MedWorm: Audiology

Take the Super Bowl XLVI Caption Survey

National Association of the Deaf — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:23:51 +0100

Did you count the captioned commercials and promotions shown during Super Bowl XLVI? Help us by filling out this survey. The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons (NVRC) created the Super Bowl XLVI caption survey to compare what was shown on television sets throughout the country. The deadline for completion of this survey is Wednesday, February 8 at 5 pm EST. read more (Source: National Association of the Deaf)

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NAD, NFL, and NBC team for Super Bowl Captioning Experience

National Association of the Deaf — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:00:43 +0100

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and the National Football League (NFL) along with NBC, the network airing Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, February 5, 2012, worked together to ensure an accessible experience for the most important game of the year. As in years past, the Super Bowl and national commercials as well as network and NFL promotions will be captioned prior to being aired on February 5, 2012. Some commercials during the game are local, and the captioning of those is at the discretion of the broadcasters in each local market. read more (Source: National Association of the Deaf)

Diabetes Takes Toll on Women's Hearing

MedlinePlus Health News — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:00:00 +0100

Especially in women over 60, hearing is much worse for those with poorly controlled disease Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Diabetes Type 2, Hearing Disorders and Deafness, Seniors' Health (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Expression and distribution of creatine transporter and creatine kinase (brain isoform) in developing and mature rat cochlear tissues

Histochemistry and Cell Biology — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:11:20 +0100

This study postulates that this CRT is developmentally regulated in the rat cochlea. CRT expression was measured by quantitative real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry in the postnatal (P0–P14) and adult (P22–P56) rat cochlea. The maximum CRT expression was reached at the onset of hearing (P12), and this level was maintained through to adulthood. CRT immunoreactivity was strongest in the sensory inner hair cells, supporting cells and the spiral ganglion neurons. Cochlear distribution of the CK brain isoform (CKB) was also assessed by immunohistochemistry and compared with the distribution of CRT in the developing and adult cochlea. CKB was immunolocalized in the organ of Corti supporting cells, and the lateral wall tissues involved in K+ cycling, including stria vascularis and...

NAD And NVRC Ask You To Count Captioned Super Bowl Commercials

National Association of the Deaf — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:26:37 +0100

Super Bowls are renowned not only for the excitement of the game itself, but also for their legendary commercials. The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons (NVRC) are continuing their annual partnership to count closed captioned commercials this year for Super Bowl XLVI between the New England Patriots and New York Giants on Sunday, February 5, 2011 at 6:30 pm ET. read more (Source: National Association of the Deaf)

Noise Exposure Can Cause Long-Lasting Changes To Sensory Pathways; Touch-Sensing Nerve Cells May Lead To Future Tinnitus Treatments

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

We all know that it can take a little while for our hearing to bounce back after listening to our iPods too loud or attending a raucous concert. But new research at the University of Michigan Health System suggests over-exposure to noise can actually cause more lasting changes to our auditory circuitry - changes that may lead to tinnitus, commonly known as ringing in the ears... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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clarithromycin, Biaxin, Biaxin XL

MedicineNet Hearing General — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: clarithromycin, Biaxin, Biaxin XLCategory: MedicationsCreated: 12/31/1997Last Editorial Review: 2/3/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Hearing General)

The Mind Behind the Message: Advancing Theory‐of‐Mind Scales for Typically Developing Children, and Those With Deafness, Autism, or Asperger Syndrome

Child Development — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Children aged 3–12 years (n = 184) with typical development, deafness, autism, or Asperger syndrome took a series of theory‐of‐mind (ToM) tasks to confirm and extend previous developmental scaling evidence. A new sarcasm task, in the format of H. M. Wellman and D. Liu’s (2004) 5‐step ToM Scale, added a statistically reliable 6th step to the scale for all diagnostic groups. A key previous finding, divergence in task sequencing for children with autism, was confirmed. Comparisons among diagnostic groups, controlling age, and language ability, showed that typical developers mastered the 6 ToM steps ahead of each of the 3 disabled groups, with implications for ToM theories. The final (sarcasm) task challenged even nondisabled 9‐year‐olds, demonstrating the new scale’s sen...

2012 NAD Conference Workshop/Commission Proposal Form

National Association of the Deaf — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:03:01 +0100

2012 NAD Conference Workshop & Commission Proposal Form Please use this online form to submit your proposal for a Workshop or Commission presentation. The deadline for proposals is February 15, 2010. No extensions will be given. Presenters will be notified prior to March 31, 2010 of their proposal acceptance. read more (Source: National Association of the Deaf)

EARS® (Evaluation of Auditory Responses to Speech): An Internationally Validated Assessment Tool for Children Provided with Cochlear Implants

Karger Publishers — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:48:14 +0100

ORL 2012;74:42–51 (DOI:10.1159/000335054) (Source: Karger Publishers)

Regulation of voltage-gated sodium current by endogenous Src family kinases in cochlear spiral ganglion neurons in culture.

Pflugers Archiv : European Journal of Physiology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Feng S, Pflueger M, Lin SX, Groveman BR, Su J, Yu XM Abstract Voltage-gated sodium (Na(+)) and potassium (K(+)) channels have been found to be regulated by Src family kinases (SFKs). However, how these channels are regulated by SFKs in cochlear spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) remains unknown. Here, we report that altering the activity of endogenous SFKs modulated voltage-gated Na(+), but not K(+), currents recorded in embryonic SGNs in culture. Voltage-gated Na(+) current was suppressed by inhibition of endogenous SFKs or just Src and potentiated by the activation of these enzymes. Detailed investigations showed that under basal conditions, SFK inhibitor application did not significantly affect the voltage-dependent activation, but shifted the steady-state inactivation curv...

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In vivo notch reactivation in differentiating cochlear hair cells induces sox2 and prox1 expression but does not disrupt hair cell maturation

Developmental Dynamics — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractNotch signaling is active in mouse cochlear prosensory progenitors but declines in differentiating sensory hair cells (HCs). Overactivation of the Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD) in progenitors blocks HC fate commitment and/or differentiation. However, it is not known whether reactivation of NICD in differentiating HCs also interrupts their developmental program and reactivates its downstream targets. By analyzing Atoh1CreER+; Rosa26‐NICDloxp/+ or Atoh1CreER+; Rosa26‐NICDloxp/+; RBP‐Jloxp/loxp mice, we demonstrated that ectopic NICD in differentiating HCs caused reactivation of Sox2 and Prox1 in an RBP‐J–dependent manner. Interestingly, Prox1 reactivation was exclusive to outer HCs (OHCs). In addition, lineage tracing analysis of Prox1CreER/+; Rosa26‐EYFPloxp/+ and P...

2012 NAD Conference Exhibit Package

National Association of the Deaf — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:01:02 +0100

file: 2012 NAD Conference Exhibit Package.pdf (Source: National Association of the Deaf)

Bilateral Single Sitting Myringoplasty Using Tragal Cartilage from One Ear

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:13:59 +0100

Abstract Though single sitting myringoplasty using temporalis fascia under general anesthesia has been documented in many studies, but ours is the first center to have started using tragal cartilage harvested from one ear to do bilateral myringoplasty in one sitting using local anesthesia with excellent results including very good graft uptake rate and audiological improvement without significant complications. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Short CommunicationPages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s12070-012-0487-8Authors Arvinder Singh Sood, Department of ENT, SGRDIMSR, 22-A, Rajinder Nagar, Sultanwind Road, Amritsar, 143001 India Journal Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck SurgeryOnline ISSN 0973-7707Print ISSN 2231-3796 (Source: Indian Journal of Otolaryngo...

