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Abstract
BACKGROUND For severe hearing loss and even profound deafness, cochlear implants (CIs) have become the treatment of choice. For establishment of the CI indication, the preoperative Freiburger monosyllabic word recognition (EV) at 65 dB SPL in free field with a hearing aid (EVHG65) and the maximal understanding (mEV) without a hearing aid with headphones results are important. The goal of this retrospective study was to analyse the correlation of word recognition with a hearing aid at 80 dB SPL (EVHG80) and mEV. This represents an extension to measuring EVHG65 compared to mEV and to pure-tone audiometry (4FPTA). METHODS In this study, word recognition with and without a hearing aid was retrospectively analysed for 661 ears. Inclusion criterium was CI implantation at a later date. RESULTS During preoperative CI diagnostics, an mEV of 0% was found in 334 ears. The EVHG65 for 485 ears and the EVHG80 for 335 ears were also 0%. The EV with hearing aid was found to worsen with increasing 4FPTA at both sound pressure levels, although this effect was smaller at 80 dB SPL than at 65 dB SPL. Including only ears with mEV > 0 % (N = 260 ears), a stronger correlation between EVHG80 and mEV with a difference of (-4.0 ± 16.4%) in comparison to EVHG65 and mEV with a difference of (-18.3 ± 16.7%) is seen. This shows a significant difference between mEV and EVHG80 compared to mEV and EVHG65. CONCLUSION At a sound pressure level of 65 dB SPL, EV with hearing aid often does not show the accordance with mEV specified by hearing aid and CI guidelines. The EVHG80 correlates better with mEV than EVHG65. For clinical diagnosis it is rational to measure speech discrimination with hearing aid at levels higher than 65 dB SPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Beyer
- Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Kiel, Deutschland.
| | - Jan-Henrik Rieck
- Medizinische Fakultät, der Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Deutschland
| | - Alexander Mewes
- Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Kiel, Deutschland
| | - Jan Andreas Dambon
- Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Kiel, Deutschland
| | - Matthias Hey
- Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Kiel, Deutschland
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102
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Takayama K, Sano H, Hara Y, Furuki S. Investigation of the current supply system for hearing aids at stores in Japan. Auris Nasus Larynx 2023; 50:841-847. [PMID: 36529611 DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2022.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the status of the supply system for hearing aids at stores in Japan. METHODS This was a cross-sectional, observational study. We mailed questionnaires to 4502 hearing aid stores in Japan and analyzed the responses. RESULTS Of the 4502 stores, 1032 (23%) responded. Most stores accessed audiogram information and adjusted hearing aids using computer fitting software. Overall, 43% of the stores only used the manufacturer's original prescription formula to adjust the hearing aid, and 47% of stores lacked a device for measuring the frequency response of the hearing aids. Moreover, 20% of the stores lacked both a sound field threshold measurement system and a real-ear measurement device. Objective evaluations, including functional gain, rear-ear insertion gain, and frequency response data, were not performed by 14% stores. Speech-language-hearing therapists were present in only 5.6% stores. CONCLUSION The findings revealed several key shortcomings in the hearing aid supply system at hearing aid stores in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotarou Takayama
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kawasaki Municipal Hospital, 12-1 Shinkawadori Kawasakiku Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-0013, Japan
| | - Hajime Sano
- Department of Rehabilitation, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato Minamiku Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan.
| | - Yuki Hara
- Department of Rehabilitation, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato Minamiku Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Shougo Furuki
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Kitasao University, 1-15-1 Kitasato Minamiku Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0375, Japan
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103
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Brinkman D, Hill R, Hone S, Kieran S. Bone-anchored hearing aids: Percutaneous versus transcutaneous attachments - a health economics comparison in paediatric patients. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 175:111773. [PMID: 37931497 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2023.111773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bone anchored hearing aids (BAHA) are a useful support when conventional hearing aids are not suitable. The two types of attachment of the aid are onto a percutaneous abutment or a transcutaneous magnet. Anecdotally, the abutment requires more care, revision procedures and causes more infections than magnet-based devices. METHODS A multicentre, retrospective review was conducted of all patients that underwent a BAHA since our programme began, identified through a prospectively maintained database of patients. Patients' charts were audited for outpatient clinic visits, skin complications and revision surgeries. Developmental delay was also recorded. Patients were censored if the hearing aid was removed, replaced or the patient reached 16 years old. Bilateral or reimplanted patients were recorded as separate implants. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS version 9.4. RESULTS 150 implants were assessed over 126 patients: 115 transcutaneous and 35 percutaneous. Percutaneous patients had significantly more outpatient clinic attendances (Least square mean 4.19 vs. 1.39 p = 0.00), skin complications (mean 4.82 v 0.11 p = 0.00) and theatre visits (mean 2.8 vs. 1.03 p = 0.00) compared to transcutaneous patients. 77 implants were in patients that had developmental delay; having same made no significant difference to above outcomes. CONCLUSION There is a significant difference in healthcare burden between percutaneous and transcutaneous systems in a paediatric population. The increased cost of the percutaneous implant to the healthcare system and inconvenience to the patient is cause to consider a transcutaneous system in the first instance.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Brinkman
- Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin, Ireland; Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Rhodri Hill
- Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen Hone
- Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen Kieran
- Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin, Ireland
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104
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Panth N, Shah R, Judson B, Schwartz N. Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids: Trends in Information-Seeking Behavior. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 169:1691-1693. [PMID: 37365970 DOI: 10.1002/ohn.406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Recent Food and Drug Administration approval of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids has changed the policy landscape surrounding hearing-assistive technology. Our objective was to characterize trends in information-seeking behavior in the era of OTC hearing aids. Using Google Trends, we extracted the relative search volume (RSV) for hearing health-related topics. The mean RSV in the 2 weeks preceding and following enactment of the FDA's OTC hearing aid ruling were compared using a paired samples t-test. RSV for hearing-related queries increased by 212.5% on the date of FDA approval. There was a 25.6% (p = .02) increase in mean RSV for "hearing aids" before and after the FDA ruling. The most popular searches focused on specific device brands and cost. States with more rural residents represented the highest proportion of queries. Understanding these trends is critical to ensure appropriate patient counseling and improve access to hearing assistive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelima Panth
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Rema Shah
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Benjamin Judson
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nofrat Schwartz
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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105
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Jorgensen E, Wu YH. Effects of entropy in real-world noise on speech perception in listeners with normal hearing and hearing lossa). J Acoust Soc Am 2023; 154:3627-3643. [PMID: 38051522 PMCID: PMC10699887 DOI: 10.1121/10.0022577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Hearing aids show more benefit in traditional laboratory speech-in-noise tests than in real-world noisy environments. Real-world noise comprises a large range of acoustic properties that vary randomly and rapidly between and within environments, making quantifying real-world noise and using it in experiments and clinical tests challenging. One approach is to use acoustic features and statistics to quantify acoustic properties of real-world noise and control for them or measure their relationship to listening performance. In this study, the complexity of real-world noise from different environments was quantified using entropy in both the time- and frequency-domains. A distribution of noise segments from low to high entropy were extracted. Using a trial-by-trial design, listeners with normal hearing and hearing loss (in aided and unaided conditions) repeated back sentences embedded in these noise segments. Entropy significantly affected speech perception, with a larger effect of entropy in the time-domain than the frequency-domain, a larger effect for listeners with normal hearing than for listeners with hearing loss, and a larger effect for listeners with hearing loss in the aided than unaided condition. Speech perception also differed between most environment types. Combining entropy with the environment type improved predictions of speech perception above the environment type alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Jorgensen
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | - Yu-Hsiang Wu
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
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106
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Culling JF, D'Olne EFC, Davies BD, Powell N, Naylor PA. Practical utility of a head-mounted gaze-directed beamforming system. J Acoust Soc Am 2023; 154:3760-3768. [PMID: 38099830 DOI: 10.1121/10.0023961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Assistive auditory devices that enhance signal-to-noise ratio must follow the user's changing attention; errors could lead to the desired source being suppressed as noise. A method for measuring the practical benefit of attention-following speech enhancement is described and used to show a benefit for gaze-directed beamforming over natural binaural hearing. First, participants watched a recorded video conference call between two people with six additional interfering voices in different directions. The directions of the target voices corresponded to the spatial layout of their video streams. A simulated beamformer was yoked to the participant's gaze direction using an eye tracker. For the control condition, all eight voices were spatially distributed in a simulation of unaided binaural hearing. Participants completed questionnaires on the content of the conversation, scoring twice as high in the questionnaires for the beamforming condition. Sentence-by-sentence intelligibility was then measured using new participants who viewed the same audiovisual stimulus for each isolated sentence. Participants recognized twice as many words in the beamforming condition. The results demonstrate the potential practical benefit of gaze-directed beamforming for hearing aids and illustrate how detailed intelligibility data can be retrieved from an experiment that involves behavioral engagement in an ongoing listening task.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Culling
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, 70 Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Emilie F C D'Olne
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Bryn D Davies
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, 70 Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Niamh Powell
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, 70 Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick A Naylor
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
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107
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Chern A, Denham MW, Leiderman AS, Sharma RK, Su IW, Ucci AJ, Jones JM, Mancuso D, Cellum IP, Galatioto JA, Lalwani AK. The Association of Hearing Loss With Active Music Enjoyment in Hearing Aid Users. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 169:1590-1596. [PMID: 37555237 DOI: 10.1002/ohn.473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hearing aids (HAs) are designed for speech rather than music listening. The impact of HAs on music enjoyment is poorly studied. We examine the effect of HAs on active music enjoyment in individuals with varying levels of hearing loss (HL). STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Tertiary medical center and community. METHODS Adult (≥18 years) bilateral HA users and normal hearing (NH) controls actively listened to musical stimuli and rated their enjoyment across 3 measures (pleasantness, musicality, naturalness) with and without HAs using a visual analog scale. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess the association between HL (measured by a pure-tone average [PTA] and word recognition score [WRS] of the better ear) and music enjoyment with and without HAs, adjusting for covariates. Music enjoyment was compared between HA users and NH controls, and HA users with and without their HAs. RESULTS One hundred bilateral HA users (mean age 66.0 years, 52% female, better ear mean [SD] PTA 50.2 [13.5] dBHL, mean WRS 84.5 [16.5]%) completed the study. Increasing severity of HL (PTA) was independently associated with decreased music enjoyment (pleasantness, musicality, naturalness) with and without HAs (p < .05). HA usage increased music enjoyment (musicality) in those with moderate to moderately severe HL. Music enjoyment in NH controls (n = 20) was significantly greater across all measures compared to HA users. CONCLUSION Increased severity of HL is associated with decreased music enjoyment that can be enhanced with HA usage. Thus, HA usage can positively enhance both speech and music appreciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Chern
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, New York, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Michael W Denham
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Alexis S Leiderman
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Rahul K Sharma
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Irene W Su
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Amanda J Ucci
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer M Jones
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Dean Mancuso
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Ilana P Cellum
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Jessica A Galatioto
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Anil K Lalwani
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, New York, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
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108
