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European Archives of... Feb 2023This study aimed to determine hearing thresholds in an otologically normal population without occupational noise exposure aged 18 to 64 years using extended...
PURPOSE
This study aimed to determine hearing thresholds in an otologically normal population without occupational noise exposure aged 18 to 64 years using extended high-frequency audiometry (EHFA).
METHODS
Individuals from the general population who have never had hearing problems and whose job was not associated with noise exposure were included in the study and classified by age into 5 categories: 18-24 and, further, by 10 years of age. Each of these groups was further divided according to gender. All subjects underwent tympanometry, conventional pure-tone audiometry within the 0.125-8 kHz range, and extended high-frequency audiometry within the 9-16 kHz range, performed according to the standards. The significance level for statistical testing was set at 5%.
RESULTS
Here, we established hearing thresholds in an otologically healthy population within the extended high-frequency (EHF) range (9-16 kHz). We found the EHFA to be a highly sensitive method for early detection of hearing loss, with hearing thresholds decreasing as soon as 35 years of age. In males, the hearing thresholds grew with age more rapidly than in women. The ability to respond at EHF gradually decreased with age and increasing frequency.
CONCLUSION
Our results can help improve the knowledge of EHF hearing thresholds for individual sexes and age groups. So far, the standard 7029:2017 is not binding and, moreover, it only reaches up to the frequency of 12.5 kHz. EHFA is a highly sensitive method for the evaluation of hearing loss depending on age and sex.
Topics: Male; Adult; Humans; Female; Child; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Hearing; Hearing Loss; Acoustic Impedance Tests; Deafness; Auditory Threshold; Audiometry; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced
PubMed: 35763083
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-022-07498-1 -
Radiation and Environmental Biophysics Nov 2021Numerous studies have documented the adverse effects of high-dose radiation on hearing in patients. On the other hand, radiographers are exposed to a low dose of... (Review)
Review
Numerous studies have documented the adverse effects of high-dose radiation on hearing in patients. On the other hand, radiographers are exposed to a low dose of ionizing radiation, and the effect of a low dose of radiation on hearing is quite abstruse. Therefore, the present systematic review aimed to elucidate the effect of low-dose ionizing radiation on hearing. Two authors independently carried out a comprehensive data search in three electronic databases, including PUBMED/MEDLINE, CINAHL, and SCOPUS. Eligible articles were independently assessed for quality by two authors. Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used assess quality of the included studies. Two articles met the low-dose radiation exposure criteria given by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and National Council on Radiation Protection (NCRP) guidelines. Both studies observed the behavioral symptoms, pure-tone hearing sensitivity at the standard, extended high frequencies, and the middle ear functioning in low-dose radiation-exposed individuals and compared with age and gender-matched controls. One study assessed the cochlear function using transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE). Both studies reported that behavioral symptoms of auditory dysfunction and hearing thresholds at extended high frequencies were higher in radiation-exposed individuals than in the controls. The current systematic review concludes that the low-dose ionizing radiation may affect the hearing adversely. Nevertheless, further studies with robust research design are required to explicate the cause and effect relationship between the occupational low-dose ionizing radiation exposure and hearing.
Topics: Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Auditory Threshold; Hearing; Humans; Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous
PubMed: 34302524
DOI: 10.1007/s00411-021-00926-6 -
Test-retest reliability of distortion-product thresholds compared to behavioral auditory thresholds.Hearing Research Jul 2021When referred to baseline measures, serial monitoring of pure-tone behavioral thresholds and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) can be used to detect the...