2012 NAD Conference Employer Justification Letter

National Association of the Deaf — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:48:31 +0100

file: 2012 NAD Conference Employer Justification Letter.doc (Source: National Association of the Deaf)

Super Bowl XLVI: PepsiCo and the NAD

National Association of the Deaf — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:23:12 +0100

The National Association for the Deaf (NAD) and PepsiCo announce that the NAD Miss Deaf America, Rachel Mazique, will perform the National Anthem and America the Beautiful in American Sign Language (ASL) at the upcoming Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis on February 5, 2012. The NAD in partnership with PepsiCo worked closely with the National Football League to ensure that America's songs would be delivered in ASL at the Super Bowl. read more (Source: National Association of the Deaf)

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Infections Might Raise Stroke Risk in Children: Study

MedicineNet Hearing General — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Infections Might Raise Stroke Risk in Children: StudyCategory: Health NewsCreated: 2/1/2012 10:05:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 2/1/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Hearing General)

Cochlear implant performance in geriatric patients

The Laryngoscope — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:Geriatric cochlear implant patients have a similar learning curve to the younger adults and in speech tests in quiet show a comparable performance. However their performance is significantly lower in noisy surroundings. This may be due to the central presbycusis in patients older than 70 years and should be taken into account in postoperative fitting of geriatric patients. Further prospective studies are required to evaluate the role of special rehabilitation methods and cognitive training to improve the speech perception in noise in geriatric CI patients. (Source: The Laryngoscope)

Synthesis of atrial natriuretic peptide in the rabbit inner ear

The Laryngoscope — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:Our findings suggest that ANP and its precursor protein are synthesized in the ear tissues and secreted to perilymph. This hormone may play a role in control of water and/or ion homeostasis of the fluids in the ear that are responsible for normal hearing. (Source: The Laryngoscope)

Modification and comparison of minimally‐invasive cochleostomy techniques: a pilot study

The Laryngoscope — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:CO2 laser can create cochleostomies comparable in operative time and intracochlear temperature to drilling while decreasing intracochlear sound levels. Further investigation is warranted to minimize trauma and maximize auditory function during cochleostomy. (Source: The Laryngoscope)

An Energy-Efficient, Adiabatic Electrode Stimulator With Inductive Energy Recycling and Feedback Current Regulation

IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this paper, we present a novel energy-efficient electrode stimulator. Our stimulator uses inductive storage and recycling of energy in a dynamic power supply. This supply drives an electrode in an adiabatic fashion such that energy consumption is minimized. It also utilizes a shunt current-sensor to monitor and regulate the current through the electrode via feedback, thus enabling flexible and safe stimulation. Since there are no explicit current sources or current limiters, wasteful energy dissipation across such elements is naturally avoided. The dynamic power supply allows efficient transfer of energy both to and from the electrode and is based on a DC-DC converter topology that we use in a bidirectional fashion in forward-buck or reverse-boost modes. In an exemplary electrode implem...

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An “Uncrimped” SMart Stapes Prosthesis: A Cause of Late Hearing Deterioration in Otosclerosis

International Journal of Photoenergy — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:10:23 +0100

Conclusion. The SMart stapes prosthesis is widely used and has been shown to be safe and provide good hearing outcomes. Displacement of a stapes prosthesis is the commonest cause of failure. Our case shows that deterioration of hearing thresholds can occur from uncrimping of the prosthesis with no displacement. It is important to improve our understanding of stapedotomy failure as revision procedures are associated with poorer outcomes. (Source: International Journal of Photoenergy)

Rheumatoid Arthritis - When Do I Call the Doctor?

MedicineNet Hearing General — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Rheumatoid Arthritis - When Do I Call the Doctor?Category: Doctor's ViewsCreated: 7/7/2001 12:46:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 1/31/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Hearing General)

Expression pattern of oxidative stress and antioxidant defense-related genes in the aging Fischer 344/NHsd rat cochlea.

Neurobiology of Aging — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tanaka C, Coling DE, Manohar S, Chen GD, Hu BH, Salvi R, Henderson D Abstract The biological mechanisms that give rise to age-related hearing loss (ARHL) are still poorly understood. However, there is growing recognition that oxidative stress may be an important factor. To address this issue, we measured the changes in the expression of cochlear oxidative stress and antioxidant defense-related genes in young (2 months old), middle-aged (12 months old), and old (21-25 months old) Fischer 344/NHsd (F344/NHsd) rats and compared gene expression changes with ARHL. A quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction array revealed a significant age-related downregulation of only 1 gene, stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1, and upregulation of 12 genes: 24-dehyd...

Sustained response and prevention of damage progression in patients with neonatal‐onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID) treated with anakinra

Arthritis and Rheumatism — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:Anakinra provides sustained efficacy in the treatment of NOMID for up to five years, with the requirement of dose escalation. Damage progression in the CNS, ear, and eye – but not bone – is preventable. Anakinra is overall well tolerated. (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)

Foot anomalies and proximal symphalangism

Clinical Anatomy — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report the case of a 2‐week‐old girl born at term (by vaginal delivery and without antenatal or perinatal events) who was referred as having “bilateral talipes and bilateral proximal symphalangism of little and ring fingers.” The “talipes” was atypical with marked equinus and varus, but no cavus or adductus of the midfoot. Her mother had both symphalangism (absence of proximal interphalangeal joints) of middle, ring, and little fingers bilaterally and fixed pes planus with a rigid fixed hindfoot—and these deformities had also been present from birth. The maternal grandmother was similarly affected. However, the neonatal subject has an unaffected older sibling; maternal siblings are also unaffected. The three affected people did not have other obvious musculoskeletal abnorm...

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Reduction of Tinnitus Severity by the Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxant Cyclobenzaprine: An Open-Label Pilot Study

Audiology and Neurotology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Audiol Neurotol 2012;17:179–188 (DOI:10.1159/000335657) (Source: Audiology and Neurotology)

Front & Back Matter

Audiology and Neurotology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Audiol Neuroto 2012;17:X (DOI:10.1159/000336869) (Source: Audiology and Neurotology)

2012 Biennial NAD Conference Sponsorship Package

National Association of the Deaf — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:12:49 +0100

file: 2012 NAD Conference Sponsorship Package.pdf (Source: National Association of the Deaf)

Combined Effects of Salicylic Acid and Furosemide and Noise on Hearing. - de Jong MA, Adelman C, Rubin M, Sohmer H.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:32:08 +0100

BACKGROUND: A major cause of the hearing loss following exposure to intense noise involves release of free radicals resulting from the elevated metabolism. The free radicals induce damage to several of the components of the cochlear amplifier including the... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Diabetes Affects Hearing Loss, Especially In Women

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Having diabetes may cause women to experience a greater degree of hearing loss as they age, especially if the metabolic disorder is not well controlled with medication, according to a new study from Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Women between the ages of 60 and 75 with well-controlled diabetes had better hearing than women with poorly controlled diabetes, with similar hearing levels to those of non-diabetic women of the same age. The study also shows significantly worse hearing in all women younger than 60 with diabetes, even if it is well controlled... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Expressing hNF‐LE397K results in abnormal gaiting in a transgenic model of CMT2E.

Genes, Brain and Behavior — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we demonstrated that hNF‐LE397K mice developed abnormal gait of the hind limbs. The identification of severe gaiting defects in combination with previously observed muscle atrophy, reduced axon caliber, and decreased nerve conduction velocity suggests that hNF‐LE397K mice recapitulate many of clinical signs associated with CMT2E. Therefore, hNF‐LE397K mice provide a context for potential therapeutic intervention. (Source: Genes, Brain and Behavior)

Bilateral reorganization of posterior temporal cortices in post‐lingual deafness and its relation to cochlear implant outcome

Human Brain Mapping — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractPost‐lingual deafness induces a decline in the ability to process phonological sounds or evoke phonological representations. This decline is paralleled with abnormally high neural activity in the right posterior superior temporal gyrus/supramarginal gyrus (PSTG/SMG). As this neural plasticity negatively relates to cochlear implantation (CI) success, it appears important to understand its determinants. We addressed the neuro‐functional mechanisms underlying this maladaptive phenomenon using behavioral and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data acquired in 10 normal‐hearing subjects and 10 post‐lingual deaf candidates for CI. We compared two memory tasks where subjects had to evoke phonological (speech) and environmental sound representations from visually presente...

Directing neuronal cell growth on implant material surfaces by microstructuring.

Biomed Res — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Reich U, Fadeeva E, Warnecke A, Paasche G, Müller P, Chichkov B, Stöver T, Lenarz T, Reuter G Abstract For best hearing sensation, electrodes of auditory prosthesis must have an optimal electrical contact to the respective neuronal cells. To improve the electrode-nerve interface, microstructuring of implant surfaces could guide neuronal cells toward the electrode contact. To this end, femtosecond laser ablation was used to generate linear microgrooves on the two currently relevant cochlear implant materials, silicone elastomer and platinum. Silicone surfaces were structured by two different methods, either directly, by laser ablation or indirectly, by imprinting using laser-microstructured molds. The influence of surface structuring on neurite outgrowth was investigated ...

