AUDITORY SYSTEM AIDING DEVICES AND SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

The paper deals with the problem of hearing loss in the context of condition of society and statistics determining the need for a discussion regarding the school functioning hard of hearing people. The conditions of the acoustic environment were analyzed, including the impact of: noise, reverberation, volume and absorbency of school rooms, on the communication process. Means of modern hearing devices have been analyzed in context of the speech perception supporting.

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The impact of hearing loss

ORL ro ◽

10.26416/orl.33.4.2016.170 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 64-65

Author(s):

Mădălina Georgescu ◽

Violeta Necula ◽

Sebastian Cozma

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Health Services ◽

Hard Of Hearing ◽

Hearing Impaired ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Health Politics ◽

Universal Newborn Hearing Screening ◽

Newborn Hearing ◽

Impaired Person ◽

The Impact

Hearing loss represents a frequently met sensorial handicap, which has a major and complex impact not only on the hearing-impaired person, but also on his family and society. The large number of hard-of-hearing persons justifies the acknowledgement of hearing loss as a public health issue, which oblige to appropriate health politics, to offer each hearing-impaired person health services like those in Europe. These can be obtained through: appropriate legislation for mandatory universal newborn hearing screening; national program for follow-up of hearing-impaired children up to school age; national register of hard-of-hearing persons; smooth access to rehabilitation methods; appropriate number of audiologists, trained for health services at European standards, trained through public programs of education in the field of audiology.

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Aging Processes in the Subcortical Auditory System

The Oxford Handbook of the Auditory Brainstem ◽

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190849061.013.16 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 638-680 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Donald M. Caspary ◽

Daniel A. Llano

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Auditory System ◽

De Novo ◽

Auditory Brainstem ◽

Superior Olivary Complex ◽

Age Related ◽

Medial Geniculate ◽

Age Related Hearing Loss ◽

The Impact ◽

Age Related Changes

As arguably the third most common malady of industrialized populations, age-related hearing loss is associated with social isolation and depression in a subset of the population that will approach 25% by 2050. Development of behavioral or pharmacotherapeutic approaches to prevent or delay the onset of age-related hearing loss and mitigate the impact of hearing loss of speech understanding requires a better understanding of age-related changes that occur in the central auditory processor. This chapter critically reviews and discusses changes that occur in the auditory brainstem and thalamus with increased age. It briefly discusses age-related cellular changes that occur de novo within the central auditory system versus deafferentation plasticity and animal models of aging. Subsections discuss the cochlear nucleus, superior olivary complex, inferior colliculus, and the medial geniculate body with an emphasis on age-related changes in neurotransmission and how these changes could underpin the observed loss of precise temporal processing with increased age.

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The impact of chronic pain on school functioning in young people

Work and pain ◽

10.1093/med/9780198828273.003.0005 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 51-64

Author(s):

Line Caes ◽

Deirdre Logan

Keyword(s):

Chronic Pain ◽

Young People ◽

School Environment ◽

School Engagement ◽

Critical Discussion ◽

School Functioning ◽

School Absenteeism ◽

Inclusive School ◽

The Impact ◽

Executive Functioning Skills

School plays a central role in young people’s lives, offering a developmental environment that fosters crucial academic, emotional, cognitive, and social milestones. This chapter presents a critical discussion of how a young person’s school functioning can be negatively affected by chronic pain. We highlight how the impact of chronic pain, and associated psychosocial factors, goes beyond school absenteeism to influence school engagement, executive functioning skills, and social skills development. Furthermore, the challenges teachers face to provide an inclusive school environment for young people with chronic pain will be discussed in depth. The chapter ends with suggestions of how to overcome the barriers to implementing a comprehensive approach towards school functioning within both research and clinical practice, including reviewing standardized tools to assess school impairment and offering guidance for biopsychosocially informed approaches to foster adaptive school functioning in young people with chronic pain.

