Presbycusis, Part 1: Can You Hear the Music Of Life?

2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 148-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Hutchison ◽  
Eleanor K. Covan ◽  
Janet C. Bogus
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Problem Behaviors ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Clinical Environment ◽  
Hearing Sensitivity ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Short Period

We used a novel approach allowing participants in this study to self-monitor their hearing sensitivity to familiar sounds in the environment. The objective of this approach was to establish whether participants in the 80–89 and 90–99 age groups would recognize the degree of their hearing impairment. It was our hope that participants would value audiology treatment and that it would improve their quality of life over a short period. The pilot study took place in a clinical environment where participants answered survey questions before and after audiology treatment, which pertained to their hearing impairment, morale, social support, and life satisfaction. Caregivers were included in the research to rate and record participants’ problem behaviors (e.g., shouting, anger, agitation, repetitive speech dialog, and depression) before, during, and after treatment. This research validates other scientists’ findings that annoying problem behaviors may actually be the result of hearing loss because of a person’s inability to recognize speech. The pilot study shows that participants with mild dementia adapted well to speech and sounds in the natural environment without agitation as well as to management of hearing aids within a 30-day period. The participants with moderate dementia were slower to adapt. All participants with dementia required the cooperation of their caregivers to maintain hygiene of ear canals and hearing aids and insertion. This study suggests that the sooner people receive treatment for hearing loss, the quicker they are to recognize speech and to master hearing aid technology.

Feasibility of smartphone-based hearing-aid apps for patients with mild hearing loss: an exploratory pilot study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willy Nguyen ◽  
Miseung Koo ◽  
Seung Ha Oh ◽  
Jun Ho Lee ◽  
Moo Kyun Park
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Clinical Performance ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
National Standards ◽  
Hearing In Noise ◽  
Mild Hearing Loss ◽  
Consumer Devices ◽  
Selection Of

BACKGROUND Underuse of hearing aids is caused by several factors, including the stigma associated with hearing disability, affordability, and lack of awareness of rising hearing impairment associated with the growing population. Thus, there is a significant opportunity for the development of direct-to-consumer devices. For the past few years, smartphone-based hearing-aid apps have become more numerous and diverse, but few studies have investigated them. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to elucidate the electroacoustic characteristics and potential user benefits of a selection of currently available hearing-aid apps. METHODS We investigated the apps based on hearing-aid control standards (American National Standards Institute) using measurement procedures from previous studies. We categorized the apps and excluded those we considered inefficient. We investigated a selection of user-friendly, low-end apps, EarMachine and Sound Amplifier, with warble-tone audiometry, word recognition testing in unaided and aided conditions, and hearing-in-noise test in quiet and noise-front conditions in a group of users with mild hearing impairment (n = 7) as a pilot for a future long-term investigation. Results from the apps were compared with those of a conventional hearing aid. RESULTS Five of 14 apps were considered unusable based on low scores in several metrics, while the others varied across the range of electroacoustic measurements. The apps that we considered “high end” that provided lower processing latencies and audiogram-based fitting algorithms were superior overall. The clinical performance of the listeners tended to be better when using hearing aid, while the low end hearing-aid apps had limited benefits on the users. CONCLUSIONS Some apps showed the potential to benefit users with limited cases of minimal or mild hearing loss if the inconvenience of relatively poor electroacoustic performance did not outweigh the benefits of amplification.

Measurements of Loudness Growth in 1/2-Octave Bands for Children and Adults With Normal Hearing

1999 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melisa R. Ellis ◽  
Michael K. Wynne
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Lower Boundary ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Boundary Values ◽  
Simple Modification ◽  
Point Data ◽  
Loudness Growth

The loudness growth in 1/2-octave bands (LGOB) procedure has been shown previously to provide valid estimates of loudness growth for adults with normal hearing and those with hearing loss (Allen, Hall, & Jeng, 1990), and it has been widely incorporated into fitting strategies for adult hearing aid users by a hearing aid manufacturer. Here, we applied a simple modification of LGOB to children and adults with normal hearing and then compared the loudness growth functions (as obtained from end-point data) between the two age groups. In addition, reliability data obtained within a single session and between test sessions were compared between the two groups. Large differences were observed in the means between the two groups for the lower boundary values, the upper boundary values, and the range between boundaries both within and across all frequencies. The data obtained from children also had greater variance than the adult data. In addition, there was more variability in the data across test sessions for children. Many test-retest differences for children exceeded 10 dB. Adult test-retest differences were generally less than 10 dB. Although the LGOB with the modifications used in this study may be used to measure loudness growth in children, its poor reliability with this age group may limit its clinical use for children with hearing loss. Additional work is needed to explore whether loudness growth measures can be adapted successfully to children and whether these measures contribute worthwhile information for fitting hearing aids to children.

