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Chee J, Eikelboom RH, Smits C, Swanepoel DW, Wee SL, Ng TP, Heywood RL. Digits in noise testing in a multilingual sample of Asian adults. Int J Audiol 2024; 63:269-274. [PMID: 36847757 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2179549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Appropriate speech-in noise assessment is challenging in multilingual populations. This study aimed to assess whether first preferred language affected performance on an English Digits-in-noise (DIN) test in the local Asian multilingual population, controlling for hearing threshold, age, sex, English fluency and educational status. A secondary aim was to determine the association between DIN test scores and hearing thresholds. DESIGN English digit-triplets in noise testing and pure-tone audiometry were conducted. Multiple regression analysis was performed with DIN scores and hearing thresholds as dependent variables. Correlation analysis was performed between DIN-SRT and hearing thresholds. STUDY SAMPLE 165 subjects from the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Study, a population-based longitudinal study of community-dwellers over 55 years of age. RESULTS Mean DIN speech reception threshold (DIN-SRT) was -5.7 dB SNR (SD 3.6; range 6.7 to -11.2). Better ear pure tone average and English fluency were significantly associated with DIN-SRT. CONCLUSIONS DIN performance was independent of first preferred language in a multilingual ageing Singaporean population after adjusting for age, gender and education. Those with poorer English fluency had a significantly lower DIN-SRT score. The DIN test has the potential to provide a quick, uniform method of testing speech in noise in this multilingual population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Chee
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Robert H Eikelboom
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Australia
- Ear Sciences Centre, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Department of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
| | - Cas Smits
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - De Wet Swanepoel
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Australia
- Department of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Tze Pin Ng
- Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rebecca L Heywood
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Australia
- Ear Sciences Centre, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Singapore
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Jansen LA, van Wier MF, Vernimmen FPJ, Goderie T, van de Berg R, Lemke U, Lissenberg-Witte BI, Kramer SE. Ten-year association between change in speech-in-noise recognition and falls due to balance problems: a longitudinal cohort study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:732. [PMID: 38454406 PMCID: PMC10919036 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18187-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined the relationship between speech-in-noise recognition and incident/recurrent falls due to balance problems ten years later (RQ-1); 10-year change in speech-in-noise recognition and falls (RQ-2a), as well as the role of dizziness in this relationship (RQ-2b). The association between hearing aid use and falls was also examined (RQ-3). METHODS Data was collected from the Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing between 2006 and December 2022. Participants completed an online survey and digits-in-noise test every five years. For this study, data was divided into two 10-year follow-up time intervals: T0 (baseline) to T2 (10-year follow-up), and T1 (5-years) to T3 (15-years). For all RQs, participants aged ≥ 40 years at baseline, without congenital hearing loss, and non-CI users were eligible (n = 592). Additionally, for RQ-3 participants with a speech reception threshold in noise (SRTn) ≥ -5.5 dB signal-to-noise ratio were included (n = 422). Analyses used survey variables on hearing, dizziness, falls due to balance problems, chronic health conditions, and psychosocial health. Logistic regressions using General Estimating Equations were conducted to assess all RQs. RESULTS Among individuals with obesity, those with poor baseline SRTn had a higher odds of incident falls ten years later (odds ratio (OR):14.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) [2.12, 103]). A 10-year worsening of SRTn was significantly associated with a higher odds of recurrent (OR: 2.20, 95% CI [1.03, 4.71]) but not incident falls. No interaction was found between dizziness and change in SRTn. Hearing aid use (no use/ < 2 years use vs. ≥ 2 years) was not significantly associated with incident nor recurrent falls. Although there was a significant interaction with sex for this association, the effect of hearing aid use on incident/recurrent falls was not statistically significant among males nor females. CONCLUSIONS A longitudinal association between the deterioration in SRTn and recurrent falls due to balance problems after 10 years was confirmed in this study. This result stresses the importance of identifying declines in hearing earlier and justifies including hearing ability assessments within fall risk prevention programs. Mixed results of hearing aid use on fall risk warrant further investigation into the temporality of this association and possible differences between men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte A Jansen
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Marieke F van Wier
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Freek P J Vernimmen
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Thadé Goderie
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Raymond van de Berg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Vestibular Disorders, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrike Lemke
- Research & Development, Sonova AG, Staefa, Switzerland
| | - Birgit I Lissenberg-Witte
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sophia E Kramer
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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3
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Jansen LA, van Wier MF, Lissenberg-Witte BI, Kramer SE. A comparison of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on communication among individuals with and without hearing impairment. Int J Audiol 2024; 63:182-189. [PMID: 36519283 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2152742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective: This study assessed the impact of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) preventative measures on hearing and communication among individuals with normal and impaired hearing. We also evaluated the use of digital communication tools between these groups.Design: For this cross-sectional study, participants completed an online digits-in-noise test and survey. Survey topics included understanding through masks, behind plastic screens, from a 1.5-m distance, and use of social network sites/apps, direct messaging, and video calling. Logistic regressions assessed the odds of disagreeing versus agreeing with survey statements.Study Sample: A total of 880 adults from the National Longitudinal Study on Hearing completed a survey and hearing test. Based on speech reception threshold scores, participants were categorised into "good" (reference group for all analyses), "insufficient", or "poor" hearing groups.Results: Those with insufficient and poor hearing had more difficulty understanding others through facemasks, plastic screens, and from 1.5 m. Those with poor hearing had a higher odds of video calling more to contact family/friends/acquaintances during the pandemic, but also had more difficulty hearing sufficiently through video calls.Conclusions: This study addresses methodological weaknesses in previous studies. Results strengthen current evidence of the burden COVID-19 measures place on individuals with hearing impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte A Jansen
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke F van Wier
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit I Lissenberg-Witte
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sophia E Kramer
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Van Wier MF, Urry E, Lissenberg-Witte BI, Kramer SE. User characteristics associated with use of wrist-worn wearables and physical activity apps by adults with and without impaired speech-in-noise recognition: a cross-sectional analysis. Int J Audiol 2024; 63:49-56. [PMID: 36373621 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2135031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study weekly use of smartwatches, fitness watches and physical activity apps among adults with and without impaired speech-in-noise (SIN) recognition, to identify subgroups of users. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. STUDY SAMPLE Adults (aged 28-80 years) with impaired (n = 384) and normal SIN recognition (n = 341) as measured with a web-based digits-in-noise test, from the Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to study differences and to build an association model. RESULTS Employed adults in both groups are more likely to use each type of fitness technology (all ORs >3.4, all p-values < 0.004). Specific to fitness watch use, adults living with others use it more (OR 2.5, 95%CI 1.1;5.8, p = 0.033) whereas those abstaining from alcohol (OR 0.3, 95%CI 0.1;0.6) or consuming >2 glasses/week (OR 0.4, 95%CI 0.2;0.81, overall p = 0.006) and hearing aid users (OR 0.5, 95%CI 0.2;0.9, p = 0.024) make less use. CONCLUSIONS Subgroups of adults more and less likely to use fitness technology exist, but do not differ between adults with and without impaired SIN recognition. More research is needed to confirm these results and to develop interventions to increase physical activity levels among adults with hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke F Van Wier
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Section Ear & Hearing, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Emily Urry
- Research & Development, Sonova AG, Stäfa, Switzerland
| | - Birgit I Lissenberg-Witte
- Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sophia E Kramer
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Section Ear & Hearing, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Polspoel S, Moore DR, Swanepoel DW, Kramer SE, Smits C. Sensitivity of the antiphasic digits-in-noise test to simulated unilateral and bilateral conductive hearing loss. Int J Audiol 2023; 62:1022-1030. [PMID: 36121040 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2119611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is (1) to assess whether the presentation level of the antiphasic digits-in-noise (DIN) test affects the speech recognition threshold (SRT), (2) to evaluate how accurately simulated unilateral and bilateral conductive hearing loss is detected (CHL) and (3) to determine whether increasing the presentation level normalises the antiphasic DIN SRT. DESIGN Participants performed antiphasic and diotic DINs at different presentation levels with unilateral, bilateral or no earplugs. STUDY SAMPLE Twenty-four and twelve normal hearing adults. RESULTS Without earplugs, antiphasic DIN SRTs did not differ between 60 and 80 dB SPL. At 60 dB SPL, the antiphasic DIN correctly classified 92% of the unilateral earplug cases; the diotic DIN 25%. The binaural intelligibility level difference did not differ between the no-earplug condition and the condition with bilateral earplugs when the presentation was increased with the attenuation level. CONCLUSIONS In normal hearing participants, diotic and antiphasic DIN SRTs are independent of presentation level above a minimum level of 60 dB SPL. The antiphasic DIN is more sensitive than the diotic DIN for detecting unilateral CHL; not for bilateral CHL. The effect of CHL on DIN SRTs can be largely compensated by increasing the presentation level. Audibility plays an important role in the antiphasic and diotic DIN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid Polspoel
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, De Boelelaan, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David R Moore
- Communication Sciences Research Center, Cincinnati Childrens' Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - De Wet Swanepoel
- Ear Sciences Centre, School of Surgery, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sophia E Kramer
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, De Boelelaan, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cas Smits
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ear and Hearing, Meibergdreef, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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6
