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Frontiers in Neurology 2023The recognition of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) as a distinct clinical condition that impacts hearing capacity and mental health has gained attention. Although... (Review)
Review
The recognition of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) as a distinct clinical condition that impacts hearing capacity and mental health has gained attention. Although pure tone audiometry is the gold standard for assessing hearing, it inadequately reflects everyday hearing abilities, especially in challenging acoustic environments. Deficits in speech perception in noise, a key aspect of APD, have been linked to an increased risk of dementia. The World Health Organization emphasizes the need for evaluating central auditory function in cases of mild hearing loss and normal audiometry results. Specific questionnaires play a crucial role in documenting and quantifying the difficulties faced by individuals with APD. Validated questionnaires such as the Children's Auditory Processing Performance Scale, the Fisher's Auditory Problems Checklist, and the Auditory Processing Domains Questionnaire are available for children, while questionnaires for adults include items related to auditory functions associated with APD. This systematic review and meta-analysis identified six questionnaires used for screening and evaluating APD with a total of 783 participants across 12 studies. The questionnaires exhibited differences in domains evaluated, scoring methods, and evaluation of listening in quiet and noise. Meta-analysis results demonstrated that individuals with APD consistently exhibited worse scores compared to healthy controls across all questionnaires. Additionally, comparisons with clinical control groups showed varying results. The study highlights (i) the importance of standardized questionnaires in identifying and assessing APD, aiding in its diagnosis and management, and (ii) the need to use sub-scores as well as overall scores of questionnaires to elaborate on specific hearing and listening situations. There is a need to develop more APD specific questionnaires for the adult population as well as for more focused research on APD diagnosed individuals to further establish the validity and reliability of these questionnaires.
PubMed: 37621857
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1243170 -
Clinical Otolaryngology : Official... Jan 2024Technological advancements in mobile audiometry (MA) have enabled hearing assessment using tablets and smartphones. This systematic review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021274761)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Technological advancements in mobile audiometry (MA) have enabled hearing assessment using tablets and smartphones. This systematic review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021274761) aimed to identify MA options available to health providers, assess their accuracy in measuring hearing thresholds, and explore factors that might influence their accuracy.
DESIGN AND SETTING
A systematic search of online databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Evidence Search and Dynamed was conducted on 13th December 2021, and repeated on 30th October 2022, using appropriate Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms. Eligible studies reported the use of MA to determine hearing thresholds and compared results to conventional pure-tone audiometry (CA). Studies investigating MA for hearing screening (i.e. reporting just pass/fail) were ineligible for inclusion. Two authors independently reviewed studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality and risk of bias using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool.
PARTICIPANTS
Adults and children, with and without diagnosis of hearing impairment.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
A meta-analysis was performed to obtain the mean difference between thresholds measured using MA and CA in dB HL.
RESULTS
Searches returned 858 articles. After systematic review, 17 articles including 1032 participants were analysed. The most used software application was Shoebox (6/17) followed by Hearing Test (3/17), then HearTest (2/17). Tablet computers were used in ten studies, smartphones in six, and a computer in one. The mean difference between MA and CA thresholds was 1.36 dB (95% CI, 0.07-2.66, p = 0.04). Significant differences between mobile audiometry (MA) and conventional audiometry (CA) thresholds were observed in thresholds measured at 500Hz, in children, when MA was conducted in a sound booth, and when MA was self-administered. However, these differences did not exceed the clinically significant threshold of 10 decibels (dB). Included studies exhibited high levels of heterogeneity, high risk of bias and low concerns about applicability.
CONCLUSIONS
MA compares favourably to CA in measuring hearing thresholds and has role in providing access to hearing assessment in situations where CA is not available or feasible. Future studies should prioritize the integration of pure-tone threshold assessment with additional tests, such as Speech Recognition and Digits-in-Noise, for a more rounded evaluation of hearing ability, assesses acceptability and feasibility, and the cost-effectiveness of MA in non-specialist settings.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Auditory Threshold; Hearing; Hearing Loss; Audiometry; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Smartphone
PubMed: 37828806
DOI: 10.1111/coa.14107 -
International Journal of Audiology Sep 2023To investigate the implications of Parkinson's disease (PD) in the peripheral auditory system, a systematic survey of the scientific literature was conducted. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the implications of Parkinson's disease (PD) in the peripheral auditory system, a systematic survey of the scientific literature was conducted.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
STUDY SAMPLE
An electronic search of the non-gray literature in the last decade was conducted using the digital databases MEDLINE® (PubMed interface), LILACS® (Virtual Health Library), Web of Science® (CAPES publications portal), and SciELO®. Studies addressing peripheral auditory function as part of the range of nonmotor PD symptoms were selected for analysis.
RESULTS
Pure tone audiometry data suggested that sensorineural hearing loss was more severe in the PD population than in the control groups. The effects of PD on cochlear function were evidenced by a decrease in the levels of otoacoustic emissions.
CONCLUSIONS
Sensorineural hearing loss and cochlear impairment are more severe in the PD population than in the control groups. Additional studies are recommended to further understand the characteristics of the peripheral auditory system in PD patients, which constitutes an emerging subject in the scientific literature.
