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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2019 Mar 5:194599819835541. Epub 2019 Mar 5.

1 Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.

There is underutilization of cochlear implants with delays in implantation linked to distance from implant centers. Telemedicine could connect cochlear implant specialists with patients in rural locations. We piloted telemedicine cochlear implant testing in a small study, largely composed of normal-hearing volunteers to trial this new application of teleaudiology technology. Read More

J Voice 2019 Feb 18. Epub 2019 Feb 18.

Faculty of Medicine, E.N.T Department, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt.

Purpose: This study initially investigated the co-occurrence of hearing impairment that had not been previously diagnosed in a group of patients with hyperfunctional dysphonia. Subsequently, it explored whether any correlations exist between quantitative dysphonia severity assessment parameters and distinctive acoustic features of hearing impairment.

Method: The age-stratified participants were 36 patients presenting with hyperfunctional dysphonia to the voice clinic. Read More

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2019 Feb 19:194599819832510. Epub 2019 Feb 19.

4 Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Objective: To determine the role of cognitive testing in predicting age-appropriate audiometric responses among children aged 30 to 42 months.

Study Design: Prospective.

Setting: Tertiary care audiology clinic. Read More

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2019 Feb 11:3489419828770. Epub 2019 Feb 11.

3 Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA.

Objective:: To develop and validate an automated smartphone app that determines bone-conduction pure-tone thresholds.

Methods:: A novel app, called EarBone, was developed as an automated test to determine best-cochlea pure-tone bone-conduction thresholds using a smartphone driving a professional-grade bone oscillator. Adult, English-speaking patients who were undergoing audiometric assessment by audiologists at an academic health system as part of their prescribed care were invited to use the EarBone app. Read More

SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2019 12;7:2050313X18823461. Epub 2019 Jan 12.

The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.

Vast literature exists detailing the identification and management of central auditory processing disorder in children: however, less information is available regarding central auditory processing disorder in the adult population. This study aimed to document the diagnostic and management procedure for adults presenting at a multidisciplinary clinic due to concerns regarding their listening and central auditory processing skills. This retrospective study was a case file audit of two adults (a male, aged 37 years and a female, aged 44 years) who presented at a multidisciplinary (audiology and speech pathology) clinic for a hearing and central auditory processing evaluation. Read More

Osteoporos Int 2019 Jan 16. Epub 2019 Jan 16.

Department of Audiology, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Manasagangothri, Mysore, Karnataka, 570006, India.

Alteration in the process of bone remodelling results in conditions like osteopenia and osteoporosis in which the bones become susceptible to fracture. The functioning of middle ear bones in such individuals were assessed in this study and it was found that the middle ear bones are equally susceptible to micro-fractures and can cause reduction in the transmission of sound energy.

Introduction: Alteration in the process of bone remodelling or increase in the number of osteoclasts cells as it occurs in osteoporosis and osteopenia are likely to affect the middle ear bones in the same way it affects the skeletal bones. Read More

J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2019 Jan 8. Epub 2019 Jan 8.

National Military Audiology and Speech Pathology Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA.

By allowing bilateral access to sound, bilateral cochlear implants (BI-CIs) or unilateral CIs for individuals with single-sided deafness (SSD; i.e., normal or near-normal hearing in one ear) can improve sound localization and speech understanding in noise. Read More

Otol Neurotol 2019 Feb;40(2):e130-e134

Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.

Introduction: Menière's Disease (MD) is a disorder of the inner ear consisting of episodic attacks of vertigo associated with aural fullness, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss. Hearing levels in MD can often fluctuate over time, and may eventually decline permanently in a step-wise fashion. There are no current studies examining daily hearing fluctuations for prolonged periods in patients with MD. Read More

Afr Health Sci 2018 Jun;18(2):313-320

Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria , South Africa.

Background: Hearing loss prevalence data in South Africa is scarce, especially within primary health care settings.

Objectives: To determine; (i) the prevalence of hearing disorders in patients ≥3 years of age attending two primary health care clinics, and (ii) the nature and characteristics of hearing disorders at these primary health care clinics.

