Journal of the American Academy of Audiology最新文献

Background: Hearing loss is a significant global issue. Individuals affected by this condition face numerous challenges in their daily lives, including difficulties in communication, social isolation, and a diminished quality of life. Thus, early diagnosis and prompt initiation of usage of hearing aids are crucial to mitigate the adverse effects of hearing loss.Purpose: This study aimed to examine the amount of time it takes for an individual to obtain hearing aids after a diagnosis of hearing loss. In addition, it attempted to identify factors that affect individuals in this process.Research Design: This was a cross-sectional survey study.Study Sample: The study comprised 150 individuals who were using hearing aids and were aged 18 years and over. There was an equal distribution of 75 females and 75 males.Data Collection and Analysis: A 23-item questionnaire was given to the participants in order to evaluate the factors that affected the participants with hearing loss in the process of obtaining hearing aids. In addition to this, the date of the hearing loss diagnosis and the date of the hearing aid purchase were calculated. Statistical analyses were made between calculated time and demographic information as well as the survey questions.Results: A significant association was observed between the time of purchasing hearing aids and the deterioration in social relations or fear of exclusion from society (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between the time of purchasing hearing aids and the individual’s educational level. Specifically, differences were noted in the purchase time for hearing aids between high school graduates and primary school graduates (p < 0.05). Additionally, the average duration between the diagnosis of hearing loss and the purchase of hearing aids was found to be 3 years.Conclusions: We observed that individuals with hearing loss tend to delay the purchase of hearing aids, and various factors influence this decision. These findings highlight the importance of implementing interventions aimed at facilitating earlier access to hearing aids, thus reducing the negative effects associated with untreated hearing loss.

Background: The behavioral investigation of compressive nonlinearity (CNL) can be achieved by comparing the growth of forward masking (FM) between on-frequency and off-frequency maskers. Because the off-frequency masker exhibits linear behavior at the characteristic frequency whereas the on-frequency masker functions nonlinearly, comparing the experimental outcomes using scalp-recorded auditory brainstem response (ABR) measures provides an objective estimation of auditory physiology.Purpose: The study aimed to examine CNL using ABR parameters, such as Vth peak latency or amplitude, using probe stimuli frequencies ranging from 0.5–4 kilohertz (kHz), which employs both on- and off-frequency FM methods.Research Design: An experimental within-group research design was adopted for the study.Study Sample: The study was conducted in 31 healthy individuals aged 18–45 years (mean age of 27.88 ± 8.589 years).Data Collection and Analysis: The ABR was recorded employing a tone-on-tone FM paradigm for probe stimuli frequencies ranging from 0.5–4 kHz. The experiment was done under unmasked and forward-masked conditions (on- and off-frequency FM with varying masker intensity from 50–80 decibels [dB] sound pressure level [SPL]). The data for latency and amplitude were statistically analyzed using one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA), two-way RM-ANOVA, and Bonferroni post hoc tests between and within different probe stimuli in different conditions. Further, a paired t test compared the slope across FM conditions.Results: A gradual shift in Vth peak latency and a reduction in response amplitude was observed in proportion to the increase in masker intensity for both masking conditions across all probe stimuli, with a more pronounced shift in on-frequency FM. However, no significant difference in latency was found between the masker intensities of 60–70 dB SPL in either masking condition. Additionally, the growth of masking showed a steep slope in the on-frequency FM with a smaller R² value.Conclusions: Objective electrophysiologic measures are instrumental in accurately estimating CNL because these measures provide robust, efficient, and reliable insights into the intricate functioning of the auditory system without reliance on a subjective behavioral response.