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Sassi TSDS, Bucuvic EC, Castiquini EAT, Chaves JN, Kimura M, Buzo BC, Lourençone LFM. High-Frequency Gain and Maximum Output Effects on Speech Recognition in Bone-Conduction Hearing Devices: Blinded Study. Otol Neurotol 2023; 44:1045-1051. [PMID: 37917961 PMCID: PMC10662602 DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000004043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bone-conduction hearing device (BCHD) uses natural sound transmission through bone and soft tissue, directly to the cochlea, via an external processor that captures and processes sound, which is converted into mechanical vibrations. Key parameters, as maximum power output (MPO) and broader frequency range (FR), must be considered when indicating a BCHD because they can be decisive for speech recognition, especially under listening challenge conditions. OBJECTIVES Compare hearing performance and speech recognition in noise of two sound processors (SPs), with different features of MPO and FR, among BCHD users. MATERIALS AND METHODS This single-blinded, comparative, observational study evaluated 21 individuals Baha 4 system users with conductive or mixed hearing impairment. The free-field audiometry and speech recognition results were blindly collected under the following conditions: unaided, with Baha 5, and with Baha 6 Max SP. RESULTS In free-field audiometry, significant differences were observed between the SP at 0.25, 3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz, with Baha 6 Max outperforming Baha 5. The Baha 6 Max provided significantly better speech recognition than Baha 5 under all the speech in noise conditions evaluated. Separating the transcutaneous from the percutaneous users, Baha 6 Max Attract SP provided the best results and significantly lowered the free-field thresholds than Baha 5 Attract. The Baha 6 Max also significantly improved speech recognition in noise, among both Attract and Connect users. CONCLUSION The present study revealed that the greater MPO and broader FR of the Baha 6 Max device helped increase high-frequency gain and improved speech recognition in BCHD-experimented users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Byanka Cagnacci Buzo
- Cochlear Latin-American, Panama Pacifico, Panama
- Santa Casa de Sao Paulo School of Medical Science, São Paulo
| | - Luiz Fernando Manzoni Lourençone
- Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies (HRAC), Bauru
- Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, SP, Brazil
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109
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Carlson ML, Lohse CM, Marinelli JP, Sydlowski SA, Collaborative HH. Perceptions Surrounding Cochlear Implants Among At-Risk and Qualifying Older Adults in the United States. Otol Neurotol 2023; 44:1021-1026. [PMID: 37889933 PMCID: PMC10662571 DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000004041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Limited evidence to date has examined public perceptions of cochlear implants among adult hearing aid users with moderate to profound hearing loss. The current work was conceived with the chief objective of characterizing the perceptions surrounding cochlear implants among the prospective candidate pool. STUDY DESIGN National cross-sectional survey study. SETTING United States. PATIENTS Adults between 50 and 80 years of age with self-reported moderate to moderately severe (n = 200) or moderately severe to profound (n = 200) hearing loss currently using hearing aids. RESULTS The overall survey response rate was 12%. Median age at time of survey for the 400 respondents was 66 years (interquartile range, 60-71 yr) and included 215 (54%) men. In total, 26% did not think of hearing loss as a medical condition, and another 23% were unsure. Overall, 63% of respondents had heard of cochlear implants, but only 2% indicated they were very familiar with them. Despite 52% of respondents reporting "very positive" or "somewhat positive" feelings about cochlear implants, only 9% indicated they were "very likely" to get a cochlear implant in the future, including 7% of those with estimated moderately severe to profound hearing loss at time of survey. CONCLUSIONS Even among people with presumed qualifying levels of hearing loss, there exists a widespread lack of familiarity with cochlear implantation as a viable treatment option. This limited awareness seems influenced by a generally poor appreciation for hearing loss as a chronic disease state that warrants treatment. However, among those familiar with cochlear implants, they are generally viewed favorably.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christine M. Lohse
- Division of Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - John P. Marinelli
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, San Antonio, Texas
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Barrera S, Kalil G, Mckee E, Paul O, Grillis A, Carron J. Direct Bluetooth connectivity results in better hearing aid compliance in children. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 175:111745. [PMID: 37862923 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2023.111745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if hearing aid use in school aged children is impacted when upgraded to direct Bluetooth® enabled technology. We hypothesized that because children are better able to connect to their devices and headphones, they would be more inclined to use their hearing aids throughout the day, resulting in an increase in hearing aid compliance. METHODS This retrospective analysis examined changes in datalogging of hours of usage per day in 51 school aged children who underwent an upgrade from non-direct Bluetooth® hearing technology to direct Bluetooth®-enabled hearing technology. RESULTS Hours per day of hearing aid use in all hearing aid users significantly increased after upgrading to DBT enabled technology (6.82 vs 9.82, <0.001). There were no significant differences noted in hours before and after upgrade depending on race (p = 0.147), gender (p = 0.887), developmental delay (p = 0.749), type of hearing loss (p = 0.218), and degree of hearing loss (p = 0.551). However, when comparing private versus Medicaid insurance, there was noted to be a significant difference with the odds of an increase in hours of usage after upgrade being higher for those patients privately insured (OR = 1.247, p < 0.001, 95 % CI 1.093-1.422). CONCLUSION Direct Bluetooth® enabled hearing technology positively impacts children's hearing aid compliance, which has the potential improve speech and language outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby Barrera
- The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, 2500 North State St, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
| | - Grant Kalil
- The University of Mississippi Medical Center, School of Medicine, 2500 North State St, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Mckee
- The University of Mississippi Medical Center, School of Medicine, 2500 North State St, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
| | - Oishika Paul
- The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, 2500 North State St, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
| | - Ashley Grillis
- The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, 2500 North State St, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
| | - Jeffrey Carron
- The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, 2500 North State St, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
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111
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Lin CY, Chang YP, Ma YCJ. Applying the reference values of real-ear-to-coupler-difference for deaf and hard-of-hearing children in Taiwan: Cautions and considerations. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295236. [PMID: 38039315 PMCID: PMC10691684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Measurement of real-ear-to-coupler differentials (RECDs) is a critical part of the hearing aid (HA) verification process. This study examines the validity of reference RECD values preset by the HA analyzer, Audioscan RM500, for deaf-and-hard-of-hearing (DHH) children in Taiwan. RECD measurements were performed on 658 ears of DHH children. A linear mixed model was used to analyze the reference and measured RECD values. The findings revealed slight disparities between normative RECD values from North America and those observed in Taiwanese DHH children. While generally small (less than 5 dB), these differences imply potential challenges in achieving optimal HA fitting in specific scenarios. Therefore, we recommend individualized RECD/REM measurements for cases of poor auditory performance, certain frequency ranges, or notable variations in ear canal volume. From a clinical perspective, while broadly applicable, the use of North American RECD normative data in Taiwan requires cautious consideration of potential minor variations. This study contributes to current knowledge by affirming the use of a Western RECD database for Taiwanese DHH children. However, we underscore the ongoing importance of individualized HA fitting strategies, particularly for cases with stagnant intervention progress. While built-in RECD reference values can offer preliminary fitting guidance, especially in busy clinical settings, our study sheds light on the circumstances where caution is essential. Audiologists can efficiently allocate their time and effort by focusing on personalized RECD measurements for cases exhibiting suboptimal intervention outcomes, thereby effectively optimizing HA gain settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yi Lin
- Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-ping Chang
- Speech and Hearing Research Institute, Children’s Hearing Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chuan Julie Ma
- Department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Audiology Department, Children’s Hearing Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
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112
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Kirubalingam K, Nguyen P, Kang A, Beyea JA. Implantable Hearing Devices in Ontario: A Population-Based Study of Access to Care and Access to Devices. Audiol Neurootol 2023; 29:136-145. [PMID: 37984348 DOI: 10.1159/000534384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of hearing loss in Canada is high, with many patients requiring implantable hearing devices (IHDs) as treatment for their disease severity. Despite this need, many eligible patients do not pursue these interventions. The objective of this study was to examine rates of IHD based on geographic location to understand locoregional variation in access to care. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective population-based cohort study. SETTING All hospitals in the Canadian province of Ontario. METHODS Of all patients with IHD between April 1, 1992, and March 31, 2021, cochlear implants (CIs) (4,720) and bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) (1,125) cohorts were constructed. Place of residence was categorized based on Local Health Integrated Network (LHIN). Summary statistics for place of surgical institution based on LHIN at first surgery, name of institution of first surgery and "as the crow flies" distance (in km) between place of residence and surgical institution were calculated. Rate of implantations was calculated for LHIN regions based on number of surgeries per 1,000,000 persons/years. RESULTS Toronto Central, Central, Central East, and Champlain regions had >10% of patients undergoing BAHA and CI. 1,019 (90.6%) and 4,232 (89.7%) of patients receiving BAHA and CI, respectively, resided in urban/suburban regions and 94 patients (8.4%) and 436 (9.2%) resided in rural regions. The median distance between residential location and the institution was 46.4 km (interquartile range [IQR], 18.9-103.6) and 44.7 km (IQR, 15.7-96.9) for BAHA and CI, respectively. From 1992 to 2021, the number of CI and BAHA performed across Ontario increased by 17 folds and 6 folds, respectively. CONCLUSION This large comprehensive population study provides longitudinal insight into the access to care of IHD based on geographic factors. Our findings of the present population-based study indicate an overall increase in access to devices with disproportionate access to care based on geographic locations. Further work is needed to characterize barriers to IHD access to align with demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keshinisuthan Kirubalingam
- Queen's University School of Medicine, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul Nguyen
- ICES Queen's, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ann Kang
- Queen's University School of Medicine, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Kingston, Ontario, Canada,
| | - Jason A Beyea
- Queen's University School of Medicine, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- ICES Queen's, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Kingston Ear Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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113
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Thompson E, Feldman JI, Valle A, Davis H, Keceli-Kaysili B, Dunham K, Woynaroski T, Tharpe AM, Picou EM. A Comparison of Listening Skills of Autistic and Non-Autistic Youth While Using and Not Using Remote Microphone Systems. J Speech Lang Hear Res 2023; 66:4618-4634. [PMID: 37870877 PMCID: PMC10721240 DOI: 10.1044/2023_jslhr-22-00720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purposes of this study were to compare (a) listening-in-noise (accuracy and effort) and (b) remote microphone (RM) system benefits between autistic and non-autistic youth. DESIGN Groups of autistic and non-autistic youth that were matched on chronological age and biological sex completed listening-in-noise testing when wearing and not wearing an RM system. Listening-in-noise accuracy and listening effort were evaluated simultaneously using a dual-task paradigm for stimuli varying in type (syllables, words, sentences, and passages). Several putative moderators of RM system effects on outcomes of interest were also evaluated. RESULTS Autistic youth outperformed non-autistic youth in some conditions on listening-in-noise accuracy; listening effort between the two groups was not significantly different. RM system use resulted in listening-in-noise accuracy improvements that were nonsignificantly different across groups. Benefits of listening-in-noise accuracy were all large in magnitude. RM system use did not have an effect on listening effort for either group. None of the putative moderators yielded effects of the RM system on listening-in-noise accuracy or effort for non-autistic youth that were significant and interpretable, indicating that RM system benefits did not vary according to any of the participant characteristics assessed. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to expectations, autistic youth did not demonstrate listening-in-noise deficits compared to non-autistic youth. Both autistic and non-autistic youth appear to experience RM system benefits marked by large gains in listening-in-noise performance. Thus, the use of this technology in educational and other noisy settings where speech perception needs enhancement might be beneficial for both groups of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Thompson
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Jacob I. Feldman
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Nashville, TN
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Annalise Valle
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Hilary Davis
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Bahar Keceli-Kaysili
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Kacie Dunham
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN
| | - Tiffany Woynaroski
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Nashville, TN
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Anne Marie Tharpe
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Erin M. Picou
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
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114
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Pan Y, Zheng H, Xiao Y. Production of Tone 2 in disyllabic words in Mandarin Chinese speaking children aged 3-5 with a cochlear implant and a contralateral hearing aid. Clin Linguist Phon 2023; 37:1013-1029. [PMID: 36214108 DOI: 10.1080/02699206.2022.2126332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
