The Influence of Explicit and Implicit Memory Processes on the Spoken–Written Language Learning of Children with Cochlear Implants

2020 ◽  
pp. 319-331
Author(s):  
Barbara Arfé ◽  
Ambra Fastelli
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Implicit Memory ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Language And Literacy ◽  
Digital Hearing Aids ◽  
Memory Processes ◽  
Verbal Language ◽  
Verbal Rehearsal

Recent improvements in cochlear implants (CIs) and hearing aid technology are providing deaf children better access to sounds, yet many children with CIs and digital hearing aids continue to experience significant difficulties in verbal language learning, reading, and writing. It has been shown that explicit and intentional memory processes, like verbal rehearsal or semantic organizational strategies, can explain the language and literacy outcomes of CI and hearing aid users. More recently, however, researchers have suggested also an involvement of implicit memory, and particularly implicit sequence learning (SL), in the language and literacy delay of these children. This chapter reviews and discusses studies bringing evidence of the involvement of inefficient explicit memory processes and implicit SL in the language and literacy development of children with CIs. It is argued that the interaction between explicit and implicit memory processes (verbal rehearsal and implicit SL) can better account for CI users’ problems with language and literacy acquisition.

Performance Improvement of Digital Hearing Aid Systems

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Isiaka Ajewale Alimi
Keyword(s):  
Noise Reduction ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Digital Signal Processor ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Communication Systems ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Spectral Subtraction ◽  
Residual Spectrum ◽  
Digital Hearing Aids ◽  
Digital Hearing Aid

Digital hearing aids addresses the issues of noise and speech intelligibility that is associated with the analogue types. One of the main functions of the digital signal processor (DSP) of digital hearing aid systems is noise reduction which can be achieved by speech enhancement algorithms which in turn improve system performance and flexibility. However, studies have shown that the quality of experience (QoE) with some of the current hearing aids is not up to expectation in a noisy environment due to interfering sound, background noise and reverberation. It is also suggested that noise reduction features of the DSP can be further improved accordingly. Recently, we proposed an adaptive spectral subtraction algorithm to enhance the performance of communication systems and address the issue of associated musical noise generated by the conventional spectral subtraction algorithm. The effectiveness of the algorithm has been confirmed by different objective and subjective evaluations. In this study, an adaptive spectral subtraction algorithm is implemented using the noise-estimation algorithm for highly non-stationary noisy environments instead of the voice activity detection (VAD) employed in our previous work due to its effectiveness. Also, signal to residual spectrum ratio (SR) is implemented in order to control the amplification distortion for speech intelligibility improvement. The results show that the proposed scheme gives comparatively better performance and can be easily employed in digital hearing aid system for improving speech quality and intelligibility.

Foundations of Language Development in Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Infants

2020 ◽  
pp. 19-32
Author(s):  
Dani Levine ◽  
Daniela Avelar ◽  
Roberta Michnick Golinkoff ◽  
Kathy Hirsh-Pasek ◽  
Derek M. Houston
Keyword(s):  
Language Development ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hard Of Hearing ◽  
Social Processes ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Hearing Devices ◽  
Language Input ◽  
Hearing Children

Copious evidence indicates that, even in the first year of life, children’s language development is beginning and is impacted by a wide array of cognitive and social processes. The extent to which these processes are dependent on early language input is a critical concern for most deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children, who, unlike hearing children, are usually not immersed in a language-rich environment until effective interventions, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, are implemented. Importantly, some cognitive and social processes are not dependent on the early availability of language input and begin to develop before children are fitted for hearing aids or cochlear implants. Interventions involving parent training may be helpful for enhancing social underpinnings of language and for maximizing DHH children’s language learning once effective hearing devices are in place. Similarly, cognitive training for DHH children may also provide benefit to bolster language development.

scholarly journals Integrated Bimodal Fitting for Unilateral CI Users with Residual Contralateral Hearing

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-206
Author(s):  
Gennaro Auletta ◽  
Annamaria Franzè ◽  
Carla Laria ◽  
Carmine Piccolo ◽  
Carmine Papa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Performance Difference ◽  
Test Conditions ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Noisy Conditions ◽  
New Formula ◽  
Better Than