Method: A cross-sectional design was used at two primary health care clinics. Read More

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2019 Mar 5;118:110-114. Epub 2018 Dec 5.

Emory University School of Medicine, 1648 Pierce Drive NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, USA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Otolaryngology, Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, 2015 Uppergate Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.

Introduction: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) has been reported to occur at increased frequency in the pediatric sickle cell disease (SCD) population, likely secondary to ototoxic medication regimens and repeat sickling events that lead to end organ damage. Risk and protective factors of SNHL in this population are not fully characterized. The objective of this study was to describe audiology results in children with SCD and the prevalence and sequelae of SNHL. Read More

J Commun Disord 2019 Jan - Feb;77:31-43. Epub 2018 Dec 21.

East Carolina University, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Greenville, NC, 27834, United States.

Background: According to the American Academy of Audiology, a recommendation for frequency-modulation systems may be based upon performances on speech perception tests that do not include background noise.

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the presumption that non-speech recognition in noise test results are related to speech recognition in noise ability for a group of young adults.

Research Design: Performances on the non-speech recognition in noise tests included in the SCAN-3:A test battery were compared to speech recognition in noise performances as measured with the auditory figure ground subtest of the SCAN-3:A and the Hearing in Noise Test. Read More

J Am Acad Audiol 2018 Sep 25. Epub 2018 Sep 25.

Department of Infectious Diseases, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa.

Background: Decentralized detection and monitoring of hearing loss can be supported by new mobile health technologies using automated testing that can be facilitated by minimally trained persons. These may prove particularly useful in an infectious disease (ID) clinic setting where the risk of hearing loss is high.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical utility of mobile and automated audiometry hearing health technology in an ID clinic setting. Read More

J Am Acad Audiol 2018 Nov 1. Epub 2018 Nov 1.

Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX.

Background: Recreational noise-induced hearing loss (RNIHL) is a major health issue and presents a huge economic burden on society. Exposure to loud music is not considered hazardous in our society because music is thought to be a source of relaxation and entertainment. However, there is evidence that regardless of the sound source, frequent exposure to loud music, including through personal audio systems (PAS), can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus, difficulty processing speech, and increased susceptibility to age-related hearing loss. Read More

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2018 Dec 3;115:145-148. Epub 2018 Oct 3.

Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Lynwood Road, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa.

Objective: This study aimed to determine and describe hearing loss among preschool children in a South African community representative of typical low- and middle income countries (LMIC).

Method: Children between the ages of 3-6 years received a hearing screening at their early childhood development (ECD) center. If a child failed the hearing screening, he/she was seen for a follow-up rescreen and diagnostic assessment if necessary at their ECD center or closest referral clinic. Read More

Telemed J E Health 2018 Oct 25. Epub 2018 Oct 25.

1 Nemours Biomedical Research, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children , Wilmington, Delaware.

Background and Introduction: Tablet-based automated audiometry applications are a recent alternative method to perform pure-tone hearing testing. Children, in particular, might benefit from such apps because of the game-like interface. However, how children perceive this alternative approach has not been well studied. Read More

Ear Hear 2018 Oct 22. Epub 2018 Oct 22.

Laboratory of Sensory Neuroscience and Neuroengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

Objectives: A confluence of recent developments in cloud computing, real-time web audio and machine learning psychometric function estimation has made wide dissemination of sophisticated turn-key audiometric assessments possible. The authors have combined these capabilities into an online (i.e. Read More

Am J Otolaryngol 2019 Jan - Feb;40(1):1-9. Epub 2018 Sep 17.

Center for Hearing and Deafness, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA; Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC. Electronic address:

Purpose: One of the most common complaints among the elderly is the inability to understand speech in noisy environments. In many cases, these deficits are due to age-related hearing loss; however, some of the elderly that have difficulty hearing in noise have clinically normal pure-tone thresholds. While speech in noise testing is informative, it fails to identify specific frequencies responsible for the speech processing deficit. Read More

J Am Acad Audiol 2018 Oct;29(9):826-834

Department of Speech Communication Arts and Sciences, Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY.

