The Impact of Minimal to Mild Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (6) ◽  
pp. 55-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina M. Roup
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Pure Tone Audiogram ◽  
Hearing Ability ◽  
Hearing Handicap ◽  
Mild Hearing Loss ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between the pure-tone audiogram and the categorization of normal hearing or a mild hearing loss fails to account for other important non-audiometric factors that impact hearing ability for approximately one-third of adults. In order to obtain a complete hearing profile of our patients who present with normal hearing or a mild hearing loss, it is necessary to consider more than simply the results of the pure-tone audiogram. Both subjective hearing handicap via questionnaire and suprathreshold auditory measures (especially in background noise) have been shown to be sensitive to deficits not captured by the pure-tone audiogram. Viable treatment options with demonstrated benefit, such as mild-gain amplification, should be considered for this population.

Perceived Hearing Handicap of Patients with Unilateral or Mild Hearing Loss

1997 ◽  
Vol 106 (3) ◽  
pp. 210-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig W. Newman ◽  
Gerald A. Hug ◽  
Gary P. Jacobson ◽  
Sharon A. Sandridge
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Hearing Level ◽  
Intersubject Variability ◽  
Pure Tone Average ◽  
Hearing Handicap ◽  
Mild Hearing Loss ◽  
The Individual

Using the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA), we assessed self-perceived hearing handicap in a sample of 63 patients having either unilaterally normal hearing or a mild hearing loss (pure tone average ≤40 dB hearing level). Large intersubject variability in responses to the HHIA confirmed observations that reactions to minimal hearing impairment vary greatly among patients. The individual differences in responses highlight the importance of quantifying the perceived communication and psychosocial handicap, which cannot be determined from the audiogram alone. An item examination of responses to the HHIA revealed a number of emotional and social-situational problems encountered by patients with minimal hearing loss.

scholarly journals The Relationship between Severity of Hearing Loss and Subjective Tinnitus Loudness among Patients Seen in a Specialist Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Therapy Clinic in UK

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (08) ◽  
pp. 712-719 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hashir Aazh ◽  
Richard Salvi
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Emotional Disturbances ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractHearing loss is often associated with the phantom sound of tinnitus. However, the degree of the association between severity of hearing loss and tinnitus loudness taking into account the impact of other variables (e.g., emotional disturbances) is not fully understood. This is an important question for audiologists who are specialized in tinnitus rehabilitation as patients often ask whether the loudness of their tinnitus will increase if their hearing gets worse.To explore the relationship between tinnitus loudness and pure tone hearing thresholds.This was a retrospective cross-sectional study.445 consecutive patients who attended a Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Therapy Specialist Clinic in UK were included.The results of audiological tests and self-report questionnaires were gathered retrospectively from the records of the patients. Multiple-regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between tinnitus loudness, hearing loss and other variables.The regression model showed a significant relationship between the pure tone average (PTA) at the frequencies 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz of the better ear and the tinnitus loudness as measured via visual analogue scale (VAS), r (regression coefficient) = 0.022 (p < 0.001). Other variables significantly associated with tinnitus loudness were tinnitus annoyance (r = 0.49, p < 0.001) and the effect of tinnitus on life (r = 0.09, p = 0.006). The regression model explained 52% of the variance of tinnitus loudness.Although increased tinnitus loudness was associated with worse PTA, the relationship was very weak. Tinnitus annoyance and impact of tinnitus on life were more strongly correlated with tinnitus loudness than PTA.

Factors Affecting Hearing Aid Adoption by Adults With High-Frequency Hearing Loss: The Beaver Dam Offspring Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Jacqueline M. Weycker ◽  
Lauren K. Dillard ◽  
Alex Pinto ◽  
Mary E. Fischer ◽  
Karen J. Cruickshanks ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Middle Age ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Pure Tone Average ◽  
Beaver Dam ◽  
Hearing Handicap ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Hearing loss (HL) is common among middle-age and older adults, but hearing aid adoption is low. The purpose of this study was to measure the 10-year incidence of hearing aid adoption in a sample of primarily middle-age adults with high-frequency HL and identify factors associated with hearing aid adoption. Method This study included 579 adults (ages 34–80 years) with high-frequency pure-tone average > 25 dB HL (3–8 kHz) enrolled in the Beaver Dam Offspring Study. Hearing aid adoption was measured at 5- and 10-year follow-up examinations. Cox discrete-time proportional hazards models were used to evaluate factors associated with hearing aid adoption (presented as hazards ratios [HRs] and 95% confidence intervals [95% CI]). Results The 10-year cumulative incidence of hearing aid adoption was 14 per 1,000 person years. Factors significantly associated with adoption in a multivariable model were higher education (vs. 16+ years; 0–12: HR: 0.36, 95% CI [0.19, 0.69]; 13–15: HR: 0.52, 95% CI [0.27, 0.98]), worse high-frequency pure-tone average (per +1 dB; HR: 1.04, 95% CI [1.02, 1.06]), self-reported hearing handicap (screening versions of the Hearing Handicap Inventory score > 8; HR: 1.85, 95% CI [1.02, 3.38]), answering yes to “Do friends and relatives think you have a hearing problem?” (HR: 3.18, 95% CI [1.60, 6.33]) and using closed captions (HR: 2.86, 95% CI [1.08, 7.57]). Effects of age and sex were not significant. Conclusions Hearing aid adoption rates were low. Hearing sensitivity, socioeconomic status, and measures of the impact of HL on daily life were associated with adoption. Provider awareness of associated factors can contribute to timely and appropriate intervention.