Background: The aim of this study was to compare, in users of bimodal cochlear implants, the performance obtained using their own hearing aids (adjusted with the standard NAL-NL1 fitting formula) with the performance using the Phonak Naìda Link Ultra Power hearing aid adjusted with both NAL-NL1 and a new bimodal system (Adaptive Phonak Digital Bimodal (APDB)) developed by Advanced Bionics and Phonak Corporations. Methods: Eleven bimodal users (Naìda CI Q70 + contralateral hearing aid) were enrolled in our study. The users’ own hearing aids were replaced with the Phonak Naìda Link Ultra Power and fitted following the new formula. Speech intelligibility was assessed in quiet and noisy conditions, and comparisons were made with the results obtained with the users’ previous hearing aids and with the Naída Link hearing aids fitted with the NAL-NL1 generic prescription formula. Results: Using Phonak Naìda Link Ultra Power hearing aids with the Adaptive Phonak Digital Bimodal fitting formula, performance was significantly better than that with the users’ own rehabilitation systems, especially in challenging hearing situations for all analyzed subjects. Conclusions: Speech intelligibility tests in quiet settings did not reveal a significant difference in performance between the new fitting formula and NAL-NL1 fittings (using the Naída Link hearing aids), whereas the performance difference between the two fittings was very significant in noisy test conditions.

Expectations, Prefitting Counseling, and Hearing Aid Outcome

2009 ◽  
Vol 20 (05) ◽  
pp. 320-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabrielle H. Saunders ◽  
M Samantha Lewis ◽  
Anna Forsline
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Initial Contact ◽  
High Expectations ◽  
Digital Hearing Aids ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Unrealistic Expectations

Background: Data suggest that having high expectations about hearing aids results in better overall outcome. However, some have postulated that excessively high expectations will result in disappointment and thus poor outcome. It has been suggested that counseling patients with unrealistic expectations about hearing aids prior to fitting may be beneficial. Data, however, are mixed as to the effectiveness of such counseling, in terms of both changes in expectations and final outcome. Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether supplementing prefitting counseling with demonstration of real-world listening can (1) alter expectations of new hearing aid users and (2) increase satisfaction over verbal-only counseling. Secondary goals of the study were to examine (1) the relationship between prefitting expectations and postfitting outcome, and (2) the effect of hearing aid fine-tuning on hearing aid outcome. Research Design: Sixty new hearing aid users were fitted binaurally with Beltone Oria behind-the-ear digital hearing aids. Forty participants received prefitting counseling and demonstration of listening situations with the Beltone AVE™ (Audio Verification Environment) system; 20 received prefitting counseling without a demonstration of listening situations. Hearing aid expectations were measured at initial contact and following prefitting counseling. Reported hearing aid outcome was measured after eight to ten weeks of hearing aid use. Study Sample: Sixty new hearing aid users aged between 55 and 81 years with symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups, between which the prefitting counseling and follow-up differed: Group 1 received prefitting counseling in combination with demonstration of listening situations. Additionally, if the participant had complaints about sound quality at the follow-up visit, the hearing aids were fine-tuned using the Beltone AVE system. Group 2 received prefitting counseling in combination with demonstration of listening situations with the Beltone AVE system, but no fine-tuning was provided at follow-up. Group 3 received prefitting hearing aid counseling that did not include demonstration of listening, and the hearing aids were not fine-tuned at the follow-up appointment. Results: The results showed that prefitting hearing aid counseling had small but significant effects on expectations. The two forms of counseling did not differ in their effectiveness at changing expectations; however, anecdotally, we learned from many participants that that they enjoyed listening to the auditory demonstrations and that they found them to be an interesting listening exercise. The data also show that positive expectations result in more positive outcome and that hearing aid fine-tuning is beneficial to the user. Conclusions: We conclude that prefitting counseling can be advantageous to hearing aid outcome and recommend the addition of prefitting counseling to address expectations associated with quality of life and self-image. The data emphasize the need to address unrealistic expectations prior to fitting hearing aids cautiously, so as not to decrease expectations to the extent of discouraging and demotivating the patient. Data also show that positive expectations regarding the impact hearing aids will have on psychosocial well-being are important for successful hearing aid outcome.

Far-Advanced Otosclerosis

1993 ◽  
Vol 102 (6) ◽  
pp. 433-437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Frattali ◽  
Robert T. Sataloff
Keyword(s):  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Tuning Fork ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Stapes Surgery ◽  
Sensorineural Hearing ◽  
Profound Deafness

Profound deafness has received increasing attention in recent years, largely because of the availability of cochlear implants. Consequently, it is especially important for otolaryngologists to remember that a “blank” audiogram does not necessarily mean total or even profound deafness. Patients with far-advanced otosclerosis may have no measurable hearing with routine audiometric testing even in the presence of serviceable sensorineural hearing. Review of nine patients (10 ears) who underwent stapedectomy from 1980 to 1987 reveals that seven of the nine (78%), who had been unable to use a hearing aid preoperatively, obtained serviceable hearing with hearing aids following surgery. Otolaryngologists should depend on a good history and tuning fork examination to avoid being misled by the audiogram, and should not hesitate to offer stapes surgery to patients with far-advanced otosclerosis.

