-
Hearing Research Nov 2020Extended high frequencies (EHF), above 8 kHz, represent a region of the human hearing spectrum that is generally ignored by clinicians and researchers alike. This...
Extended high frequencies (EHF), above 8 kHz, represent a region of the human hearing spectrum that is generally ignored by clinicians and researchers alike. This article is a compilation of contributions that, together, make the case for an essential role of EHF in both normal hearing and auditory dysfunction. We start with the fundamentals of biological and acoustic determinism - humans have EHF hearing for a purpose, for example, the detection of prey, predators, and mates. EHF hearing may also provide a boost to speech perception in challenging conditions and its loss, conversely, might help explain difficulty with the same task. However, it could be that EHF are a marker for damage in the conventional frequency region that is more related to speech perception difficulties. Measurement of EHF hearing in concert with otoacoustic emissions could provide an early warning of age-related hearing loss. In early life, when EHF hearing sensitivity is optimal, we can use it for enhanced phonetic identification during language learning, but we are also susceptible to diseases that can prematurely damage it. EHF audiometry techniques and standardization are reviewed, providing evidence that they are reliable to measure and provide important information for early detection, monitoring and possible prevention of hearing loss in populations at-risk. To better understand the full contribution of EHF to human hearing, clinicians and researchers can contribute by including its measurement, along with measures of speech in noise and self-report of hearing difficulties and tinnitus in clinical evaluations and studies.
Topics: Adult; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Auditory Threshold; Child; Hearing; Hearing Loss; Humans; Noise; Speech Perception
PubMed: 32111404
DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2020.107922 -
BMJ Open Aug 2022Systematically investigate the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) on the audio-vestibular system.
OBJECTIVE
Systematically investigate the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) on the audio-vestibular system.
METHODS
Systematic review of literature investigating audio-vestibular conditions in persons with MS (PwMS) aged ≥18 years. PubMed, Scopus, NICE and Web of Science were searched. Randomised controlled trials, and cohort, case-control, observational and retrospective studies in English, published from 2000 to 21 November 2021, evaluated PwMS with at least one outcome (pure tone audiometry, auditory brainstem response, otoacoustic emissions, cortical auditory evoked potentials, functional MRI assessing auditory function, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, videonystagmography, electronystagmography, posturography, rotary chair, gaps in noise, word discrimination scores, duration pattern sequence test), were included. Study selection and assessments of bias were independently conducted by two reviewers using the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Non-randomized Studies, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the NOS adapted for cross-sectional studies.
RESULTS
35 studies were included. Auditory function was evaluated in 714 PwMS and 501 controls, vestibular function was evaluated in 682 PwMS and 446 controls. Peripheral auditory function results were contradictory between studies; some found abnormalities in PwMS, and others found no differences. Tests of brainstem and central auditory functions were more consistently found to be abnormal in PwMS. Most vestibular tests were reported as abnormal in PwMS, abnormalities were either peripheral or central or both. However, quantitative analyses could not be performed due to discrepancies between studies in results reporting, test stimulus and recording parameters.
CONCLUSIONS
Although abnormal results on auditory and vestibular tests were noted in PwMS, specific effects of MS on the audio-vestibular system could not be determined due to the heterogeneity between studies that restricted the ability to conduct any quantitative analyses. Further research with consistent reporting, consistent stimulus and consistent recording parameters is needed in order to quantify the effects of MS on the auditory and vestibular systems.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020180094.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35977771
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060540 -
Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil) Apr 2015To compare the efficacy and feasibility of teleaudiometry with that of sweep audiometry in elementary school children, using pure-tone audiometry as the gold standard. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and feasibility of teleaudiometry with that of sweep audiometry in elementary school children, using pure-tone audiometry as the gold standard.
METHODS
A total of 243 students with a mean age of 8.3 years participated in the study. Of these, 118 were boys, and 125 were girls. The following procedures were performed: teleaudiometry screening with software that evaluates hearing at frequencies of 1,000, 2000 and 4000 Hz at 25 dBHL; sweep audiometry screening in an acoustic booth (20 dBHL at the same frequencies); pure-tone audiometry thresholds in an acoustic booth (frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz); and acoustic immittance measurements.