Topics: Humans; Parkinson Disease; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous; Cochlea; Audiometry, Pure-Tone
PubMed: 35980314
DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2109073 -
Telemedicine Journal and E-health : the... Oct 2023nn (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
nn
Topics: Adult; Humans; Hearing Loss; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Sensitivity and Specificity; Cohort Studies; Telemedicine
PubMed: 36862527
DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0427 -
Efficacy of gelfoam middle ear packing in type-1 tympanoplasty: systematic review and meta-analysis.European Archives of... Aug 2023To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the surgical outcomes of type-1 tympanoplasty with and without... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the surgical outcomes of type-1 tympanoplasty with and without gelfoam middle ear packing.
METHODS
PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were screened from inception until October 2022. The included RCTs were evaluated for risk of bias, and the quality of each outcome was assessed according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system.
RESULTS
Nine RCTs with 773 participants (gelfoam = 381 and non-gelfoam = 392) were analyzed. The overall study quality varied: low risk (n = 4 RCTs), some concerns (n = 3 RCTs), and high risk (n = 2 RCTs). There were no significant differences between both arms regarding the graft uptake rate (moderate certainty), hearing improvement rate (moderate certainty), type of impedance audiometry (moderate certainty), and ear discharge (low certainty). The mean change in air-bone gap was significantly higher in the non-gelfoam arm compared with the gelfoam arm (low certainty). However, the non-gelfoam group had superior hearing improvement in only the early postoperative period (i.e., one month); however, after two, three, and six months, there were no significant differences between both arms. The rate of ear fullness was significantly higher in the gelfoam arm compared with the non-gelfoam arm (moderate certainty).
CONCLUSION
Among patients undergoing type-1 tympanoplasty, the surgical outcomes did not significantly differ between both arms. The practice of middle ear packing with gelfoam needs to be standardized.
Topics: Humans; Tympanoplasty; Myringoplasty; Ear, Middle
PubMed: 37081199
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-07975-1 -
European Archives of... Nov 2023This paper was aimed at estimating the prevalence and risk factors of hearing loss (HL) among the middle-aged and elderly in China. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
This paper was aimed at estimating the prevalence and risk factors of hearing loss (HL) among the middle-aged and elderly in China.
METHODS
Databases including the CQVIP (VIP) Database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biology Medicine disc (CBMdisc), Wanfang, PubMed, Web of Science, Excerpta Medica Database (Embase) and the Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched. In this review, random-effect models were used for pooling the prevalence of HL and the odds ratios (ORs) of potential risk factors.
RESULTS
34 studies were included in the meta-analysis. HL among the middle-aged and elderly in China had a pooled prevalence of 45% (95% confidence interval (CI) 40-51%). There were significant differences in the prevalence of HL between males and females (47% vs. 42%), between different screening methods by self-report and pure-tone audiometry (44% vs. 46%), between the middle-aged and the elderly (18% vs. 52%), and between the uneducated and the educated (49% vs. 36%). In urban areas, the prevalence was slightly higher than that in rural areas (50% vs. 48%). The findings suggested that the middle-aged and elderly in the South Central China region (61%, 95% CI 45-78%) and Northwest China (57%, 95% CI 55-58%) were more likely to develop HL. In addition, it was confirmed that advanced age, being male, noise exposure history, hypertension and hyperglycemia were related to a higher prevalence of HL among middle-aged and older adults.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of HL among the middle-aged and older population in China is 45%, nearly half of the total population. It is urgent to take great efforts to raise people's awareness of HL prevention and early hearing screening.
Topics: Aged; Female; Middle Aged; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Hearing Loss; Deafness; China; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37439927
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-08109-3 -
American Journal of Otolaryngology 2024Meniere's Disease is a condition known for its recurrent vertigo, fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, aural fullness, and tinnitus. Previous studies have... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Meniere's Disease is a condition known for its recurrent vertigo, fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, aural fullness, and tinnitus. Previous studies have demonstrated significant influence of placebo treatments. Our objective was to quantify the magnitude of the placebo effect in randomized controlled trials for Meniere's Disease.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases from inception through September 27, 2022. Data extraction, quality rating, and risk of bias assessment were performed by two independent reviewers. A meta-analysis of mean differences with 95 % confidence interval, weighted summary proportions, and proportion differences were calculated using random and fixed effects models.
RESULTS
A total of 15 studies (N = 892) were included in the review. Significant improvement was seen in the functional level scores of the pooled placebo groups, with a mean difference of -0.6 points, (95%CI: -1.2 to -0.1). There was no difference in pure tone audiometry, speech discrimination score, or vertigo frequency at 1 and 3 months for the placebo group. Patient-reported vertigo episodes were improved in 52.5 % (95%CI: 39.2 to 65.5) of the placebo group and was significantly less than the pooled experimental group (90.1 %, 95%CI: 39.2 to 65.5, p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
The placebo effect in Meniere's Disease trials is associated with some symptomatic improvement in subjective outcomes, such as patient reported vertigo episodes. However, the clinical significance is questionable across other outcomes measures, especially when analyzing objective data. The extent and strength of the placebo effect continues to be a hurdle in the search for better treatment options.
