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Developmental Neuroscience 2023The aim of the study was to investigate three aspects of auditory function (auditory acuity, cochlear dysfunction, and auditory processing) in adolescents with fetal...
The aim of the study was to investigate three aspects of auditory function (auditory acuity, cochlear dysfunction, and auditory processing) in adolescents with fetal alcohol exposure without phenotypic changes. Fifty-one adolescents with and without intrauterine exposure to alcohol were selected from a cohort study. The summons, evaluation, and analysis of the results were carried out blindly regarding the respective exposure to alcohol. The auditory tests were pure-tone audiometry, transient otoacoustic emissions, and behavioral assessment of auditory processing (speech-in-noise, dichotic digits, and gap-in-noise). After testing, 45 adolescents were included in the evaluation and were divided into exposed (n = 22) and non-exposed (n = 23) groups. Hearing loss was identified in one subject in the exposed group (4.5%). In the absence of hearing loss, there were no significant differences in tonal thresholds or in the magnitudes of the sensory (cochlear) responses between groups (p > 0.05). There was also no difference between the two groups regarding performance on the processing tests (speech-in-noise p = 0.71, dichotic p = 0.94, and gap-in-noise p = 0.33). However, the exposed group had more cases of hearing disorders (hearing loss plus auditory processing disorders) than the non-exposed group (22.7% vs. 4.3%).
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Adolescent; Cohort Studies; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Noise; Hearing Loss; Audiometry, Pure-Tone
PubMed: 36580902
DOI: 10.1159/000528846 -
The Journal of International Advanced... Jan 2022The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between sound level tolerance and tinnitus in humans.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between sound level tolerance and tinnitus in humans.
METHODS
We compared the loudness discomfort levels at 500 and 3000 Hz pure tones in 33 subjects with bilateral tinnitus and 33 subjects with unilateral tinnitus with normal and symmetric hearing thresholds and those of age- and sex-matched control subjects.
RESULTS
Both the tinnitus ears (108.18 ± 10.22 dB HL and 103.03 ± 11.04 dB HL) and non-tinnitus ears (108.94 ± 12.61 dB HL and 104.24 ± 11.60 dB HL) in the unilateral tinnitus subjects showed significantly lower loudness discomfort levels at 500 and 3000 Hz than the control ears (115.91 ± 6.78 dB HL and 111.52 ± 8.88 dB HL, P < .008; α=0.05/6=0.008), whereas there was no difference in the loudness discomfort levels of the tinnitus ears of the bilateral tinnitus subjects (111.52 ± 10.42 dB HL or 106.36 ± 11.34 dB HL) and the control ears.
CONCLUSION
These results support the hypothesis that the reduced loudness discomfort levels in tinnitus subjects with normal and symmetric hearing thresholds are associated with a hidden injury to the cochlea that induces the development of tinnitus, especially on one side. Whether tinnitus is perceived unilaterally or bilaterally depends on the status of the auditory system, which may be reflected in the sound level tolerance and loudness discomfort levels.
Topics: Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Auditory Threshold; Cochlea; Hearing; Humans; Tinnitus
PubMed: 35193838
DOI: 10.5152/iao.2022.21320 -
American Journal of Audiology Sep 2022The aim of this study was to assess the test-retest reliability of a smartphone-based hearing test, performed without supervision of a hearing professional in an...
PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to assess the test-retest reliability of a smartphone-based hearing test, performed without supervision of a hearing professional in an uncontrolled environment.
METHOD
The hearing application is based on an automated hearing test (DuoTone) and relies on verification procedures (ambient noise monitoring algorithm, graphical user interface) to ensure appropriate measurement conditions. Thresholds obtained with DuoTone were compared to those obtained with standard clinical audiometry for 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz in 13 subjects. Subsequently, test-retest reliability was analyzed using anonymized cloud-stored data from a large group of app users (1,641 subjects) who performed multiple hearing tests. Thresholds at minimum or maximum presentation level of the hearing test (10 dB HL, 85 dB HL) were excluded to avoid floor/ceiling effects. A subset (500 subjects) was created to exclude potentially unreliable data. Test-retest thresholds were compared at 12 test frequencies, from 125 Hz to 12 kHz.
RESULTS
Thresholds determined by DuoTone and clinical audiometry did not differ significantly for each test frequency. Regarding test-retest analysis, the percentage of test-retest results within 5 dB ranged from 60% to 77% per test frequency. Results from the subset were not substantially different. Test-retest reliability for app users was comparable to results published in the literature regarding test-retest reliability of audiometry, performed in the clinic.
CONCLUSIONS
Initial validation results suggest that thresholds obtained with DuoTone are comparable to clinical audiometry (four frequencies tested). The hearing app provides reliable hearing thresholds between 15 and 80 dB HL (12 frequencies tested) with a test-retest reliability comparable to clinical audiometry.