Correlation of PDCD5 and apoptosis in hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons of different age of C57BL/6J mice

Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology -- Medical Sciences -- — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:50:05 +0100

This study examined the expression pattern of programmed cell death 5 (PDCD5) in cochlear hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) and its association with age-related hearing loss in mice. Sixty C57BL/6J (C57) mice at different ages were divided into four groups (3, 6, 9 or 12 months). PDCD5 expression was detected by using immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR and Western blot. Morphological change of the cochleae was also evaluated by using immunoassay. The results showed that the expression of PDCD5 had a gradual increase with ageing in both protein and RNA levels in C57 mice, as well as gradually increased apoptosis of cochlear hair cells and SGNs. In addition, we also found that caspase-3 activity was enhanced and its expression was enhanced with ageing. It is implied that o...

NAD Miss Deaf America - Rachel Mazique

National Association of the Deaf — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:20:23 +0100

file: Rachel_Mazique_1.jpg (Source: National Association of the Deaf)

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Programming peculiarities in two cochlear implant users with superficial siderosis of the central nervous system

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:14:53 +0100

Conclusion The implants were fairly beneficial in restoring hearing and improving communication abilities although many reprogramming sessions have been required. The hurdle in programming was the need of frequent adjustments due to the physiologic variations in electrical discharges and neural conduction, besides the changes in the impedances. Patients diagnosed with superficial siderosis may achieve limited results in speech perception scores due to both cochlear and retrocochlear reasons. Careful counseling about the results must be given to the patients and their families before the cochlear implantation indication. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportPages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00405-011-1850-1Authors Aline Gomes Bittencourt, Department of Otolaryngolog...

Christopher Patterson

National Association of the Deaf — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:54:56 +0100

file: ChristopherPatterson.jpg (Source: National Association of the Deaf)

In Vivo Validation of Custom-Designed Silicon-Based Microelectrode Arrays for Long-Term Neural Recording and Stimulation

IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:46:08 +0100

We developed and validated silicon-based neural probes for neural stimulating and recording in long-term implantation in the brain. The probes combine the deep reactive ion etching process and mechanical shaping of their tip region, yielding a mechanically sturdy shank with a sharpened tip to reduce insertion force into the brain and spinal cord, particularly, with multiple shanks in the same array. The arrays’ insertion forces have been quantified in vitro. Five consecutive chronically-implanted devices were fully functional from 3 to 18 months. The microelectrode sites were electroplated with iridium oxide, and the charge injection capacity measurements were performed both in vitro and after implantation in the adult feline brain. The functionality of the chronic array was validat...

Assessing the Placement of a Cochlear Electrode Array by Multidimensional Scaling

IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:46:07 +0100

Correct placement of the electrode is crucial for cochlear implantation (CI) surgery. It determines the access to the auditory nerve and subsequent hearing performance. Here, we propose an objective measures tool that can partially verify the electrode position. The intracochlear spread of the electrical fields is measured and analyzed by means of multidimensional scaling resulting in an intuitive visual representation. The user can then detect major issues, such as electrode foldover or ossification. Other implantation issues, such as electrode migration into the scala vestibuli, may not significantly alter the electrical conduction pattern and remain undetected. Still, as the measurement is quick and readily available, it may be a valuable intraoperative verification tool. (Source: IEEE ...

2012 nad ylc

National Association of the Deaf — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:40:16 +0100

gallerylink: 2012 NAD YLC galleryimage: (Source: National Association of the Deaf)

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Effect of Angiotensin II on Inflammation Pathways in Human Primary Bone Cell Cultures in Otosclerosis

Audiology and Neurotology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Audiol Neurotol 2012;17:169–178 (DOI:10.1159/000335098) (Source: Audiology and Neurotology)

Blind and deaf doctor who was 'hero for all'

The Irish Times - Health — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:19:24 +0100

At the age of 42, James Hanlon went blind and eventually deaf. But far from accepting his career was over, he went on to help ease the pain of polio victims (Source: The Irish Times - Health)

Validity of Cochlear Microphonics at High Sound Pressure Levels as an Important Clinical Aspect

ORL — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:12:10 +0100

ORL 2012;74:38–41 (DOI:10.1159/000334948) (Source: ORL)

Upland Dental Practice Now Provides Better Care for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children

Medical News (via PRIMEZONE) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0100

UPLAND, Calif., Jan. 23, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Anxiety over visiting a healthcare provider is not a new thing. Patients often become uncomfortable, unsure what to expect on their next visit. When communication breaks down between a healthcare provider and their patients, dissatisfaction is inevitably going to follow. This problem can become much worse for children and teenagers needing dental services. This is why the leading pediatric dentist, Dr. Martinez, is now providing better care for deaf and hard of hearing children this holiday season. Whether parents like it or not, most children are going to be nervous over visits to the dentist. Even for a quick checkup, children are going to build up anxiety over situations and places that they are unsure of. This is especially true when...

The Challenge of Detecting Minimal Hearing Loss in Audiometric Surveys.

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

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

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Association Between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Hearing Sensitivity.

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

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

The developmental trajectory of spatial listening skills in normally-hearing children.

Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: These data can guide the selection of tests for future studies and inform the interpretation of results from clinical populations. PMID: 22271871 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR)

Auditory, Visual, and Auditory-Visual Perception of Emotions by Young Children with Hearing Loss vs. Children with Normal Hearing.

Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The relatively high accuracy of emotion perception by children with HL may be explained by their intensive rehabilitation, which emphasizes suprasegmental and paralinguistic aspects of verbal communication. PMID: 22271872 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR)

Combined Effects of Salicylic Acid and Furosemide and Noise on Hearing

Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This result is very surprising, if not paradoxical. Drugs which provide protection from a noise induced hearing loss when administered alone, not only do not provide protection when given together, but also induce a greater hearing loss when accompanied by noise. This observation may be related to the finding that the depression of the endocochlear potential normally caused by furosemide is reduced in the presence of salicylic acid, so that the protection usually provided by furosemide is not present when it is administered together with salicylic acid. Thus it seems that each drug may interfere with the protective action of the other when coupled with noise. (Source: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology)

Study links sleep apnea and sudden deafness

Reuters: Health — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:15:41 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Sudden hearing loss might be tied to an underlying sleep disorder that interrupts breathing, suggests a new study from Taiwan. (Source: Reuters: Health)

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Study Links Sleep Apnea and Sudden Deafness

MedlinePlus Health News — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:15:35 +0100

Sudden hearing loss might be tied to an underlying sleep disorder that interrupts breathing, suggests a new study from Taiwan.Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Pages: Hearing Disorders and Deafness, Sleep Apnea (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

The Challenge of Children with Special Needs

Psych Central — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:35:58 +0100

Labels abound, some of them distasteful, some inaccurate, some just in vogue, others useful to understanding and planning. I am speaking about children who have substantial special needs. They may be diagnosed with complex disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Tourette’s, or Mental Retardation. All are challenging to identify reliably, and even more challenging to treat effectively. We can add the physical disabilities of blindness, deafness, and a multitude of serious medical disorders that strike children and significantly limit their ability to function. Each of these disorders has books, websites, and national organizations devoted to them. Parents often know more about the specific disorder than any individual professional ...

Action Alert: Support Ind. School for the Deaf, Oppose HB 1367

National Association of the Deaf — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:37:44 +0100

The National Association of the Deaf asks everyone to support the Indiana School for the Deaf by calling/emailing Indiana legislators and asking them to oppose Indiana State House Bill 1367. The bill would remove the outreach center currently housed at the Indiana School for the Deaf, terminate all staff working in that center, and recreate a new outreach center separate from the school. HEAR Indiana is the major proponent of this bill. read more (Source: National Association of the Deaf)

IDEC Flyer DOC

National Association of the Deaf — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:37:04 +0100

file: IDEC Flyer.doc (Source: National Association of the Deaf)

IDEC Flyer PDF

National Association of the Deaf — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:35:33 +0100

file: IDEC Flyer.pdf (Source: National Association of the Deaf)

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NAD Letter to Indiana Legislators on HB 1367

National Association of the Deaf — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:32:12 +0100

file: NAD Letter to Indiana Legislators.pdf (Source: National Association of the Deaf)

Cochlear implants for post-meningitis deafness offer good outcomes

MedWire News - Infectious Diseases — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Technologic advances in cochlear implants have resulted in good outcomes for patients who develop hearing loss following meningitis, say researchers. (Source: MedWire News - Infectious Diseases)

Kids Do Well With Two Cochlear Implants: StudyKids Do Well With Two Cochlear Implants: Study

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:34:05 +0100

Deaf children who already had one cochlear implant had improvements in speech, hearing and related quality of life measures after a second was implanted in the other ear. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

The influence of muscles activation on the dynamical behaviour of the tympano-ossicular system of the middle ear.

Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gentil F, Parente M, Martins P, Garbe C, Paço J, Ferreira AJ, Tavares JM, Jorge RN Abstract The human ear is a complex biomechanical system and is divided into three parts: outer, middle and inner ear. The middle ear is formed by ossicles (malleus, incus and stapes), ligaments, muscles and tendons, which transfers sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear, linking with mastoid and Eustachian tube. In this work, a finite element modelling of the tympano-ossicular system of the middle ear was developed. A dynamic study based on a structural response to harmonic vibrations, for a sound pressure level (SPL) of 110, 120 and 130 dB SPL applied in the eardrum, is presented. The connection between the ossicles is made using a contact formulation. The model includes the ...

FCC Releases Internet Protocol Captioning Rules

National Association of the Deaf — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:39:46 +0100

On Friday, January 13, 2012 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released rules governing the closed captioning requirements for video programming delivered using Internet protocol (IP). This Report & Order also includes rules on the closed captioning capabilities of certain apparatus on which consumers view video programming. These rules were issued pursuant to the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA) and explain how the FCC will apply the CVAA sections related to IP captioning. read more (Source: National Association of the Deaf)

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Kids do well with two cochlear implants: study

Reuters: Health — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:29:55 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Deaf children who already had one cochlear implant had improvements in speech, hearing and related quality of life measures after a second was implanted in the other ear, researchers from the Netherlands reported this week. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Kids Do Well with Two Cochlear Implants

MedlinePlus Health News — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:29:46 +0100

Deaf children who already had one cochlear implant had improvements in speech, hearing and related quality of life measures after a second was implanted in the other ear, researchers from the Netherlands reported this week.Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Pages: Hearing Aids, Hearing Problems in Children (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Hey, Did You Hear? ...Why We Don t Listen

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:49:00 +0100

Why do we sometimes not register sounds and voices around us? A wife asks her husband for the third time, “did you take the garbage out yet?” He is so glued to the big game and he still hasn t issued a response. A kid doesn t hear her mother tell her dinner is ready because she is fully immersed in her favorite video game. You miss part of the conversation you were having with your friends at a coffee shop because you were too busy checking for new email, comments and tweets on your smart phone for the millionth time today (that one I can relate to). What do these three scenarios have in common? Our bodies trying to balance our sensory perceptual load between vision and hearing and one of these senses ultimately falls short.Researchers in the United Kingdom have demonstrated fo...

Kenya: Reprieve for Deaf Patients As Nurses Training Launched

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:50:27 +0100

Nation (Nairobi)-A 28-year-old expectant woman in her final trimester experiences a gush of pain in her belly. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Auditory neuropathy: alert to pediatricians

Revista Paulista de Pediatria — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:37:28 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes the importance of the recognition of auditory neuropathy by pediatricians, which is yet an underreported problem in Latin America. (Source: Revista Paulista de Pediatria)

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Thinking of getting pregnant? Rubella leaflet now available in other languages

NHS Networks — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Catching German measles (rubella) during pregnancy can have very serious implications for an unborn baby. It can, for example, lead to the baby being born with serious disabilities such as blindness and deafness. The risk of having a miscarriage is also increased. The Tamil and Bengali translations of this leaflet have been produced by Sense, the charity for deafblind people (Source: NHS Networks)

Sooner is better than later for pediatric cochlear implants

Modern Medicine Contemporary Pediatrics — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Bilateral cochlear implants placed early and simultaneously have the greatest effect on speech development in children with prelingual hearing loss. Learn how early identification, early implantation, and using oral and auditory communication therapies can lead to the best outcomes for language skills in these children and adolescents. (Source: Modern Medicine Contemporary Pediatrics)

Acoustic brainstem implant in a post-meningitis deafened child—Lessons learned

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:16:10 +0100

We report a case of a deafened child with advanced labyrinthitis ossificans resulting from meningo-encephalitis. She received a cochlear implant in the right ear, following a drill-out procedure. Post-implant hearing outcomes were satisfactory initially, but deteriorated over time as a result of partial electrode migration. The child subsequently received a left auditory brainstem implantation with improvement of hearing outcomes. Post-operatively, a sub-dural hematoma developed not on the side of the operation but on the opposite side. Simultaneous use of the cochlear implant on one side and the acoustic brainstem on the other, aggravated the non-auditory side effects of the ABI and compromised its potential for optimal hearing results. (Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhino...

Prevalence of the 35delG mutation in deaf South Brazilian infants submitted to cochlear implantation

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:16:10 +0100

Conclusions: Prevalence of 35delG mutation in this study confirmed findings in the Brazilian literature. There was a clinically significant difference in hearing performance in patients with 35delG. Absence of statistical significance in this result might be attributed to the small number of patients with 35delG in our sample. (Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology)

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Myringoplasty in children with cleft palate and craniofacial anomaly

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:16:10 +0100

Abstract: Objectives: Analyze the anatomical and audiological success rates of myringoplasty in children with craniofacial anomaly, cleft palate and compare them to a control group.Methods: Retrospective review of medical records for all children who underwent myringoplasty between 1997 and 2007. The following data was recorded: sex, age, perforation side, size, location and etiology, surgical approach, type of myringoplasty, graft material, season of surgery, preoperative status of the operated and contralateral ear, history of previous otologic surgery, and adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy.Results: Myringoplasty outcomes of 22 craniofacial anomaly patients (15/22 were cleft palate patients) were compared to 144 controls. Children in the craniofacial anomaly group demonstrated a tendency to...

Congenital aural atresia: Bone-anchored hearing aid vs. external auditory canal reconstruction

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:16:10 +0100

Abstract: Objective: To compare the audiologic outcome and feasibility of bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) and external auditory canal reconstruction (EACR) surgeries in pediatric patients presenting a congenital aural atresia (CAA).Methods: A retrospective chart review of 40 patients operated in our tertiary pediatric care center between 2002 and 2010 was performed. 20 patients underwent EACR, whereas another 20 patients were implanted with a BAHA device. Air conduction (AC), bone conduction (BC), pure tone average (PTA) and speech discrimination score (SDS) were compared preoperatively, and hearing gain (HG) postoperatively at 6 and at 12 months at frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000Hz. Operative time, complications and associated microtia were documented as well. EACR patients were ...

Spectrum of GJB2 (Cx26) gene mutations in Iranian Azeri patients with nonsyndromic autosomal recessive hearing loss

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:16:10 +0100

Conclusion: Our results suggest that c.35delG mutation in the GJB2 gene is the most important cause of GJB2 related deafness in Iranian Azeri population. (Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology)

Prevalence of GJB6 mutations in Chinese patients with non-syndromic hearing loss

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:16:10 +0100

Conclusion: The results suggest that GJB6 mutations is not a common cause among Central Chinese population and screening for the mutations of GJB6 can be ranked as unconventional deaf gene test for this population. (Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology)

Auditory brainstem implant outcomes and MAP parameters: Report of experiences in adults and children

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

Conclusion: We observed that ABI may be a good option for offering some hearing attention to both adults and children. In children, the results might not be enough to ensure oral language development. Programming the speech processor in children demands higher care to the audiologist. (Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology)

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

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

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

Microarray-based mutation detection of pediatric sporadic nonsyndromic hearing loss in China

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

Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that genetic factors were important causes for sporadic nonsyndromic hearing loss in Chinese pediatric cases. Mutations of GJB2 and SLC26A4 are two major genetic causes, whereas mutations of GJB3 and 12s rRNA result in the development of hearing loss in a small percentage of sporadic nonsyndromic hearing loss cases. Microarray testing is a helpful and instrumental screening method in the diagnosis of genetic hearing loss. (Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology)

The economics of screening infants at risk of hearing impairment: An international analysis

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

Conclusions: The cost-effectiveness of a screening intervention was largely dependent upon two key factors. As would be expected, the cost (per patient) of the intervention drives the model substantially, with higher costs leading to higher cost-effectiveness ratios. Likewise, the baseline prevalence (risk) of hearing impairment also affected the results. In scenarios where the baseline risk was low, the intervention was less likely to be cost-effective compared to when the baseline risk was high. (Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology)

Denied Access by Wells Fargo? File Your Claim By Jan 29

National Association of the Deaf — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:42:27 +0100

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) urges customers who were refused access to Wells Fargo Bank or Wachovia Bank services before June 1, 2011 to file a claim with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Refused access includes denial of relay call to Wells Fargo or failure to provide effective communication such as sign language interpreter for meetings while visiting a Wells Fargo branch. read more (Source: National Association of the Deaf)

Deaf Kids Benefit from Implants in Both Ears (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Pediatrics — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- Sequential bilateral cochlear implants lead to improvements in quality of life for deaf children, researchers reported. (Source: MedPage Today Pediatrics)

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Open and closed cavity mastoid operations: comparing early hearing results

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:18:54 +0100

Abstract The aim of the study is to compare audiological results in patients treated surgically with either an open or closed cavity mastoidectomy. A prospective review of a single surgeon’s case series based at two district general hospitals. All patients with 1-year post-operative hearing results following an open or closed cavity mastoid surgery were included. Outcome measured included the preoperative and postoperative air-bone gap (ABG). Belfast rule of thumb was used to assess the benefit from middle ear surgery. A total of 128 patients were identified from the database with 1 year post-operative hearing results. Sixty-three patients had undergone an open cavity mastoidectomy and 65 had a closed cavity mastoidectomy. The mean post-operative ABG in patients wit...