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van der Hoek-Snieders HEM, de Laat JAPM, Dreschler WA. The relationship between hearing status, listening effort, and the need for recovery in employees of a manufacturing company. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 280:4019-4025. [PMID: 36856807 PMCID: PMC10382391 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-07898-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hearing screening can be used to detect hearing loss, but its value for identifying employees with work functioning difficulties is unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the association between the hearing status measured with an occupational hearing-in-noise screening test, Listening Effort (LE), and Need For Recovery (NFR) in employees of a manufacturing company, and to examine whether these associations depend on the perceived noise level at the workplace. METHODS Employees of coatings and paints manufacturing company were included. Their hearing status was assessed with an occupational hearing-in-noise screening test. An online survey was used to assess their LE, NFR, and the perceived noise level at the workplace. Responses from 143 employees were analyzed (mean age = 53 years) using hierarchical multiple regression analysis with the outcomes LE and NFR. RESULTS Regression analysis-with adjustments for gender, age, educational level, health status, pace/amount of work, job variety, and work pleasure-revealed that hearing status was significantly associated with LE, but the interaction between hearing status and the perceived noise level was not. Hearing status nor the interaction between hearing status and the perceived noise level was significantly associated with NFR. CONCLUSION The results confirm that poorer hearing is associated with higher LE, but not with higher NFR. These associations were unrelated to the perceived noise level at the workplace. Therefore, the value of occupational hearing screening appears to be early identification of hearing loss in employees, but not identification of work functioning difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanneke E M van der Hoek-Snieders
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Audiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Jan A P M de Laat
- Department of Audiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter A Dreschler
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Audiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Penno KA, Zakis JA. Exploring Hearing Care Technology from Clinic to Capability. Semin Hear 2023; 44:287-301. [PMID: 37484987 PMCID: PMC10361792 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1769741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Healthcare systems are traditionally a clinician-led and reactive structure that does not promote clients managing their health issues or concerns from an early stage. However, when clients are proactive in starting their healthcare earlier than later, they can achieve better outcomes and quality of life. Hearing healthcare and the rehabilitation journey currently fit into this reactive and traditional model of care. With the development of service delivery models evolving to offer services to the consumer online and where they are predominately getting their healthcare information from the internet and the advancement of digital applications and hearing devices beyond traditional hearing aid structures, we are seeing a change in how consumers engage in hearing care. Similarly, as the range of hearing devices evolves with increasingly blended and standard levels of technology across consumer earbuds/headphones and medical grade hearing aids, we are seeing a convergence of consumers engaging earlier and becoming increasingly aware of hearing health needs. This article will discuss how the channels, service, and technology are coming together to reform traditionally clinician-led healthcare models to an earlier consumer-led model and the benefits and limitations associated with it. Additionally, we look to explore advances in hearing technologies and services, and if these will or can contribute to a behavioral change in the hearing healthcare journey of consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A. Penno
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Human Biology, School of Human Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Nuheara, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Justin A. Zakis
- Sonova Audiological Care Australia, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Simons IA, Goderie T, Lissenberg-Witte BI, Versfeld NJ, Kramer SE, van Wier MF. The Effects of Tinnitus and Tinnitus Annoyance on Need for Recovery After Work: Results of the Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing. Ear Hear 2023; 44:768-775. [PMID: 36573900 PMCID: PMC10262992 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The first aim of this study was to examine the relationship between having tinnitus and the need for recovery after work (NFR). The second aim was to investigate whether the level of tinnitus annoyance is associated with NFR. DESIGN Data from the 5- and 10-year follow-up measurement rounds of the Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing (NL-SH) were used in a cross-sectional analyses. The NL-SH is a web-based prospective cohort study and includes participants aged 18 to 70 years at baseline. For this study, we included only participants who worked at least 12 hours/week and were under the age of 65 years. Participants completed questionnaires on demographic, socioeconomic, psychosocial, hearing-related, and work-related characteristics. In addition, participants answered questions about hearing ability and tinnitus and performed an online digit-triplet speech recognition in noise test to measure the speech reception threshold (SRT) in noise. Participants were asked if (1) they suffer from tinnitus and (2) to rate tinnitus annoyance on a 0-100 numeric rating scale. A linear mixed model was used (1) to estimate the overall (i.e., cross-sectional) association between having tinnitus and NFR and (2) to estimate the overall association between the level of tinnitus annoyance and NFR. The models were checked for effect modification and confounding of factors known to be associated with either tinnitus or NFR and available in the NL-SH. RESULTS The study sample comprised 770 unique participants in total; 686 and 335 participants at 5- and 10-year follow-up, respectively. Distress, somatization, and self-reported hearing disability appeared to be confounding factors in the analysis of having tinnitus and NFR. After adjusting for these factors, participants with tinnitus had a 2.5% higher NFR (95% confidence interval: -0.9 to 5.9; p = 0.15). In the analysis of tinnitus annoyance and NFR, SRT was an effect modifier. Distress, somatization, depression, and self-reported hearing disability were confounders. After adjustment for effect modification and confounding, tinnitus annoyance was not significantly associated with NFR ( p = 0.79 for tinnitus annoyance). CONCLUSIONS This study showed that having tinnitus was not associated with a higher NFR. Also, higher levels of tinnitus annoyance were not associated with a higher NFR. NFR was associated with the psychological factors distress, somatization, and depression, which are known to be intricately related to tinnitus. A longitudinal study design is recommended as it can assess the sequence of events, which might help disentangle the association between tinnitus, NFR, and psychological factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris A Simons
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- These authors contributed equally to this work and share first authorship
| | - Thadé Goderie
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- These authors contributed equally to this work and share first authorship
| | - Birgit I Lissenberg-Witte
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Niek J Versfeld
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sophia E Kramer
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke F van Wier
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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9
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Jansen LA, van Wier MF, Lissenberg-Witte BI, Kramer SE. A comparison of psychosocial health among individuals with different levels of hearing ability during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int J Audiol 2023:1-9. [PMID: 37267046 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2210755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychosocial health among individuals with different levels of hearing ability. DESIGN For this cross-sectional study, adults completed an online digits-in-noise test and survey. Participants were categorised into "good", "insufficient", or "poor" hearing groups. Survey questions included topics on depression, anxiety, distress, somatisation, and loneliness levels. Multiple logistic, linear, and negative binomial regressions examined differences in psychosocial health between hearing groups. Moderation analyses identified vulnerable subgroups. Mediation analyses examined mediating effects of pandemic measures on hearing ability and psychosocial health. STUDY SAMPLE Eight-hundred and sixty-five adults with or without hearing impairment. RESULTS Individuals with poor hearing had a higher odds of having elevated anxiety levels and had higher somatisation levels compared to participants with good hearing. Chronic diseases significantly moderated the relationship between poor hearing ability and loneliness. Difficulties with communicating through facemasks, 1.5 m distance, plastic screens, and during video calls significantly mediated the relationships between hearing ability, anxiety and somatisation. CONCLUSIONS Results highlight the elevated anxiety and somatisation levels experienced among individuals with hearing impairment during the COVID-19 pandemic. More awareness is needed of the negative impact pandemic measures can have on psychosocial health during future health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte A Jansen
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, section Ear & Hearing, De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke F van Wier
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, section Ear & Hearing, De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit I Lissenberg-Witte
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Epidemiology and Data Science, De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sophia E Kramer
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, section Ear & Hearing, De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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van Wier MF, Jansen LA, Goderie T, Stam M, Nachtegaal J, van Beek JHM, Lemke U, Anema JR, Lissenberg-Witte BI, Smits C, Kramer SE. Cohort profile: Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing (NL-SH). BMJ Open 2023; 13:e070180. [PMID: 37068904 PMCID: PMC10111885 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing (NL-SH) was set up to examine associations of hearing ability with psychosocial, work and health outcomes in working age adults. PARTICIPANTS Inclusion started in 2006 and is ongoing. Currently the sample comprises 2800 adults with normal and impaired hearing, aged 18-70 years at inclusion. Five-year follow-up started in 2011, 10-year follow-up in 2016 and 15-year follow-up in 2021. All measurements are web-based. Participants perform a speech-in-noise recognition test to measure hearing ability and fill out questionnaires about their hearing status, hearing aid use, self-reported hearing disability and coping, work status and work-related outcomes (work performance, need for recovery), physical and psychosocial health (depression, anxiety, distress, somatisation, loneliness), healthcare usage, lifestyle (smoking, alcohol), and technology use. FINDINGS TO DATE The NL-SH has shown the vast implications of reduced hearing ability for the quality of life and health of working-age adults. A selection of results published in 27 papers is presented. Age-related deterioration of hearing ability accelerates after the age of 50 years. Having a history of smoking is associated with a faster decline in hearing ability, but this relationship is not found for other cardiovascular risk factors. Poorer hearing ability is associated with increased distress, somatisation, depression and loneliness. Adults with impaired hearing ability are more likely to be unemployed or unfit for work, and need more time to recuperate from work effort. FUTURE PLANS Participant data will be linked to a national database to enable research on the association between hearing ability and mortality. Linking to environmental exposure data will facilitate insight in relations between environmental factors, hearing ability and psychosocial outcomes. The unique breadth of the NL-SH data will also allow for further research on other functional problems, for instance, hearing ability and fall risk. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NL12015.029.06.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke F van Wier
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte A Jansen
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thadé Goderie
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mariska Stam
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janneke Nachtegaal
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes H M van Beek
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrike Lemke
- Research & Development, Sonova AG, Stäfa, Switzerland
| | - Johannes R Anema
- Public and Occupational health, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit I Lissenberg-Witte
- Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cas Smits
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sophia E Kramer