Background: There are clinical implications associated with knowing when the occlusion effect (OE) must be accounted for during bone conduction (BC) testing because spurious results can occur when errors are made in this regard. The amount of OE produced when insert earphones (IEs) are used varies in the literature; thus, further investigation is warranted.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to determine the OE during BC threshold measurements under the following occluding conditions used clinically: when using partial insertion (PI) versus full insertion (FI) depth and when occluding one versus both ears. Read More

Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital 2018 Aug;38(4):361-368

ENT & Audiology Department, University Hospital of Ferrara, Italy.

Hearing threshold identification in very young children is always problematic and challenging. Electrophysiological testing such as auditory brainstem responses (ABR) is still considered the most reliable technique for defining the hearing threshold. However, over recent years there has been increasing evidence to support the role of auditory steady-state response (ASSR). Read More

Ear Hear 2018 Aug 24. Epub 2018 Aug 24.

Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Objective: There is a growing concern among the scientific community about the possible detrimental effects of signal levels used for eliciting vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) on hearing. A few recent studies showed temporary reduction in amplitude of otoacoustic emissions (OAE) after VEMP administration. Nonetheless, these studies used higher stimulus levels (133 and 130 dB peak equivalent sound pressure level [pe SPL]) than the ones often used (120 to 125 dB pe SPL) for clinical recording of VEMP. Read More

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2018 Oct 21;127(10):687-693. Epub 2018 Jul 21.

1 Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Objective(s): The objective was to describe the characteristics of hearing losses documented in patients treated with clarithromycin alone for nontuberculous mycobacterial NTM lymphadenitis in a pediatric tertiary care center over a 12-year period.

Methods: An institutional review board (IRB) approval was obtained. A database search was performed using the ICD-10 diagnosis codes 31. Read More

Hear Res 2018 Sep 5;367:48-58. Epub 2018 Jul 5.

Division of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.

Individuals suffering from tinnitus often complain about difficulties understanding speech in noisy environments even in the absence of a peripheral hearing loss. This EEG study aimed to investigate whether aspects of phonetic perception are affected by the experience of tinnitus. We examined a sample of individuals with chronic, subjective tinnitus (n = 30, age range 30-50 yrs. Read More

J Laryngol Otol 2018 Jun;132(6):505-508

University Department of Otolaryngology,Ninewells Hospital and Medical School,Dundee,Scotland,UK.

Objective: To assess whether pre-operative assessment with a bone conduction hearing device on a softband is an accurate predictor of performance with one of two transcutaneous hearing implants.Study designCohort study comparing pre-and post-operative speech audiometry using correlation analysis.

Methods: Pre-operative pure tone audiometry and aided half optimum speech recognition thresholds were compared with post-operative aided results for each ear that had undergone implantation. Read More

JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2018 Aug;144(8):704-709

Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.

Importance: Patients with aural atresia typically have maximal conductive hearing loss, which can have negative academic and social consequences. Transcutaneous osseointegrated implants (TOIs) can potentially restore hearing on the affected side.

Objectives: To review the demographic, audiological, and surgical outcomes of TOI placement in pediatric patients with aural atresia and to describe a modification in incision technique in anticipation of later auricular reconstruction. Read More

Orphanet J Rare Dis 2018 06 27;13(1):102. Epub 2018 Jun 27.

Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, 4525 Scott Avenue, Campus Box 8134, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.

Background: Wolfram syndrome (WFS) is a rare autosomal recessive disease with clinical manifestations of diabetes mellitus (DM), diabetes insipidus (DI), optic nerve atrophy (OA) and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Although SNHL is a key symptom of WFS, there is limited information on its natural history using standardized measures. Such information is important for clinical care and determining its use as an outcome measure in clinical trials. Read More

J Speech Lang Hear Res 2018 Jul;61(7):1784-1793

Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, Bauru Dental School, University of São Paulo, Brazil.