Background: The Tracking of Noise Tolerance (TNT) test instructs listeners to set the background noise to a level that they can tolerate while still understanding >90 percent of speech. It is unclear whether listeners follow the 90 percent intelligibility criterion, however.Purpose: To measure objective and subjective intelligibility of TNT speech materials presented with background noise at signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) experienced by listeners during the TNT test.Research Design: Single-blind within-subjects design.Study Sample: Twenty-four older listeners with a four-frequency pure-tone average (4PTA) ≤20 dB HL (reference hearing [RH]) and 17 listeners with hearing impairment (HI) of sensorineural origin comprised the sample.Data Collection and Analysis: All participants were tested unaided, and listeners with HI were also tested while aided. Listeners performed the TNT test at 75 and 82 dB sound pressure level (SPL) speech levels. Then, listeners completed the objective–subjective intelligibility difference (OSID) test at the same speech levels across five SNRs to generate objective and subjective speech intelligibility performance intensity (P-I) functions. Next, speech intelligibility was estimated to determine the average TNT noise level and the peaks and valleys of TNT tracings using the individualized P-I functions.Results: Subjective intelligibility ranged between 81 and 90 percent at noise valleys (TNT_Valley,SUB) and between 30 and 45 percent at noise peaks (TNT_Peak,SUB), with the average intelligibility (TNT_Ave,SUB) between 58 and 69 percent. Objective intelligibility was similar to subjective intelligibility in listeners with RH. For unaided listeners with HI, objective intelligibility across TNT indices was 12 to 18 percent poorer than subjective intelligibility. Objective and subjective intelligibility were within 1 to 8 percent for aided listeners with HI. Except for aided listeners with HI at 75 dB SPL, the TNT_Valley,SUB was not significantly different from 90 percent. Speech intelligibility (both subjective and objective) measured at the TNT_Ave and TNT_Peak were statistically different from 90 percent.Conclusions: Listeners generally followed the TNT instructions and achieved perceived (i.e., subjective) intelligibility of approximately 90 percent at the TNT valleys. They likely judged the TNT peaks based on other criteria (e.g., loudness) as reflected by the <50 percent subjective intelligibility. These results suggest that TNT informs the clinicians of the SNR that a listener needs to support various degrees of subjective intelligibility.

Purpose: Saccadometry is an advanced ocular motor test that allows functional assessment of the various brain regions and circuits involved in the generation of accurate saccadic eye movements. Recently, some manufacturers have included the saccadometry test in the videonystagmography (VNG) test battery. This study aimed to evaluate the test–retest reliability of the saccadometry test, which is part of the VNG test battery.Methods: Thirty-five healthy participants (mean age ± standard deviation = 24.66 ± 4.4 years; 26 female and 9 male participants) 18–30 years of age were included in this study. Each participant underwent the saccadometry test twice, 1 week apart, by the same experienced clinician. To determine test–retest reliability, paired t tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were conducted to compare the means of two measures, and intraclass correlation coefficients were used to reflect the degree of correlation between measures.Results: Statistically significant differences were not observed when the first test–retest measures of latency, velocity, accuracy, and directional error rate were compared (p > 0.05). For prosaccades, intraclass correlation coefficient values of test–retest reliability between the first test and retest means were 0.707 for latency, 0.488 for velocity, 0.594 for accuracy, and −0.248 for directional error. For antisaccades, these values were 0.813 for latency, 0.48 for accuracy, 0.808 for velocity, and 0.807 for directional error.Conclusion: Saccadometry provides acceptable levels of test–retest reliability for both antisaccades and prosaccades. Test–retest reliability varied from poor to good for latency, velocity, accuracy, and directional error.

Background: Literature about the audio-vestibular function of children with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) is limited.Purpose: To characterize the peripheral and central audiological and vestibular findings of POMS and describe vestibular rehabilitation therapy as part of POMS management.Research Design: Retrospective case series.Study Sample: Three patients with POMS. Data Collection and Analysis: Retrospective chart review of comprehensive audio-vestibular battery data.Results: Both peripheral and central vestibular dysfunctions of varying degrees and stages of compensation were found.Conclusion: An audiogram and standard videonystagmography test may not capture the depth of audio-vestibular dysfunction in the POMS population. Comprehensive vestibular and hearing evaluations can support the interpretation of peripheral findings that may be influenced by central disorders. This testing should be considered to guide treatment for patients with POMS who present with relevant clinical screening assessment findings.