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Shehabi AM, Prendergast G, Guest H, Plack CJ. Noise Exposure in Palestinian Workers Without a Diagnosis of Hearing Impairment: Relations to Speech-Perception-in-Noise Difficulties, Tinnitus, and Hyperacusis. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2023; 66:1085-1109. [PMID: 36802819 DOI: 10.1044/2022_jslhr-22-00461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Many workers in developing countries are exposed to unsafe occupational noise due to inadequate health and safety practices. We tested the hypotheses that occupational noise exposure and aging affect speech-perception-in-noise (SPiN) thresholds, self-reported hearing ability, tinnitus presence, and hyperacusis severity among Palestinian workers. METHOD Palestinian workers (N = 251, aged 18-70 years) without diagnosed hearing or memory impairments completed online instruments including a noise exposure questionnaire; forward and backward digit span tests; hyperacusis questionnaire; the short-form Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12); the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory; and a digits-in-noise (DIN) test. Hypotheses were tested via multiple linear and logistic regression models, including age and occupational noise exposure as predictors, and with sex, recreational noise exposure, cognitive ability, and academic attainment as covariates. Familywise error rate was controlled across all 16 comparisons using the Bonferroni-Holm method. Exploratory analyses evaluated effects on tinnitus handicap. A comprehensive study protocol was preregistered. RESULTS Nonsignificant trends of poorer SPiN performance, poorer self-reported hearing ability, greater prevalence of tinnitus, greater tinnitus handicap, and greater severity of hyperacusis as a function of higher occupational noise exposure were observed. Greater hyperacusis severity was significantly predicted by higher occupational noise exposure. Aging was significantly associated with higher DIN thresholds and lower SSQ12 scores, but not with tinnitus presence, tinnitus handicap, or hyperacusis severity. CONCLUSIONS Workers in Palestine may suffer from auditory effects of occupational noise and aging despite no formal diagnosis. These findings highlight the importance of occupational noise monitoring and hearing-related health and safety practices in developing countries. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.22056701.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan M Shehabi
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Audiology and Speech Therapy, Birzeit University, Palestine
| | - Garreth Prendergast
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Guest
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J Plack
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, Lancaster University, United Kingdom
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12
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Ceuleers D, Baudonck N, Keppler H, Kestens K, Dhooge I, Degeest S. Development of the hearing-related quality of life questionnaire for auditory-visual, cognitive and psychosocial functioning (hAVICOP). JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2023; 101:106291. [PMID: 36508852 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcomdis.2022.106291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a need for a validated and standardized self-assessment instrument to assess the subjective effect of hearing aid (HA) use and/or cochlear implantation (CI) on different aspects of functioning in daily life. The aim of this study was to develop a new holistic Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) to assess hearing-related quality of life. The new PROM is titled the hearing-related quality of life questionnaire for Auditory-VIsual, COgnitive and Psychosocial functioning (hAVICOP). METHODS A conceptual framework was set up and test items were prepared per domain. Preliminary testing involved a semi-structured interview-based assessment in normal-hearing and hearing-impaired adults and an expert panel. For the further psychometric evaluation, a new sample of 15 adult HA users, 20 adult CI users and 20 normal-hearing adults filled in the refined version of the hAVICOP, the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale, the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire and the TNO-AZL Questionnaire for Adult's Health-Related Quality of Life. Based on these results, a factor analysis was conducted and internal consistency, discriminant validity and concurrent construct validity were determined. RESULTS The final version of the hAVICOP consists of three domains for hearing-related quality of life: (1) auditory-visual functioning, (2) cognitive functioning, and (3) psychosocial functioning. A sufficient internal consistency was found, and discriminant validity and concurrent construct validity were good. CONCLUSIONS A new PROM to assess hearing-related quality of life was developed, named the hAVICOP. In the future the validity and reliability should be examined further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorien Ceuleers
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Nele Baudonck
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hannah Keppler
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Kestens
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ingeborg Dhooge
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sofie Degeest
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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13
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Jebens A, Başkent D, Rachman L. Phonological effects on the perceptual weighting of voice cues for voice gender categorization. JASA EXPRESS LETTERS 2022; 2:125202. [PMID: 36586964 DOI: 10.1121/10.0016601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Voice perception and speaker identification interact with linguistic processing. This study investigated whether lexicality and/or phonological effects alter the perceptual weighting of voice pitch (F0) and vocal-tract length (VTL) cues for perceived voice gender categorization. F0 and VTL of forward words and nonwords (for lexicality effect), and time-reversed nonwords (for phonological effect through phonetic alterations) were manipulated. Participants provided binary "man"/"woman" judgements of the different voice conditions. Cue weights for time-reversed nonwords were significantly lower than cue weights for both forward words and nonwords, but there was no significant difference between forward words and nonwords. Hence, voice cue utilization for voice gender judgements seems to be affected by phonological, rather than lexicality effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almut Jebens
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands ; ;
| | - Deniz Başkent
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands ; ;
| | - Laura Rachman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands ; ;
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14
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Factors Associated With the Development of Tinnitus and With the Degree of Annoyance Caused by Newly Developed Tinnitus. Ear Hear 2022; 43:1807-1815. [PMID: 35729718 PMCID: PMC9592178 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Tinnitus is highly prevalent, but only a few risk factors for developing tinnitus are known and little is known about factors associated with the degree of annoyance of new-onset tinnitus. Longitudinal analysis can reveal risk factors associated with the development of tinnitus and might lead to targeted prevention. The aim of this study is twofold. (1) To identify risk factors that are longitudinally associated with the odds of developing tinnitus 5 years later. (2) To identify factors that are cross-sectionally associated with tinnitus annoyance in adults with new-onset tinnitus. METHODS Baseline, 5-year, and 10-year follow-up data of participants in the Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing (NL-SH) were used. The NL-SH is a web-based prospective cohort study, which started in 2006 and includes both normal hearing and hearing-impaired adults aged 18 to 70 years at baseline. The NL-SH uses an online digit-triplet speech-in-noise test to asses speech recognition ability in noise, and online questionnaires on various aspects of life. At follow-up, participants are asked (1) if they suffer from tinnitus and (2) to rate tinnitus annoyance on a 0 to 100 numeric rating scale. We investigated whether demographic (age, sex, living arrangement, educational level), lifestyle (history of tobacco smoking, alcohol use), health (asthma, severe heart disease, hypertension, history of stroke, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and migraine), hearing (speech recognition ability in noise, hyperacusis, and occupational noise exposure), and psychological variables (distress, somatization, depression, and anxiety) were potential risk factors for new-onset tinnitus, or associated with annoyance caused by new-onset tinnitus. Generalized estimating equations were used to longitudinally analyze the association between potential risk factors and new-onset tinnitus measured 5 years later. A multivariable association model was constructed using a forward selection procedure with p < 0.05 for model entry. Linear regression analysis was used to cross-sectionally analyze the association between potential factors and tinnitus annoyance in new-onset tinnitus. For this purpose, a multivariable association model was constructed using a forward selection procedure with p <0.05 for model entry. RESULTS In total, 734 participants without tinnitus at baseline were included, from which 137 participants reported to suffer from new-onset tinnitus 5 or 10 years later. Risk factors for new-onset tinnitus were history of smoking (odds ratio 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0 to 2.2, p = 0.027) and higher levels of somatization (odds ratio 2.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.3, overall p = 0.024). Factors associated with the degree of tinnitus annoyance were increased levels of anxiety (β = 11.6, 95% CI 2.3-20.8, overall p = 0.035) and poor speech recognition ability in noise (β = 13.5, 95% CI, 4.4 to 22.6, overall p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS Higher levels of somatization and a history of smoking were found to be risk factors for new-onset tinnitus 5 years later. Anxiety and poor speech recognition ability in noise were associated with higher degrees of tinnitus annoyance in new-onset tinnitus. Somatization deserves to be addressed in future research and clinical practice as it might provide part of a model for the development of chronic tinnitus.
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Sanchez VA, Arnold ML, Moore DR, Clavier O, Abrams HB. Speech-in-noise testing: Innovative applications for pediatric patients, underrepresented populations, fitness for duty, clinical trials, and remote services. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 152:2336. [PMID: 36319253 PMCID: PMC9722269 DOI: 10.1121/10.0014418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Speech perception testing, defined as providing standardized speech stimuli and requiring a listener to provide a behavioral and scored response, has been an integral part of the audiologic test battery since the beginning of the audiology profession. Over the past several decades, limitations in the diagnostic and prognostic validity of standard speech perception testing as routinely administered in the clinic have been noted, and the promotion of speech-in-noise testing has been highlighted. This review will summarize emerging and innovative approaches to speech-in-noise testing with a focus on five applications: (1) pediatric considerations promoting the measurement of sensory and cognitive components separately; (2) appropriately serving underrepresented populations with special attention to racial, ethnic, and linguistic minorities, as well as considering biological sex and/or gender differences as variables of interest; (3) binaural fitness for duty assessments of functional hearing for occupational settings that demand the ability to detect, recognize, and localize sounds; (4) utilization of speech-in-noise tests in pharmacotherapeutic clinical trials with considerations to the drug mechanistic action, the patient populations, and the study design; and (5) online and mobile applications of hearing assessment that increase accessibility and the direct-to-consumer market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria A Sanchez
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, MDC 73, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
| | - Michelle L Arnold
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
| | - David R Moore
- Communication Sciences Research Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | | | - Harvey B Abrams
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
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16
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Self-conducted speech audiometry using automatic speech recognition: Simulation results for listeners with hearing loss. COMPUT SPEECH LANG 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.csl.2022.101447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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17
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Is Teleaudiology Achieving Person-Centered Care: A Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127436. [PMID: 35742684 PMCID: PMC9224155 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Digital health and person-centered care are unquestionably linked in today’s Australian healthcare landscape. Teleaudiology is the application of digital health in the field of audiology, and it has become a popular component of standard audiological care. Behavior modification is essential in audiology intervention. Guidance on achieving behavior change, which is dependent on digitally enabled intervention, is a valuable resource when used in tandem to achieve person-centered care. The aim of this review is to determine whether teleaudiology achieves person-centered care. A qualitative review was conducted, followed by mapping and analysis. Analysis identified evidence of teleaudiology use, and ascertained guiding principles are appropriate to behavior change dependent digital intervention supported or enabled person-centered care. In conclusion, teleaudiology will continue to be a promising technology for promoting relatedness, a positive user experience, confidence and capability, and appropriate levels of autonomy for the user to choose from among the person-centered care options available.
