Auditory Test Research Articles

The Effect of Ear Covering on Sound Localization and Speech Intelligibility in Operating Room.

To determine the effect of the surgical bouffant cap on hearing, sound localization, and speech intelligibility in the operating room (OR). Covering of the ear during surgical procedures has been promoted to prevent surgical site infection (SSI) from ear pathogens. However, the potential impact of ear covering on hearing in the OR has not been studied. Twenty participants with normal hearing underwent auditory testing with and without surgical attire (bouffant cap and surgical mask). Auditory threshold testing was performed with warble tones in a sound-treated booth. In the speech intelligibility test, participants were instructed to identify the last word of Speech Perception in Noise (SPIN) sentences (high and low predictability) in OR background noise. In the sound source localization test, participants were asked to localize a speech source amidst OR background noise. Threshold measures showed no significant effect of wearing surgical attire on detection thresholds. Wearing surgical attire significantly impaired speech intelligibility (p < 0.05). Sound localization was not statistically significant. The use of the surgical bouffant cap and mask makes it more difficult to understand speech in the presence of OR noise. This could lead to miscommunication and impact surgical outcome; thus, ear covering should be avoided. N/A Laryngoscope, 2024.

Comparative analysis of audiovestibular testing results in vestibular schwannomas

Objective:This study aimed to analyze the results of auditory and vestibular function tests in patients with unilateral vestibular schwannoma and explore their association with tumor size. Methods:Clinical data from 81 patients diagnosed with unilateral vestibular schwannoma who underwent pure-tone audiometry（PTA）, cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials（c/oVEMP）, as well as video head impulse test（vHIT）, and subsequently underwent surgical treatment, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into groups based on tumor size: small （≤ 15 mm）, medium（16-30 mm）, and large （>30 mm）, determined by the maximum tumor diameter on contrast-enhanced MRI scans. Results:PTA results indicated hearing loss in 73 cases（90.1%）; vestibular function tests revealed abnormal rates for the anterior semicircular canal, horizontal semicircular canal, posterior semicircular canal, utricle, and saccule at 29.6%, 77.8%, 54.3%, 90.1%, and 92.6%, respectively. Statistically, no significant differences were found in preoperative hearing test results among patients in different groups（F=0.393, P=0.676）. However, significant differences were observed in horizontal semicircular canal gain（r=-0.248, P=0.025）, abnormal rates of horizontal semicircular canal catch-up saccades（r=0.507, P<0.001）, as well as cVEMP（χ²=15.111, P=0.004） and oVEMP thresholds（χ²=18.948, P<0.001） across varying tumor size groups. Conclusion:The extent of hearing loss in patients with vestibular schwannoma is not correlated with tumor size, whereas the degree of vestibular dysfunction demonstrates a correlation with tumor size.

Applications of pre- and intraoperative eAEP like eABR in cochlear implant candidacy

Abstract Introduction: Preoperative electrically auditory evoked potentials (= eAEP, i.e., eABR for brainstem, eAMLR for midbrain, and eALR for cortex) can be performed under local anesthesia, achieving subjective sensation and hearing in patients having a functional auditory nerve. For intraoperative eAEP, we stimulate the auditory nerve with an intra-cochlear test electrode like a cochlear implant (= CI) and stimulate basally when using an extra-cochlear electrode. These measurements aim to confirm preoperative findings (e.g. uncertain preoperative eABR) or intraoperative decisions (e.g. vestibular schwannoma resection). Methods: Preoperative eAEP can be performed with the trans-tympanic stimulation electrode and a neurological EP system for recording the responses. In addition, eAEP under local anesthesia allows for preoperative diagnostics of subjective sensation. For intraoperative eAEP, the intra-cochlear auditory nerve test system (= ANTS) system is preferable showing similar results to the gold standard CI-eABR (i.e., eABR using a CI for stimulation). The eAMLR can be used only preoperatively in case of ambiguous EABR or for extended analysis of the auditory pathway. Results: During preoperative eAEP in local anesthesia, an eABR is essential. eAMLR and eALR are optional. The subjective sensation can be recorded in parallel. A reliable response often avoids eAEP under general anesthesia. eAEP under general anesthesia should be performed as rarely as possible preoperatively to avoid unnecessary intraoperative eAEP, performed usually directly before cochlear implantation. Extra-cochlear stimulation avoids mechanical trauma and possible intra-cochlear infections. However, intra-cochlear stimulation is usually recommended due to larger response amplitudes; in fact, the ANTS electrode provides more stable monitoring. Conclusion: eAEP can be diagnostically useful preoperatively and intraoperatively with the concept presented here. Since not all clinics are familiar with these methods, a learning curve may be necessary.

