Audiological Evaluation Research Articles

Congenital toxoplasmosis and audiological outcome: from a case series to a suggestion of patient-based schedule.

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) has been suggested to be possibly related to congenital toxoplasmosis (CT), although its prevalence varies from 0% to 26%. This variance appears to be dependent especially on early timing of treatment. However, the available data are based on outdated studies conducted on small groups of patients that lack homogeneity. Therefore, to establish evidence-based guidelines for audiologic monitoring in CT, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of a large case series over a long period of time. This is a single-center, retrospective cohort that enrolled all infants and children who were exposed in utero to Toxoplasma gondii and/or congenitally infected between September 1980 and December 2022. They underwent standard serial audiological evaluations to detect possible SNHL at an early stage. The first evaluation was performed during the initial assessment to define the onset of congenital toxoplasmosis, with another evaluation conducted at least at 12 months of life. We collected data from 1,712 patients, and 183 (10.7%) were diagnosed with CT. Among these cases, 78 children (42.6%) presented with symptomatic CT at the onset, exhibiting ocular findings (21.1%), clinical cerebral manifestations (6.1%), and/or abnormal findings on neuroimaging (35.5%). Therapy was administrated at the onset in 164 patients (89.6%) with 115 of them starting treatment prior to 2.5 months of age (0-388, median 32.00 ± 92.352 days of life). Only one patient presented with SNHL at the onset, but this was apparently unrelated to CT. The median number of audiological assessments was 2.2 ± 1.543 (2-10). No patients developed any grade of delayed hearing loss, both in treated and untreated groups. The median age at last audiological evaluation was 2.3 ± 2.18 years (1-8), although the median follow-up period was 12.4 years (±6.3), ranging from 1 to 27 years. Based on these data, it appears that SNHL may be less frequent in CT than previously assumed. We recommend conducting an audiological assessment at the onset (within the first 2.5 months of life) to comprehensively define the type of CT onset, and then conducting another evaluation within 9 months of life.

Peripheral and brainstem auditory evaluation in post-COVID-19 individuals

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the peripheral and central auditory pathways in adult individuals after COVID-19 infection. MethodA total of 44 individuals aged between 19 and 58 years, of both genders, post-COVID-19 infection, confirmed by serological tests, with no previous hearing complaints and no risk factors for hearing loss, were assessed. All the participants underwent the following procedures: pure tone audiometry, logoaudiometry, immitanciometry, and Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAEP), in addition to answering a questionnaire about auditory symptoms. ResultsThirteen individuals (29.5 %) had some hearing threshold impairment, mainly sensorineural hearing loss. In the BAEP, 18 individuals (40.9 %) presented longer latencies, mainly in waves III and V. According to the questionnaire answers, 3 individuals (9.1 %) reported worsened hearing and 7 (15.9 %) tinnitus that emerged after the infection. As for the use of ototoxic drugs during treatment, 7 individuals (15.9 %) reported their use, of which 5 showed abnormalities in peripheral and/or central auditory assessments. ConclusionConsidering the self-reported hearing complaints after COVID-19 infection and the high rate of abnormalities found in both peripheral and central audiological assessments, it is suggested that the new COVID-19 may compromise the auditory system. Due to the many variables involved in this study, the results should be considered with caution. However, it is essential that audiological evaluations are carried out on post-COVID-19 patients in order to assess the effects of the infection in the short, medium, and long term. Future longitudinal investigations are important for a better understanding of the auditory consequences of COVID-19.

Valores normativos para a posturografia computadorizada Horus® em crianças

ABSTRACT Purpose Propose normalization values of the Horus® computerized posturography platform, in children aged 4 to 6 years, without auditory and/or vestibular complaints. Methods Cross-sectional study, 216 children aged 4 to 6 years participated. All the children underwent to visual screening, audiological evaluation and computerized posturography, which consists of research on stability limits and seven sensory conditions. The results were statistically analyzed using the tests non-parametric Kruskal-Walli, post hoc Dunn-Bonferroni for pairwise age comparisons and the Mann-Whitney U for sex analysis. Categorical data were presented in relative frequency and quantitative data in mean and standard deviation. Results Standardization values were described for the stability limit and for the seven sensory conditions. There was a difference for the stability limit between sex at 4 years old(p<0.007) and, in the comparison between ages 4 and 5 (p=0.005) and 4 and 6 years old(p<0.001). In the residual functional balance, comparison between ages, there was a difference between 4 and 5, 4 and 6, 5 and 6 years, however for different data. The presence of statistical difference for different evaluation data also occurred in the analysis by sex. In the sensory systems, the findings between ages showed differences for the vestibular system, right and left optokinetic visual dependence, tunnel visual dependence and for the composite balance index. Conclusion It was possible to establish normative values for the Horus® posturography in healthy children aged 4 to 6 years.

