Electrophysiology and Auditory Training

Electrophysiology is an objective evaluation method that allows investigating the responses of the central auditory nervous system arising from the capture of neuronal responses through surface electrodes. In addition to the possibility of investigating and diagnosing different pathologies, electrophysiology proves to be an effective and effective instrument in monitoring auditory intervention programs. Auditory rehabilitation programs is based on the premise of neuroplasticity that derives from a capacity for neuronal change due to intense sound stimulation, specific and directed to the patient’s needs. Throughout this chapter, current studies that correlate electrophysiology with auditory training programs in different clinical populations will be presented, such as: hearing in typically developed individuals, hearing and school difficulties, hearing and CAPD, hearing and otitis media, hearing and hearing loss, and hearing and voice. Electrophysiological tests are important objective measures in predicting the gains to be expected from auditory training programs.

Auditory Hallucinations: An Audiological Horizon?

Background Interesting data and theories have emerged regarding auditory hallucinations (AHs) in patients with schizophrenia. The possibility that these patients may have changes in the anatomy of the auditory cortex and/or subcortical structures of the central auditory nervous system and present with deficits on audiological tests is important information to the audiology community. However, it seems clear that, in general, audiologists are not sufficiently aware of these findings. Purpose There are two main purposes of this article: (1) to educate audiologists about AHs related to schizophrenia and related issues, and (2) to encourage audiologists and hearing scientists to become involved in the evaluation and research of AHs. This fascinating disorder is one in which audiologists/hearing scientists are well suited to make a significant contribution. Research Design A review and synthesis of the literature was conducted. Relevant literature was identified through PubMed, Google Scholar, as well as independent book chapters and article searches. Keywords driving the searches were AHs, auditory illusions, verbal and musical hallucinations, schizophrenia, and central auditory disorders. Given the currency of the topic, the information collected was primarily between 1990 and 2020. Study Sample The review is organized around categorization, prevalence, models, mechanisms, anatomy, pathophysiology, and audiological correlates related to AHs. Data Collection and Analysis Searches were conducted using well-known search engines and manual searches by each author. This information on AHs was then analyzed collectively by the authors for useful background and relevance, as well as important for the field of audiology. Results Several anatomical, physiological, and functional imaging studies have shown compromise of the auditory cortex in those with schizophrenia and AHs. Potentially related to this, are studies that demonstrated sub-par performance on behavioral audiologic measures for this unique clinical population. These findings align well with the kind of hearing disorder for which audiologists are well-trained to make significant contributions. Conclusion Neurobiological and audiological evidence is accumulating on patients with schizophrenia and AH potentially rendering it as both an auditory and psychiatric disorder. Audiologists should consider expanding their horizon and playing a role in the clinical investigation of this disorder.

Otitis Media: Long-Term Effect on Central Auditory Nervous System

Objectives. To analyze the central auditory nervous system function through behavioral and electrophysiological tests in children with a history of otitis media and subsequent bilateral tubes placement surgery. Methods. The participants were divided into two groups between eight and 14 years old: control group (CG) consisted of 40 children with no history of otitis media; experimental group (EG) consisted of 50 children with documented history of otitis media and undertook a surgery for bilateral tubes placement. All children completed audiological evaluation (audiometry, speech audiometry, and immittance audiometry), behavioral evaluation (tests: dichotic digits, synthetic sentence identification with ipsilateral competing message, gaps-in-noise, frequency pattern), and electrophysiological evaluation (Auditory Brainstem Response, ABR, Frequency Following Response, FFR (verbal), and Long Latency Auditory Evoked Potential, LLAEP). Results. The EG group showed significantly poorer performance (p<0.001) than the CG for all auditory abilities studied. The results revealed significant latency delays and reduced amplitude (p<0.05) of waves III and V for ABR; significant latency delay was seen of potentials P2, N2, and P300 for LLAEP; significant latency delays and reduced amplitude (p<0.05) were observed for FFR in children with a history of otitis media. Conclusion. The results demonstrate negative effect of otitis media in the auditory abilities and electrophysiological measures in children with a history of otitis media.