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18
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Shen J, Wu J. Speech Recognition in Noise Performance Measured Remotely Versus In-Laboratory From Older and Younger Listeners. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2022; 65:2391-2397. [PMID: 35442717 PMCID: PMC9567433 DOI: 10.1044/2022_jslhr-21-00557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined the performance difference between remote and in-laboratory test modalities with a speech recognition in noise task in older and younger adults. METHOD Four groups of participants (younger remote, younger in-laboratory, older remote, and older in-laboratory) were tested on a speech recognition in noise protocol with 72 sentences. RESULTS While the younger remote group performed more poorly than the younger in-laboratory group, older participants' performance was comparable between the two modality groups, particularly in the easy to moderately difficult conditions. These results persisted after controlling for demographic variables (e.g., age, gender, and education). CONCLUSION While these findings generally support the feasibility of remote data collection with older participants for research on speech perception, they also suggest that technological proficiency is an important factor that affects performance on remote testing in the aging population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Shen
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jingwei Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
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19
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Cullington H, Kitterick P, Darnton P, Finch T, Greenwell K, Riggs C, Weal M, Walker DM, Sibley A. Telemedicine for Adults With Cochlear Implants in the United Kingdom (CHOICE): Protocol for a Prospective Interventional Multisite Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e27207. [PMID: 35416780 PMCID: PMC9047741 DOI: 10.2196/27207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cochlear implants provide hearing to approximately 750,000 people with deafness worldwide; these patients require lifelong follow-up. Care for adults with implants in the United Kingdom occurs at one of 19 centers, which may be far from the patients' homes. In a previous randomized controlled trial, we successfully introduced person-centered care. We designed, implemented, and evaluated the following remote care pathway: a personalized web-based support tool, home hearing check, self-device adjustment, and upgrading of sound processors at home rather than in the clinic. The remote care group had a significant increase in empowerment after using the tools, and the patients and clinicians were keen to continue. We would now like to scale up these improvements as an option for >12,000 UK adults using implants; we are commissioning an independent evaluation of this intervention and rollout to establish if it achieves its aims of more empowered and confident patients; more accessible and equitable care; stable hearing; more efficient, person-centered, and scalable service; and more satisfied and engaged patients and clinicians. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the impact and rollout of a person-centered clinical care pathway via telemedicine for adults with cochlear implants in the United Kingdom, using both outcomes and process evaluation. METHODS This project will scale up and evaluate a person-centered long-term follow-up pathway for adults using cochlear implants through a personalized website, including a home hearing check, uploading photos of cochlear implant site, listening in noise and music practice, ordering of spares, questionnaires, and other resources. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses will be conducted, and they will be both an outcome and process evaluation. RESULTS As of July 2021, the trial is closed, and all data collection is complete. The evaluation report is expected to be published in December 2021, and the research data have not yet been analyzed. CONCLUSIONS This project will present the results of the first scaling up of a remote care pathway for adults with cochlear implants in the United Kingdom. TRIAL REGISTRATION International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN51668922; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN51668922. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/27207.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Cullington
- University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Padraig Kitterick
- Nottingham Hearing Biomedical Research Unit, National Institute for Health Research, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Philippa Darnton
- Wessex Academic Health Science Network, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Tracy Finch
- Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Greenwell
- Centre for Clinical and Community Applications of Health Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Carol Riggs
- University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Weal
- School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Dawn-Marie Walker
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Sibley
- Wessex Academic Health Science Network, Southampton, United Kingdom
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20
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Dambha T, Swanepoel DW, Mahomed-Asmail F, De Sousa KC, Graham MA, Smits C. Improving the Efficiency of the Digits-in-Noise Hearing Screening Test: A Comparison Between Four Different Test Procedures. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2022; 65:378-391. [PMID: 34890245 DOI: 10.1044/2021_jslhr-21-00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study compared the test characteristics, test-retest reliability, and test efficiency of three novel digits-in-noise (DIN) test procedures to a conventional antiphasic 23-trial adaptive DIN (D23). METHOD One hundred twenty participants with an average age of 42 years (SD = 19) were included. Participants were tested and retested with four different DIN procedures. Three new DIN procedures were compared to the reference D23 version: (a) a self-selected DIN (DSS) to allow participants to indicate a subjective speech recognition threshold (SRT), (b) a combination of self-selected and adaptive eight-trial DIN (DC8) that utilized a self-selected signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) followed by an eight-trial adaptive DIN procedure, and (c) a fixed SNR DIN (DF) approach using a fixed SNR value for all presentations to produce a pass/fail test result. RESULTS Test-retest reliability of the D23 procedure was better than that of the DSS and DC8 procedures. SRTs from DSS and DC8 were significantly higher than SRTs from D23. DSS was not accurate to discriminate between normal-hearing and hard of hearing listeners. The DF and DC8 procedures with an adapted cutoff showed good hearing screening test characteristics. All three novel DIN procedure durations were significantly shorter (< 70 s) than that of D23. DF showed a reduction of 46% in the number of presentations compared to D23 (from 23 presentations to an average of 12.5). CONCLUSIONS The DF and DC8 procedures had significantly lower test durations than the reference D23 and show potential to be more time-efficient screening tools to determine normal hearing or potential hearing loss. Further studies are needed to optimize the DC8 procedure. The reference D23 remains the most reliable and accurate DIN hearing screening test, but studies in which the potentially efficient new DIN procedures are compared to pure-tone thresholds are needed to validate these procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasneem Dambha
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - De Wet Swanepoel
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia
| | - Faheema Mahomed-Asmail
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Karina C De Sousa
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Marien A Graham
- Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Cas Smits
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, the Netherlands
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21
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van Wier MF, Urry E, Lissenberg-Witte BI, Kramer SE. A Comparison of the Use of Smart Devices, Apps, and Social Media Between Adults With and Without Hearing Impairment: Cross-sectional Web-Based Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e27599. [PMID: 34932013 PMCID: PMC8726052 DOI: 10.2196/27599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background eHealth and social media could be of particular benefit to adults with hearing impairment, but it is unknown whether their use of smart devices, apps, and social media is similar to that of the general population. Objective Our aim is to study whether adults with normal hearing and those with impaired hearing differ in their weekly use of smart devices, apps, and social media; reasons for using social media; and benefits from using social media. Methods We used data from a Dutch cohort, the National Longitudinal Study on Hearing. Data were collected from September 2016 to April 2020 using a web-based questionnaire and speech-in-noise test. The results from this test were used to categorize normal hearing and hearing impairment. Outcomes were compared using (multiple) logistic regression models. Results Adults with impaired hearing (n=384) did not differ from normal hearing adults (n=341) in their use of a smartphone or tablet. They were less likely to make use of social media apps on a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch (age-adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.67, 95% CI 0.48-0.92; P=.02). Use of social media on all devices and use of other apps did not differ. Adults with hearing impairment were more likely to agree with using social media to stay in touch with family members (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.16-2.07; P=.003) and friends (age-adjusted OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.01-1.81; P=.046). Furthermore, they were more likely to agree with using social media to perform their work (age-adjusted OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.04-2.18; P=.03). There were no differences in the experienced benefits from social media. Conclusions The potential for eHealth is confirmed because adults with hearing impairment are not less likely to use smart devices than their normal hearing peers. Adults with hearing impairment are less likely to use social media apps on a smart device but not less likely to use social media on all types of internet-connected devices. This warrants further research on the types of social media platforms that adults with hearing impairment use and on the type of device on which they prefer to use social media. Given that participants with hearing impairment are more likely than their normal hearing peers to use social media to perform their work, use of social media may be seen as an opportunity to enhance vocational rehabilitation services for persons with hearing impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke F van Wier
- Ear & Hearing, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Emily Urry
- Research & Development, Sonova AG, Stäfa, Switzerland
| | | | - Sophia E Kramer
- Ear & Hearing, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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22
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Schriemer AG, Roelen CAM, Abma FI, van Rhenen W, van der Klink JJL, Bültmann U. Sustainable employability of teachers with hearing loss. Int J Audiol 2021; 61:1027-1034. [PMID: 34807796 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2021.2000650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In many countries the retirement age is rising. Consequently, age-related hearing loss is an increasing occupational health problem. This study examined the association between hearing loss and sustainable employability of teachers. DESIGN For this cross-sectional study a survey and an online hearing screening test were used. Sustainable employability was measured with the Capability Set for Work Questionnaire (CSWQ), examining seven work values. CSWQ-scores of teachers with poor, insufficient, and good hearing were investigated with ordinal regression analyses. Work values and discrepancies between the importance and achievement of the values were examined by chi-square tests. STUDY SAMPLE Dutch teachers (N = 737) of whom 146 (20%) had insufficient and 86 (12%) poor hearing. RESULTS Teachers with insufficient (OR = 0.64; 95% CI 0.46-0.89) and poor (OR = 0.55; 95% CI 0.36-0.83) hearing had lower CSWQ-scores compared with good hearing teachers. Adjustment for covariates, in particular for self-rated health, attenuated the associations. Compared with good hearing teachers, teachers with poor hearing reported more discrepancies in using their knowledge and skills and setting their own goals at work. CONCLUSIONS Hearing loss was negatively associated with sustainable employability of teachers. This emphasises the importance of assessing the hearing status of teachers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold G Schriemer
- Arbo Unie, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Pento Audiological Centre, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
| | - Corné A M Roelen
- Arbo Unie, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Femke I Abma
- Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Willem van Rhenen
- Arbo Unie, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Center for Leadership and Management Development, Nyenrode Business University, Breukelen, The Netherlands
| | - Jac J L van der Klink
- Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tranzo, The Netherlands.,North West University of South Africa, Optentia, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
| | - Ute Bültmann
- Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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The Longitudinal Relationship Between Speech Recognition in Noise, Need for Recovery After Work, Job Demand, and Job Control Over a Period of 5 Years. Ear Hear 2021; 43:659-668. [PMID: 34619688 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hearing impairment may lead to an increased need to recover from fatigue and distress after a day of work. Also, hearing impairment may negatively affect the balance between workload and control over it (job demand and job control). The uptake of hearing solutions may have a positive effect on these outcomes. We aimed to assess the longitudinal relationship between change in speech recognition in noise and changes in need for recovery after work and job demand and job control, and the influence of hearing solutions on these relationships over a period of 5 years. Research questions (RQs) were as follows: (1) Is a 5-year change in speech recognition in noise associated with a change in need for recovery after work over that same 5-year period?; (2) Is a 5-year change in speech recognition in noise associated with a change in job demand and job control over that same 5-year period?; (3) What is the effect of hearing solution uptake in the 5-year period on the change in these outcomes in that same 5-year period? METHOD Data of the Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing, collected between 2006 and January 2019, were divided into two 5-year follow-up intervals: T0 (baseline) to T1 (5-year follow-up) and T1 (5-year follow-up) to T2 (10-year follow-up). An online digit-triplet in noise test was used to assess speech recognition in noise. Online questionnaires on demographic, socioeconomic, and work-related characteristics were administered. For RQ1-RQ2, the study sample included adults working ≥12 hours per week, with at least two consecutive measurements (n = 783). For RQ3, employees who had not yet obtained hearing solutions at baseline, but who would be eligible based on a speech reception threshold in noise ≥ -5.5 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), were included (n = 147). Longitudinal linear regression analyses using mixed models were performed to assess RQ1-RQ3. RESULTS After adjusting for baseline values, 5-year change in speech recognition in noise showed a statistically significant association with 5-year change in need for recovery. A worsening of 1 dB SNR in speech recognition in noise in an individual was associated with an increase of 0.72 units in need for recovery (scale range 0 to 100). A 5-year change in speech recognition in noise was not significantly associated with a 5-year change in job demand or job control. The uptake of hearing solutions in the 5-year period did not have a significant effect on change in need for recovery in that same 5-year period. CONCLUSION The significant longitudinal association between 5-year worsening in speech recognition in noise and increase in need for recovery over the same time period strengthens the evidence for the importance of early detection of a worsening in speech recognition in noise to identify employees with an increase in need for recovery. The absence of an effect of the uptake of a hearing solution on need for recovery indicates that additional alternative interventions may be needed to foster beneficial use of hearing solutions as well as to mitigate the increased need for recovery in case of worsening speech recognition in noise.