Sequential or simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation: attention, memory, and language skills in children.

The effect of the inter-implant interval time on language and communication skills has been a subject of research for years in children with bilateral cochlear implants. This study aimed to investigate language and some attention and memory skills in children with bilateral sequential and simultaneous cochlear implants. The study included a total of 40 children aged between 6 and 8years old, grouping bilateral simultaneous cochlear implanted children, sequential implanted children with 0-2years interval, sequential implanted children with 2-4years interval, and normal hearing peers. The language skills of the children were assessed using the Test of Language Development: Primary 4th edition, their selective attention and coping skills with disruptive effect were evaluated using the Stroop test, sustained attention and visual-motor synchronization skills were assessed using the Cancellation Test, and short-term memory skills were evaluated using the Visual Auditory Digit Span Test. The findings were analyzed using nonparametric statistical methods, with a significance level set at 0.05. Children with bilateral simultaneous cochlear implants demonstrated better performance in language skills and the attention-related subtests of the Stroop test (p < 0.05). On the other hand, children with simultaneous and sequential cochlear implants achieved similar scores in the Cancellation and the Visual Auditory Digit Span Test (p > 0.05). Bilateral simultaneous cochlear implantation in children is beneficial for language, selective attention, and coping with the Stroop effect. However, these children may still lag behind their normal-hearing peers in terms of language, attention, and memory skills.

Elevated plasma p-tau231 is associated with reduced generalization and medial temporal lobe dynamic network flexibility among healthy older African Americans

BackgroundPhosphorylated tau (p-tau) and amyloid beta (Aβ) in human plasma may provide an affordable and minimally invasive method to evaluate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathophysiology. The medial temporal lobe (MTL) is susceptible to changes in structural integrity that are indicative of the disease progression. Among healthy adults, higher dynamic network flexibility within the MTL was shown to mediate better generalization of prior learning, a measure which has been demonstrated to predict cognitive decline and neural changes in preclinical AD longitudinally. Recent developments in cognitive, neural, and blood-based biomarkers of AD risk that may correspond with MTL changes. However, there is no comprehensive study on how these generalization biomarkers, long-term memory, MTL dynamic network flexibility, and plasma biomarkers are interrelated. This study investigated (1) the relationship between long-term memory, generalization performance, and MTL dynamic network flexibility and (2) how plasma p-tau231, p-tau181, and Aβ42/Aβ40 influence generalization, long-term memory, and MTL dynamics in cognitively unimpaired older African Americans.Methods148 participants (Meanage: 70.88,SDage: 6.05) were drawn from the ongoing longitudinal study, Pathways to Healthy Aging in African Americans conducted at Rutgers University–Newark. Cognition was evaluated with the Rutgers Acquired Equivalence Task (generalization task) and Rey Auditory Learning Test (RAVLT) delayed recall. MTL dynamic network connectivity was measured from functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging data. Plasma p-tau231, p-tau181, and Aβ42/Aβ40 were measured from blood samples.ResultsThere was a significant positive correlation between generalization performance and MTL Dynamic Network Flexibility (t = 3.372, β = 0.280, p < 0.001). There were significant negative correlations between generalization performance and plasma p-tau231 (t = -3.324, β = -0.265, p = 0.001) and p-tau181 (t = -2.408, β = -0.192, p = 0.017). A significant negative correlation was found between plasma p-tau231 and MTL Dynamic Network Flexibility (t = -2.825, β = -0.232, p = 0.005).ConclusionsIncreased levels of p-tau231 are associated with impaired generalization abilities and reduced dynamic network flexibility within the MTL. Plasma p-tau231 may serve as a potential biomarker for assessing cognitive decline and neural changes in cognitively unimpaired older African Americans.

PTSD Is Associated with Self-Perceived Hearing Handicap: An Evaluation of Comorbidities in Veterans Without Measured Hearing Loss.

