Identifying Subclinical Hearing Loss: Extended Audiometry and Word Recognition in Noise

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Normal-hearing people often have complaints about the ability to recognize speech in noise. Such disabilities are not typically assessed with conventional audiometry. Suprathreshold temporal deficits might contribute to reduced word recognition in noise as well as reduced temporally based binaural release of masking for speech. Extended high-frequency audibility (&#x3e;8 kHz) has also been shown to contribute to speech perception in noise. The primary aim of this study was to compare conventional audiometric measures with measures that could reveal subclinical deficits. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Conventional and extended high-frequency audiometry was done with 119 normal-hearing people ranging in age from 18 to 72. The ability to recognize words in noise was evaluated with and without differences in temporally based spatial cues. A low-uncertainty, closed-set word recognition task was used to limit cognitive influences. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In normal-hearing listeners, word recognition in noise ability decreases significantly with increasing pure-tone average (PTA). On average, signal-to-noise ratios worsened by 5.7 and 6.0 dB over the normal range, for the diotic and dichotic conditions, respectively. When controlling for age, a significant relationship remained in the diotic condition. Measurement error was estimated at 1.4 and 1.6 dB for the diotic and dichotic conditions, respectively. Controlling for both PTA and age, EHF-PTAs showed significant partial correlations with SNR50 in both conditions (<i>ρ</i> = 0.30 and 0.23). Temporally based binaural release of masking worsened with age by 1.94 dB from 18 to 72 years old but showed no significant relationship with either PTA. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> All three assessments in this study demonstrated hearing problems independently of those observed in conventional audiometry. Considerable degradations in word recognition in noise abilities were observed as PTAs increased within the normal range. The use of an efficient words-in-noise measure might help identify functional hearing problems for individuals that are traditionally normal hearing. Extended audiometry provided additional predictive power for word recognition in noise independent of both the PTA and age. Temporally based binaural release of masking for word recognition decreased with age independent of PTAs within the normal range, indicating multiple mechanisms of age-related decline with potential clinical impact.

Can the Tinnitus Magnitude Index Reflect the Depression and Anxiety of Tinnitus Sufferers?

Purpose: This study evaluates the relationship between tinnitus magnitude and depression and statetrait anxiety.Methods: A total of 65 subjects suffering from tinnitus participated. None reported any hearing problems. The participants filled in the Tinnitus Magnitude Index (TMI), the Korean version of the Beck depression inventory, and the Korean version of state-trait anxiety questionnaires with 61 out of 65 subjects completing all the questionnaires.Results: No significant relationships between tinnitus magnitude and depression or state-trait anxiety were found. However, items for the TMI were found to be significantly related (p < 0.05), and depression and state-strait anxiety also had a significant relationship (p < 0.05).Conclusion: We concluded that the TMI was not sensitive when used for assessing depression and anxiety in individuals who are suffering from tinnitus, which implying that the TMI questionnaire is useful for a quick assessment tool of the severity of tinnitus in individuals.

Hearing problems in patients with hereditary gelsolin amyloidosis

Background Gelsolin amyloidosis (AGel amyloidosis) is a hereditary form of systemic amyloidosis featuring ophthalmological, neurological and cutaneous symptoms. Previous studies based mainly on patients’ self-reporting have indicated that hearing impairment might also be related to the disease, considering the progressive cranial neuropathy characteristic for AGel amyloidosis. In order to deepen the knowledge of possible AGel amyloidosis-related hearing problems, a clinical study consisting of the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) questionnaire, clinical examination, automated pure-tone audiometry and a speech-in-noise test was designed. Results Of the total 46 patients included in the study, eighteen (39%) had self-reported hearing loss. The mean scores in the SSQ were 8.2, 8.3 and 8.6 for the Speech, Spatial and Qualities subscales, respectively. In audiometry, the mean pure tone average (PTA) was 17.1 (SD 12.2) and 17.1 (SD 12.3) dB HL for the right and left ears, respectively, with no difference to gender- and age-matched, otologically normal reference values. The average speech reception threshold in noise (SRT) was − 8.2 (SD 1.5) and − 8.0 (SD 1.7) dB SNR for the right and left ears, respectively, which did not differ from a control group with a comparable range in PTA thresholds. Conclusion Although a significant proportion of AGel amyloidosis patients experience subjective difficulties in hearing there seems to be no peripheral or central hearing impairment at least in patients up to the age of 60 years.