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Delaying Cochlear Implantation Impacts Postoperative Speech Perception of Nontraditional Pediatric Candidates

Audiology and Neurotology ◽

10.1159/000510693 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Lisa R. Park ◽

Elizabeth L. Perkins ◽

Jennifer S. Woodard ◽

Kevin D. Brown

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Speech Perception ◽

Word Recognition ◽

Cochlear Implantation ◽

Delay Time ◽

Residual Hearing ◽

Progressive Hearing Loss ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Significant Regression ◽

The Impact

Introduction: As pediatric cochlear implant (CI) candidacy expands, children with greater degrees of residual hearing are receiving CIs. These nontraditional candidates have audiometric thresholds that meet adult manufacturer labeling but are better than current pediatric guidelines allow. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of delayed cochlear implantation on speech perception in nontraditional pediatric CI recipients. Methods: Pediatric CI recipients with a history of progressive hearing loss and a preoperative 4-frequency pure-tone average of ≤75 dB HL at the time of implantation were considered for this retrospective study. Preoperative serial audiograms and word recognition scores were reviewed, and a method was created to establish a date when each individual ear 1st met nontraditional candidacy. The length of time between the date of candidacy and implantation was calculated and defined as the “delay time.” A multiple linear regression investigated delay time, age at surgery, surgery type (1st vs. 2nd side), and array type as predictive factors of maximum postoperative Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant (CNC) word scores. A one-way ANCOVA was performed comparing the postoperative CNC scores between subjects grouped by delay time. Results: A significant regression was found (F(4, 38) = 5.167, p = 0.002, R2 = 0.353). Both age at implantation (p = 0.023) and delay time (p = 0.002) predicted CNC word scores. Longer delay time was associated with poorer word recognition scores, while older age at implantation correlated with higher CNC word scores in this progressive hearing loss group. A significant difference was noted between subjects implanted with <1 year of delay and those with 3 or more years of delay (p = 0.003). All ears implanted within a year of candidacy achieved word recognition abilities that are generally accepted as above average (M = 84.91). Conclusion: CI candidacy for adults has evolved to allow for greater degrees of residual hearing, while audiometric guidelines for children have not changed since 2000. Our findings suggest that delay of cochlear implantation, even for children with significant levels of residual hearing, leads to poorer outcomes. Modified candidacy guidelines for children should be established to expedite referral to multidisciplinary CI teams and minimize delays in this population.

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Knowledge and attitudes of teachers regarding the impact of classroom acoustics on speech perception and learning

South African Journal of Communication Disorders ◽

10.4102/sajcd.v56i1.191 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 56 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Lebogang Ramma

Keyword(s):

Speech Perception ◽

Primary Schools ◽

Practical Implication ◽

Primary Data ◽

Future Research ◽

Classroom Acoustics ◽

Acoustic Environment ◽

Adequate Knowledge ◽

Knowledge And Attitude ◽

The Impact

This study investigated the knowledge and attitude of primary school teachers regarding the impact of poor classroom acoustics on learners’ speech perception and learning in class. Classrooms with excessive background noise and reflective surfaces could be a barrier to learning, and it is important that teachers are aware of this. There is currently limited research data about teachers’ knowledge regarding the topic of classroom acoustics. Seventy teachers from three Johannesburg primary schools participated in this study. A survey by way of structured self-administered questionnaire was the primary data collection method. The findings of this study showed that most of the participants in this study did not have adequate knowledge of classroom acoustics. Most of the participants were also unaware of the impact that classrooms with poor acoustic environments can have on speech perception and learning. These results are discussed in relation to the practical implication of empowering teachers to manage the acoustic environment of their classrooms, limitations of the study as well as implications for future research.