Topics: Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Auditory Threshold; Hearing; Humans; Mobile Applications; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 35926189
DOI: 10.1044/2022_AJA-21-00191 -
Practical Neurology Feb 2020The tuning fork tests have been under attack since their first use in clinical examination. However, the tuning fork is small and fits into every white coat, and tuning... (Review)
Review
The tuning fork tests have been under attack since their first use in clinical examination. However, the tuning fork is small and fits into every white coat, and tuning fork tests for hearing are easy, accurate and inexpensive. They should be used in patients with an acute unilateral hearing loss if an electric audiometer is not available. After more than 100 years, the tuning fork is not obsolete; tuning fork tests are very useful if used correctly and for the appropriate indication.
Topics: Audiometry; Diagnostic Equipment; Hearing Loss, Sudden; Hearing Tests; Humans
PubMed: 31444233
DOI: 10.1136/practneurol-2019-002350 -
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology May 2023There is no consensus in the literature regarding the relationship between high-resolution computed tomography findings and hearing thresholds in pure-tone audiometry in...
OBJECTIVE
There is no consensus in the literature regarding the relationship between high-resolution computed tomography findings and hearing thresholds in pure-tone audiometry in otosclerosis. This study evaluated the association between high-resolution computed tomography findings and pure-tone audiometry in otosclerosis in the spongiotic phase.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted of 57 ears with surgically confirmed stapes fixation and tomographic findings. Air conduction and bone conduction thresholds on audiometry, and air-bone gap, were analysed.
RESULTS
There were no correlations between sites affected by otospongiosis and air conduction threshold, bone conduction threshold or air-bone gap in the analysed tomographic images, but the diameter of the otospongiotic focus was greater in the presence of extension of the otospongiotic foci to the cochlear endosteum.
CONCLUSION
There were no relevant associations between high-resolution computed tomography findings and pure-tone audiometric measurements. However, the diameter of the otospongiotic focus was greater in the presence of extension of the otospongiotic foci to the cochlear endosteum.
Topics: Humans; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Otosclerosis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Audiometry; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Hearing; Bone Conduction; Stapes Surgery; Auditory Threshold; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35780767
DOI: 10.1017/S0022215122001608 -
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Jul 2021Lipoid proteinosis (LP) is a rare genodermatosis involving amorphous hyaline accumulation in the skin, oral mucosa, larynx, mucous membranes, and viscera.
BACKGROUND
Lipoid proteinosis (LP) is a rare genodermatosis involving amorphous hyaline accumulation in the skin, oral mucosa, larynx, mucous membranes, and viscera.
AIMS
In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of hyaline accumulation on cochlear function and hearing in LP patients.
PATIENTS/METHODS
In this prospective study, 20 patients who were followed up with a diagnosis of LP between October 2016 and April 2020 in our clinic and 20 healthy individuals of the same age and gender, as a control group, were included. Pure-tone audiometry, tympanometry, and distortion-product otoacoustic emission tests of the patient and control groups were performed. The audiological results of the LP and control groups were compared statistically.
RESULTS
In the comparison of air-conduction thresholds between groups in pure-tone audiometry, hearing thresholds in the patient group were found to be higher than the control group at frequencies of 250, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz for the right ear, and 500 and 4000 Hz for the left ear. In the comparison of signal-noise responses between groups in distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DP-OAE) test, signal-noise responses in the right and left ear at frequencies of 1000, 2000, 4000, and 6000 Hz were lower in the patient group than in the control group.
CONCLUSION
We found that the cochlear functions of patients with LP were affected due to the increase in hearing thresholds and decreased signal-noise responses. We think that LP patients are candidates for hearing loss in their later life.
Topics: Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Auditory Threshold; Hearing; Humans; Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 33174327
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.13839 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2024Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) is the gold standard for assessing hearing loss. However, traditional PTA tests require specialized equipment, trained personnel, and a...
Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) is the gold standard for assessing hearing loss. However, traditional PTA tests require specialized equipment, trained personnel, and a soundproof environment. Recently, smartphone-based PTA tests have been developed as an alternative method for hearing assessment. The aim of this study was to validate the accuracy and reliability of a smartphone application-based audiometry test. This study was conducted to assess the performance of application-based audiometry from November 2021 to January 2022. Pure-tone thresholds were measured using a smartphone application-based PTA test and compared with results obtained using a traditional audiometer in a sound-treated booth. The smartphone application used in this study was the "Care4Ear (Care4ear, version 1.0.6, MIJ Co., Ltd.)". Hearing thresholds less than 35 dB HL were classified as group A, 35-64 dB HL as group B, and 65 dB HL or greater as group C for the classification of hearing levels. We evaluated the accuracy of smartphone audiometry for each group and compared the results of frequency-specific hearing tests. Additionally, we examined the results of smartphone audiometry in individuals (n = 27) with asymmetric hearing loss. Seventy subjects completed both conventional audiometry and smartphone application-based hearing tests. Among the ears assessed, 55.7% were classified as group A, while 25.7% and 18.6% were classified as group B and group C, respectively. The average hearing threshold obtained from conventional pure-tone audiometry was 37.7 ± 25.2 dB HL, whereas the application-based hearing test yielded thresholds of 21.0 ± 23.0 dB HL. A significant correlation (r = 0.69, p < 0.01) was found between the average hearing thresholds obtained from the application-based and conventional pure-tone audiometry tests. The application-based test achieved a 97.4% hit rate for classifying hearing thresholds as class A, but lower rates of 22.2% for class B and 38.5% for class C. Notably, a discrepancy was observed between the hearing threshold measured by the application and the conventional audiometry for the worse ear with asymmetric hearing. The smartphone-based audiometry is a feasible method for hearing evaluation especially in persons with normal hearing. In cases of hearing loss or asymmetric hearing loss, the results of the application-based audiometry may be inaccurate, limiting its diagnostic utility.