Hearing Loss, Control, and Demographic Factors Influencing Hearing Aid Use Among Older Adults

1998 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 527-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dean C. Garstecki ◽  
Susan F. Erler
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Psychological Control ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Ego Strength ◽  
Hearing Sensitivity ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Hearing Handicap

Preference for non-use of hearing aids among older adults who are candidates for amplification remains to be explained. Clinical studies have examined the contribution of consumer attitudes, behaviors, and life circumstances to this phenomenon. The present study extends the interests of earlier investigators in that it examines psychological control tendencies in combination with hearing loss and demographic variables among older adults who elected to accept (adherents) or ignore (nonadherents) advice from hearing professionals to acquire and use hearing aids. One hundred thirty-one individuals participated by completing measures of hearing, hearing handicap, psychological control, depression, and ego strength. Participants were asked to provide demographic information and personal opinions regarding hearing aid use. Adherence group and gender differences were noted on measures of hearing sensitivity, psychological control, and demographic factors. Female adherents demonstrated greater hearing loss and poorer word recognition ability but less hearing handicap, higher internal locus of control, higher ego strength, and fewer depressive tendencies than female nonadherents. They reported demographic advantages. Female adherents assumed responsibility for effective communication. Although male adherents and nonadherents did not differ significantly demographically, male adherents were more accepting of their hearing loss, took responsibility for communication problems, and found hearing aids less stigmatizing. Implications for clinical practice and future clinical investigations are identified and discussed. Results are expected to be of interest to clinicians, clinical investigators, and health care policymakers.

scholarly journals Model of development of the regional system of medical, psychological and pedagogical assistance to infants with hearing impairment

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-50
Author(s):  
I. V. Koroleva ◽  
◽  
G. Sh. Tufatulin ◽  
M. S. Korkunova ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Comprehensive Care ◽  
Children And Parents ◽  
Parental Counseling ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
Family Centered ◽  
Modern Standard

The study provides an analysis of medical and psychological and pedagogical assistance to children with hearing impairment at an early age in St. Petersburg in accordance with the modern standard «1-3-6». It was found that only 19% of children with hearing impairment registered at the Audiology Center were diagnosed with hearing loss before the age of 3 months, at the age of 6 months. 5,4% of children had hearing aids. A model for the development of a system of comprehensive care for young children with hearing impairment in St. Petersburg has been developed. The model includes 5 stages, for each of which a system of organizational measures is presented, aimed at improving the effectiveness of comprehensive care using a family-centered approach. The implementation of the model made it possible to increase the proportion of children diagnosed before the age of 3 months and to reduce the average age of hearing aid in young children. Expansion of the range of services in the Audiology Center (a course of classes on adapting a child to hearing aids during primary hearing aids, group deaf pedagogical and musical classes with children and parents, a school for parents, parental counseling by a psychologist), as well as the introduction of remote forms of support contributed to an increase in the competence of parents in matters of hearing aids, development of infant with hearing loss and parental activity in the classroom with the child. Remote forms of work made it possible to continue the rehabilitation of children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The developed model for the development of comprehensive care for young children with hearing impairment and their families may be useful for other regions of the Russian Federation.

Hearing Loss- and Hearing Aid-Related Stigma

2002 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan F. Erler ◽  
Dean C. Garstecki
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Impaired Hearing ◽  
Younger Women ◽  
Normal Limits ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Women’S Perceptions

Impaired hearing and the use of hearing aids are often perceived negatively. Many adults deny hearing loss and reject amplification, in part due to such stigma. Women and men differ in how they age and adjust to impaired hearing, yet little is known specifically about women’s perceptions of stigma related to hearing loss and hearing aid use. The purpose of this study was to examine the degree of stigma associated with hearing loss and hearing aid use among women in three age groups (35–45 years, 55–65 years, and 75–85 years). Participants were 191 women with hearing within normal limits based on age-related norms. Using pairs of descriptors (i.e., semantic differentials), participants completed statements related to hearing loss and hearing aid use. Results suggest that negative perceptions associated with hearing loss and hearing aid use are affected by age. Younger women perceive greater stigma than older women. Less stigma is associated with hearing aid use than hearing loss, suggesting a positive effect of hearing loss management. Implications for clinical practice and marketing of hearing instruments are discussed.

Hearing Impaired Children's Preference for, and Performance with, Four Combinations of Directional Microphone and Digital Noise Reduction Technology

2013 ◽  
Vol 24 (09) ◽  
pp. 832-844 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea L. Pittman ◽  
Mollie M. Hiipakka
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Noise Reduction ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Directional Hearing ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Children With Hearing Loss ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Noise Management

Background: Before advanced noise-management features can be recommended for use in children with hearing loss, evidence regarding their ability to use these features to optimize speech perception is necessary. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between children's preference for, and performance with, four combinations of noise-management features in noisy listening environments. Research Design: Children with hearing loss were asked to repeat short sentences presented in steady-state noise or in multitalker babble while wearing ear-level hearing aids. The aids were programmed with four memories having an orthogonal arrangement of two noise-management features. The children were also asked to indicate the hearing aid memory that they preferred in each of the listening conditions both initially and after a short period of use. Study Sample: Fifteen children between the ages of 8 and 12 yr with moderate hearing losses, bilaterally. Results: The children's preference for noise management aligned well with their performance for at least three of the four listening conditions. The configuration of noise-management features had little effect on speech perception with the exception of reduced performance for speech originating from behind the child while in a directional hearing aid setting. Additionally, the children's preference appeared to be governed by listening comfort, even under conditions for which a benefit was not expected such as the use of digital noise reduction in the multitalker babble conditions. Conclusions: The results serve as evidence in support of the use of noise-management features in grade-school children as young as 8 yr of age.

