smiled big for the NAD YLC ’08 group picture, team pictures, and cabin pictures! The sky was clear blue and it couldn’t have been a better day for pictures. The answer to yesterday’s question, “Where was the first YLC campsite located?”, is Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania! Good Night with a lot of smiles from NAD YLC ’08! The NAD YLC 2008 group picture! The NAD YLC 2008 staff group picture! The Domino Effect group picture! Shaka group picture! The Yellow Brickroad group picture! Eyeth group picture! Cabin Jr. NAD (females)! Cabin T! Cabin E! Cabin A! Cabin M! Cabin W! Cabin O! Cabin R! Cabin K! Cabin Jr. NAD (males)! (Source: NAD YLC Blog)

Reorganization of the adult auditory system: perceptual and physiological evidence from monaural fitting of hearing aids.

Trends in Amplification — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:10:05 +0100

Reorganization of the adult auditory system: perceptual and physiological evidence from monaural fitting of hearing AIDS.

Trends Amplif. 2008 Sep;12(3):254-71

Authors: Munro KJ

Changes in the sensory environment modify our sensory experience and may result in experience-related or learning-induced reorganization within the central nervous system. Hearing aids change the sensory environment by stimulating a deprived auditory system; therefore, they may be capable of inducing changes within the central auditory system. Examples of studies that have shown hearing aid induced perceptual and/or physiological changes in the adult human auditory system are discussed. Evidence in the perceptual domain is provided by studies that have investigated (a) speech perception, (b) intensity discrimination, and (c) loudness perception. Evidence in the physiological domain is provided by studies that have investigated acoustic reflex thresholds and event-related potentials. Despite the controversy in the literature concerning the rate, extent, and clinical significance of the acclimatization effect, there is irrefutable evidence that the deprived auditory system of some listeners can be modified with hearing aid experience.

PMID: 18694879 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: Trends in Amplification)

Making choices!

NAD YLC Blog — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 06:45:17 +0100

Gary Olsen, one of the co-founders of NAD YLC along with Frank Turk, gave “Making CHOICES” workshop. In this presentation, Olsen first asked the campers, “What is life?” then “Life is a Game” appeared onto the next PowerPoint slide and Olsen proceed to say that life is about choices and it is about you. You cannot change life. The campers were enthralled as Olsen used an analogy between life and a set of cards that you are dealt. Once you play a card game, you cannot change the cards you are dealt, but to be successful, it is just how you play your cards. Olsen also taught the campers of a new word, Kaizen. Kaizen is a Japanese business philosophy of continuous improvement of working practices and personal efficiency. When you do little things well, you become more productive. It’s also important that you dare to be different. You should dream big, think big, and act big! Alongside to that, you should always explore for creativity and be bold! Towards the end of the presentation, Olsen states, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” Tonight’s Evening Program is one of YLC’s favorites, Camp Bowl! The Debate Time area secluded into the woods was full of blazing spirit as campers and Phosync staff members tried to compete for the win! Throughout the Camp Bowl, there were many exciting moments where campers jumped up high into the air and cheered for getting their answers correct on a question. Here’s a question for you blog readers, “Where was the first YLC campsite located?” The answer to the question will be posted in tomorrow’s blog! Tonight’s Camp Bowl will be their last Camp Bowl so it was a Camp Bowl to remember! Good Night NAD YLC ’08! Gary Olsen presenting “Making CHOICES” to the future leaders of deaf America! It is amazing how Frank Turk and Gary Olsen decided to establish YLC in 1969 and it is still standing up to this day. Staff Skowzgird and Erasmus exclaim to each other about their day! And Camp Bowl begins! What a spiffy scoreboard YLC has! Do the campers look like they are ready to begin the Camp Bowl competition? Wait until you see the last picture showing the scoreboard. Phosync staff members are in their huddle discussing how to accomplish a comeback over the campers! “Put your hands up into the air, Jeffrey McGregor and Richard Spiecker!”, the camera says. Teresa Pichardo, Colin Analco, Jamey Vedros, and Cassandra Jones watch the Camp Bowl Leaders, Staff Wildman and Barrett, carefully for their next question to answer! Look at the scoreboard at the end of Camp Bowl, Phosync sure did have a come back! (Source: NAD YLC Blog)

