Unilateral hearing loss: benefit of amplification in sound localization, temporal ordering and resolution

ABSTRACT Purpose To assess the hearing abilities of temporal ordering, temporal resolution and sound localization before and after the fitting of a hearing aid (HA) in individuals with unilateral hearing loss (UHL). Methods There were evaluated 22 subjects, aged 18 to 60 years, diagnosed with sensorineural or mixed UHL, from mild to severe degrees. The study was divided into two stages: the pre and post-adaptation of HA. In both phases, subjects performed an interview, application of Questionnaire for Disabilities Associated with Impaired Auditory Localization, auditory processing screening protocol (APSP) and Random Gap Detection Test (RGDT). Results This study found no statistically significant difference in sound localization and memory evaluations for verbal sounds in sequence, in RGDT and Questionnaire for Disabilities Associated with Impaired Auditory Localization. Conclusion With the effective use of hearing aids, individuals with UHL showed improvement in the auditory abilities of sound localization, ordering and temporal resolution.

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Hearing Rehabilitation through Bone-Conducted Sound Stimulation: Preliminary Results

International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1670694 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 23 (01) ◽

pp. 012-017 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Fayez Bahmad Jr ◽

Carolina Cardoso ◽

Fernanda Caldas ◽

Monique Barreto ◽

Anacléia Hilgenberg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Speech Perception ◽

Hearing Aids ◽

Subcutaneous Tissue ◽

Bone Conduction ◽

Free Field ◽

Pure Tone Audiometry ◽

Skin Impedance ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Before And After

Introduction The bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) is a bone conduction system that transmits the sound directly to the inner ear by surpassing the skin impedance and the subcutaneous tissue. It is indicated for patients with mixed, conductive and unilateral sensorineural hearing loss who did not benefit from conventional hearing aids (HAs). Although the benefits from BAHA are well demonstrated internationally, this field still lacks studies in Brazil. Objective To assess the auditory rehabilitation process in BAHA users through audiological, speech perception and tinnitus aspects. Methods Individuals with hearing loss were assessed before and after the implantation. The participants were subjected to pure tone audiometry in free field, functional gain audiometry, speech perception tests, tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) in open format, and to the visual analog scale (VAS). Results It was found that the participants benefited from the use of BAHA. The difference in the performance of the participants before and after the BAHA surgery was significant in terms of hearing acuity. There was no statistically significant difference in the speech perception tests. The tinnitus assessment showed that 80% of the participants scored slight tinnitus severity in THI after using a BAHA. Eighty percent of the participants classified their tinnitus as absent to mild in the VAS after the surgery. Conclusion Based on the results of the current study, we can conclude that the participants improved both the auditory perception and the tinnitus handicap.

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The effect of hearing amplification on tinnitus improvement

Auditory and Vestibular Research ◽

10.18502/avr.v27i4.128 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Sara Bahaghighat ◽

Saeid Farahani ◽

Reza Hoseinabadi ◽

Shohreh Jalaie

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Hearing Aids ◽

Analogue Scale ◽

High Pitch ◽

Pitch Matching ◽

Persian Version ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Before And After ◽

Tinnitus Treatment ◽

Treatment Prognosis

Background and Aim: Using hearing aids is one of the most important management methods for patients with hearing loss and tinnitus. Many studies have been conducted to assess the effect of hearing aids on tinnitus using different tools, but there is no consensus on their usefulness and effect in relieving tinnitus. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of hearing amplification on tinnitus using the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) and tinnitus psychoacoustic measurements.Methods: A total of 10 patients (5 male and 5 female), aged 39 to 70 years old with mild to severe sensorineural hearing loss (amplifiable hearing loss) and chronic tinnitus entered the study. The Persian version of the THI was completed for the patients and tinnitus psychoacoustic measurements, the visual analogue scale (VAS) loudness, and the annoyance VAS were performed. The patients used hearing aids for six weeks, and measurements were repeated after the intervention.Results: Comparing the total mean score of all of the study variables before and after the intervention showed significant reductions (p<0.05). Based on tinnitus pitch matching, no significant difference was observed in mean score changes in the THI between low-pitch and high-pitch groups.Conclusion: Improvement was observed in tinnitus annoyance after using hearing aids for 6 weeks. Tinnitus pitch is not a good criterion for determining tinnitus treatment prognosis.