When referred to baseline measures, serial monitoring of pure-tone behavioral thresholds and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) can be used to detect the progression of cochlear damage. Semi-logarithmic DPOAE input-output (I/O) functions enable the computation of estimated distortion-product thresholds (EDPTs) by means of linear regression, a metric that provides a quantitative estimate of hearing loss due to cochlear-amplifier degradation. DPOAE wave interference and a suboptimal choice of stimulus levels limit the accuracy of EDPTs. This work identifies the test-retest reliability of EDPTs derived from short-pulse DPOAE level maps (EDPT), a method that circumvents limitations associated with both wave interference and suboptimal choice of stimulus levels. The test-retest reliability was compared to that of EDPTs derived from semi-logarithmic I/O functions (EDPT) and that of behavioral thresholds acquired with pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and modified Békésy tracking audiometry (TA) to provide a foundation for identifying and interpreting significant threshold shifts. The DPOAE-based auditory thresholds (EDPT and EDPT) and behavioral thresholds (PTA and TA) were recorded seven times within three months at 14 frequencies with f = 1-14 kHz in 20 ears from ten subjects with normal hearing (4PTA < 20 dB HL). To obtain EDPT, short-pulse DPOAEs were recorded using 21 L,L pairs. Reconstruction of DPOAE growth behavior as a function of L and L using nonlinear curve fitting enabled the derivation of EDPT for each frequency. Test-retest reliability was determined using three different approaches: 1) centered thresholds, 2) average threshold differences, and 3) average absolute threshold differences, between each possible test session (N = 21). Test-retest reliability based on centered thresholds and average threshold differences showed no statistically significant difference between EDPT, EDPT, PTA, and TA for the pooled analysis incorporating all stimulus frequencies. Average absolute threshold differences presented small but significant differences in test-retest reliability with median values of 3.00 dB for PTA, 3.20 dB for TA, 3.34 dB for EDPT, and 3.51 dB for EDPT. A considerable frequency dependence of test-retest reliability was found; namely, the highest test-retest reliability was for EDPT at f = 11 - 14 kHz. Otherwise, at lower frequencies, the highest test-retest reliability was for TA at f =1 - 2 kHz. Overall, the test-retest reliability of EDPT was better than that of EDPT and was similar to that for behavioral thresholds. Hence, deriving EDPT from individual level maps is a promising and sensitive method for objectively monitoring the state of the cochlea. Furthermore, the detection of an equidirectional threshold change at a single frequency in both EDPT and TA might allow reducing the threshold shift as indication of a follow-up examination from the clinical standard of 10 dB down to 5 dB. This stricter indicator might be beneficial when monitoring cochlear damage, for example ototoxicity, in the presence of (remnant) cochlear amplification at baseline.
Topics: Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Auditory Threshold; Cochlea; Humans; Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 33984603
DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2021.108232 -
European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology,... Dec 2017Psychogenic hearing loss, formerly known as functional or non-organic hearing loss, is a classic cause of consultation in infantile audiology. Risk factors include...
Psychogenic hearing loss, formerly known as functional or non-organic hearing loss, is a classic cause of consultation in infantile audiology. Risk factors include female gender, and age 8 or 12 years. Onset is relatively sudden, without impact on schooling or voice quality. Audiometric signs comprise non-superimposable audiometric thresholds (variable audiometric results), bilaterality, flat mean audiometric curve, and discrepancy between pure-tone and speech audiometry. The child needs reassuring during audiometric examination: attention-diversion techniques may be effective. Objective audiometry allows positive diagnosis, followed by rehabilitation and psychological care.
Topics: Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Audiometry, Speech; Auditory Threshold; Child; Female; Hearing Loss, Functional; Humans; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Factors; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sex Factors; Speech Perception
PubMed: 28479298
DOI: 10.1016/j.anorl.2017.03.009 -
The Journal of International Advanced... Nov 2021The effect of postmenopausal osteoporosis on the middle ear mechano-acoustic system is unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate whether or not middle ear...
BACKGROUND
The effect of postmenopausal osteoporosis on the middle ear mechano-acoustic system is unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate whether or not middle ear resonance frequency is affected in females with postmenopausal osteoporosis.
METHODS
The study included postmenopausal women aged 45-60 years, separated into 2 groups as females with postmenopausal osteoporosis and healthy postmenopausal females (control group). A detailed anamnesis was taken from all subjects and then the ear, nose, and throat examinations were done followed by pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, and multifrequency tympanometry tests. The groups were compared in respect of pure tone average, bone conduction threshold, RF, static admittance, and tympanometric peak pressure values.