Cases of self-reported hearing difficulty despite no traditionally measured hearing loss (pure tone audiometric thresholds ≤ 25 dB HL from 250 Hz through 8000 Hz) have risen with the return of Veterans from recent conflicts in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn. Auditory outcomes improved despite low compliance among those receiving treatment. Medical chart data appeared more comprehensive for Veterans with, rather than without, auditory complaints. One possibility is that self-reported hearing problems are associated with a subset of these comorbidities, the treatment of which improved auditory outcomes. This study examined the relationships between Veterans' self-reported auditory problems and other diagnosed medical conditions. A retrospective chart review was used. Participants were 286 Veterans, aged 21 to 52 years with pure-tone audiometric thresholds ≤ 25 dB HL at all measured frequencies in both ears. Veterans were dichotomized into a group with either self-reported hearing complaints (n = 143) or an age-matched control group with no auditory complaints (n = 143). A query of the Computerized Patient Record System was performed with the date range restricted to 2009 to 2018. Metrics of self-perceived hearing handicap, auditory processing disorder testing, and hearing aid use were collected. All diagnoses and related symptoms were recorded. A best subsets regression with principled model selection was performed to investigate the role of these comorbidities on self-perceived hearing loss. The self-report group had 16 comorbidities that were classified as prevalent, having occurred in ≥33.3% of the group, compared with the age-matched control group, which had 2 comorbidities. The number of diagnosed medical conditions was associated with self-perceived hearing impairment. Specifically, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related symptom clusters constituted the largest group of comorbidities that were significantly associated with self-reported hearing problems. The significant association between PTSD and self-perceived hearing impairment warrants investigations on whether treatment of PTSD would reduce perceived hearing handicap severity. Further, PTSD assessments could be useful for audiologists to identify potential candidates for auditory complaints without measured hearing loss.

The Impact of Modern Technology on Photographic Memory: Evidence from African Rural University

This study investigates the impact of modern technology on photographic memory among university students at African Rural University, focusing on how digital tools influence memory retention and recall. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative memory assessments with qualitative interviews and surveys to explore students’ experiences and perceptions. Findings indicate a complex relationship where extensive technology use—particularly smartphones correlate with diminished self-reported memory confidence and recall capabilities. Despite acknowledging that technology may hinder their innate memory abilities, students often rely on these tools for academic success. Visual and auditory memory tests revealed that many participants struggled with detailed recall, reinforcing concerns about cognitive overload. The study concludes that while technology offers organizational benefits, it may simultaneously impair natural memory functions, highlighting the need for balanced technology integration in educational practices. Recommendations include training on memory strategies, practice sessions, and promoting active recall techniques to enhance memory retention amidst technological reliance. Future research should explore the long-term effects of technology use on memory development.

Hearing loss phenotypes in Alport syndrome: experience in a tertiary referral center.

Despite previous reports of auditory phenotypes in Alport syndrome (AS), there have been no studies specifically addressing audiological phenotypes in South Korea. Herein, we elaborated on the audiological characteristics associated with AS based on their genotypes. We reviewed data from in-house AS patients between March 2014 and February 2023, excluding those without audiological documentation or genetic diagnoses. We retrieved medical history, hearing level, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and genotypes from their medical records. The natural course of hearing loss and correlations between audiogram and eGFR were evaluated according to audio-gene profiles. Our study included 49 AS patients from 47 families, identifying 60 disease-causing variants, 45 of which were novel. All variants were classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic based on ACMG-AMP guidelines. The auditory phenotypes of autosomal recessive AS (ARAS) and male X-linked AS (XLAS) patients demonstrated a progressive nature, with a down-sloping configuration. The ARAS with truncated variants exhibited an earlier onset of hearing loss than those with non-truncated variants. In male XLAS patients, the presence of truncated allele linked to more rapid hearing deterioration across all frequencies. In both ARAS and male XLAS patients, the presence of truncated allele was significantly associated with hearing severity and eGFR. Conversely, the majority of female XLAS and autosomal dominant AS maintained normal hearing levels without any correlation of eGFR, regardless of genotypes. This study detailed the auditory phenotypes and the auditory-renal association of AS at a tertiary center in South Korea, providing valuable references that guide auditory testing and rehabilitation strategies.