To the problem of using an automated workplace by people with disabilities

Introduction. Employees of the banking sector with health restrictions have negative experience of using internal software to interact with customers and perform their official duties. Many employees, for example, with hearing problems, would like to work in call centers, but do not have this opportunity due to the outdated software. The research objective is to analyze the priority tasks for the further development of software products, taking into account the existing health problems of employees.Materials and Methods. One of the subsystems of the automated workplace (hereinafter referred to as the AWP) was selected the software, which allows the employee to interact directly with the clients of the given organization. The analysis used the method of expert evaluation by T. L. Saati with the assistance of one of the experts in the development of software for people with disabilities.Results. Using the fundamental preference scale and expert opinion in the field of software development for people with disabilities, a priority matrix was built for each of the criteria (subtitles, simplified fonts, voice guidance, simplified and remote management) and platforms (IOS, Android, Windows OS), as well as a global priority matrix for all criteria and platforms.Discussions and Conclusions. An expert assessment of several characteristics of the software of a commercial banking organization of the Russian Federation was carried out to identify the disadvantages of using the software by employees with disabilities. During the analysis, intermediate conclusions were made: the most demanded criterion for people with hearing problems is “Subtitle”; for people without the ability to leave the house — “Remote control”; for people with amputations or irreversible limb injuries — “Simplified control”. The other parameters are not recommended for implementation.

Self-reported auditory problems are associated with adverse mental health outcomes and alcohol misuse in the UK Armed Forces

Purpose Auditory problems, such as hearing loss and tinnitus, have been associated with mental health problems and alcohol misuse in the UK general population and in the US Armed Forces; however, few studies have examined these associations within the UK Armed Forces. The present study examined the association between auditory problems and probable common mental disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol misuse. Methods 5474 serving and ex-service personnel from the UK Armed Forces were examined, selected from those who responded to phase two (data collection 2007–09) and phase three (2014–16) of a military cohort study. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between auditory problems at phase two and mental health problems at phase three. Results 9.7% of participants reported ever experiencing hearing problems alone, 7.9% reported tinnitus within the last month alone, and 7.8% reported hearing problems with tinnitus. After adjustment, hearing problems with tinnitus at phase two was associated with increased odds of probable common mental disorders (AOR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.09–2.08), post-traumatic stress disorder (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.41–3.76), and alcohol misuse (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.28–2.96) at phase three. Tinnitus alone was associated with probable post-traumatic stress disorder (AOR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.03–3.15); however, hearing problems alone were not associated with any outcomes of interest. Conclusions The association between auditory problems and mental health problems emphasises the importance of the prevention of auditory problems in the Armed Forces: through enhanced audiometric screening, improved hearing protection equipment, and greater levels of utilisation of such equipment.

Impairment, disability, and handicap associated with hearing problems and voice disorders among Colombian teachers