To investigate Mandarin Tone 2 production of disyllabic words of prelingually deafened children with a cochlear implant (CI) and a contralateral hearing aid (HA) and to evaluate the relationship between their demographic variables and tone-production ability. Thirty prelingually Mandarin-speaking preschoolers with CI+HA and 30 age-matched normal-hearing (NH) children participated in the study. Fourteen disyllabic words were recorded from each child. A total of 840 tokens (14 × 60) were then used in tone-perception tests in which four speech therapists participated. The production of T2-related disyllabic words of the bimodal group was significantly worse than that of the NH group, as reflected in the overall accuracy (88.57% ± 16.31% vs 99.29% ± 21.79%, p < 0.05), the accuracy of T1+T2 (93.33% vs 100%), the accuracy of T2+T1 (66.67 ± 37.91% vs 98.33 ± 9.13%), and the accuracy of T2+T4 (78.33 ± 33.95% vs 100%). In addition, the bimodal group showed significantly inferior production accuracy of T2+T1 than T2+T2 and T3+T2, p < 0.05. Both bimodal age and implantation age were significantly negatively correlated with the overall production accuracy, p < 0.05. For the error patterns, bimodal participants experienced more errors when T2 was in the first position of the tone combination, and T2 was most likely to be mispronounced as T1 and T3. Bimodal patients aged 3-5 have T2-related disyllabic lexical tone production defects, and their performances are related to tone combination, implantation age, and bimodal age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Pan
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huiping Zheng
- Brain Heal Rehabilitation center, Hangzhou Nans Technology Co., LTD, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongtao Xiao
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
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115
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Maslin MRD, Wise KJ, Purdy SC. The mismatch response in normal hearing adults: a performance comparison with stimuli relevant for objective validation of hearing aid fittings. Int J Audiol 2023; 62:1084-1094. [PMID: 36628549 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2142682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A long-standing observation is that the Mismatch Response (MMR) has the potential to offer a clinically feasible index of sound discrimination. However, findings that positively identify MMRs at the individual level have been mixed, even for those who are normally hearing and who can discriminate sounds behaviourally. This complicates interpretation when an MMR is not observed. The objective of this study was to determine the reliability of the MMR using an optimised paradigm and a range of stimuli relevant to audiological applications in relation to objective verification of hearing aid fittings. DESIGN MMRs were measured using an optimised 3-deviant paradigm in response to a range of sounds designed for aided and unaided sound field assessments, including complex tones (CTs) and speech-like signals. STUDY SAMPLE Seventeen normally hearing adults (18-56 years). RESULTS The most robust MMRs were recorded in response to CTs; responses were positively identified in 50 out of 51 instances (98%), assessed via objective Hotelling's T2 bias-free statistical analyses. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that CTs in conjunction with optimised recording and analysis parameters offer the potential to elicit robust MMRs, supporting future utilisation of MMRs for clinical audiological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R D Maslin
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, The University of Canterbury, New Zealand
- Eisdell Moore Centre for Hearing and Balance Research, New Zealand
| | - Kim J Wise
- Eisdell Moore Centre for Hearing and Balance Research, New Zealand
- School of Psychology, Speech Science, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Suzanne C Purdy
- Eisdell Moore Centre for Hearing and Balance Research, New Zealand
- School of Psychology, Speech Science, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
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Baumgartner WD, Gstöttner W, Brkic FF. Letter to the Editor regarding "A comparative study of audiological outcomes and compliance between the Osia system and other bone conduction hearing implants" by Kim et al. European Archives of Otorhinolaryngology 2023 May; 280(5):2217-2224. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 280:5143-5144. [PMID: 37432470 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-08116-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wolf-Dieter Baumgartner
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Gstöttner
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Faris F Brkic
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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117
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San Miguel GG, Muñoz K, Barrett TS, Twohig MP. Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-Adult Hearing Loss (AAQ-AHL): validation with hearing aid users. Int J Audiol 2023; 62:1095-1100. [PMID: 36373617 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2142161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) may find adherence to their hearing devices difficult due to internal experiences related to their hearing loss such as sadness or frustration. The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-Adult Hearing Loss (AAQ-AHL) is the only measure available to assess psychological inflexibility as it relates to hearing loss. The purpose of this study was to confirm the single latent structure of the AAQ-AHL (through confirmatory factory analysis) and test convergent and discriminant validity. DESIGN Cross-sectional data was used to further validate the AAQ-AHL. STUDY SAMPLE Participants were 146 adults who had diagnosed hearing loss and used a hearing aid. RESULTS Results revealed the AAQ-AHL has a single latent structure, correlated to other similar constructs (psychological flexibility and hearing aid efficacy), and not correlated to unrelated constructs (hearing loss severity). These results suggest that the AAQ-AHL is a valid instrument to assess psychological flexibility as it relates to hearing aid use. CONCLUSION Together, the findings imply the AAQ-AHL has strong psychometric properties and justification to use in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen Muñoz
- Communication Disorders & Deaf Education, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
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118
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Koprowska A, Marozeau J, Dau T, Serman M. The effect of phoneme-based auditory training on speech intelligibility in hearing-aid users. Int J Audiol 2023; 62:1048-1058. [PMID: 36301675 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2135032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hearing loss commonly causes difficulties in understanding speech in the presence of background noise. The benefits of hearing-aids in terms of speech intelligibility in challenging listening scenarios remain limited. The present study investigated if phoneme-in-noise discrimination training improves phoneme identification and sentence intelligibility in noise in hearing-aid users. DESIGN Two groups of participants received either a two-week training program or a control intervention. Three phoneme categories were trained: onset consonants (C1), vowels (V) and post-vowel consonants (C2) in C1-V-C2-/i/ logatomes from the Danish nonsense word corpus (DANOK). Phoneme identification test and hearing in noise test (HINT) were administered before and after the respective interventions and, for the training group only, after three months. STUDY SAMPLE Twenty 63-to-79 years old individuals with a mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss and at least one year of experience using hearing-aids. RESULTS The training provided an improvement in phoneme identification scores for vowels and post-vowel consonants, which was retained over three months. No significant performance improvement in HINT was found. CONCLUSION The study demonstrates that the training induced a robust refinement of auditory perception at a phoneme level but provides no evidence for the generalisation to an untrained sentence intelligibility task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Koprowska
- Hearing Systems Section, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
- Copenhagen Hearing and Balance Center, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jeremy Marozeau
- Hearing Systems Section, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
- Copenhagen Hearing and Balance Center, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Torsten Dau
- Hearing Systems Section, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
- Copenhagen Hearing and Balance Center, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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119
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Lansbergen SE, Versfeld N, Dreschler WA. Exploring Factors That Contribute to the Success of Rehabilitation With Hearing Aids. Ear Hear 2023; 44:1514-1525. [PMID: 37792897 PMCID: PMC10583950 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hearing aids are an essential and important part of hearing rehabilitation. The combination of technical data on hearing aids and individual rehabilitation needs can give insight into the factors that contribute to the success of rehabilitation. This study sets out to investigate if different subgroups of (comparable) hearing aids lead to differences in the success of rehabilitation, and whether these differences vary between different domains of auditory functioning. DESIGN This study explored the advantages of including patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in the process of purchasing new hearing aids in a large sample of successful hearing aid users. Subject data were obtained from 64 (commercial) hearing aid dispensers and 10 (noncommercial) audiological centers in the Netherlands. The PROM was a 32-item questionnaire and was used to determine the success of rehabilitation using hearing aids by measuring auditory disability over time. The items were mapped on six domains of auditory functioning: detection, discrimination, localization, speech in quiet, speech in noise, and noise tolerance, encompassing a variety of daily-life listening situations. Hearing aids were grouped by means of cluster analysis, resulting in nine subgroups. In total, 1149 subjects were included in this study. A general linear model was used to model the final PROM results. Model results were analyzed via a multifactor Analysis of Variance. Post hoc analyses provided detailed information on model variables. RESULTS Results showed a strong statistically significant effect of hearing aids on self-perceived auditory functioning in general. Clinically relevant differences were found for auditory domains including detection, speech in quiet, speech in noise, and localization. There was only a small, but significant, effect of the different subgroups of hearing aids on the final PROM results, where no differences were found between the auditory domains. Minor differences were found between results obtained in commercial and noncommercial settings, or between novice and experienced users. Severity of Hearing loss, age, gender, and hearing aid style (i.e., behind-the-ear versus receiver-in-canal type) did not have a clinically relevant effect on the final PROM results. CONCLUSIONS The use of hearing aids has a large positive effect on self-perceived auditory functioning. There was however no salient effect of the different subgroups of hearing aids on the final PROM results, indicating that technical properties of hearing aids only play a limited role in this respect. This study challenges the belief that premium devices outperform basic ones, highlighting the need for personalized rehabilitation strategies and the importance of evaluating factors contributing to successful rehabilitation for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon E. Lansbergen
- Department(s), Clinical and Experimental Audiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Niek Versfeld
- Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Boelelaan, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter A. Dreschler
- Department(s), Clinical and Experimental Audiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Van Hirtum T, Somers B, Dieudonné B, Verschueren E, Wouters J, Francart T. Neural envelope tracking predicts speech intelligibility and hearing aid benefit in children with hearing loss. Hear Res 2023; 439:108893. [PMID: 37806102 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2023.108893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Early assessment of hearing aid benefit is crucial, as the extent to which hearing aids provide audible speech information predicts speech and language outcomes. A growing body of research has proposed neural envelope tracking as an objective measure of speech intelligibility, particularly for individuals unable to provide reliable behavioral feedback. However, its potential for evaluating speech intelligibility and hearing aid benefit in children with hearing loss remains unexplored. In this study, we investigated neural envelope tracking in children with permanent hearing loss through two separate experiments. EEG data were recorded while children listened to age-appropriate stories (Experiment 1) or an animated movie (Experiment 2) under aided and unaided conditions (using personal hearing aids) at multiple stimulus intensities. Neural envelope tracking was evaluated using a linear decoder reconstructing the speech envelope from the EEG in the delta band (0.5-4 Hz). Additionally, we calculated temporal response functions (TRFs) to investigate the spatio-temporal dynamics of the response. In both experiments, neural tracking increased with increasing stimulus intensity, but only in the unaided condition. In the aided condition, neural tracking remained stable across a wide range of intensities, as long as speech intelligibility was maintained. Similarly, TRF amplitudes increased with increasing stimulus intensity in the unaided condition, while in the aided condition significant differences were found in TRF latency rather than TRF amplitude. This suggests that decreasing stimulus intensity does not necessarily impact neural tracking. Furthermore, the use of personal hearing aids significantly enhanced neural envelope tracking, particularly in challenging speech conditions that would be inaudible when unaided. Finally, we found a strong correlation between neural envelope tracking and behaviorally measured speech intelligibility for both narrated stories (Experiment 1) and movie stimuli (Experiment 2). Altogether, these findings indicate that neural envelope tracking could be a valuable tool for predicting speech intelligibility benefits derived from personal hearing aids in hearing-impaired children. Incorporating narrated stories or engaging movies expands the accessibility of these methods even in clinical settings, offering new avenues for using objective speech measures to guide pediatric audiology decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilde Van Hirtum
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Oto-rhino-laryngology, Herestraat 49 bus 721, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ben Somers
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Oto-rhino-laryngology, Herestraat 49 bus 721, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Benjamin Dieudonné
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Oto-rhino-laryngology, Herestraat 49 bus 721, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eline Verschueren
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Oto-rhino-laryngology, Herestraat 49 bus 721, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Wouters
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Oto-rhino-laryngology, Herestraat 49 bus 721, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tom Francart