Effectiveness of auditory measures in the diagnosis of cochlear synaptopathy and noise-induced hidden hearing loss: a case–control study

BackgroundCochlear synaptopathy is a disorder where auditory perceptual impairments, such as speech perception in noise and tinnitus, may not be accurately reflected by audiometric thresholds, even if the audiogram appears normal. It is proposed that the connections between hair cells and the auditory nerve are more susceptible to sound and aging damage than the cochlea’s hair cells. Cochlear synaptopathy can be present in ears with normal audiograms and undamaged hair cells, leading to hidden hearing loss. This study aims to construct electrophysiological and behavioral auditory parameters associated with persons exposed to loudness and having normal audiograms and auditory complaints to identify hidden hearing loss.ResultsA case–control study was done with forty participants with a documented history of exposure to loud sounds and various auditory complaints, compared to a control group of forty persons who had all been confirmed to have normal audiograms. The chosen behavioral core tests comprised the speech intelligibility in noise test (SPIN), gaps detection in noise (GIN test), and pitch pattern sequence test (PPS). The electrophysiological measures utilized in the study were the auditory brainstem response test (ABR) and electrocochleography (ECochG). The SPIN, PPS, and GIN test results demonstrated statistically significant disparities between the control and case groups. The amplitude ratio of wave I to wave V in ABR and the ratio of EcochG AP to SP demonstrated a statistically significant variance between the two groups. The SPIN test exhibited the highest AUC, signifying its superior diagnostic capability in identifying hidden hearing loss.ConclusionThe present study has shown that the SPIN, as a behavioral test, and the EcochG AP amplitude measure, as an electrophysiological test, provide the greatest auditory diagnostic capability for identifying cochlear synaptopathy. Wave I amplitude in the auditory brainstem response (ABR) and the SP/AP ratio in electrocochleography (EcochG) are promising non-behavioral measures of cochlear synaptopathy or hidden hearing loss.

Improved intracochlear biopolymeric drug delivery system: an in vivo study

Background The delivery of drugs into the inner ear is a challenging field of study due to the complex cochlear anatomy and physiology. The creation of an intracochlear device that allows for short- and long-term intracochlear delivery of the drugs with a minimal invasive technology is needed to prevent or treat conditions that can potentially prevent the development of permanent hearing loss. Aim This study intends to test the efficacy of DXM-infused PLGA microneedles created in our laboratory in an in vivo animal model of acute ototoxic injury. Material and Methods Twenty-four male Norway Brown rats were randomized into four groups, three of which groups received an intratympanic injection of ethacrynic acid and kanamycin. Two of these groups underwent the placement of an intracochlear microneedle blended or not with dexamethasone, and two groups underwent implantation of a plain microneedle, one of without prior exposure to the ototoxic agent to confirm in vivo biocompatibility. Animals were then followed with a weekly auditory brainstem response testing until day 28 after surgical intervention. Result and Conclusion Our intracochlear device demonstrated biocompatibility and produced no hearing changes after its implantation in the control group. Inserted DXM-blended microneedles prevented hearing deterioration in those animals exposed to an ototoxic environment.

Effects of different types of high-definition transcranial electrical stimulation on visual working memory and contralateral delayed activity

Background and purposeWorking memory is critical for individuals and has been found to be improved by electrical stimulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). However, the effects of different types of transcranial electrical stimulation on working memory are controversial, and the underlying mechanism remains uncertain. In this study, high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) and high-definition transcranial random noise stimulation (HD-tRNS) were applied to the DLPFC to observe the different effects on visual working memory (VWM). The aim was to explore the causal relationship between the electrical activity of the DLPFC and the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) electrical activity and the contralateral delayed activity (CDA).MethodsThirty-three healthy subjects received HD-tDCS, HD-tRNS and sham stimulation in a random order. Stimulation was applied to the left DLPFC for 20 min. The subjects underwent a color change-detection task as our VWM task and an auditory digit span test (DST) immediately after stimulation. Event-related potential (ERP) data were collected during the VWM task.ResultsThe results revealed significant differences between the different types of HD-tES. There was a remarkable increase in VWM capacity following HD-tDCS compared with both HD-tRNS (pa = 0.038) and sham stimulation (pa = 0.038). Additionally, the CDA from the PPC differed after stimulation of the DLPFC. Both HD-tDCS and HD-tRNS expanded the maximum CDA amplitude from set size of 4 to 6, whereas after sham stimulation, the maximum CDA was maintained at a set size of 4. Compared with the sham condition, only HD-tDCS induced a noteworthy increase in CDA amplitude (pa = 0.012). Notably, a significant correlation emerged between the mean CDA amplitude and VWM capacity (p < 0.001, r = − 0.402).ConclusionThese findings underscore the ability of HD-tDCS to target the DLPFC to augment working memory capacity while concurrently amplifying CDA amplitudes in the PPC through the frontoparietal network.Trial registration ChiCTR2300074898.