RESULTS
The mean age of the patients was 59.2 ± 4.53 years (range, 48-65 years) in the postmenopausal osteoporosis group and 57.11 ± 4.27 years (range, 48-65 years) in the control group (P > .05). The mean resonance frequency values for the postmenopausal osteoporosis and control group were 954.41 ± 127.47 and 935.29 ± 126.39 Hz (P > .05 ). The mean static admittance values for the postmenopausal osteoporosis and control group were 0.82 ± 0.33 and 0.85 ± 0.3 mmho, and mean tympanometric peak pressure values were -7.35 ± 18.52 and -6.94 ± 19.52 daPa (P > .05 for both static admittance and tympanometric peak pressure). The mean pure tone averagevalues for the postmenopausal osteoporosis and control group were 20.96 ± 6.82 and 15.60 ± 7.81 dB, and mean bone conduction threshold values were 17.57 ± 6.03 and 12.10 ± 6.52 dB (P < .05 for both pure tone average and bone conduction threshold).
CONCLUSIONS
The results showed that the middle ear resonance frequency values were not affected in postmenopausal osteoporosis patients, but there was seen to be greater sensorineural hearing loss in females with postmenopausal osteoporosis compared to healthy postmenopausal females.
Topics: Acoustic Impedance Tests; Aged; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Bone Conduction; Ear, Middle; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal
PubMed: 35177390
DOI: 10.5152/iao.2021.21069 -
JASA Express Letters Dec 2021ADHEAR is a bone conduction hearing aid that uses an adhesive skin adapter. In the current study, the use of ADHEAR as an audiometric bone stimulator was investigated in...
ADHEAR is a bone conduction hearing aid that uses an adhesive skin adapter. In the current study, the use of ADHEAR as an audiometric bone stimulator was investigated in normal-hearing subjects by comparing it to the standard Radio-Ear B71. Bone conduction thresholds of 15 normal-hearing subjects (aged 21-36 years) were measured four times in a randomized order, twice with the B71 and twice with the ADHEAR. There were no significant differences in test-retest reliability between the two devices. Subjectively rated comfort was better for the ADHEAR. The development of a specific audiometric adhesive bone stimulator may be warranted.
Topics: Adhesives; Audiometry; Bone Conduction; Hearing Aids; Hearing Loss, Conductive; Humans; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 36154383
DOI: 10.1121/10.0009082 -
The Permanente Journal May 2021Conduct a comparison study between conventional audiometry and a tablet-based hearing screening application, Kids Hearing Game (KHG). If KHG measures hearing at levels...
OBJECTIVE
Conduct a comparison study between conventional audiometry and a tablet-based hearing screening application, Kids Hearing Game (KHG). If KHG measures hearing at levels comparable with conventional audiometry, it could be used to screen hearing in children.
METHODS
Prospective equivalence study where measurements of pure tone hearing via KHG are compared with measurements of pure tone hearing via conventional audiometry in patients aged 6-11 years over a 4-month period. Eighteen patients completed the study. Results from 36 ears were included in the data for analysis. Decibel measurements from each frequency measured with KHG for each ear were compared with conventional audiometry. Mean measurements were calculated for each ear and frequency as well as mean differences in measurements at each ear and frequency. Tests of equivalence were used to assess mean within-subject differences in decibel measurements using a 10-dB zone of indifference.
RESULTS
Mean decibel measurements using KHG for the right ear at 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 Hz and the left ear at 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 Hz were found equivalent to conventional audiometry (p < 0.050). The mean decibel measurement using KHG for the left ear at 500 Hz was found not equivalent (p = 0.101). However, when left and right ear data were analyzed together, KHG was found to be equivalent to conventional audiometry across all frequencies. Eight patients having hearing loss greater than 25 dB on conventional audiometry were also identified by KHG to have hearing loss.
CONCLUSION
KHG is comparable to conventional audiometry and may be used as a screening tool for children.
Topics: Audiology; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Child; Hearing; Hearing Loss; Humans; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 33970081
DOI: 10.7812/TPP/20.157 -
European Review For Medical and... Oct 2023This study aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between changes in blood estrogen levels and hearing threshold levels in women undergoing in vitro...
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between changes in blood estrogen levels and hearing threshold levels in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Sixty patients with normal otoscopic examination findings and scheduled for IVF treatment were included in the study. All patients underwent pure tone audiometry, tympanogram tests, and otoacoustic emission measurements (TEOAE) during IVF treatment, and estrogen levels were measured simultaneously. The patients were divided into three groups based on estrogen levels during IVF. The patients' audiological test results at the beginning and end of treatment (the 12th day) were compared between the groups.