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Oto-rhino-laryngology, Herestraat 49 bus 721, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Görgülü E, Dalgic A, Kirazlı T. The Relationship Between Auditory Performances and Satisfaction of Unilateral Bone-Anchored Hearing in Conductive and Mixed Hearing Loss. J Int Adv Otol 2023; 19:492-496. [PMID: 38088322 PMCID: PMC10765207 DOI: 10.5152/iao.2023.22722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to investigate the deviced and non-deviced auditory performance results of patients with unilateral bone-anchored hearing aid. METHODS Deviced and non-deviced free field hearing thresholds, speech discrimination, and sentence discrimination scores were evaluated. Shortened profile of the benefit from the hearing instrument (Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit) was used. RESULTS A total of 17 patients participated in the study. The mean age was 37.9 ± 17.1 years. There was a statistically significant difference between the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit satisfaction questionnaire and total scores, Background Noise (BN), Reverberation (RV) subscales according to device status (P -lt; .05). No significant difference was found between the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit total score result of the group divided by the hearing aid threshold (P -gt; .05). No significant difference was found between the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit total score result of the group divided by the threshold without a hearing aid (P -gt; .05). CONCLUSION Bone-implanted hearing aids are effective and reliable amplification methods in patients with conductive and mixed hearing loss. Positive results of patient satisfaction and evaluation inventories were obtained from this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esin Görgülü
- Department of Audiology, University of Health Sciences, Izmir Bozyaka Education and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Dalgic
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Health Sciences, Izmir Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Health Sciences, Izmir Bozyaka Education and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Tayfun Kirazlı
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ege University, School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
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Kumar S, Guruvayurappan A, Pitchaimuthu AN, Nayak S. Efficacy and Effectiveness of Wireless Binaural Beamforming Technology of Hearing Aids in Improving Speech Perception in Noise: A Systematic Review. Ear Hear 2023; 44:1289-1300. [PMID: 37122086 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To conduct a systematic review to address the following research questions: Q1. Does wireless binaural beamforming technology perform better than conventional microphone technologies in improving the speech perception in noise abilities of individuals with hearing aids bilaterally? and Q2. Do the subjective rating scores of hearing aid benefits suggest that wireless binaural beamforming technology is better than other microphone technologies? DESIGN Two independent authors performed a comprehensive search utilizing electronic databases like PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. Aside from these databases, course transcripts, white papers, evidence, and field study articles from various manufacturer websites were also included. The certainty of the evidence for each outcome was determined using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines. RESULTS Eleven studies were included for the qualitative synthesis. The available data were categorized into three groups (bilateral omnidirectional, bilateral directional, and bilateral asymmetric directional microphone processing) and compared against wireless binaural beamformers. The results of the Sign test revealed that for Q1, the wireless binaural beamformer significantly outperformed the bilateral omnidirectional microphone processing. However, no significant differences were observed when compared with other groups. Results for Q2 showed no significant improvement in wireless binaural beamformers compared to other groups. CONCLUSION The superior performance of the wireless binaural beamformers over conventional microphone technologies was demonstrated by the speech perception in noise tasks but not by the self-reported subjective ratings. Nevertheless, the evidence for both speech perception noise and subjective ratings was weak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sathish Kumar
- Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Ankitha Guruvayurappan
- Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Arivudai Nambi Pitchaimuthu
- Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Srikanth Nayak
- Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya University (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
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齐 映, 张 珂. [Intervention effects of bone conduction hearing aids in patients with single-sided deafness and asymmetric hearing loss]. Lin Chuang Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2023; 37:927-933. [PMID: 37905490 PMCID: PMC10985660 DOI: 10.13201/j.issn.2096-7993.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of single-sided deafness(SSD) is increasing year by year. Due to the hearing defects of one ear, the ability of sound localization, speech recognition in noise, and quality of life of patients with single-sided deafness will be affected to varying degrees. This article reviews the intervention effects of different types of bone conduction hearing aids in patients with single-sided deafness and asymmetric hearing loss, and the differences of intervention effects between bone conduction hearing aids, contralateral routing of signal(CROS) aids, and cochlea implant(CI), to provide a reference for the auditory intervention and clinical treatment of single-sided deafness and asymmetric hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- 映婷 齐
- 北京大学第三医院耳鼻咽喉头颈外科(北京,100191)Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - 珂 张
- 北京大学第三医院耳鼻咽喉头颈外科(北京,100191)Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
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Zou Y, Wang Q, Liu C, Ren L, Sun X, Yang S. Precise selection of bone conduction hearing devices for congenital malformation of the middle and outer ear (CMMOE). Acta Otolaryngol 2023; 143:S49-S53. [PMID: 38141167 DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2023.2279266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Background: No selection criteria for the four bone conduction hearing devices yet.Aims/Objectives: To compare effectiveness of four bone conduction hearing devices in patients with bilateral Congenital Malformation of the Middle and Outer Ear (CMMOE).Material and Methods: 24 Patients (25 ears) were divided into five groups: 1) Bone Anchored Hearing Aid softband (BAHA-s), 2) BAHA implant (BAHA-i nested within group 1), 3) Vibration Sound Bridge implant (VSB-i), 4) Bone Bridge implant (BB-i), and 5) Bone Conduction Hearing Aid softband (BCHA-s). One patient implanted VSB and BB. Auditory parameters were compared: 1. Communication, 2. Average Air Conduction Thresholds (ACT) of pure tone, 3. Sentence Recognition Scores in quiet (SRS-q) and noisy (SRS-n) settings. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to compare the differences in ACT and SRS-q/n among the groups, a statistical significance level of P < 0.05 was applied.Results: After hearing aid usage, all 24 patients (25 ears) reached or approached the normal in communication (i.e. from difficult to smooth), average ACT and SRS-q/SRS-n (no difference among groups, p > 0 .05). However, there was the difference in the optimal frequency of ACT and the absolute value of SRS-q/SRS-n for VSB/BAHA implants was higher than that for BB and BAHA softband.Conclusions and Significance: The precise selection of the four hearing devices mainly depends on patient's hearing level, the optimal frequency of ACT and absolute values of SRS-q/SRS-n.
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Affiliation(s)
- YiHui Zou
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Hearing and Balance Science, Beijing, China
| | - QingSen Wang
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Hearing and Balance Science, Beijing, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Hearing and Balance Science, Beijing, China
| | - LiYao Ren
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Hearing and Balance Science, Beijing, China
| | - XiuLi Sun
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - ShiMing Yang
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Hearing and Balance Science, Beijing, China
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Castiquini EAT, Alvarenga KDF, Souza LMD, Oliveira VVD, Chaves JN, Lourençone LFM, Brito Neto RVD. Hearing rehabilitation with Baha® transcutaneous and percutaneous systems. Codas 2023; 36:e20220271. [PMID: 37878957 DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20232022271pt] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Longitudinally verify the influence of auditory tonal thresholds obtained with transcutaneous and percutaneous bone-anchored hearing aids on speech perception in individuals with external and/or middle ear malformation and chronic otitis media. METHODS Observational, retrospective, longitudinal follow-up study of 30 unilateral users of the transcutaneous and percutaneous Baha® system for the collection of secondary data on pure tone thresholds obtained through free field audiometry and sentence recognition threshold in silence and noise in conditions: without the prosthesis; at the time of activation; in the first month of use (post 1); and in the third month (post 2). RESULTS There was a significant difference between pure tone thresholds obtained at frequencies of 3 and 4kHz with better results for the percutaneous technique at all evaluation moments. For both systems, better performance was observed in sentence recognition in silence and in noise, with a significant difference in activation (p<0.001), but it remained stable during the other evaluation moments. The percutaneous system showed better benefit in recognizing sentences in noise only on activation (p=0.036), when compared to the transcutaneous system. CONCLUSION The percutaneous system provided better audibility for high frequencies; however, such audibility did not influence sentence recognition in the silent situation for both systems. For the noise situation, better responses were observed in the percutaneous system, however, the difference was not maintained over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliane Aparecida Techi Castiquini
- Divisão de Saúde Auditiva, Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofaciais - HRAC, Universidade de São Paulo - USP - Bauru (SP), Brasil
| | - Kátia de Freitas Alvarenga
- Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru - FOB, Universidade de São Paulo - USP - Bauru (SP), Brasil
| | - Lucilena Miranda de Souza
- Programa de Residência Multiprofissional em Saúde Auditiva, Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofaciais - HRAC, Universidade de São Paulo - USP - Bauru (SP), Brasil
| | - Valdéia Vieira de Oliveira
- Divisão de Saúde Auditiva, Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofaciais - HRAC, Universidade de São Paulo - USP - Bauru (SP), Brasil
| | - Juliana Nogueira Chaves
- Divisão de Saúde Auditiva, Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofaciais - HRAC, Universidade de São Paulo - USP - Bauru (SP), Brasil
| | - Luiz Fernando Manzoni Lourençone
- Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofaciais - HRAC, Universidade de São Paulo - USP - Bauru (SP), Brasil
- Curso de Medicina, Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru - FOB, Universidade de São Paulo - USP - Bauru (SP), Brasil
| | - Rubens Vuono de Brito Neto
- Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru - FOB, Universidade de São Paulo - USP - Bauru (SP), Brasil
- Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofaciais - HRAC, Universidade de São Paulo - USP - Bauru (SP), Brasil
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Downey R, Gagné N, Mohanathas N, Campos JL, Pichora-Fuller KM, Bherer L, Lussier M, Phillips NA, Wittich W, St-Onge N, Gagné JP, Li K. At-home computerized executive-function training to improve cognition and mobility in normal-hearing adults and older hearing aid users: a multi-centre, single-blinded randomized controlled trial. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:378. [PMID: 37864139 PMCID: PMC10588173 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03405-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hearing loss predicts cognitive decline and falls risk. It has been argued that degraded hearing makes listening effortful, causing competition for higher-level cognitive resources needed for secondary cognitive or motor tasks. Therefore, executive function training has the potential to improve cognitive performance, in turn improving mobility, especially when older adults with hearing loss are engaged in effortful listening. Moreover, research using mobile neuroimaging and ecologically valid measures of cognition and mobility in this population is limited. The objective of this research is to examine the effect of at-home cognitive training on dual-task performance using laboratory and simulated real-world conditions in normal-hearing adults and older hearing aid users. We hypothesize that executive function training will lead to greater improvements in cognitive-motor dual-task performance compared to a wait-list control group. We also hypothesize that executive function training will lead to the largest dual-task improvements in older hearing aid users, followed by normal-hearing older adults, and then middle-aged adults. METHODS A multi-site (Concordia University and KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network) single-blinded randomized controlled trial will be conducted whereby participants are randomized to either 12 weeks of at-home computerized executive function training or a wait-list control. Participants will consist of normal-hearing middle-aged adults (45-60 years old) and older adults (65-80 years old), as well as older hearing aid users (65-80 years old, ≥ 6 months hearing aid experience). Separate samples will undergo the same training protocol and the same pre- and post-evaluations of cognition, hearing, and mobility across sites. The primary dual-task outcome measures will involve either static balance (KITE site) or treadmill walking (Concordia site) with a secondary auditory-cognitive task. Dual-task performance will be assessed in an immersive virtual reality environment in KITE's StreetLab and brain activity will be measured using functional near infrared spectroscopy at Concordia's PERFORM Centre. DISCUSSION This research will establish the efficacy of an at-home cognitive training program on complex auditory and motor functioning under laboratory and simulated real-world conditions. This will contribute to rehabilitation strategies in order to mitigate or prevent physical and cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss. TRIAL REGISTRATION Identifier: NCT05418998. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05418998.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Downey
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
- PERFORM Centre, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| | - Nathan Gagné
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Niroshica Mohanathas
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer L Campos
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Louis Bherer
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche de L'Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche de L'Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Maxime Lussier
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche de L'Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Natalie A Phillips
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- PERFORM Centre, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Walter Wittich
- École d'optométrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Nancy St-Onge
- PERFORM Centre, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Gagné
- École d'orthophonie Et d'audiologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Karen Li