Normative values to Horus® computerized posturography in children.

Propose normalization values of the Horus® computerized posturography platform, in children aged 4 to 6 years, without auditory and/or vestibular complaints. Cross-sectional study, 216 children aged 4 to 6 years participated. All the children underwent to visual screening, audiological evaluation and computerized posturography, which consists of research on stability limits and seven sensory conditions. The results were statistically analyzed using the tests non-parametric Kruskal-Walli, post hoc Dunn-Bonferroni for pairwise age comparisons and the Mann-Whitney U for sex analysis. Categorical data were presented in relative frequency and quantitative data in mean and standard deviation. Standardization values were described for the stability limit and for the seven sensory conditions. There was a difference for the stability limit between sex at 4 years old(p<0.007) and, in the comparison between ages 4 and 5 (p=0.005) and 4 and 6 years old(p<0.001). In the residual functional balance, comparison between ages, there was a difference between 4 and 5, 4 and 6, 5 and 6 years, however for different data. The presence of statistical difference for different evaluation data also occurred in the analysis by sex. In the sensory systems, the findings between ages showed differences for the vestibular system, right and left optokinetic visual dependence, tunnel visual dependence and for the composite balance index. It was possible to establish normative values for the Horus® posturography in healthy children aged 4 to 6 years.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Disease That Bites Joints but Can Also Lick Hearing

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a multisystem disorder of unknown etiology, is a chronic polyarthritic condition. Hearing loss (HL) among RA patients is a common finding (prevalence of 60%–62%) with conductive HL (CHL) being more common than sensorineural HL (SNHL). Objectives: The present study was conducted in this context as an attempt (i) to find the prevalence of HL among RA patients, (ii) to assess the type of HL in RA patients, and (iii) to find any correlation between duration of illness, gender, and age of patients. Materials and Methods: This was a case–control study which included 25 RA patients and 25 normal controls. All subjects underwent complete clinical examination and audiological evaluation which included pure-tone audiometry (PTA), tympanometry, and acoustic reflex. Results: Out of 25 cases, 66% had HL (CHL - 50% and SNHL - 16%) while 34% had normal hearing. On tympanometry, 9 out of 25 cases showed as type of curve while the remaining 16 had A type on the right side. On the left side, 7 out of 25 cases showed as type of curve and 18 had A type. Acoustic reflex was absent in 15, delayed in 3, and present in 7 on the right side. On the left, it was absent in 12, delayed in 4, and present in 8. All the controls had normal hearing threshold (&lt;25 dB), A-type tympanogram, and acoustic reflex present in both ears. Conclusion: This study indicates that a large number of RA patients are destined to have ear involvement. Hence, auditory screening using PTA should be done routinely in RA patients and early diagnosis of these patients can help in better rehabilitation.