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van Leeuwen LM, Goderie TPM, van Wier MF, Lissenberg-Witte BI, Lemke U, Kramer SE. Uptake of Hearing Aids and Hearing Assistive Technology in a Working Population: Longitudinal Analyses of The Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing. Ear Hear 2021; 42:793-802. [PMID: 33974788 PMCID: PMC8221723 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000000983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify predictors of the 5-year uptake of hearing aids (HAs) and hearing assistive technology (HAT) in a sample of Dutch employees eligible for HAs and/or HAT. The potential predictors included demographic factors (age, sex, marital status, and living situation), education, hearing factors (ability to recognize speech in noise and self-reported hearing disability), distress, self-efficacy, and work-related factors (job demand, job control, and need for recovery). DESIGN Five-year follow-up data of the Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing (NL-SH) collected until January 2019 were included. An online digit-triplet in noise test, the National Hearing Test (NHT), was used to assess speech-recognition-in-noise ability. In addition, online questionnaires on demographic, socioeconomic, self-reported hearing disability, health, and work-related characteristics were administered. Adults who worked over 12 hours per week, who had not yet taken up HAs or HAT, but who would be eligible for HAs/HAT based on their NHT score (insufficient or poor hearing ability), were included in the study. The 5-year uptake of HAs/HAT was defined as a dichotomous variable of self-reported HA/HAT use reported 5 years later. Generalized Estimating Equations analyses were performed to analyze the associations between potential predicting factors and the 5-year uptake of HAs/HAT, taking into account the repeated measurements of the predicting factors and the 5-year uptake of HAs/HAT. RESULTS Data of 218 participants were included. The cumulative incidence of the 5-year uptake of HAs/HAT was 15 to 33%, of which 52 employees took up HAs and 11 employees took up HAT. Married participants had increased odds for 5-year uptake of HAs/HAT compared with unmarried participants (odds ratio [OR] = 2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05 to 4.35). Higher self-reported hearing disability (per one unit, scale range 0 to 74) was associated with increased odds for 5-year uptake of HAs/HAT (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.07). Job demand showed a significant interaction with sex (p = 0.002), and therefore, stratified analyses were performed. In male participants, participants with higher job demand scores (per one unit, scale range 12 to 48) had increased odds for 5-year uptake of HAs/HAT (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.35). No difference was seen in females. CONCLUSION This study confirms that factors predicting the uptake of HAs/HAT in the general or older populations, including marital status and self-reported hearing disability, also extend to the working population. The identification of job demand as a predictor of the uptake of HAs/HAT (in males only) was a novel finding. It demonstrates the importance of considering work-related factors in aural rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisette M. van Leeuwen
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ear & Hearing, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thadé P. M. Goderie
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ear & Hearing, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke F. van Wier
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ear & Hearing, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit I. Lissenberg-Witte
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrike Lemke
- Research & Development, Sonova AG, Stäfa, Switzerland
| | - Sophia E. Kramer
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ear & Hearing, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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25
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Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Objectives: The digits-in-noise test (DIN) has become increasingly popular as a consumer-based method to screen for hearing loss. Current versions of all DINs either test ears monaurally or present identical stimuli binaurally (i.e., diotic noise and speech, NoSo). Unfortunately, presentation of identical stimuli to each ear inhibits detection of unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), and neither diotic nor monaural presentation sensitively detects conductive hearing loss (CHL). After an earlier finding of enhanced sensitivity in normally hearing listeners, this study tested the hypothesis that interaural antiphasic digit presentation (NoSπ) would improve sensitivity to hearing loss caused by unilateral or asymmetric SNHL, symmetric SNHL, or CHL. Design: This cross-sectional study recruited adults (18 to 84 years) with various levels of hearing based on a 4-frequency pure-tone average (PTA) at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz. The study sample was comprised of listeners with normal hearing (n = 41; PTA ≤ 25 dB HL in both ears), symmetric SNHL (n = 57; PTA > 25 dB HL), unilateral or asymmetric SNHL (n = 24; PTA > 25 dB HL in the poorer ear), and CHL (n = 23; PTA > 25 dB HL and PTA air-bone gap ≥ 20 dB HL in the poorer ear). Antiphasic and diotic speech reception thresholds (SRTs) were compared using a repeated-measures design. Results: Antiphasic DIN was significantly more sensitive to all three forms of hearing loss than the diotic DIN. SRT test–retest reliability was high for all tests (intraclass correlation coefficient r > 0.89). Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for detection of hearing loss (>25 dB HL) was higher for antiphasic DIN (0.94) than for diotic DIN (0.77) presentation. After correcting for age, PTA of listeners with normal hearing or symmetric SNHL was more strongly correlated with antiphasic (rpartial[96] = 0.69) than diotic (rpartial = 0.54) SRTs. Slope of fitted regression lines predicting SRT from PTA was significantly steeper for antiphasic than diotic DIN. For listeners with normal hearing or CHL, antiphasic SRTs were more strongly correlated with PTA (rpartial[62] = 0.92) than diotic SRTs (rpartial[62] = 0.64). Slope of the regression line with PTA was also significantly steeper for antiphasic than diotic DIN. The severity of asymmetric hearing loss (poorer ear PTA) was unrelated to SRT. No effect of self-reported English competence on either antiphasic or diotic DIN among the mixed first-language participants was observed. Conclusions: Antiphasic digit presentation markedly improved the sensitivity of the DIN test to detect SNHL, either symmetric or asymmetric, while keeping test duration to a minimum by testing binaurally. In addition, the antiphasic DIN was able to detect CHL, a shortcoming of previous monaural or binaurally diotic DIN versions. The antiphasic DIN is thus a powerful tool for population-based screening. This enhanced functionality combined with smartphone delivery could make the antiphasic DIN suitable as a primary screen that is accessible to a large global audience.
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Optimization of the Speech Test Material in a Group of Hearing Impaired Subjects: A Feasibility Study for Multilingual Digit Triplet Test Development. Audiol Res 2021; 11:342-356. [PMID: 34287230 PMCID: PMC8293168 DOI: 10.3390/audiolres11030032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The development of the global digit-in-noise test requires optimization of each language version on a group of normal-hearing native-speakers. An alternative solution may be an adaptive optimization during ongoing tests in a group of subjects with unknown hearing impairments. The objective of the research was to compare the optimization results between these groups. Methods: Digit triplets consisting of three pseudo-randomly selected digits were presented in speech-shaped noise at various signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), according to the protocol of the final speech test. Digit-specific and position-specific speech reception thresholds (SRTs) were determined and compared between groups. Results: The study sample consisted of 82 subjects, 26 normal-hearing subjects and 56 patients with diverse hearing disorders. Statistically significant differences in digit-specific SRTs between the control and the investigated group were obtained for three digits in continuous noise (digits 0, 4, 6; p-value of 0.04, 0.03, 0.05) and two in modulated noise (digits 1 and 6; p-value of 0.05 and 0.01). An analysis including only ears with SRTs within the range of the normal hearing control group showed no statistically significant differences between digits. Conclusion: Optimization of speech material can be carried out in a group of subjects with unknown hearing impairments, provided the ears with scores outside normal range are rejected.