scholarly journals Correlation between Preoperative Hearing Evaluation with Intra-operative Ossicular Status in COM Mucosal

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-17
Author(s):  
Prashant Tripathi
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Chronic Otitis Media ◽  
Ossicular Chain ◽  
Neck Surgery ◽  
Severe Hearing Loss ◽  
Pure Tone Audiogram ◽  
Mild Hearing Loss ◽  
Moderate Hearing Loss

Objective: To correlate the preoperative pure tone audiogram findings with intra-operative status of ossicular chain in patients with chronic otitis media mucosal type.Material and Methods: Prospective, descriptive study conducted over a period of twenty months at GMSMA of ENT-Head and Neck Studies, TUTH, IOM, Kathmandu, Nepal. Patients included in the study were both children and adults with central perforation in tympanic membrane which was dry for at least 4 weeks. Patients with SNHL or mixed HL and in those where ossicular status was not assessed were excluded from study.Results: There were 274 patients operated for COM Mucosal and 67 patients were excluded from study as they did not meet inclusion criteria. Hence, there were 207 patients included in the study. Out of them, 4 (1.9%) patients had minimal hearing loss, 73 (35.3%) had mild hearing loss, 117 (56.5%) had moderate hearing loss and 13 (6.3%) had severe hearing loss. On correlating with ossicular status, when there was discontinuity of ossicular chain average hearing loss was more than 50 dB and none of the patients had mild hearing loss. When there were restricted or fixed ossicles, there was moderate to severe hearing loss in majority of cases (85%). With intact and mobile ossicles, about 95% patients had mild to moderate hearing loss. When there was only mild hearing loss, 90% patients had intact and mobile ossicles and 10% had ossicular fixation or restricted mobility.Conclusion: In our study, we found that preoperative pure tone audiogram can predict the possibility of the involvement of the ossicular chain in patients with COM Mucosal. Ossicular involvement is more common with moderate to severe hearing loss either in the form of fixation or discontinuity.Nepalese Journal of ENT Head and Neck Surgery, Vol. 5, No. 2, 2014, Page: 15-17

An Evaluation of the Relationship between Retinal Nerve Fiber Thickness, Cochlear Nerve Thickness, the Level of Tinnitus, and Hearing Loss in Unilateral Tinnitus Patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Mustafa Avcu ◽  
Mehmet Metin ◽  
Raşit Kılıç ◽  
Muhammed Alpaslan
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Nerve Fiber ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Cochlear Nerve ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Fiber Thickness ◽  
Moderate Hearing Loss ◽  
Group 1 ◽  
Retinal Nerve Fiber