Supra-Threshold LS CE-Chirp Auditory Brainstem Response in the Elderly

Introduction: Aging deteriorates peripheral and central auditory structures and functions. In elders, for an accurate audiological evaluation, it is important to explore beyond the cochlear receptor. Audiograms provide an estimation of hearing thresholds, while the amplitudes and latencies of supra-threshold auditory brainstem response (ABR) can offer noninvasive measures of the auditory pathways functioning. Regarding ABR, in young populations, level-specific chirp (LS CE-chirp) stimulus has been proposed as an alternative synchronizing method to obtain larger ABR responses than those evoked by clicks. However, the supra-threshold characteristics of chirp evoked ABR, and their association to hearing thresholds is relatively unknown in the elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate supra-threshold LS CE-chirp ABRs in an aged population by comparing their features with click ABRs, and evaluating their relationship with audiometric hearing thresholds. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study to characterize the hearing of 125 adults aged over 65 years. We determined the audiometric hearing thresholds and supra-threshold ABRs elicited by LS CE-chirp and click stimuli at 80 dB nHL. We evaluated associations by means of partial correlations and covariate adjustment. We performed specific frequencies’ analysis and subgroup analysis per hearing level. Results: Wave V responses had significantly shorter latencies and larger amplitudes when elicited by LS CE-chirp as compared to click-evoked responses. Audiometric hearing thresholds correlated with age, but ABR characteristics did not. We found mild correlations between hearing thresholds and ABR characteristics, predominantly at higher frequencies and with chirp. We found scarce evidence of correlation between ABR characteristics and the average of behavioral hearing thresholds between 0.5 to 4 kHz (0.5–4 kHz PTA). After subgroup analysis according to the hearing level, no stronger or more significant correlations were found between ABR characteristics and 0.5–4 kHz PTA. Discussion: In this study, we found that supra-threshold LS CE-chirp ABR presented some of the previously described similitudes and differences with supra-threshold click ABR in younger populations. Although, the average amplitude and latency of wave V evoked by LS CE-chirp were larger and faster than those evoked by clicks, these results should be taken with caution at the individual level, and further studies are required to state that LS CE-chirp ABRs are better than click ABRs in elders for clinical evaluations. We did not find consistent associations between hearing thresholds and supra-threshold wave V features, suggesting that these measures should be considered independently in the elderly.

Cochlear implantation for severe mixed hearing loss caused by Treacher Collins syndrome: Case report

Introduction. Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) is a rare genetic condition characterized by typical head and neck malformations occurring in 1:50,000 newborns. Permanent conductive or mixed hearing loss of various degrees is diagnosed in 50% of individuals with TCS. A prerequisite for speech and language development in children with permanent mixed hearing impairment is the application of one of the bone conduction hearing aids. Choosing an adequate hearing aid in this case depends primarily on the degree of hearing impairment and the type of ear malformation. Case report. We present a female patient with multiple genetic malformations due to TCS. The patient was, immediately after birth, referred for audiological evaluation because of considerable ear and face malformations. Using a hearing test battery, permanent mixed, predominantly conductive, bilateral hearing loss of severe degree was diagnosed. The use of bone conduction hearing aids (including the Vibrant? Soundbridge middle ear implant) in the patient did not give the expected results ? sufficient amplification for adequate speech and language development. Only after cochlear implantation at the age of nine did the patient?s hearing threshold stabilize and her communication and academic potential develop to full capacity. Conclusion. If a middle ear implant is not sufficient for adequate amplification, cochlear implantation should be considered as an appropriate solution for treating severe permanent mixed hearing impairment in patients with TCS.

Establishment of the Norwegian hearing register for children.

The Norwegian Directorate of Health approved the Norwegian Hearing Register for Children in 2022. The main objective of the register is to improve the quality of treatment for children with permanent hearing loss, by measures, follow-ups and monitoring the quality and results of the health care system. Inclusion criteria are children who do not pass universal newborn hearing screening and/or children with permanent hearing loss <18 years of age. Hearing loss is defined as pure-tone audiometry threshold of (PTA4) > 20 dB in at least one ear. Data are registered at the Ear, Nose and Throat departments at inclusion and at follow-ups at the age of 3, 6, 10, and 15 years. The register collects information about the child within a holistic perspective. The key elements of the register are (a) data concerning newborn hearing screening; (b) data concerning hearing, medical information, hearing amplification and intervention (c) patient reported outcome measures registered by caregivers using three questionnaires; Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and Parents' Evaluation of Aural/Oral Performance of Children. The register has established four quality indicators regarding newborn hearing screening and early intervention (a) the rate of false positive neonatal screens; (b) testing for congenital cytomegalovirus within 3 weeks of age for children who do not pass newborn hearing screening; (c) audiological evaluation to confirm the hearing status no later than 3 months of age and (d) initiated intervention within 3 months after confirmation of hearing status. The register will include the total population of hearing impaired children over long time periods. Thus, the register enables each hospital to monitor their quality indicator scores continuously and compare them with national levels in real time. This facilitates and accelerates identification of improvement areas in the hospitals and will be an important contributor for quality improvement in NHS, diagnostics and hearing intervention for children in Norway. In addition, data from the register will be a unique source for research, and study designs with a long follow-up time can be applied.