Topics: Humans; Meniere Disease; Placebo Effect; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vertigo; Tinnitus
PubMed: 38101129
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2023.104178 -
Laryngoscope Investigative... Aug 2023This systematic review aims to establish the expected hearing and speech outcomes following cochlear implantation (CI) in patients with profound congenital deafness... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review aims to establish the expected hearing and speech outcomes following cochlear implantation (CI) in patients with profound congenital deafness secondary to Waardenburg syndrome (WS).
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature and narrative synthesis was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Databases searched: Medline, Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Collection, and ClinicalTrials.gov. No limits were placed on language or year of publication.
RESULTS
Searches identified 186 abstracts and full texts. Of these, 16 studies met inclusion criteria reporting outcomes in 179 patients and at least 194 implants. Hearing outcomes of those receiving cochlear implantation were generally good. Five studies included genetic analysis of one or more of the participants. A total of 11 peri/post-operative complications were reported. The methodological quality of included studies was modest, mainly comprising noncontrolled case series with small cohort size. All studies were OCEBM grade III-IV.
CONCLUSION
Cochlear implantation in congenitally deafened children with Waardenburg Syndrome is a well-established intervention as a method of auditory rehabilitation. Due to the uncommon nature of the condition, there is a lack of large-scale high-quality studies examining the use of cochlear implantation in this patient group. However, overall outcomes following implantation are positive with the majority of patients demonstrating improved audiometry, speech perception and speech intelligibility supporting its use in appropriately selected cases.
PubMed: 37621295
DOI: 10.1002/lio2.1110 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Nov 2023Profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) can be successfully treated with a cochlear implant (CI), and treatment is usually accompanied by increased quality of life... (Review)
Review
Profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) can be successfully treated with a cochlear implant (CI), and treatment is usually accompanied by increased quality of life (QoL). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate generic and health-related QoL, as well as the level of audiological outcomes, of CI users, in addition to whether Qol can be restored to the extent of those with normal hearing. Furthermore, different implantation timepoints were compared (early vs. late), and a possible correlation between health and generic QoL questionnaires was investigated. The outcomes from 93 pediatric CI users from Romania were analyzed in the study. Two QoL questionnaires (SSQ12, AQoL-6D), as well as the HSM sentence test and Soundfield measurements, were assessed. The outcomes revealed that the CI users were able to achieve the same QoL as their age- and-gender matched peers with normal hearing, and hearing was restored with good speech comprehension. No significant difference between early- and late-implanted children was detected, although a tendency of a better Word Recognition Score (+10%) in the early-implanted group was discovered. A moderate and significant correlation between the generic and health-related Qol questionnaire was observed. Audiological examinations are still the standard practice by which to measure the benefit of any hearing intervention; nonetheless, generic and health-related QoL should be assessed in order to provide a full picture of a successful and patient-satisfactory cochlear implant procedure.
PubMed: 38003925
DOI: 10.3390/jpm13111610 -
Otology & Neurotology : Official... Sep 2023To compare audiometric outcomes, complications, and revisions required for implantable bone-conduction devices (BCDs) versus atresia surgery for the treatment of hearing... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Comparison of Outcomes of Surgery Versus Implantable Device for the Treatment of Hearing Loss Associated With Congenital Aural Atresia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To compare audiometric outcomes, complications, and revisions required for implantable bone-conduction devices (BCDs) versus atresia surgery for the treatment of hearing loss associated with congenital aural atresia.
DATABASES REVIEWED
PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL.
METHODS
Databases were searched for English articles from inception to July 1, 2022, for studies reporting audiometric outcomes or complications for either BCDs or atresia surgery for the treatment of congenital aural atresia. Main outcome measures included pure-tone audiometry, air-bone gap, speech reception threshold, associated complications, and rates of revision for each treatment option.
RESULTS
We identified 973 abstracts, of which 89 were selected for data extraction and analysis. A total of 2,611 patients were included, 1,901 in the atresia surgery group and 710 in the BCDs group. A meta-analysis of single means was conducted for age and audiometric outcomes, and a meta-analysis of proportions was conducted for complications and revisions. The average short-term improvement in pure-tone audiometry for the BCDs group was 34.4 ± 1.6 dB compared with 22.4 ± 1.5 dB for the atresia surgery group, representing a significant difference (12.0 dB; 95% confidence interval, 11.9-12.2; p < 0.0001). A smaller proportion of complications were reported in the devices group (16.9%) compared with the atresia surgery group (45.7%). In addition, a smaller proportion of cases in the devices group required some degree of revision (17.8%) compared with the atresia surgery group (23.0%).
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that implantable BCDs have significantly better audiometric outcomes as well as a lower rate of complications and revisions required compared with atresia surgery.
Topics: Humans; Treatment Outcome; Hearing Loss; Deafness; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Ossicular Prosthesis; Hearing Loss, Conductive; Retrospective Studies; Bone Conduction
PubMed: 37464461
DOI: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000003950