Purpose: The aims of the study were to examine the acoustic reflex screening and threshold in healthy neonates and those at risk of hearing loss and to determine the effect of birth weight and gestational age on acoustic stapedial reflex (ASR).

Method: We assessed 18 healthy neonates (Group I) and 16 with at least 1 risk factor for hearing loss (Group II); all of them passed the transient evoked otoacoustic emission test that assessed neonatal hearing. The test battery included an acoustic reflex screening with activators of 0. Read More

Aesthet Surg J 2018 Oct;38(11):1172-1177

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Istanbul Medipol University.

Background: Rhinoplasty is a common surgical procedure that is requested and accepted by patients for cosmetic and functional reasons. Osteotomies are performed on nasal bone, maxillary crest, or vomer to fix the deviations of the nasal dorsum or septum. During the percussion of the osteotomes with the surgical mallet, the vibration energy diffuses to the cranium. Read More

Maturitas 2018 May 2;111:77-81. Epub 2018 Feb 2.

Department of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.

Objectives: To observe the hearing function around menopause, to analyze the effects of ovarian reserve and hormone therapy on hearing, and to study factors related to hearing loss among women around menopause.

Study Design: In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated 109 women around menopause aged 45-55 years, including 40 women with ovarian failure, 48 with ovarian non-failure, and 21 receiving hormone therapy. All women underwent an audiologic evaluation, and hormone blood testing was performed. Read More

Otol Neurotol 2018 Jun;39(5):582-590

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine and Neurosensory Disorders Center at UC Neuroscience Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Objective: Report on the safety/efficacy of a novel, carbon dioxide (CO2) laser-assisted protocol for hearing-preservation cochlear implantation (HPCI) and electric-acoustic stimulation (EAS).

Study Design: Retrospective case review.

Setting: Tertiary referral center. Read More

Psychol Med 2019 Jan 20;49(1):132-139. Epub 2018 Mar 20.

Department of Psychiatry and Brain Center Rudolf Magnus,University Medical Center Utrecht,Utrecht University,Utrecht,The Netherlands.

Background: Similar to visual hallucinations in visually impaired patients, auditory hallucinations are often suggested to occur in adults with hearing impairment. However, research on this association is limited. This observational, cross-sectional study tested whether auditory hallucinations are associated with hearing impairment, by assessing their prevalence in an adult population with various degrees of objectified hearing impairment. Read More

Am J Audiol 2018 Mar;27(1):137-146

Creighton University, Omaha, NE.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine if there are factors that can predict whether a child with hearing loss will also have vestibular loss.

Method: A retrospective chart review was completed on 186 children with hearing loss seen at Boys Town National Research Hospital for vestibular testing from 1999 to 2015 through neurosensory genetics clinic or cochlear implant candidacy. Each child's medical chart was reviewed to obtain the following data: vestibular loss severity (classified as normal, bilateral, or mild to moderate), degree of hearing loss (bilateral pure-tone average [PTA]), imaging abnormalities (classified as "normal" or "abnormal"), parental concerns for gross motor delay (classified as "yes, there is concern" or "no, there is not a concern"), parent report of age when their child sat (months) and walked independently (months), comorbidities (classified as "yes" if there were 1 or more comorbidities or "no" if there were no comorbidities), and score on the Developmental Profile-3. Read More

Mol Genet Metab 2018 04 8;123(4):472-478. Epub 2018 Feb 8.

Department of Biomedical Research, Nemours Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States. Electronic address:

Background: Hearing impairment is a common problem in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis IV (MPS IV) throughout their life. Many of the adult patients with MPS IV exhibit permanent or severe hearing loss. However, there has been no systematic review of detailed audiological test results in MPS IV. Read More

J Am Acad Audiol 2018 02;29(2):187-191

Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India.

Background: Schwannoma of the hypoglossal nerve is rare. This case report documents an atypical abnormality of the cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) in a patient with schwannoma of the hypoglossal nerve. The observed abnormality was attributed to the proximity of the hypoglossal nerve to the spinal accessory nerve in the medullary cistern and base of the skull. Read More

Am J Case Rep 2018 Jan 23;19:82-89. Epub 2018 Jan 23.