Background: Recent advancements in automated natural language processing (NLP) methods and tools have enhanced the efficacy and accuracy of quantitative analysis of natural language data. NLP offers significant potential for audiology by providing valuable insights from open-text responses about users' lived hearing aid experiences.Purpose: This study aimed to establish linguistic categories pertinent to the experiences of adults using hearing aids, with the ultimate goal of developing a specialized text processing module to facilitate natural language analysis of textual data on hearing aid experiences.Research Design: A modified electronic Delphi (e-Delphi) design was employed.Study Sample: A panel of 16 audiology experts from seven countries.Data Collection and Analysis: Two survey rounds were conducted. In round 1, experts rated categories from the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software and categories from principal component analysis of open-ended text data on hearing aid experiences. Experts also responded to open-ended prompts regarding categories derived from qualitative studies on hearing aid experiences. Responses were condensed and refined into items for rating during round 2. In round 2, experts reconsidered their ratings in light of the group answers of round 1. All ratings used a four-point Likert scale of importance. Measures of central tendency, levels of dispersion, and Cronbach's α reliability coefficients were conducted in both rounds for comparative purposes.Results: The open-ended section generated 26 items. Consensus was met on 53 linguistic categories encompassing social (e.g., social situations, social support), emotional (e.g., positive tone, negative tone), cognitive (e.g., cognitive processes, causation), lifestyle (e.g., work, leisure), hearing aid-related (e.g., sound quality, use and handling), and service delivery-related dimensions.Conclusions: The linguistic categories identified provide a foundation for developing a customized LIWC text processing module tailored to the analysis of hearing aid experiences. Future research is needed to refine and validate the custom text processing module.Clinical Relevance Statement: The findings provide a framework to enable the development of a customized hearing aid LIWC dictionary. Such a tool may enhance clinicians' ability to explore hearing aid outcomes and improve patient-centered care by integrating real-world experiences into clinical practice.

Background: Although approximately 80 percent of hearing loss cases are treatable with hearing aids (HAs), only one in four individuals who may benefit from them pursue them. Along with audiologists, physicians are integral parts of the hearing-health care team. Whether patients with hearing loss are more likely to pursue HA use based on the physician recommendation is unknown. Purpose: To investigate motivating factors and perceptions of prospective HA users, particularly the role of physician recommendations. Research Design: Patients 18 years and older who underwent an HA evaluation at our practice between January 2018 and December 2022 were identified. Patients were given a 17-question survey to assess their demographic characteristics and factors related to HA adoption via e-mail (n = 2,677) or as a physical copy (n = 487). Study Sample: Our sample (n = 321) included 182 female patients (57 percent) and 139 male patients (43 percent). Most patients identified as White/Caucasian (86 percent), followed by Black/African American (7 percent) and Hispanic/Latino (2 percent). Most patients were older adults (age 60 years and older), and 144 (45 percent) were older than 75 years. Intervention: We assessed the demographics and motivating factors related to HA adoption based on the results of the 17-question survey. Data Collection and Analysis: Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square analyses, and multiple logistic regression. An α of 0.05 was set as the threshold of statistical significance. Results: Approximately 80 percent of participants adopted HAs after their evaluation. The most commonly selected factors that influenced their decision were cost, insurance coverage, and physician recommendation. Chi-square analyses were performed to compare these factors between patients who did and those who did not adopt HAs and yielded a significant difference (X² = 177.8; p < 0.0001). Patients' knowledge of multiple institutional locations that offer HAs (95 percent confidence interval [CI], 0.23-0.98; p = 0.045) and the office where they were evaluated (95 percent CI, 0.12-0.85; p = 0.019) were significant predictors of HA adoption. Conclusions: Our findings align with those of previous studies of motivating factors for HA adoption; however, with the addition of physician recommendation, our study showed higher HA adoption rates. These findings provide audiologists and physicians with insights regarding factors that impact HA adoption, which can help them develop a more individualized care plan during the initial evaluation.