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Cochlear implantation in refsum's disease

Cochlear Implants International — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Refsum's disease is a rare disorder characterized by accumulation of phytanic acid in plasma and tissues. The main clinical features are retinitis pigmentosa, cerebellar ataxia and chronic polyneuropathy. Sensorineural hearing loss of varying severity can be an additional feature. This study reports our experience with two patients with Refsum's disease who underwent successful cochlear implantation. Both patients had good audiological outcomes after implantation and were overall very satisfied. Bilateral implantation should be considered with patients with severe dual sensory loss. One patient was implanted bilaterally the other unilaterally, primarily due to prolonged duration of unaided unilateral profound hearing loss. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Cochlear Implants International)

Scholarship, leadership, and citizenship along with canoeing and whale done!

NAD YLC Blog — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 07:51:54 +0100

Some of the Phosync staff members were on panel for the campers to have the opportunity to ask staff members several questions regarding their experiences after high school and how they got to work at YLC. The significance of Scholarship, Leadership, and Citizenship was emphasized during the “dialogue” and the fact that being a staff member is basically a two-way street because it benefits both staff members and campers in the area of youth leadership. Also, often after YLC, campers look up to staff members as role models so the youth leadership cycle is never-ending even after YLC. Campers in Outdoor Living Skills walked to the nearby pond and got all equipped up with their PFD (personal flotation device), and carried out the canoes onto the pond and canoed away! The Discovery Instructors taught the campers proper paddling techniques and how to properly steer the canoe in unison. The most fun part of the canoeing activity was when the campers got to put their paddling skills to the test and race each other across the pond! In Discovery class, the campers sat back and watched as the Discovery Instructors presented to them on a book entitled, “Whale Done! The Power of Positive Relationships”. Throughout the presentation, the campers learned that building trust with each other is the establishment of a positive relationship and that by paying attention to people surrounding you with what they are doing right instead of wrong is an action of emphasizing the positive. The most important lesson that the campers learned from the presentation was that when a mistake happens, you should not spend a lot of time on what has been done wrong but instead redirect the energy onto how things are done correctly and focus on the strengths of the situation. The campers are looking forward to Gary Olsen’s presentation in the morning. The campers definitely will be learning a lot from one of the co-founders of YLC, Gary Olsen, while he is still here at YLC! It is such a rare opportunity for the campers to have many good workshop presenters and the campers have learned and absorbed a lot from the workshops they have been to. There is only one more week from today until the campers will be saying LONG LIVE NAD YLC ’08! Good Night from NAD YLC ’08! Staff Sortwell and McMillan explain to the campers about the most important components of the NAD YLC Program: Scholarship, Leadership, and Citizenship. Taylor Yukawa glances past the camera towards the pond. He is determined to conquer the pond! Cassandra Jones and Cleve Farrell demonstrate teamwork as they paddle the oars in unison. Taylor Yukawa is canoeing with determination as Valerie Speir laughs while having a grand time at Beaver Pond! Communication is one of the key traits of a leader. What we are seeing in this picture is two canoes (Cleve Farrell and Cassandra Jones & Demara Jeanty and Franni Crotty) communicating with each other of their canoe’s direction so they don’t collide into each other! Cleve and Cassandra had a nice canoe trip down the pond and it’s time for them to dock in! Karlee Gruetzner and Megan Murphy are paddling their canoe with pride! Instructor Clevenger presents “Whale Done!” to a group of campers. It’s important to “accentuate the positive”! See! Even the easel pad says that it is important to “accentuate the positive” and build trust with each other. (Source: NAD YLC Blog)

Strial microvascular pathology and age-associated endocochlear potential decline in nod congenic mice.

Hearing Research — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Strial microvascular pathology and age-associated endocochlear potential decline in NOD congenic mice.