CNGA3 is expressed in inner ear hair cells and binds to an intracellular carboxy terminus domain of EMILIN1.

The Biochemical Journal — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Selvakumar D, Drescher MJ, Dowdall JR, Khan KM, Hatfield JS, Ramakrishnan NA, Drescher DG Abstract The molecular characteristics of cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels in auditory/vestibular hair cells are largely unknown, unlike those of CNG channels mediating sensory transduction in vision and olfaction. Here, we report full-length sequence for three CNGA3 variants in a hair cell preparation from the trout saccule with high identity to CNGA3 in olfactory receptor neurons/cone photoreceptors. A custom antibody targeting amino terminus sequence immunolocalized CNGA3 to the stereocilia and subcuticular plate region of saccular hair cells. The cytoplasmic carboxyl terminus of CNGA3 was found by yeast two-hybrid analysis to bind the carboxy terminus of elastin microfibril ...

Thyroid Hormone Receptors Control Developmental Maturation of the Middle Ear and the Size of the Ossicular Bones.

Endocrinology — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Cordas EA, Ng L, Hernandez A, Kaneshige M, Cheng SY, Forrest D Abstract Thyroid hormone is critical for auditory development and has well-known actions in the inner ear. However, less is known of thyroid hormone functions in the middle ear, which contains the ossicles (malleus, incus, stapes) that relay mechanical sound vibrations from the outer ear to the inner ear. During the later stages of middle ear development, prior to the onset of hearing, middle ear cavitation occurs, involving clearance of mesenchyme from the middle ear cavity while the immature cartilaginous ossicles attain appropriate size and ossify. Using in situ hybridization, we detected expression of Thra and Thrb genes encoding thyroid hormone receptors α1 and β (TRα1 and TRβ, respectively) in the imm...

CNGA3 is expressed in inner ear hair cells and binds to an intracellular carboxy terminus domain of EMILIN1

BJ Cell — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The molecular characteristics of cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels in auditory/vestibular hair cells are largely unknown, unlike those of CNG channels mediating sensory transduction in vision and olfaction. Here, we report full-length sequence for three CNGA3 variants in a hair cell preparation from the trout saccule with high identity to CNGA3 in olfactory receptor neurons/cone photoreceptors. A custom antibody targeting amino terminus sequence immunolocalized CNGA3 to the stereocilia and subcuticular plate region of saccular hair cells. The cytoplasmic carboxyl terminus of CNGA3 was found by yeast two-hybrid analysis to bind the carboxy terminus of elastin microfibril interface-located protein 1 (EMILIN1) in both the vestibular hair cell model and rat organ of Corti (OC). Specific b...

Trauma focused CBT for PTSD in young children is feasible, and may reduce PTSD symptoms

Evidence-Based Mental Health — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

QuestionQuestion Is trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) feasible and effective in young children with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other comorbid conditions? Patients 64 children aged between 36 and 83 months (mean age 5.3 years, 66.2% male, 59.5% African–American, 35.1% white) who experienced a recent life-threatening trauma and had ≥4 PTSD symptoms of which one had to be either a re-experiencing symptom or an avoidance symptom. The symptoms could come from either the DSM-IV or an alternative diagnostic algorithm proposed for DSM-V. Main exclusions: head trauma (Glasgow Coma Scale score of 7 or less), autistic disorder, blindness, mental retardation, deafness, not speaking English. Setting Outpatient study of children recruited via battered women's ...

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Survival Without Disability to Age 5 Years After Neonatal Caffeine Therapy for Apnea of Prematurity [Original Contribution]

JAMA — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Neonatal caffeine therapy was no longer associated with a significantly improved rate of survival without disability in children with very low birth weights who were assessed at 5 years. (Source: JAMA)

Association between bone mineral density and hearing loss in osteogenesis imperfecta

The Laryngoscope — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:It is hypothesized that OI patients with lower BMD might be more susceptible to accumulating microfractures, which may interfere with the bone remodeling inhibition pathways in the temporal bone and, therefore, contribute to stapes footplate fixation and a conductive hearing loss component. (Source: The Laryngoscope)

Sequential Bilateral Cochlear Implantations Improve Quality Of Life In Kids

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:00:00 +0100

A report published Online First by the Archives of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery shows evidence to suggest that children receiving cochlear implants in separate, sequential surgeries, see overall improvements in their quality of life. The study, led by Marloes Sparreboom, M.A., Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands, stresses the importance of collecting information concerning the quality of life of children receiving cochlear implantations, given the lack of previous research on the matter... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Study: Deaf 'signers' quick to interpret body language

USATODAY.com Health — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:18:25 +0100

Study: Deaf people who use sign language recognize and interpret body language quicker than hearing people who don't use sign language. (Source: USATODAY.com Health)

Deaf Sign Language Users Pick Up Faster On Body Language

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Deaf people who use sign language are quicker at recognizing and interpreting body language than hearing non-signers, according to new research from investigators at UC Davis and UC Irvine. The work suggests that deaf people may be especially adept at picking up on subtle visual traits in the actions of others, an ability that could be useful for some sensitive jobs, such as airport screening... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Campomelic Dysplasia

MedicineNet Hearing General — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Campomelic DysplasiaCategory: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 1/17/2012 4:01:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 1/16/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Hearing General)

Single-neuron recordings from unanesthetized mouse dorsal cochlear nucleus

Journal of Neurophysiology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Because of the availability of disease and genetic models, the mouse has become a valuable species for auditory neuroscience that will facilitate long-term goals of understanding neuronal mechanisms underlying the perception and processing of sounds. The goal of this study was to define the basic sound-evoked response properties of single neurons in the mouse dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN). Neurons producing complex spikes were distinguished as cartwheel cells (CWCs), and other neurons were classified according to the response map scheme previously developed in DCN. Similar to observations in other rodent species, neurons of the mouse DCN exhibit relatively little sound-driven inhibition. As a result, type III was the most commonly observed response. Our findings are generally consistent wi...

A Clinical and Histopathologic Study of Jugular Bulb Abnormalities [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Jugular bulb abnormalities can erode into the vestibular aqueduct, facial nerve, and the posterior semicircular canal. While symptoms may include pulsatile tinnitus, vertigo, or conductive hearing loss, in contrast to earlier reports, half of the patients were asymptomatic. Dehiscence of vestibular aqueduct rarely leads to clinical or histologic hydrops. The VEMP testing was useful in confirming the presence of inner ear dehiscence due to JBAs. Because the natural history of JBAs is unknown, these patients should be followed closely to evaluate for progression of the JBA or development of symptoms. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

Association Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Population-Based Case-Control Study [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Male patients with SSNHL had a higher proportion of prior OSA than non-SSNHL-diagnosed controls; no such association was found among female patients. Further study will be needed to confirm our findings, explore the underlying pathomechanisms, and investigate the difference between sexes. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

Sequential Bilateral Cochlear Implantation in Children: Quality of Life [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Sequential bilateral cochlear implantation in children is associated with an improvement in QoL, although this is predominantly reflected in the disease-related aspects of QoL and not necessarily in generic QoL. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

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Banding Pattern on Polarized Hair Microscopic Examination and Unilateral Polymicrogyria in a Patient With Steroid Sulfatase Deficiency [Observation]

Archives of Dermatology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Steroid sulfatase deficiency is a cause of X-linked ichthyosis; however, our patient also had retinitis pigmentosa, seizures, and abnormal hair findings. The presence of abnormal hair with a banding pattern on polarized microscopy may be helpful for diagnosis; however, this pattern is not specific to this disease. In addition, to our knowledge, the presence of a malformation of cortical development has not been previously reported in patients with steroid sulfatase deficiency. (Source: Archives of Dermatology)

Children with early cochlear implants have normal language development

MedWire News - Pediatrics — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Deaf children who have cochlear implants fitted between the age of 8 and 35 months have similar language development to their hearing peers, suggest study findings. (Source: MedWire News - Pediatrics)

How a heroic hunt for penguin eggs became 'the worst journey in the world'

Guardian Unlimited Science — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:42:08 +0100

Scott centennial at Natural History Museum recalls horrific trip across polar wastes to prove link between birds and reptilesHenry Bowers, Apsley Cherry-Garrard and Bill Wilson took 35 days to collect three emperor penguin eggs in July 1911. In the middle of the Antarctic winter, they had to survive intense blizzards and temperatures that plunged to –60C. It was pitch black and the three had to navigate by candlelight and the stars. They took turns falling into crevasses. Cherry's teeth chattered so violently that they shattered, while Wilson was blinded in one eye by a blob of boiling blubber from a camp stove.In the end, the three men – members of Robert Scott's doomed expedition to the south pole – returned to their base camp, utterly exhausted and close to death, with the three p...