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Effect of tinnitus on the performance of central auditory system: a review

Auditory and Vestibular Research ◽

10.18502/avr.v30i4.7444 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Behieh Kohansal ◽

Mehdi Asghari ◽

Sirvan Najafi ◽

Fahimeh Hamedi

Keyword(s):

Speech Perception ◽

Auditory System ◽

Auditory Processing ◽

Central Auditory Processing ◽

Central Auditory System ◽

Speech In Noise ◽

Keywords Tinnitus ◽

System A ◽

Standardized Protocol ◽

The Impact

Background and Aim: Tinnitus is one of the most difficult challenges in audiology and otology. Previous studies have been shown that tinnitus may interfere with the function of central auditory system (CAS). Involvement of CAS abilities including speech perception and auditory processing has led to serious problems in people with tinnitus. Due to the lack of enough information about the impact of tinnitus on CAS and its function, and given that there is no standardized protocol for assessment and management of tinnitus, this study aimed to review the studies on the effect of tinnitus on the CAS function. Recent Findings: Sixteen eligible articles were reviewed. Temporal and spectral resolution, frequency differentiation and speech perception deficits were reported in patients with tinnitus, especially in background noise. This was reported even in tinnitus patients with normal hearing. Conclusion: Assessment of central auditory processing and speech perception in noise seems to be useful for proper management of tinnitus in clinical practice. Keywords: Tinnitus; auditory system; central auditory processing; speech in noise performance

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Interleaved Acoustic Environments: Impact of an Auditory Scene Classification Procedure on Speech Perception in Cochlear Implant Users

Trends in Hearing ◽

10.1177/23312165211014118 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 25 ◽

pp. 233121652110141

Author(s):

Anja Eichenauer ◽

Uwe Baumann ◽

Timo Stöver ◽

Tobias Weissgerber

Keyword(s):

Speech Perception ◽

Cochlear Implant ◽

Signal To Noise Ratio ◽

Scene Classification ◽

Signal To Noise ◽

Acoustic Environment ◽

The Mean ◽

Noise Ratio ◽

Acoustic Environments ◽

The Impact

Clinical speech perception tests with simple presentation conditions often overestimate the impact of signal preprocessing on speech perception in complex listening environments. A new procedure was developed to assess speech perception in interleaved acoustic environments of different complexity that allows investigation of the impact of an automatic scene classification (ASC) algorithm on speech perception. The procedure was applied in cohorts of normal hearing (NH) controls and uni- and bilateral cochlear implant (CI) users. Speech reception thresholds (SRTs) were measured by means of a matrix sentence test in five acoustic environments that included different noise conditions (amplitude modulated and continuous), two spatial configurations, and reverberation. The acoustic environments were encapsulated in a randomized, mixed order single experimental run. Acoustic room simulation was played back with a loudspeaker auralization setup with 128 loudspeakers. 18 NH, 16 unilateral, and 16 bilateral CI users participated. SRTs were evaluated for each individual acoustic environment and as mean-SRT. Mean-SRTs improved by 2.4 dB signal-to-noise ratio for unilateral and 1.3 dB signal-to-noise ratio for bilateral CI users with activated ASC. Without ASC, the mean-SRT of bilateral CI users was 3.7 dB better than the SRT of unilateral CI users. The mean-SRT indicated significant differences, with NH group performing best and unilateral CI users performing worse with a difference of up to 13 dB compared to NH. The proposed speech test procedure successfully demonstrated that speech perception and benefit with ASC depend on the acoustic environment.

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Hearing Impairment

Annual Review of Nursing Research ◽

10.1891/0739-6686.20.1.341 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

pp. 341-368 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

MARGARET I. WALLHAGEN

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Hearing Impairment ◽

Psychosocial Functioning ◽

Behavioral Interventions ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Hearing Devices ◽