RESULTS
The diagnostic capacities of the teleaudiometry/sweep audiometry screening methods were as follows: sensitivity ϝ 58%/65%; specificity ϝ 86%/99%; positive predictive value ϝ 51%/91%; negative predictive value ϝ 89%/92%; and accuracy ϝ 81%/92%. Teleaudiometry and sweep audiometry showed moderate agreement. Furthermore, the use of these methods in series with immittance testing improved the specificity, whereas parallel testing improved the sensitivity.
CONCLUSION
Teleaudiometry was found to be reliable and feasible for screening hearing in school children. Moreover, teleaudiometry is the preferred method for remote areas where specialized personnel and specific equipment are not available, and its use may reduce the costs of hearing screening programs.
Topics: Adolescent; Audiometry; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Auditory Threshold; Child; Feasibility Studies; Female; Hearing Loss; Humans; Male; Mass Screening; Reference Values; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Software; Telemedicine
PubMed: 26017796
DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2015(04)11 -
CoDAS 2019To compare clinical characteristics of tinnitus and interference in quality of life in individuals with and without associated hearing loss, as well as to discuss the...
PURPOSE
To compare clinical characteristics of tinnitus and interference in quality of life in individuals with and without associated hearing loss, as well as to discuss the association of quantitative measurements and qualitative instruments.
METHODS
A quantitative, cross-sectional and comparative study approved by the Research Ethics Committee (No. 973.314/CAEE: 41634815.3.0000.0106) was carried out. The responses of the psychoacoustic assessment of tinnitus (intensity, frequency, minimum masking level and loudness discomfort level for pure tone and speech), as well as the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) questionnaire, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) were compared between 15 patients with tinnitus and peripheral hearing loss (group I) and 16 adults with normal hearing (group II).
RESULTS
The mean VAS and THI scores obtained in GI were 5.1 (+1.5) and 42.3 (+18), and in GII, 5.7 (+2.6) and 32.7 (+25), respectively. This result suggests moderate GI annoyance and moderate/mild GII annoyance (p>0.005). There was a positive and moderate correlation between THI and VAS only in GII. In the psychoacoustic evaluation, significant differences were observed between the groups regarding the measurement of loudness (*p=0.013) and the minimum masking level (*p=0.001).
CONCLUSION
There was no direct influence of the presence of hearing loss in relation to the impact of tinnitus. The differences found between the groups regarding the psychoacoustics measures can be justified by the presence of cochlear damage. The objective measurement of tinnitus, regardless of the presence or absence of peripheral hearing loss, is an important instrument to be used along with self-evaluation measures.
Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Audiometry; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Hearing Loss; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Psychoacoustics; Quality of Life; Retrospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index; Surveys and Questionnaires; Tinnitus; Visual Analog Scale; Young Adult
PubMed: 31644709
DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20192018029 -
Annals of Palliative Medicine Dec 2021This study aimed to systematically evaluate the detection effect of extended high-frequency audiometry (EHFA) in tinnitus patients and provide a theoretical basis for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to systematically evaluate the detection effect of extended high-frequency audiometry (EHFA) in tinnitus patients and provide a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis of tinnitus.
METHODS
We conducted a computer-based search for randomized controlled trial (RCT) literature on extended audiometry in tinnitus patients using the PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Elsevier Science Direct databases. The search dates ranged from the database establishment date to February 2020. Risk of bias in the included literature was evaluated using the RCT bias risk assessment standard provided in the Handbook for Systematic Reviews for Interventions (version 5.0.2, 2008, Chapter 9). Finally, Review Manager 5.3 software was used to conduct a meta-analysis of the included literature.
RESULTS
The retrieved literature was systematically screened. A total of 10 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis, which involved a total of 1,389 tinnitus patients. The results of the meta-analysis showed that at the frequencies of 14 kHz and 16 kHz, there was visible difference in detection rate of hearing threshold (DR-HT) between the 2 groups [odds ratio (OR) =0.21, 95 confidential interval (CI): 0.14-0.32, Z=7.29, P<0.00001] and (OR =0.14, 95% CI: 0.07-0.27, Z=5.96, P<0.00001) respectively. When the frequency was 18 kHz, there was a significant statistical difference in DR-HT between the 2 groups (OR =0.13, 95% CI: 0.07-0.24, Z=6.50, P<0.00001), and at 20 kHz, the statistically significant difference in DR-HT between the 2 groups was high (OR =0.17, 95% CI: 0.12-0.23, Z=10.38, P<0.00001).