Audiology Unit, Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, University of Milano, IRCCS Fondazione Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy.

BACKGROUND Implantable devices have been proposed as an alternative to hearing aids and auditory canal reconstruction in patients with microtia (congenital aural atresia), which includes a malformation of the external and middle ear. This report is of two rare cases of microtia associated with congenital stapes ankylosis treated with an implantable device and describes the treatment outcomes. CASE REPORT Two siblings from Ecuador, a 29-year-old woman, and her 35-year-old brother, were born with unilateral type II microtia with bilateral external auditory canal atresia and conductive hearing loss. Read More

Ear Hear 2018 Sep/Oct;39(5):906-909

Audiology Incorporated, Arden Hills, Minnesota, USA.

Background: The Home Hearing Test (HHT) is an automated pure-tone threshold test that obtains an air conduction audiogram at five test frequencies. It was developed to provide increased access to hearing testing and support home telehealth programs.

Purpose: Test and retest thresholds for 1000-Hz stimuli were analyzed to determine intrasubject variability from two independent data sets. Read More

Otol Neurotol 2018 Mar;39(3):357-364

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC.

Objective: To characterize the audiometric natural progression in patient-ears with small volume (<1,000 mm), treatment-naïve cochleovestibular schwannomas (CVSs) in Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2).

Study Design: Prospective, longitudinal cohort study.

Setting: Quaternary medical research institute. Read More

Ear Hear 2018 Jul/Aug;39(4):656-663

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Section Ear and Hearing, and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Objectives: This study determined the effect of hearing loss and English-speaking competency on the South African English digits-in-noise hearing test to evaluate its suitability for use across native (N) and non-native (NN) speakers.

Design: A prospective cross-sectional cohort study of N and NN English adults with and without sensorineural hearing loss compared pure-tone air conduction thresholds to the speech reception threshold (SRT) recorded with the smartphone digits-in-noise hearing test. A rating scale was used for NN English listeners' self-reported competence in speaking English. Read More

J Am Coll Nutr 2018 02 31;37(2):149-153. Epub 2017 Oct 31.

a Audiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health , University of Milan , Milan , Italy.

Objective: Since 1930, dietary modification has been proposed as adjunct treatment in Ménière's disease (MD) with different and controversial results. We report the case of a 42-year-old female suffering from definite MD and intermittent seasonal allergic rhino-conjunctivitis because it highlights the importance of evaluating the different combinations of defined causative elements in an atopic patient with MD.

Methods: An immunological and audiological evaluation was performed, including pure-tone, speech, and immittance audiometry; glycerol dehydration test; bithermal caloric testing; video head impulse test; cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials; static posturography; and Dizziness Handicap Inventory questionnaire. Read More

Noise Health 2017 Sep-Oct;19(90):227-238

Audiology and Speech Pathology Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.

Background: The study evaluates a group of Military Service Members specialized in blast explosive training called "Breachers" who are routinely exposed to multiple low-level blasts while teaching breaching at the U.S. Marine Corps in Quantico Virginia. Read More

J Am Acad Audiol 2017 Sep;28(8):679-684

Howard University, Washington, DC.

Background: Many audiologists believe that auditory processing testing must be carried out in a soundproof booth. This expectation is especially a problem in places such as elementary schools. Research comparing pure-tone thresholds obtained in sound booths compared to quiet test environments outside of these booths does not support that belief. Read More

Int J Audiol 2017 12 8;56(12):989-996. Epub 2017 Aug 8.

d Starkey Canada , Quebec , Canada.

Objective: To assess the utility of noise cancelation earphones (NCE) in audiometric evaluations.

Design: Degree of noise reduction of Bose QuietComfort 15 NCE was assessed through probe-microphone measures and sound-field audiometry. Occlusion effects from NCE were assessed for potential effects on bone-conduction thresholds. Read More

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2017 Apr 7;95:57-62. Epub 2017 Feb 7.