Background: In this study, optic coherence tomography (OCT) examination was performed to check whether there was any interaction between ophthalmic axonal structures in unilateral tinnitus patients, and the relationship between optic nerve thickness and cochlear nerve thickness was evaluated. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the relatioship between hearing loss, tinnitus, and nerve thicknesses. Study Design: Prospective study. Setting: Tertiary referral university hospital. Patients: The study included 88 patients with unilateral tinnitus, for which no organic cause could be found in physical examination, psychiatric evaluation, or with imaging methods. Study groups were formed of the tinnitus side and control groups were formed of the healthy side as follows: Group 1 (Non-tinnitus side normal hearing values – n = 30), Group 2 (non-tinnitus side minimal hearing loss – n = 27), Group 3 (non-tinnitus side moderate hearing loss – n = 31), Group 4 (tinnitus side normal hearing values – n = 25), Group 5 (tinnitus side minimal hearing loss – n = 25), and Group 6 (tinnitus side moderate hearing loss – n = 38). Intervention: Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was evaluated with OCT, and the cochlear nerve cross-sectional area was evaluated with MRI. Main Outcome Measures: RNFL measurements were taken with OCT from the subfoveal area (RNFL-SF) and 1.5 mm temporal to the fovea (RNFL-T µm) and nasal (RNFL-N µm) sectors. On MRI, 3 measurements were taken along the nerve from the cerebellopontine angle as far as the internal auditory canal, and the mean value of these 3 measurements was calculated. Results: When the groups were evaluated in respect of cochlear nerve thickness, a significant difference was seen between Group 1 and both the groups with hearing loss and the tinnitus groups. In the subgroup analysis, a statistically significant difference was determined between Group 1 and Groups 3, 4, 5, and 6 (p = 0.013, p = 0.003, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). When the groups were evaluated in respect of the RNFL-SF (µm), RNFL-T (µm), and RNFL-N (µm) values, the differences were determined to be statistically significant (p < 0.001 for all). In the correlation analysis, a negative correlation was determined between hearing loss and cochlear nerve diameter (r: −0.184, p = 0.014), and RNFL-N (r: −0.272, p < 0.001) and between tinnitus and cochlear nerve diameter (r: −0.536, p < 0.001), and RNFL-T (r: −0.222, p < 0.009). Conclusion: The study results clearly showed a relationship between cochlear nerve fiber thickness and hearing loss and the severity of tinnitus in cases with unilateral tinnitus and that there could be neurodegenerative factors in the disease etiology. A similar relationship seen with the RNFL supports the study hypothesis.

Prediction of Hearing Threshold in Infants Using Auditory Steady-State Evoked Potentials

2002 ◽  
Vol 13 (05) ◽  
pp. 236-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary Rance ◽  
Field Rickards
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Steady State ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Behavioral Thresholds ◽  
Similar Threshold ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Audiometric Test

This retrospective study examines the relationship between auditory steady-state evoked potential (ASSEP) thresholds determined in infancy and subsequently obtained behavioral hearing levels in children with normal hearing or varying degrees of sensorineural hearing loss. Overall, the results from 211 subjects showed that the two test techniques were highly correlated, with Pearson r values exceeding .95 at each of the audiometric test frequencies between 500 and 4000 Hz. Analysis of the findings for babies with significant hearing loss (moderate to profound levels) showed similar threshold relationships to those obtained in previous studies involving adults and older children. The results for infants with normal or near-normal hearing did, however, differ from those reported for older subjects, with behavioral thresholds typically 10 to 15 dB better than would have been predicted from their ASSEP levels.

Hearing Loss and Hearing Handicap in Users of Recreational Firearms

2002 ◽  
Vol 13 (03) ◽  
pp. 160-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Stewart ◽  
Rebecca Pankiw ◽  
Mark E. Lehman ◽  
Thomas H. Simpson
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
American Academy ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Occupational Safety And Health ◽  
Gender Effects ◽  
The Self ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Hearing Handicap

This investigation sought to establish the prevalence of hearing loss and hearing handicap in a population of 232 recreational firearm users. Hearing handicap was calculated based on four methods using pure-tone threshold data from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, and American Speech-Language and Hearing Association in addition to the self-report Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults-Screener (HHIA-S). Subjects (45 female and 187 male) ranging in age from 13 to 77 years (mean = 40 years, SD = 15.1) completed a short questionnaire regarding demographics and shooting practices followed by pure-tone air audiometry at Occupational Safety and Health Administration test frequencies of 500 to 6000 Hz. A total of 177 who exhibited varying degrees of hearing loss also received a face-to-face administration of the HHIA-S. Audiometric and HHIA-S results revealed that both high-frequency hearing loss and hearing handicap varied significantly as functions of age and occupation. Significant gender effects were observed audiometrically but not as a function of hearing handicap. HHIA-S scores varied significantly as a function of high-frequency (1000–4000 Hz) hearing loss. Correlation coefficients between the four different pure-tone methods of calculating hearing handicap and the self-reported HHIA-S were highest for pure-tone methods that do not employ 500 Hz in the calculation.

scholarly journals Survey of Hearing Aid Conditions for Hearing Impaired Persons While Driving

2020 ◽  
pp. 132-136
Author(s):  
Hiroshi Ikeda ◽  
Shigeyuki Minami
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Hearing Impaired ◽  
Safe Driving ◽  
Actual Usage ◽  
Hearing Ability ◽  
Acquired Hearing Loss ◽  
The Impact