Hear Res. 2008 Aug 12;

Authors: Ohlemiller KK, Rice ME, Gagnon PM

NOD/ShiLtJ (previously NOD/LtJ) inbred mice show polygenic autoimmune disease and are commonly used to model autoimmune-related type I diabetes, as well as Sjogren's syndrome. They also show rapidly progressing hearing loss, partly due to the combined effects of Cdh23(ahl) and Ahl2. Congenic NOD.NON-H2(nb1)/LtJ mice, which carry corrective alleles within the H2 histocompatibility gene complex, are free from diabetes and other overt signs of autoimmune disease, but still exhibit rapidly progressive hearing loss. Here we show that cochlear pathology in these congenics broadly includes hair cell and neuronal loss, plus endocochlear potential (EP) decline from initially normal values after two months of age. The EP reduction follows often dramatic degeneration of capillaries in stria vascularis, with resulting strial degeneration. The cochlear modiolus in the congenic mice also features perivascular inclusions that resemble those in some mouse autoimmune models. We posit that cochlear hair cell/neural and strial pathology in NOD.NON-H2(nb1) mice arise independently. While sensory cell loss may be closely tied to Cdh23(ahl) and Ahl2, the strial microvascular pathology and modiolar anomalies we observe may arise from alleles on the NOD background related to immune function. Age-associated EP decline in NOD.NON-H2(nb1) mice may model forms of strial age-related hearing loss caused principally by microvascular disease. The remarkable strial capillary loss in these mice may also be useful for studying the relation between strial vascular insufficiency and strial function.

PMID: 18727954 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

(Source: Hearing Research)

Jr. nad and watermelon carving!

NAD YLC Blog — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 05:15:21 +0100

Joshua Beckman, our Guest Coordinator, hosted a workshop entitled “Junior National Association of the Deaf (Jr. NAD)”. In his workshop, he facilitated a discussion with the campers on their opinions of the Jr. NAD Program and what the campers want to see out of the Jr. NAD Program. Many deaf and hard of hearing students all over the United States are involved in Jr. NAD chapters at schools. Through the Jr. NAD, the NAD puts forth an investment into the students for them to become future leaders of their respective community. The campers brainstormed a variety of ideas to develop the Jr. NAD Program into a stronger program. The Jr. NAD promotes teamwork and leadership skills through their involvement in their school’s Jr. NAD chapter. Members of a Jr. NAD chapter can become officers or learn how to perform fundraisers and be involved with advocacy efforts within their schools or communities. During debate time, the Debate Time Leaders tossed in a topic that many campers love, “Facebook vs. MySpace”. Many people in this generation use either Facebook or MySpace or even both. These two are social networking sites and the campers were to debate which one is safer for teenage users. Some groups debated that these two social networking sites have settings where you can disable others that are not your friends to see your profile. Not only that, the Debate Time Leaders also participated in the rebuttal and suggested that teenage users should make their profile with their parents then they can go to the settings and show them how many privacy features the social networking sites have. This way, the parents will acknowledge that their child communicates with them on what they are doing on the Internet. The watermelon carving contest was a huge success as it empowered the campers and Phosync staff members with a lot of creativity! They all were given a limited amount of time to come up with a watermelon sculpture that represented their group. As a result of the watermelon carving contest, the winning team was The Domino Effect! Good Night from NAD YLC ’08! Joshua Beckman throws in some ideas for reinforcement regarding the Jr. NAD Program to the campers. Demara Jeanty is pointing to a great idea shared by a fellow camper in The Domino Effect group! Taylor Yukawa and Demara Jeanty are up on the stage expressing their group’s insights regarding the Jr. NAD Program. Members of The Domino Effect are cheering for Jacqueline Mamorsky as she presents her group’s debate about the two social networking sites. Victoria Ward, Lorne Farovitch, Tiffany Narciso, and Jacqueline Mamorsky are up on the stage representing their groups! Shaka’s watermelon is going through a transformation process done by Kellie Martin with a watermelon sticker on her forehead! Introducing The Domino Effect’s watermelon sculpture! Introducing Shaka’s watermelon sculpture! Introducing The Yellow Brickroad’s watermelon sculpture! Introducing Eyeth’s watermelon sculpture! All of the watermelon sculptures are on display in the Leadership Hall! If you noticed that there are five sculptures, the one on the far left is Phosync’s watermelon sculpture! (Source: NAD YLC Blog)