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Folmer RL, Saunders GH, Vachhani JJ, Margolis RH, Saly G, Yueh B, McArdle RA, Feth LL, Roup CM, Feeney MP. Hearing Health Care Utilization Following Automated Hearing Screening. J Am Acad Audiol 2021; 32:235-245. [PMID: 34062603 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1723041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study examined follow-up rates for pursuing hearing health care (HHC) 6 to 8 months after participants self-administered one of three hearing screening methods: an automated method for testing of auditory sensitivity (AMTAS), a four-frequency pure-tone screener (FFS), or a digits-in-noise test (DIN), with and without the presentation of a 2-minute educational video about hearing. PURPOSE The study aims to determine if the type of self-administered hearing screening method (with or without an educational video) affects HHC follow-up rates. RESEARCH DESIGN The study is a randomized controlled trial of three automated hearing screening methods, plus control group, with and without an educational video. The control group completed questionnaires and provided follow-up data but did not undergo a hearing screening test. STUDY SAMPLE The study sample includes 1,665 participants (mean age 50.8 years; 935 males) at two VA Medical Centers and at university and community centers in Portland, OR; Bay Pines, FL; Minneapolis, MN; Mauston, WI; and Columbus, OH. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS HHC follow-up data at 6 to 8 months were obtained by contacting participants by phone or mail. Screening methods and participant characteristics were compared in relation to the probability of participants pursuing HHC during the follow-up period. RESULTS The 2-minute educational video did not have a significant effect on HHC follow-up rates. When all participants who provided follow-up data are considered (n = 1012), the FFS was the only test that resulted in a significantly greater percentage of HHC follow-up (24.6%) compared with the control group (16.8%); p = 0.03. However, for participants who failed a hearing screening (n = 467), follow-up results for all screening methods were significantly greater than for controls. The FFS resulted in a greater probability for HHC follow-up overall than the other two screening methods. Moreover, veterans had higher follow-up rates for all screening methods than non-veterans. CONCLUSION The FFS resulted in a greater HHC follow-up rate compared with the other screening methods. This self-administered test may be more motivational for HHC follow-up because participants who fail the screening are aware of sounds they could not hear which does not occur with adaptive assessments like AMTAS or the DIN test. It is likely that access to and reduced personal cost of audiological services for veterans contributed to higher HHC follow-up rates in this group compared with non-veteran participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Folmer
- VA National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, VA Portland Medical Center, Portland, Oregon.,Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Gabrielle H Saunders
- VA National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, VA Portland Medical Center, Portland, Oregon.,Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jay J Vachhani
- VA National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, VA Portland Medical Center, Portland, Oregon
| | | | - George Saly
- Audiology Incorporated, Arden Hills, Minnesota
| | - Bevan Yueh
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Rachel A McArdle
- Office of Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC
| | - Lawrence L Feth
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Christina M Roup
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - M Patrick Feeney
- VA National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, VA Portland Medical Center, Portland, Oregon.,Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
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Wung D, Goderie T, van Wier MF, Stam M, Kramer SE. Association of beta blocker use and hearing ability in adults: a cross-sectional study. Int J Audiol 2021; 61:102-107. [PMID: 34057380 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2021.1915508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the potential association between beta blocker use and hearing ability in adults and to discern whether this effect is dose-dependent. DESIGN Cross-sectional analyses. Multiple linear regression was performed with hearing ability as the dependent variable and beta blocker use as the independent variable. The independent variable was classified into three dose categories for secondary analysis. Adjustments were made for age, gender, educational level, and tobacco smoking status. STUDY SAMPLE 1636 adults, 75 of whom reported being on beta blockers, from the internet-based Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing (NL-SH). RESULTS No significant association was found between beta blocker use and hearing ability in noise. In the adjusted regressions, beta blocker use changed the speech reception threshold in noise (SRT) by -0.04 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) (95%CI [-0.67 to 0.58], p = 0.890). Medium dose beta blocker use changed SRT by -0.42 dB SNR (95%CI [-1.38 to 0.71], p = 0.433), while a high dose changed it by -0.26 dB SNR (95%CI [-1.74 to 1.4], p = 0.767). CONCLUSIONS No evidence was found for beta blocker-induced changes in hearing ability. Future studies on this topic should favour case-control and cohort study designs, while focussing on a hypertensive population to minimise confounding by indication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna Wung
- Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Santé Publique, Rennes, France
| | - Thadé Goderie
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke F van Wier
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mariska Stam
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,National Health Care Institute, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - Sophia E Kramer
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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29
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Goderie T, van Wier MF, Stam M, Lissenberg-Witte BI, Merkus P, Smits C, Kramer SE. Association between Speech Recognition in Noise and Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease. Audiol Neurootol 2021; 26:368-377. [PMID: 33652431 DOI: 10.1159/000513551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) are associated with sensorineural hearing loss. CVD risk factors are known to cluster and interact, thereby increasing the cumulative risk for CVD. Previously, using the database of the Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing (NL-SH), an association was found between a history of smoking and an increased decline in speech recognition in noise over 10 years of follow-up. Prospectively limited data are available on the association between CVD risk factors, interactions of these risk factors, and hearing loss. In this study, data from the NL-SH were used to study the association between CVD risk factors and speech recognition in noise longitudinally. METHODS Baseline, 5-year, and 10-year follow-up data of the NL-SH were included. The NL-SH is a web-based prospective cohort study which started in 2006. Participants were aged 18-70 years at baseline. Speech recognition in noise was determined with an online digit-triplet speech-in-noise test. In addition, participants completed online questionnaires on demographic, lifestyle, and health-related characteristics. The association of the ability to recognize speech in noise with CVD risk factors (i.e., obesity, rheumatoid arthritis [RA], hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia) was analyzed longitudinally. We also analyzed the interaction between these risk factors (including age, sex, and history of smoking) and speech recognition in noise. RESULTS None of the CVD risk factors or interactions of 2 CVD risk factors was significantly associated with a decline in SRT over time. Obesity (p = 0.016), RA (p = 0.027), and hypertension (p = 0.044) were associated with overall higher (more unfavorable) SRTs. No overall interactions between CVD risk factors were found. CONCLUSION Obesity, RA, and hypertension were overall associated with a higher SRT, but no longitudinal associations between these or other CVD factors with SRTs were found. Also, no interactions between 2 CVD risk factors and SRTs were found. Although no longitudinal associations between CVD risk factors and decline in SRTs were found, clinicians should be alert about the concurrent association between CVD risk factors and hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thadé Goderie
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck surgery, Section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands,
| | - Marieke F van Wier
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck surgery, Section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mariska Stam
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck surgery, Section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit I Lissenberg-Witte
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Merkus
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck surgery, Section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cas Smits
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck surgery, Section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sophia E Kramer
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck surgery, Section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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30
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Irace AL, Sharma RK, Reed NS, Golub JS. Smartphone-Based Applications to Detect Hearing Loss: A Review of Current Technology. J Am Geriatr Soc 2020; 69:307-316. [PMID: 33341098 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a widely prevalent yet manageable condition that has been linked to neurocognitive and psychiatric comorbidities. Multiple barriers hinder older individuals from being diagnosed with ARHL through pure-tone audiometry. This is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in the closure of many outpatient audiology and otolaryngology offices. Smartphone-based hearing assessment apps may overcome these challenges by enabling patients to remotely self-administer their own hearing examination. The objective of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of current mobile health applications (apps) that claim to assess hearing. DESIGN Narrative review. MEASUREMENTS The Apple App Store and Google Play Store were queried for apps that claim to assess hearing. Relevant apps were downloaded and used to conduct a mock hearing assessment. Names of included apps were searched on four literature databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL) to determine which apps had been validated against gold standard methods. RESULTS App store searches identified 44 unique apps. Apps differed with respect to the type of test offered (e.g., hearing threshold test), cost, strategies to reduce ambient noise, test output (quantitative vs qualitative results), and options to export results. Validation studies were identified for seven apps. CONCLUSION Given their low cost and relative accessibility, smartphone-based hearing apps may facilitate screening for ARHL, particularly in the setting of limitations on in-person medical care due to COVID-19. However, app features vary widely, few apps have been validated, and user-centered designs for older adults are largely lacking. Further research and validation efforts are necessary to determine whether smartphone-based hearing assessments are a feasible and accurate screening tool for ARHL. Key Points Age-related hearing loss is a prevalent yet undertreated condition among older adults. Why Does this Paper Matter? Smartphone-based hearing test apps may facilitate remote screening for hearing loss, but limitations surrounding app validation, usability, equipment calibration, and data security should be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria L Irace
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rahul K Sharma
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nicholas S Reed
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Justin S Golub
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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31
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Ooster J, Krueger M, Bach JH, Wagener KC, Kollmeier B, Meyer BT. Speech Audiometry at Home: Automated Listening Tests via Smart Speakers With Normal-Hearing and Hearing-Impaired Listeners. Trends Hear 2020; 24:2331216520970011. [PMID: 33272109 PMCID: PMC7720343 DOI: 10.1177/2331216520970011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Speech audiometry in noise based on sentence tests is an important diagnostic tool to assess listeners’ speech recognition threshold (SRT), i.e., the signal-to-noise ratio corresponding to 50% intelligibility. The clinical standard measurement procedure requires a professional experimenter to record and evaluate the response (expert-conducted speech audiometry). The use of automatic speech recognition enables self-conducted measurements with an easy-to-use speech-based interface. This article compares self-conducted SRT measurements using smart speakers with expert-conducted laboratory measurements. With smart speakers, there is no control over the absolute presentation level, potential errors from the automated response logging, and room acoustics. We investigate the differences between highly controlled measurements in the laboratory and smart speaker-based tests for young normal-hearing (NH) listeners as well as for elderly NH, mildly and moderately hearing-impaired listeners in low, medium, and highly reverberant room acoustics. For the smart speaker setup, we observe an overall bias in the SRT result that depends on the hearing loss. The bias ranges from +0.7 dB for elderly moderately hearing-impaired listeners to +2.2 dB for young NH listeners. The intrasubject standard deviation is close to the clinical standard deviation (0.57/0.69 dB for the young/elderly NH compared with 0.5 dB observed for clinical tests and 0.93/1.09 dB for the mild/moderate hearing-impaired listeners compared with 0.9 dB). For detecting a clinically elevated SRT, the speech-based test achieves an area under the curve value of 0.95 and therefore seems promising for complementing clinical measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Ooster
- Communication Acoustics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität, Oldenburg, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence Hearing4all, Germany
| | - Melanie Krueger
- Cluster of Excellence Hearing4all, Germany.,HörTech gGmbH, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Jörg-Hendrik Bach
- Cluster of Excellence Hearing4all, Germany.,HörTech gGmbH, Oldenburg, Germany.,Hörzentrum GmbH, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Kirsten C Wagener
- Cluster of Excellence Hearing4all, Germany.,HörTech gGmbH, Oldenburg, Germany.,Hörzentrum GmbH, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Birger Kollmeier
- Cluster of Excellence Hearing4all, Germany.,HörTech gGmbH, Oldenburg, Germany.,Hörzentrum GmbH, Oldenburg, Germany.,Medizinische Physik, Carl von Ossietzky Universität, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Bernd T Meyer
- Communication Acoustics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität, Oldenburg, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence Hearing4all, Germany.,HörTech gGmbH, Oldenburg, Germany
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32