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- PERFORM Centre, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Sun K, Szatmari TI, Pasta A, Bramsløw L, Wendt D, Christensen JH, Pontoppidan NH. Daily sound exposure of hearing aids users during COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1091706. [PMID: 37905241 PMCID: PMC10613490 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1091706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to investigate the daily sound exposure of hearing aid (HA) users during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a specific focus on the impact of different governance intervention levels. Methods Modern HA technology was employed to measure and compare the sound exposure of HA users in three distinct periods: pre-pandemic, and two 14-day periods during the pandemic, corresponding to varying levels of governance interventions. The study sample comprised a total of 386 HA users in Europe during the pandemic, with daily sound exposure data collected as part of the main dataset. Results The results revealed that, during the pandemic, the equivalent continuous sound pressure level (SPL) experienced by HA users decreased, while the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) increased compared to the pre-pandemic period. Notably, this impact was found to be more pronounced (p < 0.05) when individuals were subjected to stronger governance intervention levels, characterized by lower SPL and higher SNR. Discussion This study highlights the changes in daily sound exposure experienced by HA users during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly influenced by the extent of governance interventions that restricted social activities. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the effects of pandemic-related governance measures on the sound environments of HA users and have implications for audiological interventions and support strategies during similar crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Sun
- Eriksholm Research Centre, Snekkersten, Denmark
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Tiberiu-Ioan Szatmari
- Eriksholm Research Centre, Snekkersten, Denmark
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Alessandro Pasta
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Demant A/S, Smørum, Denmark
| | | | - Dorothea Wendt
- Eriksholm Research Centre, Snekkersten, Denmark
- Hearing Systems, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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Wang DN, Wang BQ, Ren R, Chen PW, Liu YJ, Zhang QG, Zhao SQ. [Clinical application of retrosigmoid approach for BONEBRIDGE implantation after auricle reconstruction using expanded postauricular flap]. Zhonghua Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2023; 58:980-985. [PMID: 37840163 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn115330-20230308-00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To explore the safety and reliability of retrosigmoid approach BONEBRIDGE implantation in patients with auricle reconstruction using skin expansion flap. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 43 congenital aural atresia cases (43 ears) who underwent BONEBRIDGE implantation from September 2019 to January 2023 in Beijing Tongren Hospital. 30 males and 13 females were included in this work. The implantation age was 9-36 years old (median age=10 y/o). All cases underwent auricle reconstruction surgery using the posterior ear flap expansion method, with 36 cases using the single expanded postauricular flap method and 7 cases using two-flap method. BONEBRIDGE implant surgery was performed during the third stage of auricle reconstruction or after all stages. The hearing improvements were evaluated by comparing the changes in pure tone hearing threshold and speech recognition rate of patients before and after BONEBRIDGE implantation. Routine follow-up was conducted to observe the hearing results and complications. SPSS 14.0 software was applied for data statistical analysis. Results: All 43 patients healed well and had no surgical complications when discharge. The average bone conduction hearing threshold after surgery was (8.2±6.6) dBHL, and there was no statistically significant difference compared to the preoperative [(8.1±5.7) dBHL] (P=0.95). After surgery, the threshold of hearing assistance with power on was significantly lower than that without hearing assistance [(32.8±4.6) dBHL vs (60.5±5.5) dBHL], and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The speech recognition rate of monosyllable words, disyllabic words and short sentences in quiet environment increased to 72%, 84%, and 98% respectively. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). The speech recognition rate of monosyllabic words, disyllabic words, and short sentences in noise environment was significantly increased by 70%, 80%, and 92% respectively (P<0.001). After a follow-up of 4 to 47 months (median=24 months), the hearing results were stable and the aesthetic outcomes were satisfying. One patient had delayed hematoma around coil of the implant. After aspiration and compressed dressing for one week, hematoma was not recurrent. Conclusion: For patients after auricle reconstruction using expanded postauricular flap, the preference of retrosigmoid approach is a good choice in terms of safety and reliability of operation, as well as aesthetic appearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- D N Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery(Capital Medical University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100730, China
| | - B Q Wang
- Department of Ear Reconstruction, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100144, China
| | - R Ren
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery(Capital Medical University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100730, China
| | - P W Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery(Capital Medical University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Y J Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery(Capital Medical University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Q G Zhang
- Department of Ear Reconstruction, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100144, China
| | - S Q Zhao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery(Capital Medical University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100730, China
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Jo S, Park MK, Seo JH, Lee KE, Han JS, Lim JH, Lee JH, Oh SH. Feasibility of a Smartphone-Based Hearing Aid App for Mild-to-Moderate Hearing Loss: Prospective Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2023; 11:e46911. [PMID: 37800887 PMCID: PMC10578122 DOI: 10.2196/46911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hearing loss is a growing health concern worldwide. Hearing aids (HAs) are the treatment of choice for hearing rehabilitation in most cases of mild-to-moderate hearing loss. However, many patients with hearing loss do not use HAs due to their high cost, stigma, and inaccessibility. Since smartphones are widely used, many apps that mimic the amplification function of HAs have been introduced. Smartphone-based HA apps (SHAAs) are affordable and easy to access. However, the audiological benefit of SHAAs has not been determined. Objective We compared the audiological performance between an SHAA and a conventional HA in a prospective, multicenter randomized controlled trial. Methods Patients with mild-to-moderate hearing loss were prospectively enrolled from 2 tertiary hospitals and randomly assigned to either an SHAA (Petralex; IT4YOU Corp LLC) or a conventional HA (Siya 1 miniRITE; Oticon A/S). For the cross-over study design, participants used the alternate device and repeated the same 2-month trial. Audiological measurements were obtained using hearing tests, real-ear measurements, and the hearing-in-noise test (HINT). Subjective satisfaction was evaluated using the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) and International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA). Results Overall, 63 participants were screened and 38 completed the study. In sound-field audiometry testing, the SHAA showed a 20- to 60-dB gain in the low-to-high frequencies of the hearing threshold level. The HA provided adequate gain in the middle-to-high frequencies (55, 65, and 75 dB in real-ear measurements), which is the sound level for most speaking volumes. However, the SHAA could not improve word recognition at 50 dB. The HA showed better audiological performance than the SHAA in both quiet and noisy conditions in the HINT. The IOI-HA scores were significantly improved by both the HA and SHAA versus unaided conditions. Among the SHAA users, 37% (14/38), 42% (16/38), 24% (9/38), and 32% (12/38) showed improvement in APHAB scores for ease of communication, reverberation, background noise, and aversiveness of sounds, respectively. There were no differences in adverse events between the 2 study groups. Conclusions The HA showed better performance than the SHAA in word recognition and the HINT. However, the SHAA was significantly better than unaided hearing in terms of amplification. The SHAA may be a useful hearing assistance device for patients with mild-to-moderate hearing loss when listening to soft sounds in quiet conditions. The SHAA demonstrated poorer performance than the HA in the mid- to high-frequency sounds that are important for word recognition, sound quality, and hearing in noisy conditions. Further development of the signal technology of SHAAs is needed to improve the sound quality of mid- to high-frequency sounds and overcome noisy environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungmin Jo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Moo Kyun Park
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Sensory Organ Research Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hyun Seo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-eun Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Sang Han
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyung Lim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Ho Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Sensory Organ Research Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Ha Oh
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Sensory Organ Research Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Basaran MM, Arslan H, Kutlu F. Effect of Computerized Training Programs for Attention and Perception for Patients with Hearing Aids. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2023; 52:304-308. [PMID: 37793349 DOI: 10.1159/000534156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sensorineural hearing loss is a common problem, especially among geriatric patients, and it requires hearing aids. Unfortunately, most geriatric patients are hesitant to use hearing aids. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether computerized training therapies increase the attention and perception of patients who have been given hearing aids using psychophysiological tests and wave P300 records. METHODS One hundred patients (40 women and 60 men) who used hearing aids were included in our study. Sixty patients (30 women and 30 men) received computerized training therapies with hearing aids. After the psychophysiological tests, the study group was divided into three groups according to the role given to patients. Passive training was given in group 1; interactive training was given in group 2; and group 3 was active, questioning training. Measurements of P300 wave latencies, stimuli-P300 peak, and baseline-P300 peak were performed before and after training. The control group consisted of 40 patients who did not receive training and were treated with hearing aids only. RESULTS We found a significant difference between the pre- and post-training measures of the P300 wave (p < 0.001). Pre-training measurements of P300 waves were recorded for 12% in group 1 and 9.1% in groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.24). Post-training measurements of the P300 wave records were 80% in group 1 and 72.7% in groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.22). CONCLUSION Attention and perception can be measured with the P300 wave. All computer-supported training programs showed an increase of the P300 wave, suggesting that attention and perception of patients with hearing loss can be increased with computer-supported training programs provided with hearing aids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hande Arslan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Samsun Research and Training Hospital, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Funda Kutlu
- Department of Psychology, Ufuk University, Ankara, Turkey
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131
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Vachio M, Lund E, L. Werfel K. An Analysis of Mental State Verb and Complex Syntax Use in Children Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Lang Speech Hear Serv Sch 2023; 54:1282-1294. [PMID: 37696045 PMCID: PMC10721245 DOI: 10.1044/2023_lshss-23-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Children who are deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) have documented deficits with complex syntax and vocabulary knowledge. Mental state verbs (MSVs) are necessary for some kinds of complex syntax use and communicate abstract concepts needed for academic language. The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency, diversity, and syntactic context of MSV use in children who are DHH compared to children with typical hearing (CTH). METHOD Seventy-three preschool children (23 with cochlear implants, 22 with hearing aids, and 28 with typical hearing) completed a structured language sample as part of a larger assessment battery. Samples were analyzed and compared across groups for use of MSVs, diversity in MSV use, and syntactical context for MSVs. RESULTS Children who are DHH used significantly fewer MSV in complex syntax, a smaller diversity of MSV, and significantly fewer MSV in obligatory contexts compared to CTH. Results for the cochlear implants and hearing aid groups were not significantly different from one another despite differing levels of hearing loss. CONCLUSION Children who are DHH demonstrate significant differences in the rate, diversity, and complexity of MSV use compared to peers with typical hearing. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24091860.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Vachio
- The Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
| | - Emily Lund
- Davies School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth
| | - Krystal L. Werfel
- Center for Childhood Deafness, Language, and Learning, Boys Town National Research Hospital, NE
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Campos L, Prochazka A, Anderson M, Kaizer A, Foster C, Hullar T. Consistent hearing aid use is associated with lower fall prevalence and risk in older adults with hearing loss. J Am Geriatr Soc 2023; 71:3163-3171. [PMID: 37314100 PMCID: PMC10592632 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Falls and their sequelae cost more than $50 billion every year. Older adults with hearing loss are at 2.4 times greater risk of falls than their normal hearing peers. Current research is inconclusive about whether hearing aids can offset this increased fall risk, and no previous studies considered if outcomes differed based on the consistency of hearing aid use. METHODS Individuals 60 years and older with bilateral hearing loss completed a survey consisting of the Fall Risk Questionnaire (FRQ) and questions about hearing loss history, hearing aid use, and other common fall risk factors. In this cross-sectional study, fall prevalence, as well as fall risk (based on FRQ score), was compared between hearing aid users and non-users. A separate group of consistent hearing-aid users (at least 4 h daily use for more than 1 year) was also compared with inconsistent/non-users. RESULTS Responses from 299 surveys were analyzed. Bivariate analysis found 50% reduced odds of experiencing a fall for hearing aid users compared with non-users (OR = 0.50 [95% CI: 0.29-0.85], p = 0.01). After adjusting for age, sex, hearing loss severity, and medication usage, those who reported any hearing aid use still had lower odds of falls (OR = 0.48 [95% CI: 0.26-0.90], p = 0.02) and lower odds of being at risk for falls (OR = 0.36 [95% CI: 0.19-0.66] p < 0.001) than non-users. Results for consistent hearing aid users demonstrate an even stronger association of lowered odds of falling (OR = 0.35 [95% CI: 0.19-0.67], p < 0.001) and lower odds of being at risk for falls (OR = 0.32 [95% CI: 0.12-0.59], p < 0.001), suggesting a potential dose-response relationship. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that use of hearing aids-especially consistent hearing aid use-is associated with lower odds of experiencing a fall or being classified as at risk for falls in older individuals with hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Campos