Deaf ‘Signers’ Quick to Interpret Body Language: Study

Pediatrics News - Doctors Lounge — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Hearing-impaired show skill in detecting others' subtle gestures (Source: Pediatrics News - Doctors Lounge)

Translation and adaptation of functional auditory performance indicators (FAPI)

Journal of Applied Oral Science — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:27:33 +0100

Conclusion: Further studies about the application of the translated FAPI are necessary to make the test practicable in Brazilian clinical use. (Source: Journal of Applied Oral Science)

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Instruments to assess the oral language of children fitted with a cochlear implant: a systematic review

Journal of Applied Oral Science — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:27:33 +0100

The oral language development depends on the effective development of the hearing system. In cases of children presenting with hearing loss, a cochlear implant is an electronic device indicated to (re)habilitate the hearing function. Thus, it is of paramount importance to assess and follow the oral language development of children fitted with a cochlear implant (CI) to measure the effectiveness of the electronic device and support the therapeutic planning of these children. Questions are currently being raised about the instruments to assess the oral language of children using a CI, and, seeking the answers, this systematic review aimed at surveying these instruments. Searches were performed in three different databases utilizing six different descriptors to select articles published from ...

Rep. Markey & Sen. Pryor Support Strong IP Captioning Requirements

National Association of the Deaf — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:38:08 +0100

Representative Markey and Senator Pryor, authors of the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission on January 10, 2012 urging all three Commissioners to adopt language in the Report & Order for Internet Protocol Captioning that includes video programming shown on television, even if it is shown in segments or where some, but not all segments are posted online. read more (Source: National Association of the Deaf)

Deaf sign language users pick up faster on body language

ScienceDaily Headlines — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:22:22 +0100

Deaf people who use sign language are quicker at recognizing and interpreting body language than hearing non-signers, according to new research. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

15. Functional mapping of monaural auditory brainstem responses

Clinical Neurophysiology — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:11:57 +0100

Introduction: The auditory brainstem circuits on the basis of rat and cat experiments include the dorsal and ventral cochlear nuclei, the superior and medial olivary nuclei, the lateral lemniscal nucleus and the inferior colliculus. The aim of this fMRI study was to determine whether an auditory broadband stimulus which covers all frequencies of human hearing can induce significant ponto-medullary BOLD responses in humans to reveal the entire auditory pathway after monaural stimulation. If so could one also demonstrate a right ear preference for the processing of monaural signals in right-handers? (). (Source: Clinical Neurophysiology)

Novel mitochondrial DNA mutations responsible for maternally inherited non‐syndromic hearing loss

Human Mutation — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study shows that a variety of mitochondrial genes, including protein coding genes, can be responsible for non‐syndromic deafness, and that exposure to aminoglycosides is not required to develop the disease, giving new insights on the molecular bases of this pathology. (Source: Human Mutation)

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Further clinical and molecular delineation of the 15q24 microdeletion syndrome

Journal of Medical Genetics — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion The molecular characterisation of these patients suggests that the core cognitive features of the 15q24 microdeletion syndrome, including developmental delays and severe speech problems, are largely due to deletion of genes in a 1.1–Mb critical region. However, genes just distal to the critical region also play an important role in cognition and in the development of characteristic facial features associated with 15q24 deletions. Clearly, deletions in the 15q24 region are variable in size and extent. Knowledge of the breakpoints and size of deletion combined with the natural history and medical problems of our patients provide insights that will inform management guidelines. Based on common phenotypic features, all patients with 15q24 microdeletions should receive a thorou...

CT Analysis Demonstrates That Cochlear Height Does Not Change with Age [HEAD AND NECK]

American Journal of Neuroradiology — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: CH does not change from 1 month of age to adulthood and is slightly greater in males than in females. (Source: American Journal of Neuroradiology)

Deaf sign language users pick up faster on body language

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of California - Davis) Deaf people who use sign language are quicker at recognizing and interpreting body language than hearing non-signers, according to new research from investigators at UC Davis and UC Irvine. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

New cochlear implant technologies improve performance in post-meningitic deaf patients

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:52:54 +0100

The objective of the study was to compare the performance of cochlear implantation between post-meningitic and non-meningitic patients, and to evaluate the impact on hearing outcome of technical advances in cochlear implant technology. Retrospective chart review was used as the study design. Twenty adults with post-meningitic profound hearing loss receiving unilateral or bilateral cochlear implants between 1990 and 2008 were tested. Results were compared to a control group of 46 adults implanted for a non-meningitic hearing loss, with the same pre-operative speech scores. Speech scores were poorer in post-meningitic patients compared to those of control group, whatever the duration after implantation (p < 0.0001). Speech scores of subjects implanted and fitted before 2001...

Synaptic plasticity in the medial superior olive of hearing, deaf, and cochlear‐implanted cats

The Journal of Comparative Neurology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe medial superior olive (MSO) is a key auditory brainstem structure that receives binaural inputs and is implicated in processing interaural time disparities used for sound localization. The deaf white cat, a proven model of congenital deafness, was used to examine how deafness and cochlear implantation affected the synaptic organization at this binaural center in the ascending auditory pathway. The patterns of axosomatic and axodendritic organization were determined for principal neurons from the MSO of hearing, deaf, and deaf cats with cochlear implants. The nature of the synapses was evaluated through electron microscopy, ultrastructure analysis of the synaptic vessels and immunohistochemistry. Results show that the proportion of inhibitory axosomatic terminals was significant...

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Neurodevelopment: Culprit in deafness

Nature — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Nature 481, 7380 (2012). doi:10.1038/481117c Age-related hearing loss often results from damage to the outer hair cells in a highly specialized component of the inner ear called the organ of Corti. Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, looked at how the development of these cells is regulated and (Source: Nature)

Markey and Pryor Letter to the FCC on IP Captioning

National Association of the Deaf — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 01:04:57 +0100

file: MarkeyPryorLetteronIPCaptioning.pdf (Source: National Association of the Deaf)

Cochlear Kainate Receptors

JARO - Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 06:48:38 +0100

Abstract Synaptic transmission between the cochlear hair cell and its afferent fiber is mediated by glutamate receptors. While kainate receptors are known to be present in the spiral ganglion, little is known of their distribution or functional role. We have detected all five kainate receptor subunits in the mouse cochlea with quantitative RT-PCR and with immunohistochemistry. We observed kainate receptors on afferent terminals co-localized with α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (ampa) receptors at the afferent synapse. Individual terminals innervating a single hair cell varied in their ratios of ampa to kainate receptor immunoreactivity. Infusion of the mouse cochlea via the scala tympani with UBP296, a recently developed antagonist with high specificity...

[Clinical phenotypes associated with selective IgA deficiency: A review of 330 cases and a proposed follow-up protocol.]

Anales de Pediatria — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, 56.6% of patients with IgA deficiency showed other comorbidities which were, in decreasing frequency: recurrent infections (respiratory and ear infections), allergic diseases, autoimmunity and tumours. Some patients will develop a more severe humoral defect (IgG subclass deficiency with or without antibody deficiency). PMID: 22240193 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Anales de Pediatria)

Methadone induces hearing loss

The Poison Review — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:22:51 +0100

3 out of 5 stars Methadone, Another Cause of Opioid-Associated Hearing Loss: A Case Report. Shaw KA et al. J Emerg Med 2011;41:635-639. Abstract Common side-effects associated with methadone exposure include respiratory depression, constipation, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Although a handful of cases have been reported previously, the association of opiates (including methadone) use and hearing loss is less well known. Several years ago there were stories in the media that one celebrity might have gone deaf because he abused Oxycontin. This case report describes a 20-year old college student who developed bilateral sensorineural hearing loss after overdosing on methadone, along with pulmonary edema and rhabdomyolysis. As in previously reported cases, the hearing loss developed after...