Long Term Impact ◽

Generic Measures ◽

The Impact

The purpose of this chapter is to review the literature on hearing impairment, specifically the impact of hearing impairment on the functioning of elders, interventions that minimize the impact of hearing loss on functioning, and identification of issues raised by the review for nursing research. Computerized (MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and CINAHL) and manual searches were used to obtain research reports from a range of disciplines. Research articles including elders (≥ 60) and published between 1989 and 2001 were included. Twenty-five articles were selected for critical review, four written by nurses. The diversity of methodologies, the criteria used to define hearing impairment, the range of sample characteristics, and the assessment measures make comparisons across studies difficult. Most studies, however, support the negative impact of hearing impairment, especially on psychosocial functioning. Measures that are condition specific are generally more effective in capturing the impact of hearing loss than generic measures. Findings related to physical disability are less consistent. The results of intervention studies suggest that hearing devices can improve psychosocial and communication outcomes, but behavioral interventions have not shown long lasting benefit. For nurses to assist elders and their families manage the impact of hearing impairment, further research is needed in several areas that have been poorly explored. These include the dyadic experience of hearing impairment, the way in which culture influences the experience of hearing loss, the needs of hearing impaired individuals across settings, the long-term impact of ototoxic medications, and strategies to assist elders in coping with hearing impairment and utilizing available technologies.

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The impact of music on auditory and speech processing

Auditory and Vestibular Research ◽

10.18502/avr.v28i3.1219 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Abdollah Moossavi ◽

Nasrin Gohari

Keyword(s):

Speech Perception ◽

Auditory Cortex ◽

Auditory System ◽

Speech Processing ◽

Auditory Processing ◽

Cognitive Skills ◽

Large Area ◽

Music Training ◽

The Impact ◽

The Brain

Background and Aim: Researchers in the fields of psychoacoustic and electrophysiology are mostly focused on demonstrating the better and different neurophysiological performance of musicians. The present study explores the impact of music upon the auditory system, the non-auditory system as well as the improvement of language and cognitive skills following listening to music or receiving music training. Recent Findings: Studies indicate the impact of music upon the auditory processing from the cochlea to secondary auditory cortex and other parts of the brain. Besides, the impact of music on speech perception and other cognitive processing is demonstrated. Some papers point to the bottom-up and some others to the top-down processing, which is explained in detail. Conclusion: Listening to music and receiving music training, in the long run, creates plasticity from the cochlea to the auditory cortex. Since the auditory path of musical sounds overlaps functionally with that of speech path, music helps better speech perception, too. Both perceptual and cognitive functions are involved in this process. Music engages a large area of the brain, so music can be used as a supplement in rehabilitation programs and helps the improvement of speech and language skills.

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765The impact of childhood hearing loss on language and psychosocial outcomes: The LOCHI study

International Journal of Epidemiology ◽

10.1093/ije/dyab168.419 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Vivienne Marnane ◽

Harvey Dillon ◽

Mark Seeto

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Speech Perception ◽

Cognitive Development ◽

Sensorineural Hearing Loss ◽

Psychosocial Development ◽

Maternal Education ◽

Sensorineural Hearing ◽

Children With Hearing Loss ◽

The Impact ◽

Childhood Hearing Loss

Abstract Background The Longitudinal Outcomes of Children with Hearing Impairment (LOCHI) study is a prospective study commenced in 2005 that was aimed to examine the effect of age of hearing loss identification and intervention on outcomes for children with hearing loss, such as language and psychosocial development. Permanent childhood hearing loss has a significant impact on child development. Methods 450 children identified with permanent sensorineural hearing loss prior to 3 years of age in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria completed comprehensive speech, language and audiological assessments at defined age intervals. Multiple regression analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) were completed to determine factors influencing outcomes at 5 and 9 years of age. Results Regression models indicated outcomes were significantly influenced by age of hearing loss intervention, nonverbal cognitive ability, maternal education level and communication mode. A significant predictive effect of early language skill was seen on later language development. SEM found that the impact of age of hearing loss intervention on language outcomes was mediated by its effect on cognitive development and speech perception. Language ability influenced psychosocial development. Conclusions Early identification and intervention of hearing loss improves language and psychosocial development, via its influence on cognitive development and speech perception. Key messages Early hearing loss identification and intervention improves language and psychosocial development for children with permanent sensorineural hearing loss. Evidence from the LOCHI study has guided clinical management guidelines of children with hearing loss.

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