scholarly journals Assistive Hearing Technology for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Spoken Language Learners

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frush Holt
Keyword(s):  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hard Of Hearing ◽  
Spoken Language ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Language And Literacy ◽  
Language Outcomes ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Literacy Outcomes

Radical advancements in hearing technology in the last 30 years have offered some deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children the adequate auditory access necessary to acquire spoken language with high-quality early intervention. However, meaningful achievement gaps in reading and spoken language persist despite the engineering marvel of modern hearing aids and cochlear implants. Moreover, there is enormous unexplained variability in spoken language and literacy outcomes. Aspects of signal processing in both hearing aids and cochlear implants are discussed as they relate to spoken language outcomes in preschool and school-age children. In suggesting areas for future research, a case is made for not only expanding the search for mechanisms of influence on outcomes outside of traditional device- and child-related factors, but also for framing the search within Biopsychosocial systems theories. This theoretical approach incorporates systems of risk factors across many levels, as well as the bidirectional and complex ways in which factors influence each other. The combination of sophisticated hearing technology and a fuller understanding of the complex environmental and biological factors that shape development will help maximize spoken language outcomes in DHH children and contribute to laying the groundwork for successful literacy and academic development.

Hearing Aid Outcomes: Effects of Gender and Experience on Patients' Use and Satisfaction

2009 ◽  
Vol 20 (07) ◽  
pp. 422-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria A. Williams ◽  
Carole E. Johnson ◽  
Jeffrey L. Danhauer
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Normative Study ◽  
Digital Hearing Aids ◽  
Specific Questionnaire ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Experience Effects

Purpose: To use the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) with patients having advanced hearing aid technology to assess their satisfaction and benefit focusing on gender and experience effects, compare to norms, and use the IOI-HA and a practice-specific questionnaire to monitor the quality of the services provided by a dispensing practice. Research Design: A study of 160 potential participants who had worn their newly purchased multichannel digital hearing aids having directional microphones for at least three months, completed a trial period, and should have had time to acclimatize to them. English-speaking, private or insurance paying, competent, adult patients from a private practice were mailed a 12-item practice-specific questionnaire and the seven-item IOI-HA. Results: Of the160 questionnaires mailed, 73 were returned for a 46% return rate. Of those, 64 were useable. Participants included male (34) and female (30), new (30) and previous (34) hearing aid users, who self-selected their participation by returning the questionnaires. The practice-specific questionnaire assessed patients' demographics and the quality of services received. The IOI-HA was analyzed according to an overall score and on two different factor scores. A power analysis revealed that 19 respondents per group were needed for the IOI-HA results to have a statistical power of .80 and probability of a Type II error of .20 for detecting a significant difference at the p < 0.05 level. Similar to earlier studies, no significant differences were observed either for any of the main effects or interactions for gender or user experience for the two IOI-HA factors and overall scores. A significant, but weak, positive correlation (r = .34; df = 63; p < .05) was observed between patients' overall satisfaction as indicated from the IOI-HA and the practice-specific quality assurance satisfaction question. T-tests on IOI-HA items 4 (satisfaction) and 7 (quality of life) revealed that the present participants' responses were significantly higher than for those in the normative study. Conclusions: Gender and hearing aid experience did not influence these patients' responses on the IOI-HA, and all respondents were satisfied with their hearing aids and the practice that dispensed them. No major differences were found between these patients' IOI-HA results and normative data suggesting that both sets of respondents were satisfied with their hearing aids. However, limited statistical comparisons for the satisfaction and quality of life items revealed significant differences in favor of these participants' scores over those in the normative study. This suggested that the advanced hearing aid technology used here had a positive effect on patients' ratings and that the IOI-HA norms should be updated periodically to reflect changes in technology.