Objetivos: 1. definir la ocurrencia de problemas de audición y de voz relacionados con el trabajo de docentes que contactaron la Junta Nacional de Evaluación de la Discapacidad de Colombia (NBDA) para su seguimiento; 2. identificar los factores individuales asociados a los problemas de audición y voz entre los profesores; 3. evaluar las limitaciones y restricciones debidas a problemas de audición y voz asociados al trabajo entre los participantes. Métodos: estudio retrospectivo. Se revisó la Base de Datos Nacional de la NBDA colombiana. Se analizó información sobre distribuciones de ocupación, características individuales y código de diagnóstico (CIE-10). Resultados: Los trastornos de comunicación entre los docentes que han contactado a la NBDA colombiana para seguimiento incluyeron problemas de la voz, con una prevalencia del 51%, y problemas de audición, con una prevalencia del 7%. Las profesoras que se han puesto en contacto con la NBDA colombiana para el seguimiento tenían 4 veces más probabilidades de ser identificadas con trastornos de la voz en comparación con sus colegas masculinos. Conclusiones: Si bien los maestros que contactaron a la NBDA colombiana para el seguimiento tienen una alta incidencia de trastornos de la voz, es más probable que los problemas de audición se consideren una condición debilitante. Una posible explicación es que los maestros que se comunicaron con la NBDA colombiana para el seguimiento continuaron trabajando incluso cuando muchos síntomas vocales eran evidentes, mientras que los problemas de audición evitarían que un maestro interactuara con los estudiantes, afectando así el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Sin embargo, tanto los problemas de voz como de audición, el desempeño laboral y la interacción social se ven afectados y, por lo tanto, la calidad de vida se reduce.

IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE ON INDIVIDUAL HEARING PROBLEMS. A CRITICAL LITERATURE REVIEW

Purpose: A normal person cannot perceive sound to its minimum level of 0 dB or the sound of rustling leaves. Persons with excellent hearing capabilities can receive sound levels as low as 15 dB. On the higher end, sound levels that exceed 85 dB can cause damage as bad as permanent hearing damage. The period spent around loud sound determines the extent of damage that will occur. The calmer the sound, the longer one can withstand it without any alarming effect. The general objective of the study was to access the impact of environmental noise on individual hearing problems. A critical literature review Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps. Findings: The study concludes that safety practices that can assist in preventing hearing losses and other harmful effects call for personal, physician, and administrative engagement. Administratively, employers have an obligation to provide safety devices that prevent hearing loss or impairment. Employers should provide personal protective equipment to abate noise levels and that employers should give all employees an opportunity select hearing protectors that vary from entire head enclosures, canal caps, earplugs, to ear mugs. Recommendations: The study suggested that that personal hearing protective devices use should be enforced through education and inbuilt administrative mechanisms. Only consistent long term use of prevention produces positive impact. It is also recommended that utilization of safety strategies like shift rotations, leave scheduling, acoustic sound proofing of offices, quiet machinery and other strategies be enhanced through deliberate administrative effort. Keywords: impact, environmental, noise, individual, hearing problems

Evaluation of Postinfection Hearing with Audiological Tests in Patients with COVID-19: A Case–Control Study

Background Some viral infections can cause congenital or acquired unilateral or bilateral hearing loss. It is predicted that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus, which can affect many systems in the body, may also have a negative effect on hearing. Purpose This study evaluated the effects of COVID-19 infection on pure-tone average. Research Design A case–control study. Materials and Methods A total of 104 volunteers (48 control, 56 experimental group) who applied to the ENT clinic of Adıyaman University Training and Research Hospital were included in this study. After the detailed clinical examination and medical history, 13 volunteers of the experimental group and 5 volunteers from the control group were excluded from the study. In this way, each group consisted of 43 volunteers. While the experimental group consisted of patients who did not have any hearing problems before but had COVID-19. The control group consisted of healthy volunteers who did not have any hearing problems and were not infected with COVİD-19. Audiological test was applied to all volunteers to determine their pure-tone average. On the data obtained, it was analyzed whether COVID-19 affects the pure-tone average and how it changes according to variables such as age and gender. Results The evaluation of the 43 (50.0%) COVID-19-positive patients and 43 (50.0%) healthy controls showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) at 250 and 500 Hz, whereas at 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz, the two groups differed significantly. In addition, significant differences were found in the left and right ears at 1000 and 2000 Hz (p < 0.05). The differences between the two groups in the pure-tone average of the left and right ear were statistically significant (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant sex-based differences in the pure-tone average between males and females (p > 0.05) Conclusion The pure-tone average of COVID-19 positive patients was significantly worse than those of the healthy control group. Thus, COVID-19 should also be considered in patients presenting with unexplained hearing loss. Further studies should investigate the effects of COVID-19 on hearing and the underlying pathophysiology.