RESULTS
There was an increase in hearing levels on the 12th day of treatment compared to the beginning of treatment in all the study groups. This increase was significant between Group 1 and Group 2 and between Group 1 and Group 3 (p<0.05). The best hearing in audiometry was determined in the patients in Group 2. While a significant increase was observed in TEOAE (otoacoustic emission) measurements in Groups 1 and 2, a significant decrease was determined in Group 3 (p<0.05). Middle ear pressure and compliance measurements on the tympanogram tests were significantly lower in Group 3 compared to Groups 1 and 2 (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
During IVF treatment, as the estrogen level increases, it causes an increase in the level of hearing, but this increase does not continue after specific doses.
Topics: Humans; Female; Auditory Threshold; Hearing; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Estrogens; Fertilization in Vitro
PubMed: 37869950
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202310_34072 -
BMJ Case Reports Jul 2021Pneumolabyrinth refers to the presence of air within the inner ear and is a fairly common occurrence immediately after stapes surgery, but rarely occurs in a delayed...
Pneumolabyrinth refers to the presence of air within the inner ear and is a fairly common occurrence immediately after stapes surgery, but rarely occurs in a delayed manner years after the initial operation. We present a case of a patient with a history of left stapedotomy 15 years prior, who presented with acute onset vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss in her operated ear. Her symptoms were preceded by an upper respiratory tract infection associated with bouts of sneezing. Examination revealed a spontaneous right beating nystagmus and positive head thrust to the left. Pure tone audiometry demonstrated a left mixed hearing loss which subsequently deteriorated to a profound sensorineural hearing loss. CT showed the presence of air within the left vestibule and semicircular canals. The patient underwent an exploratory tympanotomy and repair of perilymphatic leak with resolution of vestibular symptoms but no improvement in sensorineural hearing thresholds.
Topics: Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Ear, Middle; Female; Humans; Labyrinth Diseases; Sneezing; Stapes Surgery; Vertigo
PubMed: 34253526
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-243575 -
Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences Aug 2022Electrocochleography (ECochG), one of the first defined tests under auditory evoked potentials, is a total electrical response of inner and outer hair cells inside the...
BACKGROUND
Electrocochleography (ECochG), one of the first defined tests under auditory evoked potentials, is a total electrical response of inner and outer hair cells inside the cochlea and auditory nerve record technique to the presence of an acoustic stimulus. These records can be used in Meniere disease and auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder diagnosis, intraoperative monitoring. In addition, the presence of cochlear microphonics plays a crucial role in auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder diagnosis. In our study, healthy individuals were tested with extratimpanic electrocochleography record method via Click and LS CE-Chirp stimulus, and the results were compared to the age, sex, and noise sensitivity categories.
METHODS
This study had executed at Başkent University, Faculty of Health Sciences Audiology laboratory. The study group consisted of 42 volunteers between 18 and 40 years old. To understand the suitability of volunteers, pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, and transient otoacoustic emission tests were performed. Individuals with no hearing loss were tested with 100 dBnHL intensity level via click and LS CE-Chirp stimulus. The obtained values were statistically evaluated in the SPSS 23.0 program in accordance with the data distribution. An independent sample t-test was used for data showing normal distribution, and Mann-Whitney U test was used for data not showing normal distribution. The level (p < 0.05) was considered statistically significant for all analyses performed.
RESULTS
Cochlear microphonic amplitudes recorded with click and LS CE-Chirp stimuli were higher in males than in females (p = 0.051 and p = 0.001, respectively). When the age groups were evaluated, no difference was observed in the CM amplitudes obtained with both click and LS CE-Chirp stimuli. There was no correlation between age and CM amplitudes. Additionally, it was determined that the CM amplitudes recorded with the click stimulus in individuals with noise sensitivity were higher than those without noise sensitivity (p = 0.051).
DISCUSSION
It is thought that the ECochG amplitudes of different gender, different age, and different noise sensitivity, which are the results of our study, can be used in the diagnosis of diseases such as auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Hearing Loss, Central; Audiometry, Evoked Response; Cochlea; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem
PubMed: 36326414
DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5396