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Denys S, De Laat J, Dreschler W, Hofmann M, van Wieringen A, Wouters J. Language-Independent Hearing Screening Based on Masked Recognition of Ecological Sounds. Trends Hear 2020; 23:2331216519866566. [PMID: 32516059 PMCID: PMC6728675 DOI: 10.1177/2331216519866566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A language-independent automated self-test on tablet based on masked recognition
of ecological sounds, the Sound Ear Check (SEC), was developed. In this test, 24
trials of eight different sounds are randomly presented in a noise that was
spectrally shaped according to the average frequency spectra of the stimulus
sounds, using a 1-up 2-down adaptive procedure. The test was evaluated in adults
with normal hearing and hearing loss, and its feasibility was investigated in
young children, who are the target population of this test. Following
equalization of perceptual difficulty across sounds by applying level
adjustments to the individual tokens, a reference curve with a steep slope of
18%/dB was obtained, resulting in a test with a high test–retest reliability of
1 dB. The SEC sound reception threshold was significantly associated with the
averaged pure tone threshold (r = .70), as well as with the
speech reception threshold for the Digit Triplet Test
(r = .79), indicating that the SEC is susceptible to both
audibility and signal-to-noise ratio loss. Sensitivity and specificity values on
the order of magnitude of ∼70% and ∼80% to detect individuals with mild and
moderate hearing loss, respectively, and ∼80% to detect individuals with slight
speech-in-noise recognition difficulties were obtained. Homogeneity among sounds
was verified in children. Psychometric functions fitted to the data indicated a
steep slope of 16%/dB, and test–retest reliability of sound reception threshold
estimates was 1.3 dB. A reference value of −9 dB signal-to-noise ratio was
obtained. Test duration was around 6 minutes, including training and
acclimatization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Denys
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, ExpORL, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan De Laat
- Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Audiology, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter Dreschler
- Academic Medical Centre, Department of ENT, Clinical and Experimental Audiology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michael Hofmann
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, ExpORL, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Jan Wouters
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, ExpORL, Leuven, Belgium
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Schönborn D, Asmail FM, De Sousa KC, Laplante-Lévesque A, Moore DR, Smits C, Swanepoel DW. Characteristics and Help-Seeking Behavior of People Failing a Smart Device Self-Test for Hearing. Am J Audiol 2020; 29:365-374. [PMID: 32510970 DOI: 10.1044/2020_aja-19-00098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study investigated user characteristics, help-seeking behavior, and follow-up actions of people who failed an app-based digits-in-noise hearing screening test, considering their stage of change. Method Test and user characteristics of 3,092 listeners who failed the test were retrospectively analyzed. A posttest survey determining follow-up (verb) actions was sent to listeners who failed the test (n = 1,007), of which 59 responded. Results The majority of listeners were in the precontemplation stage (75.5%). Age and stage of change were significant (p < .05) predictors of the digits-in-noise speech recognition threshold (DIN SRT). Listeners in the precontemplation stage were significantly younger than in other stages (p < .05). Posttest survey response rate was low (5.9%). Of those, most (82.4%) did not think they had a hearing loss. Only 13.6% followed up with an audiologist. Conclusion Older people presented with poorer DIN SRTs and were typically in a more advanced stage of change. The majority of those who did not follow up after failing the screening test did not believe they had a hearing loss. A combination of factors, including poor DIN SRT, older age, and a more advanced stage of change inclined participants to follow up with audiological care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Schönborn
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Faheema Mahomed Asmail
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Karina C. De Sousa
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Ariane Laplante-Lévesque
- Clinical Evidence, Oticon Medical, Smørum, Denmark
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Sweden
| | - David R. Moore
- Communication Sciences Research Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH
- Manchester Centre of Audiology and Deafness, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Cas Smits
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, the Netherlands
| | - De Wet Swanepoel
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Perth, Western Australia
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Crowson MG, Lee JW, Hamour A, Mahmood R, Babier A, Lin V, Tucci DL, Chan TCY. AutoAudio: Deep Learning for Automatic Audiogram Interpretation. J Med Syst 2020; 44:163. [PMID: 32770269 DOI: 10.1007/s10916-020-01627-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Hearing loss is the leading human sensory system loss, and one of the leading causes for years lived with disability with significant effects on quality of life, social isolation, and overall health. Coupled with a forecast of increased hearing loss burden worldwide, national and international health organizations have urgently recommended that access to hearing evaluation be expanded to meet demand. The objective of this study was to develop 'AutoAudio' - a novel deep learning proof-of-concept model that accurately and quickly interprets diagnostic audiograms. Adult audiogram reports representing normal, conductive, mixed and sensorineural morphologies were used to train different neural network architectures. Image augmentation techniques were used to increase the training image set size. Classification accuracy on a separate test set was used to assess model performance. The architecture with the highest out-of-training set accuracy was ResNet-101 at 97.5%. Neural network training time varied between 2 to 7 h depending on the depth of the neural network architecture. Each neural network architecture produced misclassifications that arose from failures of the model to correctly label the audiogram with the appropriate hearing loss type. The most commonly misclassified hearing loss type were mixed losses. Re-engineering the process of hearing testing with a machine learning innovation may help enhance access to the growing worldwide population that is expected to require audiologist services. Our results suggest that deep learning may be a transformative technology that enables automatic and accurate audiogram interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G Crowson
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada. .,Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Jong Wook Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Amr Hamour
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Rafid Mahmood
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aaron Babier
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Vincent Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Debara L Tucci
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Timothy C Y Chan
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Armstrong NM, Oosterloo BC, Croll PH, Ikram MA, Goedegebure A. Discrimination of degrees of auditory performance from the digits-in-noise test based on hearing status. Int J Audiol 2020; 59:897-904. [PMID: 32673129 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2020.1787531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To discriminate among degrees of auditory performance of the Digits-in-Noise (DIN) test. DESIGN We performed Pearson's correlations and age- and sex-adjusted linear regression models to examine the correlation between pure-tone average (PTA) from pure-tone audiometric tests and speech recognition thresholds (SRT) from the DIN test. Then, optimal SRT cut-points by PTA-defined hearing status (0-25 dB HL [normal], 26-40 dB HL [mild hearing loss], 41-50 dB HL [moderate hearing loss]) were compared across three methods: Youden, Nearest, and Liu. SRT-defined categories of auditory performance were compared to PTA-defined hearing categories to examine the convergence of similar categories. Study Sample: 3422 Rotterdam Study participants aged 51-98 years between 2011 and 2014. RESULTS The correlation between SRT and PTA was 0.65 (95% Confidence Interval: 0.63, 0.67) in the overall sample. The variability of SRT explained by PTA after age and sex adjustment was 54%. Optimal cut-points for the overall sample across the three methods were: ≤ -5.55 dB SNR (normal); > -5.55 to ≤ -3.80 dB SNR (insufficient performance); > -3.80 dB SNR (poor performance). When comparing the SRT- or PTA-defined categories, 59.8% had concordant hearing categories and 40.2% had discordant hearing categories. CONCLUSIONS Discrimination of degrees of auditory performance may add greater utility of the DIN test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Armstrong
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Berthe C Oosterloo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pauline H Croll
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mohammad Arfan Ikram
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - André Goedegebure
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Füllgrabe C. On the Possible Overestimation of Cognitive Decline: The Impact of Age-Related Hearing Loss on Cognitive-Test Performance. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:454. [PMID: 32581666 PMCID: PMC7296091 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Individual differences and age-related normal and pathological changes in mental abilities require the use of cognitive screening and assessment tools. However, simultaneously occurring deficits in sensory processing, whose prevalence increases especially in old age, may negatively impact cognitive-test performance and thus result in an overestimation of cognitive decline. This hypothesis was tested using an impairment-simulation approach. Young normal-hearing university students performed three memory tasks, using auditorily presented speech stimuli that were either unprocessed or processed to mimic some of the perceptual consequences of age-related hearing loss (ARHL). Both short-term-memory and working-memory capacities were significantly lower in the simulated-hearing-loss condition, despite good intelligibility of the test stimuli. The findings are consistent with the notion that, in case of ARHL, the perceptual processing of auditory stimuli used in cognitive assessments requires additional (cognitive) resources that cannot be used toward the execution of the cognitive task itself. Researchers and clinicians would be well advised to consider sensory impairments as a confounding variable when administering cognitive tasks and interpreting their results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Füllgrabe
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
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37
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van der Hoek-Snieders HEM, Boymans M, Sorgdrager B, Dreschler WA. Factors influencing the need for recovery in employees with hearing loss: a cross-sectional study of health administrative data. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2020; 93:1023-1035. [PMID: 32507999 PMCID: PMC7519912 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-020-01556-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective Need for recovery is a predictor of work stress and health problems, but its underlying factors are not yet well understood. We aimed to identify hearing-related, work-related, and personal factors influencing need for recovery in hearing-impaired employees. Methods We retrospectively identified hearing-impaired employees (N = 294) that were referred to the Amsterdam University Medical Center between 2004 and 2019. Routinely obtained healthcare data were used, including a survey and hearing assessments. A directed acyclic graph was constructed, revealing the hypothesized structure of factors influencing need for recovery as well as the minimal set of factors needed for multiple regression analysis. Results Four variables were included in the regression analysis. In total, 46.1% of the variance in need for recovery was explained by the factors feeling that something should change at work (B = 19.01, p < 0.001), self-perceived listening effort (B = 1.84, p < 0.001), personal adaptations scale score (B = − 0.34, p < .001), and having a moderate/poor general health condition (B = 20.06, p < 0.001). Although degree of hearing loss was associated with self-perceived listening effort, the direct association between degree of hearing loss and need for recovery was not significant. Conclusions The results suggest that the way employees perceive their hearing loss and how they cope with it directly influence need for recovery, rather than their measured degree of hearing loss. Additionally, general health condition was found to be an independent factor for need for recovery. The results should be confirmed by future, longitudinal research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanneke E M van der Hoek-Snieders
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Clinical and Experimental Audiology, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Monique Boymans
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Clinical and Experimental Audiology, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bas Sorgdrager
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands Centre of Occupational Diseases, Coronel Institute AmCOGG, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter A Dreschler
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Clinical and Experimental Audiology, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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10-Year Follow-Up Results of The Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing: Trends of Longitudinal Change in Speech Recognition in Noise. Ear Hear 2020; 41:491-499. [DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000000780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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39