DISCUSSION
EHFA had a critical effect on tinnitus patients. The meta-analysis provided evidence for early hearing loss in tinnitus patients. EHFA played a crucial role in the clinical diagnosis of tinnitus patients.
Topics: Audiometry; China; Hearing Loss; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tinnitus
PubMed: 35016434
DOI: 10.21037/apm-21-3060 -
PloS One 2021To test the hypothesis that caffeine can influence tinnitus, we recruited 80 patients with chronic tinnitus and randomly allocated them into two groups (caffeine and... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
To test the hypothesis that caffeine can influence tinnitus, we recruited 80 patients with chronic tinnitus and randomly allocated them into two groups (caffeine and placebo) to analyze the self-perception of tinnitus symptoms after caffeine consumption, assuming that this is an adequate sample for generalization.
METHODS
The participants were randomized into two groups: one group was administered a 300-mg capsule of caffeine, and the other group was given a placebo capsule (cornstarch). A diet that restricted caffeine consumption for 24 hours was implemented. The participants answered questionnaires (the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory-THI, the Visual Analog Scale-VAS, the profile of mood state-POMS) and underwent examinations (tonal and high frequency audiometry, acufenometry (frequency measure; intensity measure and the minimum level of tinnitus masking), transient otoacoustic emissions-TEOAE and distortion product otoacoustic emissions-DPOAE assessments) at two timepoints: at baseline and after capsule ingestion.
RESULTS
There was a significant change in mood (measured by the POMS) after caffeine consumption. The THI and VAS scores were improved at the second timepoint in both groups. The audiometry assessment showed a significant difference in some frequencies between baseline and follow-up measurements in both groups, but these differences were not clinically relevant. Similar findings were observed for the amplitude and signal-to-noise ratio in the TEOAE and DPOAE measurements.
CONCLUSIONS
Caffeine (300 mg) did not significantly alter the psychoacoustic measures, electroacoustic measures or the tinnitus-related degree of discomfort.
Topics: Adult; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Caffeine; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous; Psychoacoustics; Surveys and Questionnaires; Tinnitus
PubMed: 34543285
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256275 -
The Medical Journal of Malaysia May 2022Electrode placement plays an important role in Brain Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) recording. It is important to measure wave latency and amplitude accurately in...
BACKGROUND
Electrode placement plays an important role in Brain Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) recording. It is important to measure wave latency and amplitude accurately in determining hearing level. Young children usually have limited mastoid area, and in certain condition, it is often difficult to place the vibrator and electrodes coinciding on the mastoid. Therefore, earlobe electrode is considered as an alternative placement.
PURPOSE
The aim was to correlate the wave V latency and amplitude on the mastoid and earlobe electrodes in BERA recording.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Our study was a cross-sectional study conducted at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia, between November 2020 and November 2021. Our subjects were infants and young children with normal hearing who underwent BERA examination. Electrodes were used to record BERA, and the electrodes were placed over the earlobes and mastoid area. Clicks at 20, 40, and 60 dB and tone burst at 500 Hz were used as stimuli for both ears.
RESULT
Fifty subjects (100 ears) were included in the study. Our statistical analysis showed that there was a strong correlation between wave V latencies from mastoid and earlobe electrode. Moderate correlation was also found in wave V amplitude between both electrodes.
CONCLUSION
Our study has demonstrated that placing electrodes on the earlobe area is reliable, particularly in certain condition when placing the electrodes on the mastoid area is not possible.
Topics: Audiometry, Evoked Response; Brain; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Electrodes; Hearing; Humans; Infant; Mastoid
PubMed: 35638488
DOI: No ID Found -
Biomedical Papers of the Medical... Sep 2018The correct diagnosis of CPA tumours is a relatively common issue in both neurological and ENT practice, the omission of which can have serious consequences for the... (Review)
Review
The correct diagnosis of CPA tumours is a relatively common issue in both neurological and ENT practice, the omission of which can have serious consequences for the patient. Properly set clinical guidelines and diagnostic protocols are key aspects of good clinical practice. In the case of CPA tumours, two options are available: the first is diagnosis with the help of an ABR as the primary tool for determining the group of patients with a possible tumour; the second is an MRI scan of the posterior cranial fossa. With an appropriately set diagnostic protocol in place, and despite the 40% chance of failure of the ABR to detect tumours less than or equal to 1 cm, similar treatment results can be achieved with much higher cost efficacy in case of primary ABR testing.