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Auditory Outcomes with Hearing Rehabilitation in Children with Unilateral Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review

Otolaryngology ◽

10.1177/0194599817726757 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 157 (4) ◽

pp. 565-571 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Swathi Appachi ◽

Jessica. L. Specht ◽

Nikhila Raol ◽

Judith E. C. Lieu ◽

Michael S. Cohen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Speech Recognition ◽

Sound Localization ◽

Hearing Aids ◽

Bone Conduction ◽

Unilateral Hearing Loss ◽

Hearing Rehabilitation ◽

Hearing Devices ◽

Bone Conduction Hearing ◽

Speech Recognition In Noise

Objective Options for management of unilateral hearing loss (UHL) in children include conventional hearing aids, bone-conduction hearing devices, contralateral routing of signal (CROS) aids, and frequency-modulating (FM) systems. The objective of this study was to systematically review the current literature to characterize auditory outcomes of hearing rehabilitation options in UHL. Data Sources PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to January 2016. Manual searches of bibliographies were also performed. Review Methods Studies analyzing auditory outcomes of hearing amplification in children with UHL were included. Outcome measures included functional and objective auditory results. Two independent reviewers evaluated each abstract and article. Results Of the 249 articles identified, 12 met inclusion criteria. Seven articles solely focused on outcomes with bone-conduction hearing devices. Outcomes favored improved pure-tone averages, speech recognition thresholds, and sound localization in implanted patients. Five studies focused on FM systems, conventional hearing aids, or CROS hearing aids. Limited data are available but suggest a trend toward improvement in speech perception with hearing aids. FM systems were shown to have the most benefit for speech recognition in noise. Studies evaluating CROS hearing aids demonstrated variable outcomes. Conclusions Data evaluating functional and objective auditory measures following hearing amplification in children with UHL are limited. Most studies do suggest improvement in speech perception, speech recognition in noise, and sound localization with a hearing rehabilitation device.

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Auditory rehabilitation in adults: results of a training program

Revista CEFAC ◽

10.1590/1982-0216/201921510318 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 (5) ◽

Author(s):

Cristiane Bueno Sales ◽

Luciana Macedo de Resende ◽

Carlos Faria Santos Amaral

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Hearing Aids ◽

Auditory Processing ◽

Auditory Training ◽

Functional Improvement ◽

Moderate Degree ◽

Behavioral Tests ◽

Level Difference ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Masking Level Difference

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the findings of the auditory processing behavioral tests in patients with hearing loss before and after hearing aid fitting associated with auditory training. Methods: a descriptive analytical study that compared the findings of the auditory processing evaluation in 22 patients, from 19 to 62 years old, with mild or moderate sensorineural hearing loss. Tests used: Sound localization; Masking Level Difference; Alternate Disyllables Dichotic Listening Test; Melodic Frequency Pattern Test, Melodic Duration Pattern Test; Gaps in Noise; Speech in Noise Test. After the first tests, the patients were fitted with hearing aids and underwent eight auditory training sessions. The tests were retaken after a two-month period. Results: there was a predominance of females and a moderate degree hearing loss. In the comparison of the initial and final assessment situations, a statistically significant difference (p <0.05) was seen in all conditions studied, except for the Gaps in Noise and Masking Level Difference tests. Conclusion: the results have proven that the auditory training performed in adult users of hearing aids brought about significant improvements on the auditory processing skills, thus, modifying their auditory behavior. The improvement of the results of the auditory processing behavioral tests in the initial and final situations reflects the hearing functional improvement achieved.