Central auditory processing and cognitive abilities after mild traumatic brain injury in school-aged children

Objective The current study aimed to explore (1) school-aged children’s auditory and cognitive abilities and (2) their perceptions (self-reported and parents) of listening behaviours and symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Design Prospective cohort study. Study Sample Twenty-one children aged 8 to 12 participated in this study. Eleven children with mTBI were diagnosed in the emergency department, and 10 were matched controls. They were assessed twice, in the acute (≤14 days) and chronic (≥3 months) stages post-injury, using six central auditory behavioural tests, a cognitive screening battery, and questionnaires. ANOVA and correlation analysis were performed. Results Group differences were present in three auditory tests as children with mTBI obtained poorer scores than controls (Pitch Pattern Sequence Tests - PPST: p = 0.037; Gap In Noise test - GIN threshold: p = 0.046; Duration Pattern Test - DPT: p = 0.053), but not for perceived listening behaviours and cognitive abilities. Correlations were found only between perceived listening behaviours and reported mTBI symptoms for parents (p =0.014) and children (p =0.002). Conclusions Auditory abilities, mostly those related to temporal processing, were affected following mTBI, independently of cognitive abilities. Better identification of auditory processing difficulties following mTBI will improve treatment and resource allocation for children.

Morphological phenotyping of the aging cochlea in inbred C57BL/6N and outbred CD1 mouse strains.

Morphological mouse phenotyping plays a pivotal role in the translational setting and even more in the area of auditory research, where mouse is a central model organism due to the evolutionary genetic relationship and morpho-functional analogies with the human auditory system. However, some results obtained in murine models cannot be translated to humans due to the inadequate description of experimental conditions underlying poor reproducibility. We approach the characterization of the aging process of the mouse cochlea in animals up to 18 months of age belonging to two of the most used outbred (CD1) and inbred (C57BL/6N) strains. Striving to reduce any environmental variable we performed our study compliantly to the ARRIVE guidelines. We integrated instrumental data (auditory brainstem response test), with morphological analyses to correlate functional discrepancies to morphological changes and track the differences in the evolution of sensorineural hearing loss in the two strains. We featured the localization of Gipc3, Myosin VIIa, and TMC1 in hair cells of the Corti organ as well as NF 200 and the density of type I neuron in the spiral ganglion. We outlined age-related hearing loss (ARHL) in both strains, and a clear drop in the selected marker localization. However, in CD1 we detected a different trend allowing the identification of potential strain-specific mechanisms, namely an increase in myosin VIIa in 6 months aging mice in comparison to 2 months old animals. Our findings represent an asset to investigate the strain-dependent physiological trigger of ARHL providing new insights in the translational area.

A New Objective Diagnostic Tool for Attention-Deficit Hyper-Activity Disorder (ADHD): Development of the Distractor-Embedded Auditory Continuous Performance Test.

Background/Objectives: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Traditional diagnostic methods, which depend on subjective assessments, often lack precision. This study evaluates the validity and reliability of a newly developed diagnostic tool, the Distractor-Embedded Auditory Continuous Performance Test (da-CPT), which integrates auditory stimuli with distractors to enhance the clinical utility of ADHD diagnosis. Methods: The study included 160 children aged 6-12 years, comprising 80 with a confirmed ADHD diagnosis and 80 controls. All participants completed the da-CPT, a web-based tool designed to assess inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and timing via an auditory-based task. To validate the da-CPT, participants also completed the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised Short Form (CPRS-R) and either the MOXO or IVA-2 tests. Data were analyzed using ROC curves and statistical correlations to assess sensitivity, specificity, and overall diagnostic accuracy. Results: The da-CPT demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy, with a sensitivity of 91.25% and specificity of 83.75%. ROC analysis indicated that the inattention index had the highest discriminatory power (AUC = 0.881), followed by timing, impulsivity, and hyperactivity (all p < 0.01). Furthermore, the da-CPT scores were strongly correlated with ADHD severity (p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study confirms that the da-CPT is a valid and reliable tool for diagnosing ADHD in children aged 6-12. By incorporating auditory stimuli and distractors, the tool offers a more ecologically valid assessment of ADHD symptoms in clinical settings, improving diagnostic precision and utility.