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus
- Clinical Sciences, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus
| | - Allan Prochazka
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus
- Clinical Sciences, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus
| | - Melinda Anderson
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus
| | | | - Carol Foster
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus
| | - Timothy Hullar
- Clinical Sciences, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus
- Otolaryngology, VA Portland Health Care System
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133
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Willenborg K, Lenarz T, Busch S. Surgical and audiological outcomes with a new transcutaneous bone conduction device with reduced transducer thickness in children. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 280:4381-4389. [PMID: 37000276 PMCID: PMC10477095 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-07927-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Due to smaller bone thickness, young children with conductive or mixed hearing loss or single-sided deafness were previously most commonly treated with a percutaneous osseointegrated bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) or an active middle-ear implant. While the BAHA increases the risk of implant infections, skin infection, overgrowth of the screw or involvement of the implant in head trauma, middle-ear implant surgery involves manipulation of the ossicles with possible risk of surgical trauma. These complications can be omitted with transcutaneous bone conduction implant systems like the MED-EL Bonebridge system. The purpose of this study was to analyze whether the second generation of the Bonebridge (BCI 602) that features a decreased implant thickness with a reduced surgical drilling depth can be implanted safely in young children with good postoperative hearing performance. METHODS In this study, 14 patients under 12 years were implanted with the second generation of the Bonebridge. Preoperative workup comprised a CT scan, an MRI scan, pure tone audiometry, or alternatively a BERA (bone conduction, air conduction). Since children under 12 years often have a lower bone thickness, the CT was performed to determine the suitability of the temporal bone for optimal implant placement using the Otoplan software. RESULTS All patients (including three under the age of five) were successfully implanted and showed a good postoperative hearing performance. CONCLUSION With adequate preoperative workup, this device can be safely implanted in children and even children under 5 years of age and allows for an extension of indication criteria toward younger children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Willenborg
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence H4A, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Thomas Lenarz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence H4A, Hannover, Germany
| | - Susan Busch
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence H4A, Hannover, Germany
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134
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Ahn J, Lim J, Kang M, Cho YS. Associations between aided speech audiometry and subjective assessment of hearing aid outcomes. Int J Audiol 2023; 62:955-963. [PMID: 36107004 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2106451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to analyse outcomes with hearing aid (HA) use and to determine whether common audiological tests, including pure-tone audiometry or word recognition test, correlate with HA wearers' subjective benefit. DESIGN A retrospective chart review. STUDY SAMPLE A total of 129 patients who adopted new HAs between January 2011 and December 2018 were enrolled. Outcome measures including pure tone thresholds, word recognition score (WRS), and self-reported questionnaires were obtained 1, 4, and 12 months post fit. RESULTS The mean aided threshold and WRS at each post-fit visit significantly improved from the unaided condition. Self-reported outcomes confirmed by the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE) scores significantly improved compared to the unaided condition at 1- and 4-month follow-up. Results of the regression analysis indicated that the aided WRS score is a significant factor at all post-fit visits that explains less than 10% of the variance in HHIE scores. CONCLUSIONS Aided WRS is the factor most associated with subjectively reported HA outcomes, both in the short- and long term. Therefore, aided WRS should be considered as a useful tool for evaluating HA benefits, even after the prolonged use of HAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungmin Ahn
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jihyun Lim
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Minwoong Kang
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yang-Sun Cho
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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135
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Gahlon G, Oh ES, Reed NS. Association of perception of patient-centered care with hearing loss by race. J Am Geriatr Soc 2023; 71:3307-3310. [PMID: 37166077 PMCID: PMC10592644 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Grace Gahlon
- Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Esther S. Oh
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Nicholas S. Reed
- Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
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Marino R, Eager K, Kuthubutheen J, Kadhim L, Távora-Vieira D. Results of a Novel, Nonsurgical Bone-Conduction Hearing Aid for the Treatment of Conductive Hearing Loss in Australian Children. Otol Neurotol 2023; 44:853-859. [PMID: 37621119 DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000003995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine and compare the benefits a novel adhesive bone-conduction system and a conventional bone-conduction hearing aid (BCHA) on a softband for children with conductive hearing loss. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, single-subject randomized, crossover trial. SETTING Tertiary referral center in Australia. PARTICIPANTS Eight children aged from 4 to 17 years with conductive hearing loss. INTERVENTION Rehabilitative with participants using the novel adhesive bone-conduction aid and a BCHA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Aided thresholds, as well as speech perception in quiet, unaided and aided with the novel adhesive bone-conduction aid and BCHA on a softband. For the six older children, speech in noise testing was also conducted. RESULTS The mean unaided four frequency average hearing levels was 48 dB HL for air conduction, 10.5 dB HL for bone conduction, with a mean air-bone gap in the aided ear of 37.5 dB HL.Four-frequency average hearing level aided thresholds were 20.2 dB for the novel device and 19.8 dB for the BCHA, with no significant difference between the devices. Aided monosyllabic word scores improved from an average of 45% in the unaided condition to 81.6 and 85% for the novel adhesive and BCHA devices, respectively. Aided speech in noise performance improved, on average, by 1.6 dB SNR when wearing the BCHA and the novel adhesive device, with no significant difference in performance between the two devices. CONCLUSIONS The novel device provided equivalent performance to the BCHA on all measures and can be considered as an alternative device for pediatric patients with conductive hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Latif Kadhim
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Zhang Y, Wang H, Wang L, Zhang J, Cao Y, Wan L, Wang C, Xin H, Ding H. Hearing aids utilization, effect factors, and its benefit in the association between hearing and cognition decline: A longitudinal follow-up in Shanghai, China. Exp Gerontol 2023; 181:112272. [PMID: 37597711 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2023.112272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the rate and effect factors of hearing aids utilization in Chinese community elderly people, as well as the benefit role of hearing aids in the association of hearing loss and cognition decline. METHODS This study was designed based on a longitudinal 7-years follow-up conducted in Shanghai (China). Demographic characteristics, hearing level, hearing aids utilization and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) of participants were collected by Unified Needs Assessment Form for Elderly Care Questionnaire. Cognition function was assessed by Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) scale. Multivariate logistic regression and linear regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Hearing aids utilization rate in Chinese community elderly people is below 10 %. Participants with older age (≥80 years old), higher education (7-12 years and >12 years), who can manage money more independently were more likely to use hearing aids (P < 0.05). Whether hearing aids are used or not, hearing level is significantly associated with cognition in elderly people, but participants with hearing aids showed a slower cognitive decline speed. CONCLUSION Hearing aids utilization may slow down the cognition descent via assisting hearing in daily life, so strategies need to be concerned in order to protect hearing function in all elderly and improve the use of hearing aids in HL elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunwei Zhang
- Shanghai Health Development Research Center (Shanghai Medical Information Center), Shanghai, PR China
| | - Hua Wang
- Siping Community Health Service Center of Yangpu District, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Lihua Wang
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, PR China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Jiangning Road Community Health Service Center of Jing'an District, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yifan Cao
- Shanghai Health Development Research Center (Shanghai Medical Information Center), Shanghai, PR China
| | - Lingshan Wan
- Shanghai Health Development Research Center (Shanghai Medical Information Center), Shanghai, PR China
| | - Changying Wang
- Shanghai Health Development Research Center (Shanghai Medical Information Center), Shanghai, PR China
| | - Hongyun Xin
- Shanghai Health Development Research Center (Shanghai Medical Information Center), Shanghai, PR China
| | - Hansheng Ding
- Shanghai Health Development Research Center (Shanghai Medical Information Center), Shanghai, PR China.
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Fuentes-López E, Fuente A, Luna-Monsalve M, Cañete OM. Social determinants of health associated with attitudes towards hearing loss and hearing aids in older adults fitted in a Latin American country: validation of the ALHQ questionnaire into Spanish. Int J Audiol 2023; 62:927-937. [PMID: 35834435 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2097133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the association between certain social determinants of health (i.e. educational level, income, and social support) and attitudes towards hearing loss and hearing aids among older adults with hearing loss fitted in a Latin American country. DESIGN Older adults were asked about their attitudes towards hearing loss and hearing aids, years of formal education, income, social support, perception of having a hearing disability, and social pressure when using the hearing aid. To do so, we adapted the Attitudes towards Loss of Hearing Questionnaire (S-ALHQ) into Spanish. All the questionnaires were conducted as structured interview. STUDY SAMPLE Two hundred fifty-two older hearing aids users were recruited from a public hospital in Chile. RESULTS The S-ALHQ showed adequate validity, along with good reliability. The multivariate models showed that educational level and social support were the social determinants of health negatively associated with the attitudes. Aided hearing disability and social pressure to use hearing aids were the co-variables associated with S-ALHQ scores. CONCLUSIONS The study showed a significant relationship between specific social determinants of health and attitudes towards hearing loss and hearing aids. These attitudes should be considered when implementing rehabilitation programs for older adults with hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Fuentes-López
- Carrera de Fonoaudiología, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Adrian Fuente
- École d'orthophonie et d'audiologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Manuel Luna-Monsalve
- Escuela de Fonoaudiología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Oscar M Cañete
- Research Unit for ORL - Head and Neck Surgery and Audiology, Odense University Hospital and University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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139
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Walbert H. Hörgerätebatterien werden in aller Regel nicht erstattet. MMW Fortschr Med 2023; 165:30. [PMID: 37759012 DOI: 10.1007/s15006-023-2998-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Helmut Walbert
- Facharzt für Allgemeinmedizin, Medizinjournalist und Betriebswirt Medizin, Würzburg, Deutschland
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140
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Nevoux J, Boulet M, Pronost N, Papon JF, Alexandru M. Performance of an active transcutaneous bone conduction implant, the Osia system, in high frequencies and hearing in noise in users converted from a Baha attract system: a prospective study. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 280:4691-4696. [PMID: 37578496 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-08149-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hearing rehabilitation through middle ear surgery can be challenging, particularly for patients with chronic otitis media, but new hearing devices offer opportunity to reach this goal. The aim was to compare hearing outcomes and quality of life in patients who were converted from a Baha Attract system to the Osia system. METHODS Prospective observational study, in which each subject acted as their own control. Six patients who were converted from a Baha Attract to an Osia system performed audiometric and quality of life assessments with different sound processor at fitting, 3, 6 and 12 months. The speech performance in noise with the Osia system at 12 months, expressed as dB SNR, was compared to the baseline condition (Baha 5). RESULTS The PTA4 hearing thresholds improved from 42.6 ± 11 with Baha 5 Power to 34.8 ± 13.3 with Baha 5 SuperPower and to 25.4 ± 3.5 with the Osia at 12 months, leading to a significant functional gain of 17.2 ± 10.9 dB vs Baha 5 (p < 0.02). Speech understanding in both quiet and noise was clinically improved reaching a mean SNR of less than 1 dB at 12 months with the Osia system. Quality of life outcomes improved by more than 20% at 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSION Aided hearing thresholds and speech understanding in noise improved when patients were converted from the Baha Attract system to the Osia system. The aided hearing threshold was maintained up to 8 kHz (26 dB) with the Osia system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Nevoux
- AP-HP, Bicêtre Hospital, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Paris-Saclay University, 94070, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
- Paris Saclay University, Bâtiment Bréguet, 3 Rue Joliot Curie, 91190, Gif-Sur-Yvette, France.