The Effects of Venting and Low-Frequency Gain Compensation on Performance in Noise with Directional Hearing Instruments

2006 ◽  
Vol 17 (03) ◽  
pp. 168-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melinda C. Freyaldenhoven ◽  
Patrick N. Plyler ◽  
James W. Thelin ◽  
Anna K. Nabelek ◽  
Samuel B. Burchfield
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Directional Hearing ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Speech Understanding ◽  
Hearing Sensitivity ◽  
Speech Understanding In Noise ◽  
Hearing Instruments ◽  
Gain Compensation

The present study investigated the effects of gain compensation and venting on front-to-back ratios (FBRs), speech understanding in noise, and acceptance of noise in 19 listeners with hearing impairment utilizing directional hearing instruments. The participants were separated into two groups based on degree of low-frequency hearing sensitivity. Subjects were fitted binaurally with Starkey Axent II programmable behind-the-ear hearing aids and full-shell earmolds (select-a-vent). Results demonstrated that gain compensation and venting significantly affected FBRs for both groups; however, acceptance of noise was not significantly affected by gain compensation or venting for either group. Results further demonstrated that speech understanding in noise was unaffected by venting but may be improved with the use of gain compensation for some listeners. Clinical implications are discussed.

Large Vestibular Aqueduct Syndrome: A Case Study

2005 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 822-828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jackie L. Clark ◽  
Ross J. Roeser
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Behavioral Testing ◽  
Hearing Aid Fitting ◽  
Hearing Sensitivity ◽  
Vestibular Aqueduct ◽  
Brainstem Response ◽  
Large Vestibular Aqueduct Syndrome ◽  
Large Vestibular Aqueduct

A 23-month-old female was referred for hearing aid fitting after failing newborn hearing screening and being diagnosed with significant hearing loss through subsequent diagnostic testing. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) and behavioral testing revealed a moderate-to-severe bilateral mixed hearing loss. Prior to the hearing aid evaluation, tympanostomy tubes had been placed bilaterally with little or no apparent change in hearing sensitivity. Initial testing during the hearing aid fitting confirmed earlier findings, but abnormal middle ear results were observed, requiring referral for additional otologic management. Following medical clearance, binaural digital programmable hearing aids were fit using Desired Sensation Level parameters. Behavioral testing and probe microphone measures showed significant improvements in audibility. Decrease in hearing sensitivity was observed six months following hearing aid fitting. Radiological studies, ordered due to the mixed component and decreased hearing sensitivity, revealed large vestibular aqueduct syndrome (LVAS). Based on the diagnosis of LVAS, a cochlear implant was placed on the right ear; almost immediate speech-language gains were observed.

Subclinical Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection and Hearing Impairment

1974 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 320-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur J. Dahle ◽  
Faye P. McCollister ◽  
Barbara A. Hamner ◽  
David W. Reynolds ◽  
Sergio Stagno
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Cytomegalovirus Infection ◽  
Matched Control ◽  
Etiological Factor ◽  
Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection ◽  
Congenital Cytomegalovirus ◽  
Hearing Sensitivity ◽  
Sensorineural Hearing Impairment

The hearing sensitivity of children with subclinical congenital cytomegalovirus infection was evaluated and compared with that of a group of matched control subjects. Nine of the 18 infected subjects had some hearing loss, ranging from slight high-frequency impairments to a severe-to-profound unilateral loss. The findings indicate that subclinical congenital cytomegalovirus must be considered a potential etiological factor in sensorineural hearing impairment.

scholarly journals Loss of Hearing Sensitivity in the Elderly

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (05) ◽  
pp. 01-03
Author(s):  
Filomena da Ponte
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Hearing Sensitivity ◽  
Degree Of Satisfaction ◽  
Movement Ability ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Loss Of Hearing

Aging, consensually assumed as a process that affects and alters significantly the cognitive and behavioral functions of the human being , encompassing multiple effects on a number of clinically significant variables , the most important being those that directly relate to the movement, ability to balance the effectiveness of mental functioning and sensory functions such as taste, smell , sight and hearing . Hearing loss in the elderly, scientifically called presbiacustia emerges quietly and is increased progressively with advancing age. This study had as its aim to contribute to the achievement of the best quality of life for elderly individuals with hearing loss (presbycusis). Thus, the objectives targeted were: trying to understand the motivations of the elderly to the use of hearing aids; determine the degree of satisfaction of users of these prostheses; evaluate how Preabycusis affects the quality of life of the elderly. The method used was qualitative oriented once interviewed the elderly users of the home. The sample was composed of 110 participants, with presbycusis, 69 female and 41 male (institutionalized seniors).

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