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Ratanjee-Vanmali H, Swanepoel DW, Laplante-Lévesque A. Patient Uptake, Experience, and Satisfaction Using Web-Based and Face-to-Face Hearing Health Services: Process Evaluation Study. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e15875. [PMID: 32196459 PMCID: PMC7125439 DOI: 10.2196/15875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, access to hearing health care is a growing concern with 900 million people estimated to suffer from disabling hearing loss by 2050. Hearing loss is one of the most common chronic health conditions, yet access to hearing health care is limited. Incorporating Web-based (voice calling, messaging, or emailing) service delivery into current treatment pathways could improve access and allow for better scalability of services. Current electronic health studies in audiology have focused on technical feasibility, sensitivity, and specificity of diagnostic hearing testing and not on patient satisfaction, experiences, and sustainable models along the entire patient journey. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate a hybrid (Web-based and face-to-face) hearing health service in terms of uptake, experience, and satisfaction in adult patients with hearing loss. METHODS A nonprofit hearing research clinic using online and face-to-face services was implemented in Durban, South Africa, using online recruitment from the clinic's Facebook page and Google AdWords, which directed persons to an online Web-based hearing screening test. Web-based and face-to-face care pathways included assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation. To evaluate the service, an online survey comprising (1) a validated satisfaction measurement tool (Short Assessment of Patient Satisfaction), (2) a process evaluation of all the 5 steps completed, and (3) personal preferences of communication methods used vs methods preferred was conducted, which was sent to 46 patients who used clinic services. RESULTS Of the patients invited, 67% (31/46) completed the survey with mean age 66 years, (SD 16). Almost all patients, 92% (30/31) reported that the online screening test assisted them in seeking hearing health care. Approximately 60% (18/31) of the patients accessed the online hearing screening test from an Android device. Patients stayed in contact with the audiologist mostly through WhatsApp instant messaging (27/31, 87%), and most patients (25/31, 81%) preferred to use this method of communication. The patients continuing with hearing health care were significantly older and had significantly poorer speech recognition abilities compared with the patients who discontinued seeking hearing health care. A statistically significant positive result (P=.007) was found between age and the number of appointments per patient. Around 61% (19/31) of patients previously completed diagnostic testing at other practices, with 95% (18/19) rating the services at the hybrid clinic as better. The net promoter score was 87, indicating that patients were highly likely to recommend the hybrid clinic to friends and family. CONCLUSIONS This study applied Web-based and face-to-face components into a hybrid clinic and measured an overall positive experience with high patient satisfaction through a process evaluation. The findings support the potential of a hybrid clinic with synchronous and asynchronous modes of communication to be a scalable hearing health care model, addressing the needs of adults with hearing loss globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Husmita Ratanjee-Vanmali
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - De Wet Swanepoel
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia.,Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ariane Laplante-Lévesque
- Oticon Medical A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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40
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Giguère C, Lagacé J, Ellaham NN, Pichora-Fuller MK, Goy H, Bégin C, Alary É, Bowman R. Development of the Canadian Digit Triplet Test in English and French. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2020; 147:EL252. [PMID: 32237800 DOI: 10.1121/10.0000825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Canadian Digit Triplet Test was developed in English and French, the official languages of Canada. Four versions were developed on a common software platform using recordings produced by two fluent bilinguals, one male and one female, following procedures recommended by international guidelines. Phase I of test development focused on homogenizing digit recognition across tokens and positions within the triplets for young adults with normal hearing (n = 48). In phase II, normative data were collected for young adults with normal hearing (n = 64). Statistical properties were found to be uniform across test versions and comparable to digit triplet tests in other languages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Giguère
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Josée Lagacé
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Nicolas N Ellaham
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - M Kathleen Pichora-Fuller
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto (Mississauga), 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, , , , , , , ,
| | - Huiwen Goy
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto (Mississauga), 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, , , , , , , ,
| | - Camille Bégin
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Émilie Alary
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Rachael Bowman
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
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41
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Brown L, Mahomed-Asmail F, De Sousa KC, Swanepoel DW. Performance and Reliability of a Smartphone Digits-in-Noise Test in the Sound Field. Am J Audiol 2019; 28:736-741. [PMID: 32271118 DOI: 10.1044/2019_aja-heal18-18-0161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study compared the speech reception thresholds (SRTs) and test-retest reliability of the smartphone digits-in-noise (DIN) test coupled to various sound-field transducers. Method Fifty normal-hearing participants (bilateral pure- tone thresholds 0.5-8kHz ≤ 15dB HL) between the ages of 18 and 25 years (M = 20, SD = ±1.9) were recruited. The study used a repeated measure counterbalanced Latin square design to compare the SRTs of the smartphone DIN test recorded with earphones, 2 smartphone speakers, and 2 external loudspeakers in a sound booth. Test-retest reliability across sound field conditions was also determined. Results Mean SRTs across earphone and different sound field transducers ranged from -11.3 (SD = 0.8) to -11.7 (SD = 1.2). SRTs across the 4 different loudspeaker transducers and earphones were not significantly different (p > .05) between test and retest sessions. Conclusion The smartphone DIN test is reliable and can be conducted using various sound field transducers in a sound booth. To allow home-based testing without earphones, with special application to aided performance for speech-in-noise testing, the smartphone DIN test should be evaluated in home environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Brown
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Faheema Mahomed-Asmail
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Karina C. De Sousa
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - De Wet Swanepoel
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
- Ear Sciences Centre, School of Surgery, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia
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42
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Swanepoel DW, De Sousa KC, Smits C, Moore DR. Mobile applications to detect hearing impairment: opportunities and challenges. Bull World Health Organ 2019; 97:717-718. [PMID: 31656337 PMCID: PMC6796675 DOI: 10.2471/blt.18.227728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- De Wet Swanepoel
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Karina C De Sousa
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Cas Smits
- Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - David R Moore
- Communication Sciences Research Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Ohio, United States of America
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43
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Denys S, Hofmann M, van Wieringen A, Wouters J. Improving the efficiency of the digit triplet test using digit scoring with variable adaptive step sizes. Int J Audiol 2019; 58:670-677. [DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2019.1622042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sam Denys
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, ExpORL, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michael Hofmann
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, ExpORL, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Jan Wouters
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, ExpORL, Leuven, Belgium
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44
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Meyer C, Waite M, Atkins J, Scarinci N, Cowan R, Hickson L. Promoting Patient-Centered Hearing Care Through the Use of eHealth: Current Status and Future Possibilities. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1044/2018_pers-sig7-2018-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Carly Meyer
- The HEARing CRC, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Monique Waite
- The HEARing CRC, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jenny Atkins
- The HEARing CRC, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nerina Scarinci
- The HEARing CRC, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robert Cowan
- The HEARing CRC, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Louise Hickson
- The HEARing CRC, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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45
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De Sousa KC, Swanepoel DW, Moore DR, Smits C. A Smartphone National Hearing Test: Performance and Characteristics of Users. Am J Audiol 2018; 27:448-454. [PMID: 30452748 DOI: 10.1044/2018_aja-imia3-18-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The smartphone digits-in-noise hearing test, called hearZA, was made available as a self-test in South Africa in March 2016. This study determined characteristics and test performance of the listeners who took the test. METHOD A retrospective analysis of 24,072 persons who completed a test between March 2016 and August 2017 was conducted. User characteristics, including age, English-speaking competence, and self-reported hearing difficulty, were analyzed. Regression analyses were conducted to determine predictors of the speech reception threshold. RESULTS Overall referral rate of the hearZA test was 22.4%, and 37% of these reported a known hearing difficulty. Age distributions showed that 33.2% of listeners were ages 30 years and younger, 40.5% were between ages 31 and 50 years, and 26.4% were older than 50 years. Age, self-reported English-speaking competence, and self-reported hearing difficulty were significant predictors of the speech reception threshold. CONCLUSIONS High test uptake, particularly among younger users, and high overall referral rate indicates that the hearZA app addresses a public health need. The test also reaches target audiences, including those with self-reported hearing difficulty and those with normal hearing who should monitor their hearing ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina C. De Sousa
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - De Wet Swanepoel
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
- Ear Sciences Centre, School of Surgery, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco
| | - David R. Moore
- Communication Sciences Research Center, Cincinnati Childrens' Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Cas Smits
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, Section Ear & Hearing, and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, the Netherlands
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Kimball SH, Singh G, John AB, Jenstad LM. Implications and attitudes of audiologists towards smartphone integration in hearing healthcare. Hear Res 2018; 369:15-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2018.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Ratanjee-Vanmali H, Swanepoel DW, Laplante-Lévesque A. Characteristics, behaviours and readiness of persons seeking hearing healthcare online. Int J Audiol 2018; 58:107-115. [DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2018.1516895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Husmita Ratanjee-Vanmali
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Hearing Research Clinic Non-Profit Company, Durban, South Africa
| | - De Wet Swanepoel
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Australia
| | - Ariane Laplante-Lévesque
- Oticon Medical, Oticon A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Carlson KF, Sell S, Vachhani J, Folmer RL, Saunders G, Feeney MP. Enhancing Screening Systems to Facilitate Hearing-Healthcare Access: A Qualitative Study. J Am Acad Audiol 2018; 30:250-263. [PMID: 30461385 DOI: 10.3766/jaaa.15087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although hearing loss is a common health issue, hearing healthcare (HHC) is poorly accessed. Screening to identify hearing loss is an important part of HHC access, specifically for those who screen positive for hearing loss and would benefit from seeing a HHC provider. New technologies can be automated to provide information and recommendations that are tailored to the needs of individual users, potentially enhancing rates of HHC access after positive screens. A greater understanding of the facilitators of postscreening HHC access that could be leveraged in such systems is needed. PURPOSE The purpose of this project was to identify facilitators of postscreening HHC access that can be used in automated screening systems. RESEARCH DESIGN This qualitative study used focus groups (FGs) to understand perceived barriers, perceived benefits, and potential cues to action, as informed by the Health Belief Model, for accessing HHC after use of automated hearing screening systems. STUDY SAMPLE Fifty individuals participated in one of seven FGs. FGs were conducted separately with three types of stakeholders: four FGs included adults who reported some degree of perceived hearing loss and had recently completed a hearing screening; two FGs included adults who had recently sought HHC for the first time because of hearing loss; and one FG involved significant others/family members of individuals with hearing loss. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS FGs were 60-90 minutes in length and were led by a trained facilitator following a discussion guide. A research audiologist was present at each FG and served as a notetaker. FGs were recorded and transcribed by research team members, and transcripts were then coded in an iterative process by multiple team members. Qualitative content analysis was used to reduce data and to identify salient themes and subthemes, following an inductive approach. We focused on identifying themes that were related to facilitators of HHC access after positive screens for hearing loss and, separately, potential enhancements to automated hearing screening systems that would leverage these facilitators to improve HHC access. RESULTS We identified five key themes related to HHC access after a positive screen for hearing loss, along with ideas for enhancing automated hearing screening systems based on these themes. The themes included knowledge, trust, access, quality of life, and interpersonal influence. CONCLUSIONS The results of our work help inform the development of innovative hearing screening systems that can be automated to leverage individual facilitators of HHC access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen F Carlson
- National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR.,Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR.,Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Sara Sell
- National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR
| | - Jay Vachhani
- National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR
| | - Robert L Folmer
- National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR.,Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Gabrielle Saunders
- National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR.,Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
| | - M Patrick Feeney
- National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR.,Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
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Dick F. The whisper test and speech recognition tests. Occup Med (Lond) 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqy069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Finlay Dick
- International Medical Management Alliance House, United Kingdom
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Digit Triplet Test Hearing Screening With Broadband and Low-Pass Filtered Noise in a Middle-Aged Population. Ear Hear 2018; 39:825-828. [DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000000524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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