Topics: Acoustic Impedance Tests; Audiometry; Cerebellopontine Angle; Evoked Potentials, Auditory; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Neuroma, Acoustic
PubMed: 29765166
DOI: 10.5507/bp.2018.013 -
Journal of Communication Disorders 2016The purpose of this study was to compare various speech audiometry measures between HIV+ and HIV- adults and to further evaluate the association between speech...
The purpose of this study was to compare various speech audiometry measures between HIV+ and HIV- adults and to further evaluate the association between speech audiometry and HIV disease variables in HIV+ adults only. Three hundred ninety-six adults from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) and Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) completed speech audiometry testing. There were 262 men, of whom 117 (44.7%) were HIV+, and 134 women, of whom 105 (78.4%) were HIV+. Speech audiometry was conducted as part of the standard clinical audiological evaluation that included otoscopy, tympanometry, and pure-tone air- and bone-conduction thresholds. Specific speech audiometry measures included speech recognition thresholds (SRT) and word recognition scores in quiet presented at 40dB sensation level (SL) in reference to the SRT. SRT data were categorized in 5-dB steps from 0 to 25dB hearing level (HL) with one category as ≥30dB HL while word recognition scores were categorized as <90%, 90-99%, and 100%. A generalized estimating equations model was used to evaluate the association between HIV status and both ordinal outcomes. The SRT distributions across HIV+ and HIV- adults were similar. HIV+ and HIV- adults had a similar percentages of word recognition scores <90%, a lower percentage of HIV- adults had 90-99%, but HIV- adults had a higher percentage of 100%. After adjusting for covariables, HIV+ adults were borderline significantly more likely to have a higher SRT than HIV- adults (odds ratio [OR]=1.45, p=0.06). Among HIV+ adults, HIV-related variables (i.e., CD4+ T-cell counts, HIV viral load, and ever history of clinical AIDS) were not significantly associated with either SRT or word recognition score data. There was, however, a ceiling effect for word recognition scores, probably the result of obtaining this measure in quiet with a relatively high presentation level. A more complex listening task, such as speech-in-noise testing, may be a more clinically informative test to evaluate the effects of HIV on speech communication.
Topics: Audiometry, Speech; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Speech Perception
PubMed: 27477593
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcomdis.2016.07.004 -
The Journal of the Acoustical Society... Mar 2016The relationship between the intensity and loudness of self-generated (autophonic) speech remains invariant despite changes in auditory feedback, indicating that... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
The relationship between the intensity and loudness of self-generated (autophonic) speech remains invariant despite changes in auditory feedback, indicating that non-auditory processes contribute to this form of perception. The aim of the current study was to determine if the speech perception deficit associated with Parkinson's disease may be linked to deficits in such processes. Loudness magnitude estimates were obtained from parkinsonian and non-parkinsonian subjects across four separate conditions: self-produced speech under normal, perturbed, and masked auditory feedback, as well as auditory presentation of pre-recorded speech (passive listening). Slopes and intercepts of loudness curves were compared across groups and conditions. A significant difference in slope was found between autophonic and passive-listening conditions for both groups. Unlike control subjects, parkinsonian subjects' magnitude estimates under auditory masking increased in variability and did not show as strong a shift in intercept values. These results suggest that individuals with Parkinson's disease rely on auditory feedback to compensate for underlying deficits in sensorimotor integration important in establishing and regulating autophonic loudness.
Topics: Acoustic Stimulation; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Audiometry, Speech; Auditory Threshold; Case-Control Studies; Feedback, Sensory; Female; Humans; Loudness Perception; Male; Middle Aged; Parkinson Disease; Perceptual Masking; Speech Perception; Voice Quality
PubMed: 27036273
DOI: 10.1121/1.4944569