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AGE-RELATED ISSUES OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN HEARING IMPAIRED PATIENTS

Успехи геронтологии ◽

10.34922/ae.2020.33.5.008 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 885-892

Author(s):

Л. Е. Голованова ◽

Е. А. Огородникова ◽

Е. С. Лаптева ◽

М. Ю. Бобошко

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Hearing Loss ◽

Hearing Aids ◽

Pure Tone Audiometry ◽

Hearing Impaired ◽

Hearing Disorders ◽

Age Related ◽

Sf 36 ◽

Significant Difference

Целью исследования было изучение качества жизни лиц с нарушениями слуха в разных возрастных группах. Обследованы 100 пациентов, обратившихся в городской сурдологический центр для взрослых в связи с нарушением слуха: 50 человек - 34-59 лет, 50 - 60 лет и старше, из которых 32 человека были пожилого возраста (60-74 года)и 18 - старческого (75-86 лет). Степень тугоухости оценивали на основании результатов тональной пороговой аудиометрии. Для исследования качества жизни все пациенты заполняли общий опросник MOS SF-36, отражающий физический и психологический компоненты здоровья, а также специальный опросник HHIА(E)-S для лиц с нарушениями слуха. Установлено, что шкала HHIА(E)-S демонстрирует высокую корреляцию со степенью тугоухости у пациентов моложе 60 лет ( R =0,98; достоверность различий на уровне p <0,05), которая снижается у пациентов 60 лет и старше ( R =0,94; различия в оценках при разной степени тугоухости недостоверны). Значительные трудности в старшей возрастной группе могут быть связаны с тем, что людям пожилого и, особенно, старческого возраста сложно пользоваться слуховыми аппаратами (или они для них неэффективны) и оценивать свои затруднения по шкалам опросника. Целесообразно использовать шкалу HHIА(Е)-S в качестве скринингового инструмента для раннего выявления тугоухости, направления пациентов к сурдологу и своевременного слухопротезирования. The aim of the research was to study the quality of life in hearing impaired patients of different age. 100 patients referred to the city audiology centre because of their hearing disorders were examined: 50 patients from 34 to 59 years old and 50 patients from 60 years and older, from which 32 patients were of older age (60 to 74 years old) and 18 of oldest age (75 to 86 years old). A degree of hearing loss was assessed according to results of pure tone audiometry. To study the quality of life all patients ﬁlled in the questionnaire MOS SF-36, which evaluates physical and psychological components of health, and the questionnaire HHIA(E)-S, designed speciﬁcally for patients with hearing disorders. The HHIA(E)-S scale was found to show high correlation with hearing loss degree in patients younger than 60 years old ( R =0,98 with statistically signiﬁcant difference, p <0,05), with decreasing correlation in patients from 60 years and older ( R =0,98; no signiﬁcant difference while assessing various hearing loss degrees). Considerable difﬁculties in this age group may be explained by the fact, that older and especially oldest patients have a challenge with hearing aids usage (or they are of low efﬁciency for them) and with assessing theirs difﬁculties on the questionnaire scales. The HHIA(E)-S scale is useful as a screening tool for early detection of hearing loss, referral of patients to an audiologist and prompt hearing aid ﬁtting.

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Otologics Fully Implantable Hearing Device Phase II Results

Otolaryngology ◽

10.1016/j.otohns.2008.05.185 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 139 (2_suppl) ◽

pp. P57-P57

Author(s):

Drew M Horlbeck ◽

Herman A Jenkins ◽

Ben J Balough ◽

Michael E Hoffer

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Sensorineural Hearing Loss ◽

Phase Ii ◽

Hearing Aids ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Pure Tone ◽

Sound Field ◽

Sensorineural Hearing ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Hearing Device

Objective The efficacy of the Otologics Fully Implantable Hearing Device (MET) was assessed in adult patients with bilateral moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss. Methods Surgical insertion of this totally implanted system was identical to the Phase I study. A repeated-measures within-subjects design assessed aided sound field thresholds and speech performances with the subject's own, appropriately fit, walk-in hearing aid(s) and the Otologics Fully Implantable Hearing Device. Results Six- and 12-month Phase II data will be presented. Ten patients were implanted and activated as part Phase II clinical trial. Three patients were lost to long term follow-up due to two coil failures and one ossicular abnormality preventing proper device placement. No significant differences between preoperative (AC = 59 dB, BC = 55 dB) and postoperative (AC = 61 dB, BC = 54 dB) unaided pure tone averages were noted (p < 0.05). Pure tone average implant aided thresholds (41 dB) were equivalent to that of walk-in-aided (37 dB) condition with no significant difference (p < 0.05) between patients’ walk-in-aided individual frequency thresholds and implant-aided thresholds. Word recognition scores and hearing in noise scores were similar between the walk-in-aided and for the implant-aided condition. Patient benefit scales will be presented at all end points. Conclusions Results of the Otologics MET Fully Implantable Hearing Device Phase II trial provide evidence that this fully implantable device is a viable alternative to currently available hearing aids in patients with sensorineural hearing loss.