Comparative Study of the Effect of Experience on Auditory Processing Abilities in Voice Therapists and Other Speech-Language Pathologist in Auditory Perceptual Judgment of Voice

This study aimed to compare the effect of experience on central auditory processing skills in voice therapists and other Speech-Language Pathologists in the auditory perceptual evaluation of voice. This research is a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional observational study. Our study population includes three groups; first-year speech-language pathology students who have not undergone any training or education in the evaluation of auditory samples (group 1; n=10), Speech-Language Pathologists who do not have any activity in the field of voice disorders (group 2; n=10), and therapists who have at least 2years of experience in auditory-perceptual judgment (group 3; n=10). Initially, the participants underwent a basic audiological evaluation (Pure Tone Audiometry, Speech Recognition Threshold, Speech Discrimination Score, tympanometry, and acoustic reflex) to assess peripheral hearing. In the next step, the auditory processing skills of the participants were evaluated with the Buffalo model (staggered spondaic word (SSW) test, phonemic synthesis test (PST), speech in noise (SPN) test). In the third step, four recorded voice samples of patients with voice disorders and healthy individuals were randomly selected for auditory perceptual judgment. These samples were the same for all participants. All the voices were previously subjected to auditory perceptual analysis by two Speech-Language Pathologist who had at least 6years of experience in the evaluation and treatment of voice disorders; the voices were played for participants to assess auditory perception using the grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain (GRBAS) scale. All subjects had normal hearing and auditory processing abilities but there were some differences among the groups in processing skills. A difference was found in the SSW-qualifier and SPN-R components between the three groups. The third group had significant differences with the other two groups in the evaluation of auditory perception in the components of R, B, and S (from the GRBAS scale) in voice number one, and the components of G, R, and A in voice number three. In voice number two, there was a correlation between the SSW order effect component and the G component, as well as between the PST component and the A component. In voice number three, there was a correlation between the SPN-L component and the G component, and between the SSW condition, SSW qualifier, and SSW All errors components with the S component. In voice number four, there was a correlation between the SSW-RC, SSW-LC, SSW condition, SSW competing, and SSW order effect components with the A component. Lastly, there was a correlation between the SSW order effect and SSW type A components with the R component in voice number three in group three. The results of the present study indicate that experience has an impact on auditory processing skills and the participants of the third group, who had more experience in the evaluation of voice disorders obtained better scores than the other two groups in the auditory processing skills. Additionally, the level of experience is related to the accuracy of auditory perceptual judgment of voice. The participants of the third group performed better than the other two groups, and the performance of the first and second groups was almost the same.

Effect of Short-term Yoga Training on Cervical and Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials in Healthy Adults

Purpose: The present study aimed to assess the effect of practicing yoga on the functioning of sacculo-collic and utriculo-ocular pathways using cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP and oVEMP). Methods: A total of 10 healthy young adults aged 20–25 years participated in the study. Audiological evaluation including pure-tone audiometry, immittance, and otoacoustic emission, cVEMP, and oVEMP was done to ensure a normal functioning audio-vestibular system. Short-term yoga training was provided for all the participants for 10 days, spanning over 2 weeks. It was 1 h/session/day. The latency and peak-to-peak amplitude of cVEMP and oVEMP responses were noted and analyzed before and after yoga training. Results: Paired sample t-test results showed significantly better peak-to-peak amplitude of both cVEMP and oVEMP after short-term yoga training in healthy individuals. The latency of both cVEMP and oVEMP peaks did not show a significant difference before and after yoga training. Conclusion: Short-term yoga training positively affected the functioning of sacculo-collic and utriculo-ocular pathways, leading to enhanced cVEMP and oVEMP responses.

Small Fenestra Stapedotomy in Comparison to Large Fenestra Stapedectomy in Improving Hearing Loss Caused by Otosclerosis: A Retrospective Study