Hearing impaired persons are required to drive with hearing aids to supplement their hearing ability, however, there has not been sufficient discussion regarding the impact of the use of a hearing aid on driving a vehicle. In order to investigate the actual usage and driving conditions of using hearing aids while driving a vehicle, this paper uses a questionnaire to survey (1) how easy it is to drive when wearing hearing aids, and (2) how often hearing aids are not worn while driving. Concerning the ease of driving when wearing a hearing aid, it was suggested that people with congenital hearing loss were more likely to rely on visual information, and those with acquired hearing loss continue to use their experience of hearing. When the level of disability is high, it is difficult to drive when using the hearing aid, and when the disability level is low, it is easier to drive. Regarding the frequency of driving without wearing hearing aids, about 60 % of respondents had such an experience. Those who often drive without hearing aids had experienced headaches due to noise from wearing hearing aids compared to those who wear hearing aids at all times. Hearing aids are necessary assistive devices for hearing impaired persons to obtain hearing information, and to provide a safe driving environment. Therefore, this paper addresses issues to maintain a comfortable driving environment while wearing a hearing aid.

Evaluation of Hearing and Balance Functions of Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elif Tugba Sarac ◽  
Bilgehan Boke ◽  
Semsettin Okuyucu
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Sickle Cell Anemia ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Mixed Type ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Spontaneous Nystagmus ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Hearing Thresholds ◽  
Significant Difference

Introduction: Sickle cell anemia is a disease characterized by a wide vaso-occlusive incident from micro-vascular incident to muscularactivity. The cochlear function can also get affected by this vaso-occlusion. Objective: It is aimed at determining what kind of effects sickle cell anemia has on hearing and balance system. Methods: This study has been conducted on 46 patients with sickle cell anemia and 45 healthy individuals. For all participants, their pure tone hearing thresholds and videonystagmography (VNG) findings have been determined in 17 frequencies between 125–16.000 Hz. Results: All hearing thresholds between 125 and 16,000 Hz, pure tone averages of patients with sickle cell anemia have been found statistically significant to be higher than the corresponding values in the control group(p < 0.05). The normal hearing rate of patients with sickle cell anemia has been determined to be 71.1% conductive hearing loss (CHL) to be 4.4%, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) to be 22.2%, and mixed type hearing loss to be 2.2% in right ear; the normal hearing rate has been determined to be 71.1%, CHL to be 2.2%, SNHL to be 22.2%, and mixed type hearing loss to be 4.4% in left ear. Statistically significant difference has not been found between head shake, spontaneous nystagmus, optokinetic, tracking test batteries, static and dynamic positional tests used in VNG, saccade accuracy and saccade peak velocity, which are saccadic test findings of 2 groups. However, saccadic latency, which is a saccadic test finding, has been determined to be longer in patients with sickle cell anemia in comparison to the control group. Conclusion: While sickle cell anemia causes hearing deficits, it does not have any effect on the central or peripheral vestibular system.

scholarly journals SUBCLINICAL AGE-RELATED HEARING LOSS IS INVERSELY ASSOCIATED WITH DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S552-S552
Author(s):  
Justin S Golub ◽  
Katharine K Brewster ◽  
Adam Brickman ◽  
Adam Ciarleglio ◽  
José Luchsinger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Late Life Depression ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Age Related Hearing Loss

Abstract Age-related hearing loss (HL), defined by a pure-tone average (PTA) &gt;25 decibels (dB) has been associated with depressive symptoms. We aimed to assess whether this association is present when hearing is better than the arbitrary, but widely-used, 25 dB threshold. The sampled population was the multicentered Hispanic Community Health Study (n=5,165). Cross-sectional data from 2008-2011 were available. Hearing was measured with pure tone audiometry. Clinically-significant depressive symptoms (CSDS) were defined by a score ≥10 on the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10). Participants’ mean age was 58.3 years (SD=6.2, range=50-76). Among those with classically-defined normal hearing (PTA ≤25 dB), a 10 dB increase in HL was associated with 1.26 times the odds (95% CI=1.11, 1.42) of CSDS, adjusting for age, gender, education, vascular disease, and hearing aid use (p25 dB; p&lt;0.001). Results held even for a stricter HL cutpoint of 15 dB. Among subjects with strictly normal hearing (PTA ≤15 dB), a 10 dB increase in HL was associated with 1.47 (1.14, 1.90) times the odds of CSDS, adjusting for confounders (p&lt;0.01). Results also held when defining CSDS by an alternative CESD-10 score ≥16. In conclusion, increasing hearing thresholds were independently associated with CSDS among adults with subclinical HL (PTA ≤25 dB). Studies investigating whether treating HL can prevent late life depression should consider a lower threshold for defining HL.

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