Pathological mechanisms and candidate therapeutic approaches in the hearing loss of mice carrying human MIR96 mutations.

Progressive hearing loss is a common problem in the human population with no effective therapeutics currently available. However, it has a strong genetic contribution, and investigating the genes and regulatory interactions underlying hearing loss offers the possibility of identifying therapeutic candidates. Mutations in regulatory genes are particularly useful for this, and an example is the microRNA miR-96, a post-transcriptional regulator which controls hair cell maturation. Mice and humans carrying mutations in miR-96 all exhibit hearing impairment, in homozygosis if not in heterozygosis, but different mutations result in different physiological, structural and transcriptional phenotypes. Here we present our characterisation of two lines of mice carrying different human mutations knocked-in to Mir96. We have carried out auditory brainstem response tests to examine their hearing with age and after noise exposure and have used confocal and scanning electron microscopy to examine the ultrastructure of the organ of Corti and hair cell synapses. Bulk RNA-seq was carried out on the organs of Corti of postnatal mice, followed by bioinformatic analyses to identify candidate targets. While mice homozygous for either mutation are profoundly deaf from 2weeks old, the heterozygous phenotypes differ markedly, with only one mutation resulting in hearing impairment in heterozygosis. Investigations of the structural phenotype showed that one mutation appears to lead to synaptic defects, while the other has a much more severe effect on the hair cell stereociliary bundles. Transcriptome analyses revealed a wide range of misregulated genes in both mutants which were notably dissimilar. We used the transcriptome analyses to investigate candidate therapeutics, and tested one, finding that it delayed the progression of hearing loss in heterozygous mice. Our work adds further support for the importance of the gain of novel targets in microRNA mutants and offers a proof of concept for the identification of pharmacological interventions to maintain hearing.

Auditory Memory and Visual Memory in Typically Developing Children: Modality Dependence/ Independence.

The study aimed to determine whether there was a difference or an association between auditory memory and visual memory in typically developing children. Eighteen children, aged 8 to 12 years, with normal hearing and visual acuity, were evaluated using the Children's Memory Scale (CMS) to determine their auditory and visual memory performance. Using the core subtest battery of the CMS, auditory/verbal (immediate and delayed), visual/nonverbal (immediate and delayed), and general memory index scores were assessed. No significant difference was found between auditory/verbal memory and visual/nonverbal memory scores for both immediate and delayed recall. Likewise, no correlation between auditory/verbal memory and visual/nonverbal memory scores was found. However, there was a significant correlation between immediate and delayed recall scores within each modality. The non-significant difference between the two modalities for both immediate and delayed recall gives the impression that memory is modality independent. However, the lack of any correlation between the two suggests there was no association between them. The absence of a significant difference between modalities can be attributed to the auditory and visual test material used in CMS not being analogous. It can thus be inferred that the auditory and visual modalities are independent. While the visual material evaluates simultaneous/concurrent perception, the auditory material assesses sequential perception.

Age-Related Listening Performance Changes Across Adulthood.

This study compares auditory processing performance across different decades of adulthood, including young adults and middle-aged individuals with normal hearing and no spontaneous auditory complaints. We assessed 80 participants with normal hearing, at least 10 years of education, and normal global cognition. The participants completed various auditory tests, including speech-in-noise, dichotic digits, duration, pitch pattern sequence, gap in noise, and masking level difference. In addition, we conducted working memory assessments and administered a questionnaire on self-perceived hearing difficulties. Our findings revealed significant differences in auditory test performance across different age groups, except for the masking level difference. The youngest group outperformed all other age groups in the speech-in-noise test, while differences in dichotic listening and temporal resolution emerged from the age of 40 and in temporal ordering from the age of 50. Moreover, higher education levels and better working memory test scores were associated with better auditory performance as individuals aged. However, the influence of these factors varied across different auditory tests. It is interesting that we observed increased self-reported hearing difficulties with age, even in participants without spontaneous auditory complaints. Our study highlights significant variations in auditory test performance, with noticeable changes occurring from age 30 and becoming more pronounced from age 40 onward. As individuals grow older, they tend to perceive more hearing difficulties. Furthermore, the impact of age on auditory processing performance is influenced by factors such as education and working memory.