Background: A retrospective study done on all otosclerotic patients who underwent stapes surgery between January 2019 and June 2022 in the department of otorhinolaryngology in a tertiary care hospital in North India. Material and Methods: Fifty four patients were enrolled in the study. The inclusion criteria of the study included patients in the age group of 18–55 years with conductive hearing loss and an intact tympanic membrane and an air–bone gap (ABG) of more than 30 dB. Diagnosis of otosclerosis is based on clinical history of progressive hearing loss and audiometric evaluation. Pure Tone Average shows typical conductive hearing loss pattern. Aim and Objective: Preoperative and 6 months postoperative audiological evaluation was conducted to understand the difference in hearing. The same surgical technique was used in all the cases, except that the dimension of the foot plate removed was different. Results: The mean age of patients in years who underwent stapes surgery was 31.6 ± 6.4 years. Out of the 54 patients, 24 (44.44%) were male and 30 (55.56%) were female. The number of patients who underwent large fenestra stapedectomy was 30 (55.56%) and who underwent small fenestra stapedotomy was 24 (44.44%). There was a significant improvement in the hearing parameters (PTA and ABG) in both the groups after surgery, but there was no significant difference between the small fenestra and large fenestra groups in terms of improvement in PTA and ABG. Conclusion: In conclusion, both small fenestra stapedotomy and large fenestra stapedectomy are safe and effective procedures for improving conductive hearing loss in otosclerosis patients.

The Prevalence of Central Auditory Processing Disorder in Elementary School Students of Kerman, Iran.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) in elementary school students in Kerman, Iran, during 2018-2019. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1369 elementary school students in Kerman. These students were selected by cluster sampling from different areas of Kerman and then screened using the Buffalo Model Questionnaire (BMQ). Based on the data obtained from the questionnaire, normal children were excluded from the study. Then, children with suspected central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) underwent ear exams and were excluded from the study in case of abnormal results in the tympanic membrane examination (rapture-effusion). The remaining subjects underwent peripheral audiometry evaluation, and children with abnormal audiometry were excluded from the study. Finally, the remaining children with suspicious screening results, a normal examination, and normal audiometry underwent a specific test to detect Central auditory processing disorder. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS software. One thousand three hundred sixty-nine primary school students with a mean age of 9.15 ±2.63 years enrolled in this study. 52%% of students were male. 8.03% of them had CAPD. A statistically significant relationship was found between the prevalence of CAPD and gender (P<0.001), place of residence (P<0.001), history of middle ear inflammation (P<0.001) and history of head injury. The quality of life of these students with CAPD can be improved via timely recognition of CAPD and the provision of appropriate preventive and therapeutic facilities.

OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGICAL FINDINGS INRHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA) PATIENTS

Rheumatoid arthritis is a persistent inflammatory illness that impairs joint function by destroying cartilage and causing synovitis. It is a debilitating illness that affects every joint in the body. Additionally, it manifests extra-articularly, impacting the auditory system as well as ENT manifestation. Regarding Laryngeal Symptoms, dysphonia or changes in voice quality can be caused by autoimmune illnesses in general and RA in particular. These changes can be caused by either functional or anatomical l modifications.Material and Method: 60 adults with rheumatoid arthritis classified into two groups the 1st group have disease duration less than or equal to 5 years and the 2nd group is more than 5 years. Disease activity was assessed using DAS 28 (Disease activity score). The entire patient underwent otoscopic examination of ears &amp; Laryngeal examination as well asfull audiological evaluation including pure tone and speech audiometry and immetencemetryin the form of tympanometry and acoustic reflexes to assess middle function. Results: A total of 60 patients, 40 patients with a disease duration of less than or equal to five years (1st group). The 2nd group had disease duration of more than five years they were 20 patients. In RA patients the disease activity score was done using DAS-28 CRP, the first group with mean 5.3±1.3, the second group had a mean 5.9± 1.4. As for the Otorhinolaryngological findings we found that otalgia &amp;myringo sclerosis and rhinogrnic findings there are no significant difference between the two groups. As regard laryngeal findings there are no significant difference between the two groups as regard edema, GERD and laryngeal swellings. Hearing loss was present in 16 (40%) patients in the first group and 17(85%) patients in the second group with highly significant difference between the two groups,there was direct correlation between disease duration °ree of hearing loss. Conclusion: our research revealed that the duration of RA had little bearing on laryngeal findings. On the other hand, the length of the illness had an effect on rhinogenic findings. Additionally, duration of RA and hearing test showed a direct association.