Effects of Universal Newborn Hearing Screening on an Early Intervention Program for Children with Hearing Loss, Birth to 3 Yr of Age

2010 ◽  
Vol 21 (03) ◽  
pp. 169-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathy S. Halpin ◽  
Kay Y. Smith ◽  
Judith E. Widen ◽  
Mark E. Chertoff
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Profound Hearing Loss ◽  
Universal Newborn Hearing Screening ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Age Of Diagnosis ◽  
Diagnosis Age

Background: Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) was introduced in Kansas in 1999. Prior to UNHS a small percentage of newborns were screened for and identified with hearing loss. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of UNHS on a local early intervention (EI) program for young children with hearing loss. Research Design: This was a retrospective study based on the chart review of children enrolled in the EI program during target years before and after the establishment of UNHS. Study Sample: Charts for 145 children were reviewed. Data Collection and Analysis: The chart review targeted the following aspects of the EI program: caseload size, percentage of caseload identified by UNHS, age of diagnosis, age of enrollment in EI, degree of hearing loss, etiology of hearing loss, late onset of hearing loss, age of hearing aid fit, percentage of children fit with hearing aids by 6 mo, percentage of children with profound hearing loss with cochlear implants, and percentage of children with additional disabilities. Results: Changes in the EI program that occurred after UNHS were increases in caseload size, percentage of caseload identified by UNHS, percentage of children fit with hearing aids by 6 mo of age, and percentage of children with profound hearing loss with cochlear implants. There were decreases in age of diagnosis, age of enrollment in EI, and age of hearing aid fit. Before UNHS, the majority of children had severe and profound hearing loss; after UNHS there were more children with mild and moderate hearing loss. The percentage of known etiology and late-onset hearing loss was approximately the same before and after UNHS, as was the percentage of children with additional disabilities. Conclusion: UNHS had a positive impact on caseload size, age of diagnosis, age of enrollment in EI, and age of hearing aid fit. The percentage of the caseload identified in the newborn period was about 25% before UNHS and over 80% after its implementation. After UNHS, the EI caseload included as many children with mild and moderate hearing loss as with severe and profound loss. By the last reporting year in the study (academic year 2005–2006) all children with profound hearing losses had cochlear implants.

scholarly journals Strength Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) Profile of Children with Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Descriptive Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Agung ◽  
Yunias Setiawati ◽  
Nining Febryana
Keyword(s):  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Sensorineural Deafness ◽  
Subscale Score ◽  
Emotional And Behavioral Problems ◽  
Observational Research ◽  
Deaf Children ◽  
Functional Communication

Purpose: The increasing number of hospital visits by children with sensorineural deafness needs attention. Apart from causing functional communication disruption, it is also initiating a psychopathological stressor that triggers mental health disorders such as emotional, depression, lack of self-confidence, and behavioral problems, which overall impact the quality of life of children in Indonesia’s future. The aim of this study is to identify emotional and behavioral problems in sensorineural deaf children using the Strength Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Methods: This study used a descriptive observational research design. The subjects of this study were children with sensorineural deafness who visited the pediatric hearing center in Jala Puspa clinic, in Naval Hospital Dr. Ramelan Surabaya, in January 2021. The data was collected using the Strength Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) questionnaire. The data were analyzed descriptively. Results: The respondents in this study were 50 sensorineural deaf children consisting of 27 boys and 23 girls. The results show that both children with sensorineural deafness who used a hearing aid or cochlear implants had a natural tendency to have emotional and behavioral problems, indicated by the difficulty subscale score. Borderline degrees of 20 (91%) children using hearing aid and 15 (54%) in children using cochlear implants (CI), on the power subscale indicated 11 (50%) in children using hearing aid and 9 (32 %) in children taking CI. Conclusion: Both sensorineural deaf children using hearing aids and cochlear implants tend to have emotional and behavioral problems.

Embodied Cognition in Prelingually Deaf Children with Cochlear Implants

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina Castellanos ◽  
David B. Pisoni ◽  
Chen Yu ◽  
Chi-hsin Chen ◽  
Derek M. Houston
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Social Partner ◽  
Motor Behaviors ◽  
Sensory Motor ◽  
Multisensory Interactions ◽  
Novel Word Learning ◽  
Hearing Children

The theory of embodiment postulates that cognition emerges from multisensory interactions of an agent with its environment and as a result of multiple overlapping and time-locked sensory-motor activities. In this chapter, we discuss the complex multisensory system that may underlie young children’s novel word learning, how embodied attention may provide new insights into language learning after prelingual hearing loss, and how embodied attention may underlie learning in the classroom. We present new behavioral data demonstrating the coordination of sensory-motor behaviors in groups of young children with prelingual hearing loss (deaf, early implanted children with cochlear implants and hard-of-hearing children with hearing aids) and without hearing loss (two control groups of peers matched for chronological and hearing age). Our preliminary findings suggest that individual differences and variability in language outcomes may be traced to children’s coordination of auditory, visual, and motor behaviors with a social partner.

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