Background: Hyperacusis is an auditory perception disorder causing decreased sound tolerance to everyday sounds. Children with autism often exhibit symptoms of hyperacusis. This comorbidity can significantly impact the adaptability and social development of the children. Purpose: This study's objectives were to translate and psychometrically evaluate the Persian Pediatric Hyperacusis Questionnaire (P-HQ-P) and the prevalence determination of hyperacusis among children with or without autism. Study Sample: The study was conducted by assigning 60 parents of children diagnosed with level 1 autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 30 parents of typical children to the ASD group and control group, respectively. Data Collection and Analysis: In the first stage, the Pediatric Hyperacusis Questionnaire (P-HQ) was translated into Persian, and in the second stage, its reliability and validity were assessed by the classical test theory methods. The P-HQ-P results were compared with the Persian Sensory Profile 2 (SP2-P). Results: The P-HQ-P demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability, with content validity ratio > 0.99, content validity index > 0.92, face validity > 0.90, cross-cultural validity > 0.94, α = 0.8, and intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.85. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient showed a strong correlation (r = 0.83) between the P-HQ-P score and a group of seven items from SP2-P. There was not a statistically significant difference in hyperacusis between genders. Conclusions: The psychometric properties of the P-HQ-P were found to be acceptable, which made it suitable for clinical and research usage. The prevalence of hyperacusis was reported at 27.8 percent of the total sample and 38.3 percent in the ASD group. Our findings suggest the need for further research on hyperacusis in the Iranian pediatric population.

Background: Although approximately 80 percent of hearing loss cases are treatable with hearing aids (HAs), only one in four individuals who may benefit from them pursue them. Along with audiologists, physicians are integral parts of the hearing-health care team. Whether patients with hearing loss are more likely to pursue HA use based on the physician recommendation is unknown. Purpose: To investigate motivating factors and perceptions of prospective HA users, particularly the role of physician recommendations. Research Design: Patients 18 years and older who underwent an HA evaluation at our practice between January 2018 and December 2022 were identified. Patients were given a 17-question survey to assess their demographic characteristics and factors related to HA adoption via e-mail (n = 2,677) or as a physical copy (n = 487). Study Sample: Our sample (n = 321) included 182 female patients (57 percent) and 139 male patients (43 percent). Most patients identified as White/Caucasian (86 percent), followed by Black/African American (7 percent) and Hispanic/Latino (2 percent). Most patients were older adults (age 60 years and older), and 144 (45 percent) were older than 75 years. Intervention: We assessed the demographics and motivating factors related to HA adoption based on the results of the 17-question survey. Data Collection and Analysis: Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square analyses, and multiple logistic regression. An α of 0.05 was set as the threshold of statistical significance. Results: Approximately 80 percent of participants adopted HAs after their evaluation. The most commonly selected factors that influenced their decision were cost, insurance coverage, and physician recommendation. Chi-square analyses were performed to compare these factors between patients who did and those who did not adopt HAs and yielded a significant difference (X² = 177.8; p < 0.0001). Patients' knowledge of multiple institutional locations that offer HAs (95 percent confidence interval [CI], 0.23-0.98; p = 0.045) and the office where they were evaluated (95 percent CI, 0.12-0.85; p = 0.019) were significant predictors of HA adoption. Conclusions: Our findings align with those of previous studies of motivating factors for HA adoption; however, with the addition of physician recommendation, our study showed higher HA adoption rates. These findings provide audiologists and physicians with insights regarding factors that impact HA adoption, which can help them develop a more individualized care plan during the initial evaluation.