- , Le kremlin bicetre, France.
| | - Marc Boulet
- AP-HP, Bicêtre Hospital, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Paris-Saclay University, 94070, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Nolwenn Pronost
- AP-HP, Bicêtre Hospital, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Paris-Saclay University, 94070, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Jean-François Papon
- AP-HP, Bicêtre Hospital, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Paris-Saclay University, 94070, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Paris Saclay University, Bâtiment Bréguet, 3 Rue Joliot Curie, 91190, Gif-Sur-Yvette, France
| | - Mihaela Alexandru
- AP-HP, Bicêtre Hospital, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Paris-Saclay University, 94070, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Paris Saclay University, Bâtiment Bréguet, 3 Rue Joliot Curie, 91190, Gif-Sur-Yvette, France
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141
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Xu C, Cheng FY, Medina S, Eng E, Gifford R, Smith S. Objective discrimination of bimodal speech using frequency following responses. Hear Res 2023; 437:108853. [PMID: 37441879 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2023.108853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Bimodal hearing, in which a contralateral hearing aid is combined with a cochlear implant (CI), provides greater speech recognition benefits than using a CI alone. Factors predicting individual bimodal patient success are not fully understood. Previous studies have shown that bimodal benefits may be driven by a patient's ability to extract fundamental frequency (f0) and/or temporal fine structure cues (e.g., F1). Both of these features may be represented in frequency following responses (FFR) to bimodal speech. Thus, the goals of this study were to: 1) parametrically examine neural encoding of f0 and F1 in simulated bimodal speech conditions; 2) examine objective discrimination of FFRs to bimodal speech conditions using machine learning; 3) explore whether FFRs are predictive of perceptual bimodal benefit. Three vowels (/ε/, /i/, and /ʊ/) with identical f0 were manipulated by a vocoder (right ear) and low-pass filters (left ear) to create five bimodal simulations for evoking FFRs: Vocoder-only, Vocoder +125 Hz, Vocoder +250 Hz, Vocoder +500 Hz, and Vocoder +750 Hz. Perceptual performance on the BKB-SIN test was also measured using the same five configurations. Results suggested that neural representation of f0 and F1 FFR components were enhanced with increasing acoustic bandwidth in the simulated "non-implanted" ear. As spectral differences between vowels emerged in the FFRs with increased acoustic bandwidth, FFRs were more accurately classified and discriminated using a machine learning algorithm. Enhancement of f0 and F1 neural encoding with increasing bandwidth were collectively predictive of perceptual bimodal benefit on a speech-in-noise task. Given these results, FFR may be a useful tool to objectively assess individual variability in bimodal hearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Xu
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, 2504A Whitis Ave. (A1100), Austin 78712-0114, TX, USA
| | - Fan-Yin Cheng
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, 2504A Whitis Ave. (A1100), Austin 78712-0114, TX, USA
| | - Sarah Medina
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, 2504A Whitis Ave. (A1100), Austin 78712-0114, TX, USA
| | - Erica Eng
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, 2504A Whitis Ave. (A1100), Austin 78712-0114, TX, USA
| | - René Gifford
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Spencer Smith
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, 2504A Whitis Ave. (A1100), Austin 78712-0114, TX, USA.
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Rahme M, Folkeard P, Beaulac S, Scollie S, Parsa V. Modified Multiple Stimulus With Hidden Reference and Anchors-Gabrielsson Total Impression Sound Quality Rating Comparisons for Speech in Quiet, Noise, and Reverberation. J Speech Lang Hear Res 2023; 66:3677-3688. [PMID: 37579731 DOI: 10.1044/2023_jslhr-22-00627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to obtain, analyze, and compare subjective sound quality data for the same test stimuli using modified multistimulus MUSHRA (Multiple Stimulus with Hidden Reference and Anchors) based procedures (viz., MUSHRA with custom anchors and MUSHRA without anchor) and the single-stimulus Gabrielsson's total impression rating procedure. METHOD Twenty normally hearing young adults were recruited in this study. Participants completed sound quality ratings on two different hearing aid recording data sets-Data Set A contained speech recordings from four different hearing aids under a variety of noisy and processing conditions, and Data Set B contained speech recordings from a single hearing aid under a combination of different noisy, reverberant, and signal processing conditions. Recordings in both data sets were rated for their quality using the total impression rating procedure. In addition, quality ratings of Data Set A recordings were obtained using a MUSHRA with custom anchors, while the ratings of Data Set B recordings were collected using a MUSHRA without anchor. RESULTS Statistical analyses revealed a high test-retest reliability of quality ratings for the same stimuli that were rated multiple times. In addition, high-interrater reliability was observed with all three rating procedures. Further analyses indicated (a) a high correlation between the total impression rating and the two modified MUSHRA ratings and (b) a similar relationship between the average and standard deviation of the subjective rating data obtained by the total impression rating and MUSHRA with custom anchors on Data Set A, and the total impression rating and the MUSHRA without anchor on Data Set B. CONCLUSION Both sound quality procedures, namely, the MUSHRA-based procedures and the total impression rating scale, obtained similar quality ratings of varied hearing aid speech recordings with high reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Rahme
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paula Folkeard
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steve Beaulac
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan Scollie
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vijay Parsa
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Qi S, Thibodeau L. Verification of EasyGain Settings in the Roger Remote Microphone System. Am J Audiol 2023; 32:514-525. [PMID: 37473439 DOI: 10.1044/2023_aja-22-00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate how the EasyGain settings on a wireless receiver used with a remote microphone (RM) affected output as a function of hearing loss and receiver type. METHOD To assess the effects of the EasyGain setting on a Roger receiver, a Phonak Naida V90 superpower hearing aid (HA), two universal Roger X (02) receivers, two Roger 18 integrated receivers, and a Roger Inspiro transmitter were used. An electroacoustic evaluation was performed for five degrees of hearing loss ranging from a flat 40 to 80 dB HL, and for nine EasyGain settings from +8 to -8 dB with each Roger receiver. RESULTS A three-way analysis of variance indicated significant main effects of hearing loss, receiver type and EasyGain settings, as well as their two-way interactions (p < .05). Overall, the output of the integrated receiver was 2.77 dB higher than that of the universal receiver. The change in output with 2-dB changes in EasyGain setting varied with the degree of hearing loss. For mild hearing loss (40 and 50 dB), every 2-dB change in EasyGain produced an average of 1.93 dB (SD = 0.17) change in the root-mean-square (RMS) output. For the higher degrees of hearing loss (60, 70, and 80 dB HL), the change in RMS varied depending on the range of EasyGain setting as follows: when EasyGain was > 0 dB, every 2-dB change in EasyGain setting produced an average change in RMS output of 1.32 dB (SD = 0.41); however, when EasyGain was ≤ 0 dB, every 2-dB change resulted in a mean 1.95 dB (SD = 0.16) change. CONCLUSIONS The benefits of EasyGain technology on the RMS output are dependent on the interaction of the receiver type, degree of hearing loss, and EasyGain settings. The results highlight the importance of electroacoustic verification to determine appropriate settings for optimal audibility when using an RM system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Qi
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing, School of Behavioral and Brain Science, The University of Texas at Dallas
| | - Linda Thibodeau
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing, School of Behavioral and Brain Science, The University of Texas at Dallas
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Boven C, Roberts R, Biggus J, Patel M, Matsuoka AJ, Richter CP. In-situ hearing threshold estimation using Gaussian process classification. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14667. [PMID: 37673944 PMCID: PMC10482858 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40495-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
One in six Americans suffers from hearing loss. While treatment with amplification is possible for many, the acceptance rate of hearing aids is low. Poor device fitting is one of the reasons. The hearing aid fitting starts with a detailed hearing assessment by a trained audiologist in a sound-controlled environment, using standard equipment. The hearing aid is adjusted step-by-step, following well-described procedures based on the audiogram. However, for many patients in rural settings, considerable travel time to a hearing center discourages them from receiving a hearing test and treatment. We hypothesize that hearing assessment with the patient's hearing aid can reliably substitute the hearing test in the clinic. Over-the-counter hearing aids could be programmed from a distance and fine-tuned by the hearing aid wearer. This study shows that a patient-controlled hearing assessment via a hearing aid in a non-clinical setting is not statistically different from an audiologist-controlled hearing assessment in a clinical setting. The differences in hearing obtained with our device and the Gaussian Process are within 3 dB of the standard audiogram. At 250 Hz, the sound delivery with the hearing aid used in this study added an additional reduction of sound level, which was not compensated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Boven
- Soundwave Hearing, LLC, 619 Enterprise Drive #205, Oakbrook, IL, 60523, USA
| | - Reagan Roberts
- Soundwave Hearing, LLC, 619 Enterprise Drive #205, Oakbrook, IL, 60523, USA
| | - Jeff Biggus
- Soundwave Hearing, LLC, 619 Enterprise Drive #205, Oakbrook, IL, 60523, USA
| | - Malini Patel
- Northwestern Medical Group, 675 N. St. Clair, Suite 15-200, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Akihiro J Matsuoka
- Northwestern Medical Group, 675 N. St. Clair, Suite 15-200, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, Northwestern University, 320 E. Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, School of Communication, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60201, USA
- The Hugh Knowles Center for Clinical and Basic Science in Hearing and Its Disorders, Evanston, IL, 60201, USA
- Center for Advanced Regenerative Engineering, Evanston, IL, 60201, USA
| | - Claus-Peter Richter
- Department of Otolaryngology, Northwestern University, 320 E. Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, School of Communication, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60201, USA.
- The Hugh Knowles Center for Clinical and Basic Science in Hearing and Its Disorders, Evanston, IL, 60201, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, 320 E. Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Searle Building 12-470; 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611-3008, USA.