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Kearns Sayre Syndrome—Case Report with Review of Literature

Indian Journal of Pediatrics — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:33:54 +0100

Abstract Kearns-Sayre Syndrome is form of rare mitochondrial cytopathy, first described by Thomas P. Kearns and George Pomeroy Sayre in 1958 and is characterized by progressive external opthalmoplegia, cardiac conduction block, pigmentary retinal degeneration, variable number of red ragged fibers on muscle biopsy. It presents before the child reaches the age of twenty. Kearns-Sayre syndrome may affect many organ systems and additional features may include myopathy, dystonia, bulbar symptoms in the form of dysarthria and nasal regurgitation and bilateral facial weakness. Endocrine abnormalities (e.g., diabetes, growth retardation/short stature, and hypoparathyroidism), bilateral sensorineural deafness, dementia, cataracts, and proximal renal tubular acidosis, skeletal muscle...

Antibiotics in Food Animals: FAQ

MedicineNet Hearing General — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Antibiotics in Food Animals: FAQCategory: Health FactsCreated: 1/7/2012 11:01:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 1/9/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Hearing General)

Contribution of Family Environment to Pediatric Cochlear Implant Users' Speech and Language Outcomes: Some Preliminary Findings.

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

CONCLUSIONS: Some of the variability in cochlear implantation outcomes that have protracted periods of development is related to family environment. Because family environment can be modified and enhanced by therapy or education, these preliminary findings hold promise for future work in helping families to create robust language-learning environments that can maximize their child's potential with a cochlear implant. PMID: 22232387 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR)

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

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

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

Application of the Envelope Difference Index to spectrally-sparse speech.

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

CONCLUSION: The data provide information about the acceptable limits of envelope distortion under constrained conditions. These limits can be applied to consider the impact of envelope distortions in situations where other cues are available to varying extents. PMID: 22232401 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR)

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New Clues to Human Deafness

Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Ivanhoe Newswire) – Deafness affects 2 to 4 of every 1,000 people within the United States alone. (Source: Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com)

Bilateral cerebellopontine angle lipomas

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

We describe a case of a 36-year-old man with bilateral aural fullness that was discovered to have bilateral CPA lipomas associated with an abnormal hindbrain segmentation appearance. The patient was evaluated with 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. MRI demonstrated the presence of bilateral CPA masses partially extending into the internal auditory canals. These lesions were hyperintense on both T1- and T2 weighted images. Facial and vestibulo-cochlear nerves together with tortuous vascular structures and fibro-connective septa were identified on T2-weighted 3D Fast Imaging Employing Steady-state Acquisition (FIESTA) sequences as areas of lower intensity coursing through the masses. Gadolinium administration yielded no enhancement. Conservative management was adopted. (Source: Au...

Expression of myelin basic protein in the human auditory nerve—An immunohistochemical and comparative study

Auris, Nasus, Larynx — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 20:04:33 +0100

Conclusions: The pattern of myelination in human spiral ganglion is different from that in other species’ spiral ganglion. The striking differences in myelin outline should be investigated further in combination with its influence on signal coding and preservation properties in man. (Source: Auris, Nasus, Larynx)

John Simpson has lost 70 per cent of his hearing in one ear

Telegraph Health — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:57:29 +0100

The BBC's John Simpson has told how his five-year-old son gets irritated at having to repeat everything three times - because the veteran journalist is now "70 per cent deaf" following an explosion in Iraq. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Spatial release from masking in a free-field source identification task by gray treefrogs.

Hearing Research — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Nityananda V, Bee MA Abstract Humans and other animals often communicate acoustically in noisy social groups, in which the background noise generated by other individuals can mask signals of interest. When listening to speech in the presence of speech-like noise, humans experience a release from auditory masking when target and masker are spatially separated. We investigated spatial release from masking (SRM) in a free-field call recognition task in Cope's gray treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis). In this species, reproduction requires that females successfully detect, recognize, and localize a conspecific male in the noisy social environment of a breeding chorus. Using no-choice phonotaxis assays, we measured females' signal recognition thresholds in response to a target signal ...

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Strategies and accomplishments of the Tinnitus Research Consortium.

Hearing Research — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Snow JB Abstract The Tinnitus Research Consortium (TRC) is sponsored by a philanthropist who wants to accelerate progress in basic and clinical research on tinnitus. The TRC consists of 12 distinguished auditory scientists who began meeting in 1998 twice a year for brainstorming for new research approaches to tinnitus, developing requests for applications, judging the scientific merit of the applications received and reviewing the progress of funded projects. Through these efforts, common confounding variables in tinnitus research have been identified, and solutions to these problems have been suggested. TRC grants have been made up to $100,000.00 per year for three years. The sponsor had provided $600,000.00 per year; so two new grants could be made each year. The good ne...

Cochlear Mechanics(Duifhuis)

Springer Biomedical Sciences titles — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:03:41 +0100

Introduction to a Time Domain Analysis of the Nonlinear CochleaThe field of cochlear mechanics has received increasing interest over the last few decades. In the majority of these studies, researchers use linear systems analysis or linear approximations of the nonlinear (NL) systems. Even though it has been clear that the intact cochlea operates nonlinearly, lack of tools for proper nonlinear analysis, and widely available tools for linear analysis still ... (Source: Springer Biomedical Sciences titles)

Anxiety in children with hearing aids or cochlear implants compared to normally hearing controls

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

Conclusions:The outcomes demonstrate that in their level of anxiety, children with cochlear implants might be more comparable to normally hearing children than to children with hearing aids. This positive finding can be the consequence of audiological factors or other aspects of the cochlear implant rehabilitation program. (Source: The Laryngoscope)

Anxiety in children with hearing aids or cochlear implants, compared to normally hearing controls

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

ConclusionsThe outcomes demonstrate that in their level of anxiety children with cochlear implants might be more comparable to normally hearing children than to children with hearing aids. This positive finding can be the consequence of audiological factors or other aspects of the cochlear implant rehabilitation program. (Source: The Laryngoscope)

Tinnitus before and 6 Months after Cochlear Implantation

Audiology and Neurotology — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Audiol Neurotol 2012;17:161–168 (DOI:10.1159/000335126) (Source: Audiology and Neurotology)

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High Resolution Multi Detector Computed Tomography of Temporal Bone: Our Experience in a Tertiary Care Service Hospital

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

We describe our experience of HRMDCT of temporal bones of 145 patients in a tertiary care and teaching hospital of Armed Forces Medical Services of India over a period of three and half years. Hearing loss was the most frequent indication for HRMDCT and congenital bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss for evaluation prior to possible cochlear implant formed the single largest group (62, 42%) among all indications for HRMDCT of temporal bones. Major vestibule-cochlear and semicircular canal anomalies were noted in 11 such cases. Seven patients of microtia were studied and all had positive CT scan findings. All patients of vertigo had normal HRCT study. Extent of temporal bone injuries and inflammatory conditions were clearly delineated in all cases. Thinner collimations allowi...

Sensorineural Deafness in Patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Uttar Pradesh: A Pilot Study

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:01:22 +0100

This study was done to observe the predominant site of lesion whether cochlear or retrocochlear in patients of diabetic sensorineural hearing loss. This was a random study. Forty two patients with diabetic B/L symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss were selected in a tertiary referral centre. All the patients selected were of diabetic B/L symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss. The study was designed to show the predominant site of lesion whether cochlear or retrocochlear in patients of diabetes with or without noise exposure. The parameter for inferring blood sugar control was level of glycosylated haemoglobin (Hb1AC). The incidence of the classical symptoms of diabetes mellitus namely polyurea, polydypsia and polyphagia were seen in (40.8%) of patients. The present study was desig...

Drug Delivery to the Inner Ear: Strategies and Their Therapeutic Implications for Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

Current Drug Delivery — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Rivera T, Sanz L, Camarero G, Varela-Nieto I Abstract ged drugs). While direct access to the inner ear by intracochlear administration avoids this problem, this method requires surgery. Currently, laboratory animals are being used to explore which therapeutic approaches are best suited to address this problem. These include cochleostomy and the insertion of devices that pump drugs into the inner ear without inducing cochlear damage. In this article, we review the different techniques under evaluation in animal models of deafness, and their potential use for drug delivery and treatment of human inner ear diseases. PMID: 22283653 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Current Drug Delivery)

Semi-automatic attenuation of cochlear implant artifacts for the evaluation of late auditory evoked potentials.