Department of Otolaryngology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Mackay Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan. Electronic address:

Objective: To examine whether behavioral pure-tone audiometry (PTA) thresholds in children can be accurately estimated from the corresponding infants' click-evoked auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds through a retrospective review of data from a universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) program in Taiwan.

Method: According to medical records from Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei Hospital District, 45,450 newborns received hearing screening during January 1999-December 2011. Among these newborns, 104 (82, both ears; 22, one ear; total, 186 ears) received regular follow-up and were recruited as subjects. Read More

Laryngoscope 2018 03 23;128(3):707-712. Epub 2017 May 23.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, U.S.A.

Objectives/hypothesis: Develop and validate an automated smartphone word recognition test.

Study Design: Cross-sectional case-control diagnostic test comparison.

Methods: An automated word recognition test was developed as an app for a smartphone with earphones. Read More

Int J Audiol 2017 06 23;56(6):424-430. Epub 2017 Mar 23.

a Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences , The University of Jordan , Amman , Jordan.

Objective: To develop and validate a digitally recorded speech test battery to assess speech perception in Jordanian Arabic-speaking adults.

Design: Selected stimuli were digitally recorded and were divided into four lists of 25 words each. Speech audiometry was completed for all listeners. Read More

J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2017 Mar 7;46(1):18. Epub 2017 Mar 7.

Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.

Background: Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) is a rare condition characterized by bilateral fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). The labile nature of this hearing loss makes it difficult to accurately quantify with conventional methods, and therefore it is challenging to rehabilitate.

Methods: Over a 9-month period one pediatric patient with severe AIED was monitored and conducted home audiograms using a previously validated testing system (Shoebox Audiometry). Read More

Brain Inj 2016 ;30(12):1501-1514

a Department of Diagnostic Radiology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , MI , USA.

Background: Case reports are presented on four Veterans, aged 29-46 years, who complained of chronic dizziness and/or postural instability following blast exposures. Two of the four individuals were diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injury and three of the four were exposed to multiple blasts. Comprehensive vestibular, balance, gait, audiometry and neuroimaging procedures were used to characterize their injuries. Read More

Laryngoscope 2017 01 31;127(1):216-222. Epub 2016 Oct 31.

University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.A.

Objectives/hypothesis: Determining cochlear implant candidacy requires a specific sentence-level testing paradigm in best-aided conditions. Our objective was to determine if findings on routine audiometry could predict the results of a formal cochlear implant candidacy evaluation. We hypothesize that findings on routine audiometry will accurately predict cochlear implant evaluation results in the majority of candidates. Read More

Ear Hear 2017 Mar/Apr;38(2):e93-e100

1Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; 2Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Australia; 3Ear Sciences Centre, School of Surgery, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia; and 4Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.

Objective: To evaluate the performance of smartphone-based hearing screening with the hearScreen application in terms of sensitivity, specificity, referral rates, and time efficiency at two primary health care clinics.

Design: Nonprobability purposive sampling was used at both clinics. A total of 1236 participants (mean age: 37. Read More

Int J Audiol 2016 11 17;55(11):616-22. Epub 2016 Aug 17.

a Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology , University of Pretoria , Pretoria , South Africa .

Objective: Evaluation of the Sennheiser HD 202 II supra-aural headphones as an alternative headphone to enable more affordable hearing screening.

Design: Study 1 measured the equivalent threshold sound pressure levels (ETSPL) of the Sennheiser HD 202 II. Study 2 evaluated the attenuation of the headphones. Read More

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2017 Jan 25;274(1):159-165. Epub 2016 Aug 25.

Department of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, University of Marburg, Baldingerstr. 1, 35032, Marburg, Germany.

The aim of this pilot study was to determine the acceptance and benefit from the middle ear implant system Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB, MED-EL Corporation, Austria) by means of a questionnaire, compared to a previously used conventional bone conducting hearing device, in preschool children with unilateral congenital aural atresia. Prospective cohort study. All nine children with unilateral congenital aural atresia used the VSB and had previous experience with a bone conducting hearing device. Read More