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145
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Narayanan SK, Houmller SS, Wolff A, Hougaard DD, Gaihede M, Schmidt JH, Hammershi D. Adapting to New Hearing Aids and Hearing Aid Adjustments in Adult Danish Users. Am J Audiol 2023; 32:526-542. [PMID: 37450946 DOI: 10.1044/2023_aja-23-00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was aimed at understanding the effect of time taken to adapt to the new hearing aids (HAs) and the timeline of HA adjustments performed over more than a year of rehabilitation on self-reported HA outcomes. METHOD A self-report of the time it took to get accustomed to the new HAs and adjustment of the HAs during a year of rehabilitation collected from 690 HA users using a nonstandardized questionnaire were analyzed. The abbreviated version of the Speech, Spatial, and Quality of Hearing questionnaire and the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids were used as the self-reported HA outcome. RESULT Out of 690 participants, 442 (64%) got accustomed to HAs within 2 months. Ninety-one participants (13%) did not get accustomed to the HAs at all, out of which 74 (81%) were first-time HA users. Eighty-four participants (12%) did not receive any HA adjustments after their initial fitting, and 49 (7%) had their HAs adjusted four or more times during the 1 year of rehabilitation. Three hundred ninety (57%) participants got their HA adjusted only at the 2-month follow-up visit, showing the intent to adjust given an opportunity. The stepwise multiple linear regression results showed the significant impact of getting accustomed to the HA and having HA adjusted at multiple instances on the self-reported HA outcomes. CONCLUSION This study showed the importance of getting accustomed to the HA and having a minimal number of adjustments to have a better long-term self-reported HA outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreeram K Narayanan
- Section for AI and Sound, Department of Electronic Systems, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - Sabina S Houmller
- Research Unit for ORL - Head & Neck Surgery and Audiology, Odense University Hospital & University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
- OPEN, Open Patient Data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Anne Wolff
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Audiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Dan D Hougaard
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Audiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - Michael Gaihede
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Audiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - Jesper H Schmidt
- Research Unit for ORL - Head & Neck Surgery and Audiology, Odense University Hospital & University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
- OPEN, Open Patient Data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Dorte Hammershi
- Section for AI and Sound, Department of Electronic Systems, Aalborg University, Denmark
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146
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Iskakova B, Forster LN, Mann KD, Brown M, Slack EL, Rees A, Pearce MS. Differences Between Self-Reported and Objectively Measured Hearing Loss at Age 61-63 Years: The Newcastle Thousand Families Birth Cohort. Am J Audiol 2023; 32:500-506. [PMID: 37348490 DOI: 10.1044/2023_aja-22-00111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Hearing loss is most prevalent among older adults, yet underestimated by patients, clinicians, and research communities. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of self-reported hearing difficulties among a group of adults aged 61-63 years, against audiometric measures. METHOD The analysis used a sample (N = 346) of the Newcastle Thousand Families Study birth cohort. Data from audiological examinations and self-reported hearing difficulties were used to compare subjective and objective hearing. Hearing aid use was also assessed. RESULTS Over 40% of the participants had some level of hearing loss (n = 155, 44.8%), and 31% (n = 133) of these reported having hearing problems during subjective assessment. Only 18 (10%) of those with objectively measured hearing loss reported using hearing aids. CONCLUSIONS There was an inconsistency between measured and self-perceived hearing loss among adults aged 61-63 years in this cohort. The small number of hearing aid users in the cohort is a concern, in that people in this age group appear not to be getting the help they need. The data also add to the research evidence that people at this age underestimate their hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balnur Iskakova
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- School of Public Health, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Lara N Forster
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Kay D Mann
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Morven Brown
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Emma L Slack
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Rees
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Mark S Pearce
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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147
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Sahana P, Chaithra MC, Manjula P. Parental insights on Hearing Aid Usage in the ear Contralateral to unilateral Cochlear Implant among Children. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 172:111656. [PMID: 37494774 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2023.111656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
AIM & OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was in three-fold: (a) to analyze the factors that affect the hearing aid (HA) continuation/discontinuation in children with unilateral cochlear implant (CI); (b) to understand the parent's knowledge on binaural benefit; and (c) to find out any association between the hearing aid continuation/discontinuation with implant age and/or with duration of hearing aid use prior to surgery. METHOD The study involved 97 participants who were parents of children with unilateral cochlear implants. A questionnaire with 30 questions was used to explore HA use and certain related perceptions, and a Likert scale was used for ranking responses. RESULTS & Discussion: Only 31.9% children were using HA consistently, post CI activation The principal factor for discontinuation of HA was its helpfulness prior CI whereas children wore HA only because they were instructed during counseling. Participants did not perceive functional benefit bimodal fitting due to superiority of CI performance and poor residual hearing. Also, it was found that there is no association between neither the implant age nor duration of HA use before CI with the HA continuation/discontinuation on Chi-square test. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest a need for structured comprehensive counseling and demonstration sessions to educate parents on binaural hearing to gain maximum benefits from non-invasive bimodal fitting.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sahana
- All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysore, India.
| | - M C Chaithra
- All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysore, India
| | - P Manjula
- All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysore, India
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148
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Firszt JB, Holden LK, Dwyer NY, Reeder RM, Strube MJ. Asymmetric Hearing Loss in Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients: Results and Recommendations From a Multisite Prospective Clinical Trial. Ear Hear 2023; 44:1140-1156. [PMID: 37018114 PMCID: PMC10440208 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A multisite clinical trial was conducted to obtain cochlear implant (CI) efficacy data in adults with asymmetric hearing loss (AHL) and establish an evidence-based framework for clinical decision-making regarding CI candidacy, counseling, and assessment tools. Study hypotheses were threefold: (1) 6-month postimplant performance in the poor ear (PE) with a CI will be significantly better than preimplant performance with a hearing aid (HA), (2) 6-month postimplant performance with a CI and HA (bimodal) will be significantly better than preimplant performance with bilateral HAs (Bil HAs), and (3) 6-month postimplant bimodal performance will be significantly better than aided, better ear (BE) performance. DESIGN Forty adults with AHL from four, metropolitan CI centers participated. Hearing criteria for the ear to be implanted included (1) pure-tone average (PTA, 0.5, 1, 2 kHz) of >70 dB HL, (2) aided, monosyllabic word score of ≤30%, (3) duration of severe-to-profound hearing loss of ≥6 months, and (4) onset of hearing loss ≥6 years of age. Hearing criteria for the BE included (1) PTA (0.5, 1, 2, 4 kHz) of 40 to 70 dB HL, (2) currently using a HA, (3) aided, word score of >40%, and (4) stable hearing for the previous 1-year period. Speech perception and localization measures, in quiet and in noise, were administered preimplant and at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-months postimplant. Preimplant testing was performed in three listening conditions, PE HA, BE HA, and Bil HAs. Postimplant testing was performed in three conditions, CI, BE HA, and bimodal. Outcome factors included age at implantation and length of deafness (LOD) in the PE. RESULTS A hierarchical nonlinear analysis predicted significant improvement in the PE by 3 months postimplant versus preimplant for audibility and speech perception with a plateau in performance at approximately 6 months. The model predicted significant improvement in postimplant, bimodal outcomes versus preimplant outcomes (Bil HAs) for all speech perception measures by 3 months. Both age and LOD were predicted to moderate some CI and bimodal outcomes. In contrast with speech perception, localization in quiet and noise was not predicted to improve by 6 months when comparing Bil HAs (preimplant) to bimodal (postimplant) outcomes. However, when participants' preimplant everyday listening condition (BE HA or Bil HAs) was compared with bimodal performance, the model predicted significant improvement by 3 months for localization in quiet and noise. Lastly, BE HA results were stable over time; a generalized linear model analysis revealed bimodal performance was significantly better than performance with a BE HA at all postimplant intervals for most speech perception measures and localization. CONCLUSIONS Results revealed significant CI and bimodal benefit for AHL participants by 3-months postimplant, with a plateau in CI and bimodal performance at approximately 6-months postimplant. Results can be used to inform AHL CI candidates and to monitor postimplant performance. On the basis of this and other AHL research, clinicians should consider a CI for individuals with AHL if the PE has a PTA (0.5, 1, 2 kHz) >70 dB HL and a Consonant-Vowel Nucleus-Consonant word score ≤40%. LOD >10 years should not be a contraindication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill B. Firszt
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Laura K. Holden
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Noël Y. Dwyer
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ruth M. Reeder
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Michael J. Strube
- Department of Psychological and Brain Science, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
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149
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Laakso M, Lipsanen J, Pajo K, Salmenlinna I, Aaltonen T, Ruusuvuori J, Aarnisalo A. Working-age first-time hearing aid users' self-reported outcomes. Int J Audiol 2023; 62:877-885. [PMID: 35994622 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2106454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study patient-reported hearing aid (HA) rehabilitation outcomes, social-communicative functioning, and expectations/experiences during eight months of HA use. DESIGN Three self-reporting instruments, the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA), the Quantified Denver Scale of Communicative Function (QDS), and questionnaires tapping pre-rehabilitation expectations (HA-EXP-Q1) and post-rehabilitation experiences (HA-EXP-Q2) were administered. STUDY SAMPLE 144 patients ages 23-66 with gradually acquired, adult-onset, mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss affecting both ears who acquired their first HAs. RESULTS According to self-reports, HA rehabilitation outcomes were good, and everyday social-communicative functioning improved after one month and after eight months of HA use. When the effects from demographic and audiological variables were analysed, younger age and positive expectations of HAs were associated with better outcomes and social-communicative functioning. The form or hearing loss severity, and the type or number of HAs did not affect outcomes. CONCLUSION Working-age HA users reported better HA outcomes than older adults in previous studies. Coping in work life may be a strong motivator for active HA use. Considering that younger age and positive expectations resulted in better outcomes, early rehabilitation that supports positive and realistic expectations of HA performance is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minna Laakso
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jari Lipsanen
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kati Pajo
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Audiology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Inkeri Salmenlinna
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tarja Aaltonen
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna Ruusuvuori
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Unit of Social Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Antti Aarnisalo
- Department of Audiology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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150
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Shiels L, Tomlin D, Rance G. The Assistive Benefits of Remote Microphone Technology for Normal Hearing Children With Listening Difficulties. Ear Hear 2023; 44:1049-1060. [PMID: 36882922 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Children often present with listening difficulties (LiD) but with normal sound detection thresholds. These children are susceptible to learning challenges, and struggle with the suboptimal acoustics of standard classrooms. Remote microphone technology (RMT) is one way to improve the listening environment. The aim of this study was to determine the assistive potential of RMT for speech identification and attention skills in children with LiD, and to investigate whether the benefits obtained by these children were greater than for those with no listening concerns. DESIGN A total of 28 children with LiD and 10 control participants with no listening concerns aged 6 to 12 years were included in this study. Children attended two laboratory-based testing sessions, where their speech intelligibility and attention skills were behaviorally assessed with and without the use of RMT. RESULTS There were significant improvements in speech identification and attention skills when RMT was used. For the LiD group, use of the devices improved speech intelligibility to being comparable or better than control abilities without RMT. Auditory attention scores also improved from being poorer than controls without RMT to comparable to control performance with device assistance. CONCLUSIONS Use of RMT was found to have a positive effect on both speech intelligibility and attention. RMT should be considered a viable option for addressing common behavioral symptoms of LiD, including for the many children that present with concerns of inattentiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Shiels
- Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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