Hearing Research — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Viola FC, De Vos M, Hine J, Sandmann P, Bleeck S, Eyles J, Debener S Abstract Electrical artifacts caused by the cochlear implant (CI) contaminate electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings from implanted individuals and corrupt auditory evoked potentials (AEPs). Independent component analysis (ICA) is efficient in attenuating the electrical CI artifact and AEPs can be successfully reconstructed. However the manual selection of CI artifact related independent components (ICs) obtained with ICA is unsatisfactory, since it contains expert-choices and is time consuming. We developed a new procedure to evaluate temporal and topographical properties of ICs and semi-automatically select those components representing electrical CI artifact. The CI Artifact Correction (CIAC) algorit...

Phonological Awareness and Print Knowledge of Preschool Children with Cochlear Implants.

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

CONCLUSIONS: Children with CIs have the potential to develop age-appropriate early literacy skills by preschool-age but are likely to lag behind their NH peers in phonological awareness. Intervention programs serving these children should target these skills with instruction and by facilitating speech and language development. PMID: 22223887 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR)

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The Speech Intelligibility Index and the Pure-Tone Average as Predictors of Lexical Ability in Children Fit with Hearing Aids.

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

CONCLUSIONS: Despite wearing hearing aids, CHA performed more poorly on three of four lexical measures. Individual differences among CHA were predicted by aided SII. Unlike PTA, aided SII incorporates hearing aid amplification characteristics and speech-frequency weightings and may provide a more valid estimate of the child's access to and ability to learn from auditory input in real-world environments. PMID: 22223888 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR)

Speech Perception with Music Maskers by Cochlear Implant Users and Normal Hearing Listeners.

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

CONCLUSIONS: While speech understanding was greatly limited by energetic masking in both subject groups, CI performance worsened as more spectro-temporal complexity was added to the maskers, most likely due to poor spectral resolution. PMID: 22223890 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR)

Effect of rate-alteration on speech perception in noise in older adults with normal hearing and hearing impairment.

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

CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that older adults with hearing impairment who are not wearing hearing aids are not able to take advantage of additional processing time afforded by the use of slow speaking rates when speech (70 to 75 dB HL) is presented in competing noise. Decreasing from a fast speaking rate to an average rate is beneficial, and should be recommended by audiologists to increase the likelihood of understanding speech in noise. PMID: 22223091 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Audiology)

Early Cochlear Implant Best for Deaf Kids (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Pediatrics — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:36:52 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- When a deaf child receives a cochlear implant -- and how many implants he gets -- have a significant impact on hearing and language outcomes, according to the results of two recent studies. (Source: MedPage Today Pediatrics)

Cochlear Implant Failure Rate Generally Low

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0100

A study published in the December issue of Archives of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals, found that among children treated at a pediatric tertiary care clinic in Canada, the overall percentage of re-implantation of cochlear implants as result of device failure seems was low. However, the risk of device failure seems to be increased among those who develop hearing loss due to bacterial meningitis before implantation... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Protein gives clue to hearing loss

NHS News Feed — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:45:00 +0100

Conclusion This research provides important new information about the role that the FGF20 protein plays in the development of the outer hair cells in the ears of mice. As the majority of age-related deafness is caused by damage or loss to these cells, the findings may provide a new target for future research focused on improving our understanding of this type of deafness in humans. While this is a useful scientific development, there are limitations. We cannot be certain, for instance, that FGF20 plays exactly the same role in the development of the human hair cells as it does in mice. Ideally, further research would look into FGF20 using human cells to see if similar results are found. It might also be worth examining the genetics of people who are born deaf in order to understand furth...

New Clues To Human Deafness Found In Mice

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Providing clues to deafness, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified a gene that is required for proper development of the mouse inner ear. In humans, this gene, known as FGF20, is located in a portion of the genome that has been associated with inherited deafness in otherwise healthy families. "When we inactivated FGF20 in mice, we saw they were alive and healthy," says senior author David M. Ornitz, MD, PhD, the Alumni Endowed Professor of Developmental Biology. "But then we figured out that they had absolutely no ability to hear... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Using MP3 Players At High Volume Puts Teens At Risk For Early Hearing Loss

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Today's ubiquitous MP3 players permit users to listen to crystal-clear tunes at high volume for hours on end - a marked improvement on the days of the Walkman. But according to Tel Aviv University research, these advances have also turned personal listening devices into a serious health hazard, with teenagers as the most at-risk group. One in four teens is in danger of early hearing loss as a direct result of these listening habits, says Prof... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Scientists discover FGF20 gene linked to age-related deafness

the Mail online | Health — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 07:56:46 +0100

When researchers at Washington University School of Medicine took out the FGF20 gene in mice, the animals appeared perfectly healthy, but could not hear at all. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Reducing current spread using current focusing in cochlear implant users.

Hearing Research — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Landsberger DM, Padilla M, Srinivasan AG Abstract Cochlear implant performance in difficult listening situations is limited by channel interactions. It is known that partial tripolar (PTP) stimulation reduces the spread of excitation (SOE). However, the greater the degree of current focusing, the greater the absolute current required to maintain a fixed loudness. As current increases, so does SOE. In experiment 1, the SOE for equally loud stimuli with different degrees of current focusing is measured via a forward-masking procedure. Results suggest that at a fixed loudness, some but not all patients have a reduced SOE with PTP stimulation. Therefore, it seems likely that a PTP speech processing strategy could improve spectral resolution for only those patients with a reduc...

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Characteristics of detection thresholds and maximum comfortable loudness levels as a function of pulse rate in human cochlear implant users.

Hearing Research — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zhou N, Xu L, Pfingst BE Abstract The ability of an implanted ear to integrate multiple pulses, as measured by the slopes of detection threshold level (T level) versus pulse rate functions, may reflect cochlear health in the cochlea, as suggested by previous animal studies (Kang et al., 2010; Pfingst et al., 2011). In the current study, we examined the slopes of T level versus pulse rate functions in human subjects with cochlear implants. Typically, T levels decrease as a function of pulse rate, consistent with a multipulse integration mechanism. The magnitudes of the slopes of the T level versus pulse rate functions obtained from the human subjects were comparable to those reported in the animal studies. The slopes varied across stimulation sites, but did not change sys...

Hearing outcome of recurrent sudden deafness: Ipsilateral versus contralateral types.

Acta Oto-Laryngologica — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Patients with recurrent sudden deafness demonstrating normal vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) in the lesion ear of the second episode may indicate a good hearing outcome. Objective: This study retrospectively reviewed our experience of patients with recurrent sudden deafness during the past 20 years. Methods: Sixteen (1.4 %) of 1156 patients with sudden deafness were diagnosed as having a recurrent episode, including ipsilateral type in 7 and contralateral type in 9. All patients underwent an audiovestibular test battery and blood and MRI examinations. After 2000, nine patients underwent the VEMP test. Results: In the ipsilateral type, the mean interval between two episodes was 2 ± 2 years, which did not differ significantly from 3 ± 3 years in the contralateral ...

Retrolabyrinthine approach for surgical placement of auditory brainstem implants in children.

Acta Oto-Laryngologica — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The extended retrolabyrinthine approach (RLA) is a safe and reliable approach for auditory brainstem placement in children. The surgical landmarks to reach cochlear nucleus are adequately exposed by this approach. Objective: To describe a new approach option for auditory brainstem implants (ABIs) in children, highlighting the anatomical landmarks to appropriately expose the foramen of Luschka. Methods: Three prelingually deafened children consecutively operated for ABIs via the RLA. Results: ABI placement via the RLA was successfully performed in all children without any further complications except multidirectional nystagmus in one child. The RLA we employed differed from that used for vestibular schwannoma only in the removal of the posterior semicircular canal. The lateral a...

Chromosome 15q24 microdeletion syndrome

Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

is a recently described rare microdeletion syndrome that has been reported in 19 individuals. It is characterized by growth retardation, intellectual disability, and distinct facial features including long face with high anterior hairline, hypertelorism, epicanthal folds, downslanting palpebral fissures, sparse and broad medial eyebrows, broad and/or depressed nasal bridge, small mouth, long smooth philtrum, and full lower lip. Other common findings include skeletal and digital abnormalities, genital abnormalities in males, hypotonia, behavior problems, recurrent infections, and eye problems. Other less frequent findings include hearing loss, growth hormone deficiency, hernias, and obesity. Congenital malformations, while rare, can be severe and include structural brain anomalies, cardiov...