Incidence of audiologic or otolaryngologic evaluation in patients with external ear anomalies

PurposeThe relationship between specific external ear anomalies (EEA) and hearing loss has been previously described. However, there is no literature regarding the appropriate evaluation of patients with EEA by audiology or otolaryngology. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of audiologic or otolaryngologic evaluation of patients with EEA. Materials and methodsA retrospective review of charts was conducted following approval from the institutional review board at Boston Medical Center. Charts of patients younger than 18 years old with EEA, identified using International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 codes 380–380.99, 744, and 744.4 and ICD-10 codes H61.90–92, Q16.0–16.9, Q17.0–17.9, Q18.0–18.2, from January 2012 to January 2019 were reviewed. Primary variables included incidence of audiologic and otolaryngologic evaluation, newborn hearing screen and audiometry results, and completion of surgical intervention. Binary logistic regressions were conducted for each group for diagnostic, procedural, and demographic characteristics. ResultsA total of 723 patients were diagnosed with EEA from January 2012 to January 2019. Of these patients, 327 (45.2 %) were evaluated by audiology and 327 (45.2 %) were evaluated by otolaryngology. Of the 364 patients who obtained audiograms, 63 (17.3 %) demonstrated hearing loss. Surgical procedures were performed on 119 (16.5 %) patients, with the most common procedure being excision of the EEA (n = 79, 66.4 %). A total of 468 patients had a documented newborn hearing screen. Failure of newborn hearing screen and presence of microtia were associated with increased otolaryngologic and audiologic evaluation. ConclusionsA majority of patients with EEAs do not obtain audiologic or otolaryngologic evaluation.

A novel coupling qualityindex to estimate the coupling efficiency in Vibrant Soundbridge.

The objective-based methods for intraoperative monitoring have been suggested to assess the coupling and the outcomes of Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB). Although several techniques were proposed, they have not been widely adopted due to their complexity and invasiveness. This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of a new coupling quality index using an intraoperative ABRthreshold via AcoustiAP and its correlation with the perioperative measures. This is a prospective study conducted at a tertiary center. The medical records were retrieved for all patients who underwent VSB implantation and had an intraoperative objective assessment for the coupling efficiency. AcoustiAP was used to evaluate the intraoperative ABR thresholds, which were assessed directly after the floating mass transducer (FMT) placement using acoustic CE-Chirp signals. The Vibrogram was used for the postoperative audiological evaluation. A new coupling quality index was calculated based on the intraoperative ABR thresholds. Ten patients were eligible for the present study. The ABR thresholds for good coupling ranged from 35 to 60 dBnHL. The loose coupling thresholds ranged considerably from 40 to 100 dBnHL. Overall, the median intraoperative ABR threshold at good coupling was 42.5 (40-60) dBnHL and 60 (40-100) dBnHL at loose coupling. The analysis showed that there was a significant change in the coupling quality index at the good and loose coupling points (24.3 ± 14 vs 38.8 ± 18.2, respectively, p < 0.001). At a cut-off value of 22.6dB, the coupling quality index had a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 90% for discriminating good and loose coupling. This study provides evidence for the utility of intraoperative ABR measurements in predicting the coupling efficiency in patients with VSB. Our results showed that the coupling quality index had an acceptable accuracy in discriminating betweengood and poor coupling, which can help clinicians optimize the fitting process for individuals and may ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes.

Audiological Evaluation of Leprosy Patients in an Endemic Area of Central India: A Case-Control Pilot Study.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-04381-1.

Association of Hearing Loss and Eating Habits in the Older Population

Background: Age-related hearing loss, also known as hearing loss, is an important and increasingly prevalent public health problem worldwide, as it induces disability and social isolation. Objective: To verify the association between eating habits and hearing loss in the older population. Methods: A cross-sectional study with data analysis of older patients treated in an Outpatient Hearing Health Service accredited to the Unified Health System. Older people aged 60 years and over who attended the Health Service to begin adaptation in the study. The audiological evaluation was performed through Tonal and Vocal Audiometry exams, the auditory rehabilitation process was done using the Individual Sound Amplification Device, and eating habits based on the Dietary Guide for the Brazilian Population. Results: The sample included (n = 654) participants, aged between 60 and 97 years. The type of hearing loss revealed a higher prevalence of sensorineural of moderate degree. Individuals with higher consumption of tea, non-fatty meats, rice, fish, and fruits presented better hearing compared to participants with lower consumption of these types of foods. Conclusion: A higher consumption of foods high in anti-inflammatories and antioxidants may decrease the risk of age-related hearing loss. A higher consumption of foods high in anti-inflammatories and antioxidants may decrease 50% of the risk of age-related hearing loss. The findings also indicate the hypothesis that a pro-inflammatory diet could increase the risk of hearing loss. Antioxidants are believed to counteract the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species and may be effective in treating diseases related to oxidative stress, including hearing loss.