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Unilateral hearing loss and the use of hearing aid: speech recognition, benefit, self-perception of functional performance and satisfaction

Revista CEFAC ◽

10.1590/1982-0216/201921113918 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lidiéli Dalla Costa ◽

Sinéia Neujahr dos Santos ◽

Maristela Julio Costa

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Speech Recognition ◽

Hearing Aids ◽

Functional Performance ◽

Hearing Aid ◽

Brazilian Portuguese ◽

Unilateral Hearing Loss ◽

Life Questionnaire ◽

Self Perception ◽

Sound Amplification

ABSTRACT Purpose: to investigate speech recognition in silence and in noise in subjects with unilateral hearing loss with and without hearing aids, and to analyze the benefit, self-perception of functional performance, satisfaction and the use of hearing aids in these subjects. Methods: eleven adults with unilateral, mixed and sensorineural, mild to severe hearing loss participated in this study. Speech recognition was evaluated by the Brazilian Portuguese sentences lists test; functional performance of the hearing was assessed by using the Speech Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale questionnaire; satisfaction was assessed by the Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life questionnaire, both in Brazilian Portuguese; and to assess the use of hearing aids, the patient's report was analyzed. Results: the adaptation of hearing aids provided benefits in speech recognition in all positions evaluated, both in silence and in noise. The subjects did not report major limitations in communication activities with the use of hearing aids. They were satisfied with the use of sound amplification. Most of the subjects did not use hearing aids, effectively. The discontinuity of hearing aids use can be justified by the difficulty on perceiving participation’s restriction caused by hearing loss, as well as the benefit of the hearing aid, besides the concern with batteries’ costs and aesthetic aspects. Conclusion: although showing benefits in speech recognition, in silence and in noise, and satisfaction with sound amplification, most subjects with unilateral hearing loss do not effectively use hearing aids.

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The comparison of gains prescribed for digital behind-the-ear hearing aids using the manufacturer-specific and conventional prescriptive formulas

Auditory and Vestibular Research ◽

10.18502/avr.v30i2.6097 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Shahin Shyekhaghaei ◽

Seyyed Jalal Sameni ◽

Nariman Rahbar

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Hearing Aids ◽

Input Output ◽

Frequency Range ◽

Sensation Level ◽

Input Intensity ◽

Multi Stage ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Different Levels ◽

Frequency Intensity

Background and Aim: There are several prescriptive formulas for covering a variety of hearing loss, each of which applies relatively different amplifications at different frequencies. This study aims to compare the gains prescribed for digital behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids by the Desired Sensation Level Multi-Stage [Input/Output] (DSLm[I/O]), National Acoustic Laboratories-non linear2 (NAL-NL2) and manufacturer-specific formulas at different levels of input intensity. Methods: The gain values in 12-channel BTE hearing aids prepared from four companies (Oticon, Phonak, ReSound and Siemens) were measured at three levels of input intensity (45, 65, and 85 dB SPL) and at a frequency range of 250−8000 Hz for two moderately severe flat and mild sloping to severe hearing losses by using the DSLm[I/O], NAL-NL2 and manufacturerspecific formulas in the Frye FP35 test box. Results: There was no significant difference between the four selected hearing aids in terms of prescribed gain values using the prescriptive formulas (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The DSLm[I/O] formula prescribes higher gain in the 12-channel BTE hearing aids from Oticon, Phonak and Siemens companies at all input intensities and frequencies for moderately severe flat and mild sloping to severe hearing losses compared to the NAL-NL2 formula and manufacturer-specific formulas (Voice Aligned Compression (VAC), Adaptive Phonak, Connexx Fit and audiogram+). Keywords: National acoustic laboratories-non linear2; desired sensation level multi-stage [input/output]; gain; frequency; intensity levels

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The use of speech sentence audiometry in a free sound field

Science and Innovations in Medicine ◽

10.35693/2500-1388-2020-5-1-36-39 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 36-39

Author(s):