Topics: Humans; Reproducibility of Results; Auditory Threshold; Hearing Loss; Hearing; Deafness; Audiometry, Pure-Tone
PubMed: 38548854
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57944-9 -
Lin Chuang Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai... Mar 2023To explore the value and influencing factors of behavioral audiometry in subjective hearing assessment of children. The results of behavioral audiometry(visual...
To explore the value and influencing factors of behavioral audiometry in subjective hearing assessment of children. The results of behavioral audiometry(visual reinforcement audiometry or play audiometry) of 1944 children(3888 ears) in the outpatient department from January 2012 to December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The subjective performance(" good ", "moderate", "poor", " unfinished ") was compared according to age and hearing level. SPSS 27.0 software was used for statistical analysis. The subjective performance of children was "good" in 2791 ears(71.8%), "moderate" in 411 ears(10.6%), "poor" in 309 ears(7.9%) and " unfinished " in 377 ears(9.7%). In visual reinforcement audiometry, the proportion of children who subjectively performed as "good" gradually increased with age, reaching the peak at 2 years old, and decreased with age after 2 years old. In play audiometry, the proportion of children who subjectively performed as "good" gradually increased with age, peaking at 4-5 years of age. The children who did not finish the test were mainly 1-3 years old. The reasons included uncooperation for 148 ears, crying for 95 ears, refusing to wear headphones for 57 ears, fatigue for 42 ears, lack of interest for 20 ears, not understanding for 14 ears, and distraction for 1 ear. Behavioral audiometry was helpful to assess children's subjective hearing, and children's subjective performance was good. In clinical work, more novel and attractive test materials and methods should be adopted or developed according to the physical and mental characteristics of young children.
Topics: Child; Humans; Child, Preschool; Infant; Retrospective Studies; Auditory Threshold; Audiometry; Hearing Tests; Hearing; Audiometry, Pure-Tone
PubMed: 36843513
DOI: 10.13201/j.issn.2096-7993.2023.03.003 -
Journal of Communication Disorders 2023Calibration is an essential component of audiology practice to ensure the accuracy of the equipment for audiometric tests and the transferability of test results across...
Calibration is an essential component of audiology practice to ensure the accuracy of the equipment for audiometric tests and the transferability of test results across different clinics and countries. The ability to check the accuracy of the equipment and the ambient noise levels allows clinicians to monitor the functions of their equipment, to reduce noise distractors in the testing environment, and to have confidence in their test results, especially in humanitarian or field test settings. Sound level meters are the primary instruments to measure the sound pressure levels of the transducers and the test rooms used for audiometric testing. The International Electrotechnical Commission released a 3-part IEC 61672 standard of the specifications of sound level meters in 2013, and it is adopted by the standards organizations of many countries. This first installment of the tutorial series references this international standard and discusses basic acoustics concepts, calibration principles, and key functions of sound level meters in the application of audiometric calibration. Subsequent installments will discuss how to measure the ambient noise levels, how to determine whether a test room is suitable for testing hearing thresholds using different transducers, and how to determine whether different transducers of audiometers meet the national or international standards.
Topics: Humans; Calibration; Audiometry; Noise; Acoustics
PubMed: 36638627
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcomdis.2022.106300 -
International Journal of Audiology Apr 2021To determine if tinnitus was related to working memory (WM) in adults and if tinnitus handicap was related to WM in adults with tinnitus.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if tinnitus was related to working memory (WM) in adults and if tinnitus handicap was related to WM in adults with tinnitus.
DESIGN
Two groups, cross-sectional design.
STUDY SAMPLES
76 adults forming a tinnitus group ( = 38) and a control group ( = 38). Each group included 19 adults with normal hearing and 19 adults with hearing loss matched for age, sex and educational backgrounds. All participants completed the visual back test; pure tone audiometry (0.125-16 kHz); and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Tinnitus sufferers also completed the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI).
RESULTS
For all participants, tinnitus was not related to WM scores when corrected for hearing thresholds, anxiety, and depression. The corrections for best ear high-frequency pure-tone average hearing threshold (BEHFPTA: 10, 12.5, 14 and 16 kHz) were significant. For tinnitus sufferers, THI was related to WM scores in the easiest back condition, and BEHFPTA was related to WM scores in the easiest and the hardest back condition.
CONCLUSION
Tinnitus was not related to WM scores. Tinnitus handicap was related to some WM scores in tinnitus sufferers. Further investigation of the possible relationship between high-frequency hearing and WM is warranted.
Topics: Adult; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Cross-Sectional Studies; Hearing Loss; Humans; Memory, Short-Term; Tinnitus
PubMed: 33000654
DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2020.1822550