Correlations Among Clinical Phenotypes, Radiological Examination Indexes, and Hearing Status in Congenital Microtia.

Microtia is a congenital malformation of the external ear that often presents with other anatomical abnormalities and ipsilateral hearing loss (HL). The aim of this study was to present the correlation among important phenotypic abnormalities in microtia and their relationship with HL in a clinical population in China. In this study, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 307 patients diagnosed with microtia who visited the Department of Auricular Reconstruction of the Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, for surgical auricle reconstruction from April 2021 to April 2022. Standardized classification of ear malformations, craniofacial CT scans, and pure tone audiometric data were collected, and statistical analyses were performed using the rank sum test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. The results showed that group differences between ear malformation and variations in the development of mandible, external auditory canal (EAC), and mastoid pneumatization were statistically significant and each had a positive correlation. Among them, the correlation between development of ear and EAC was the most significant (Ρ=0.72). Besides, the severity of HL (97% were conductive) was positively correlated with ear and EAC dysplasia with or without mandibular hypoplasia. Based on the statistical analysis of the correlation between ear malformation and HL, the authors strongly recommend that facial phenotype reconstruction and hearing improvement of microtia should be considered comprehensively, regardless of whether children with microtia show HL or not, early diagnosis of audiology evaluation and appropriate intervention measures should be implemented.

Audiological findings in children aged 2-6 years with isolated speech-language delay.

The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of hearing loss (HL) among preschoolers with speech-language delay who had passed the universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS). This retrospective study included children aged 2-6 years with isolated speech-language delay who were referred to a third-level audiological center for a comprehensive audiological assessment, including otomicroscopy, tympanometry, and click-evoked auditory brainstem responses. A total of 375 speech-language delayed children (285 male and 90 female) were assessed. The mean age was 41±12.4 months. Overall, 133 children (35.5%) were diagnosed with HL: 16 children (12.0%) had sensorineural HL (six unilaterally and 10 bilaterally), six (4.5%) had mixed HL (one unilaterally and five bilaterally), and 111 (83.5%) had conductive HL (19 unilaterally and 92 bilaterally). Regarding the presence of HL, no significant differences were found between males and females (P=0.60) or age groups (P=0.29). Among children with HL, 24 (18.0%) underwent tympanostomy tube placement (all bilaterally), one (0.8%) underwent unilateral cochlear implantation, eight (6.0%) were fitted with hearing aids (one unilaterally and seven bilaterally), two (1.5%) received a bimodal hearing solution (a cochlear implant on one ear and a hearing aid on the other ear), and 98 (73.7%) received no treatment. Although UNHS and audiological surveillance programs have been implemented over the years, all children with speech-language delay should undergo audiological evaluation. Indeed, the prevalence of undetected HL is not negligible among preschoolers with speech-language delay and requires early diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Otoscopic, radiological and audiological status of the contralateral ear in patients with unilateral chronic suppurative otitis Media

As the disease process does not affect both the ears simultaneously in all the cases, it is possible to identify in early stages of the disease process and arrest further progression by timely intervention. Hence, we aim to study the anatomical and functional changes in contralateral ear (CLE) in pts with unilateral CSOM. prospective observational study, of 75 patients attending the OPD of JLN hospital and research center, Bhilai, with unilateral CSOM, with intact TM in CLE were evaluated by otoscope, PTA, Impedance audiometry and CT temporal bone. Above observations were recorded and analyzed. 44% in our study showed abnormal TM, most common was TM retraction, seen in 22.66%. PTA showed mixed hearing loss in 5.33% and normal hearing in 66.66%. Impedance audiometry had A type graph in 82.66%, As type in 10.66%. Compliance was normal in 82.66% and decreased in 10.66%. Pressure was normal in 97.33% and was decreased in 2.66%. Normal, well pneumatized air cells in HRCT temporal bone seen in 90.66% and opacified in 12%.A detailed otoscopic evaluation of the contralateral ear plays a vital role in early diagnosis of the pathology affecting the contralateral ear. Audiological evaluation of the contralateral ear by audiometry and tympanometry provides a pathway for detecting the functional abnormalities in the contralateral ear at an early stage. Knowing the radiological status of the contralateral ear can guide us to monitor the disease progression and plan accordingly.