Mariya Yu. Boboshko ◽

Irina P. Berdnikova ◽

Natalya V. Maltzeva

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Sensorineural Hearing Loss ◽

Hearing Aids ◽

Speech Intelligibility ◽

Normative Data ◽

Hearing Aid ◽

Sound Field ◽

Normal Hearing ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Hearing Aid Benefit

Objectives -to determine the normative data of sentence speech intelligibility in a free sound field and to estimate the applicability of the Russian Matrix Sentence test (RuMatrix) for assessment of the hearing aid fitting benefit. Material and methods. 10 people with normal hearing and 28 users of hearing aids with moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss were involved in the study. RuMatrix test both in quiet and in noise was performed in a free sound field. All patients filled in the COSI questionnaire. Results. The hearing impaired patients were divided into two subgroups: the 1st with high and the 2nd with low hearing aid benefit, according to the COSI questionnaire. In the 1st subgroup, the threshold for the sentence intelligibility in quiet was 34.9 ± 6.4 dB SPL, and in noise -3.3 ± 1.4 dB SNR, in the 2nd subgroup 41.7 ± 11.5 dB SPL and 0.15 ± 3.45 dB SNR, respectively. The significant difference between the data of both subgroups and the norm was registered (p

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Working Memory, Sleep, and Hearing Problems in Patients with Tinnitus and Hearing Loss Fitted with Hearing Aids

Journal of the American Academy of Audiology ◽

10.3766/jaaa.16023 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 28 (02) ◽

pp. 141-151 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Reza Zarenoe ◽

Mathias Hällgren ◽

Gerhard Andersson ◽

Torbjörn Ledin

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Hearing Loss ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Hearing Aids ◽

Hearing Aid ◽

Reading Span ◽

Full Sample ◽

Before And After ◽

Hearing Problems

Background: Tinnitus is a common condition and there is a need to evaluate effects of tinnitus management in relation to moderating factors such as degree of hearing loss. As it is possible that tinnitus influences concentration, and thus is likely to disturb cognitive processing, the role of cognitive functioning also needs to be investigated. Purpose: To compare a group of patients with sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus to a control group with only sensorineural hearing loss (and no tinnitus). To investigate working memory, sleep, and hearing problems measured before and after hearing rehabilitation. Research Design: A prospective study. Study Sample: The sample consisted of 100 patients, 50 with hearing loss and tinnitus, and 50 controls with hearing loss but no tinnitus. All patients were between 40 and 82 yr old and had a pure-tone average (PTA; average of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz) <70 dB HL. Intervention: Patients were tested before and after rehabilitation with hearing aids with regard to their working memory capacity, sleep quality, hearing problems, speech recognition, and tinnitus annoyance. Data Collection and Analysis: Eight patients dropped out of the study. Thus, a total of 92 patients were included for analysis, with 46 in each group. As a consequence of unplanned age and PTA differences between the groups, an age-matched subsample (n = 30 + 30) was selected for further analysis. Tests including the Reading Span, Hearing-in-Noise Test (HINT), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were administered before and after hearing aid rehabilitation. Results: There were no between-group differences at baseline in the full sample (n = 92), with the exception of the THI (p < 0.001) and the PSQI (p < 0.002), on which the hearing loss and tinnitus group had significantly higher scores. Pre/post changes were significant for both groups on the Reading Span, and HHIE. However, these improvements were significantly larger for the patients in the hearing loss and tinnitus group on the Reading Span test (p < 0.001) and the PSQI (p < 0.001). Patients with tinnitus and hearing loss also exhibited significantly improved THI scores at follow-up, compared to baseline (p < 0.001).We conducted the same analyses for the age-matched subsample (n = 30 + 30). For the baseline data, only the THI (p < 0.001) and the PSQI (p < 0.015) difference remained significant. With regard to the pre/post changes, we found the same differences in improvement in Reading Span (p < 0.001) and the PSQI (p < 0.015) as in the full sample. Conclusions: Patients with tinnitus benefited from hearing aid rehabilitation. The observed differences in cognitive function were unexpected, and there were larger score improvements on the Reading Span test in the hearing loss and tinnitus group than in the hearing loss group. Patients with tinnitus and hearing loss may receive extra benefit in terms of cognitive function following hearing aid rehabilitation.

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