Impact of an Auditory Processing Training Program on Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Children and young adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often report and exhibit significant auditory processing difficulties, particularly in background noise. This study extends our previous work by examining the potential benefits of a 12-week auditory processing training (APT) program designed to address the auditory processing difficulties in individuals with ASD via auditory training and the use of remote-microphone technology. Effect sizes of training benefits also were calculated, and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to consolidate performance across various tests into fewer meaningful constructs related to auditory processing in this population. Twenty-eight children and young adults with ASD participated in a 12-week APT program that included one-on-one speech-in-noise training, computerized dichotic training, and use of remote-microphone technology at home and at school. Before and after training, each participant completed tests of speech recognition in noise, spatial processing, binaural integration, and general auditory processing skills. Significant performance improvements and medium-to-large effect sizes were found across most test measures after the participants completed the APT program and when using the remote-microphone system. PCA identified strong relationships among all test measures as well as documented the relationships between behavioral performance, training duration, and training improvements. The APT program significantly improved spatial processing, binaural integration, phonological processing, auditory memory, auditory cohesion, and speech recognition in noise in individuals with ASD when the remote-microphone system was used. PCA analysis of pre- and posttraining data showed a strong relationship among all test measures, suggesting an abbreviated auditory processing test battery may be feasible for individuals with ASD. Training duration (minutes) and training improvements were associated with performance outcomes measured by the test battery.

High variability phonetic training facilitates categorical perception of Mandarin lexical tones in L2 older adults: A link to auditory processing

The current study investigated the facilitatory effects of High Variability Phonetic Training (HVPT) in second language (L2) categorical perception (CP) of Mandarin lexical tones. It also explored whether and how individual differences in auditory processing predicted gains from such training. The participants were 32 native English-speaking adults aged over 60 years who were learning Mandarin Chinese as their L2. They were randomly divided into the HVPT group (HG) ( n = 16) and the control group (CG) ( n = 16). Their L2 CP performance was assessed through an identification task and discrimination task before training, immediately after training, and two months later. Auditory processing tests were also conducted to measure the participants’ ability to encode spectral and temporal details of sounds. Linear mixed-effects (LME) models showed that, compared to the CG, the HG exhibited a more pronounced improvement in tonal categorization. Furthermore, regression analysis confirmed that individual differences in perceptual acuity significantly predicted gains from training in L2 CP of Mandarin lexical tones.

Newborn Hearing Screening Success… Patient Care Failure.

To assess the efficacy of a newborn hearing screening program in an urban hospital 24 years after a longitudinal study identified failings in its program and recommended solutions. A hospital-specific, Pennsylvania database was queried to determine rates of in-hospital testing, referral, and diagnosis for Temple University Hospital (TUH), and to compare these with reporting sites statewide. At TUH, interviews with newborn hearing screeners and audiologists were conducted to identify barriers to care. In the year 2022, 2,006/2,069 newborns (97%) were successfully screened prior to hospital discharge at TUH. (63 babies were never tested). There were 73 who did not pass automated auditory brainstem response testing (ABR) in at least one ear. All of these 73 infants returned for repeat automated ABR testing and 50/73 passed in both ears. 23/2006 (1%) were referred to diagnostic testing. 13/23 were successfully scheduled. 11/23 passed in both ears. 2/13 were found to have hearing losses. 10 infants (43%) were lost to follow-up and were never diagnosed. Examining lost-to-follow-up rates statewide, we identified a relationship between successful follow-up and local median family income. Legislation on the state level and improvements in audiometric technology have led to highly successful in-hospital screening with relatively low false-positive rates. Despite this, inadequate outpatient follow-up testing and inequities in the American health care system continue to delay audiometric diagnosis and habilitation of congenital hearing loss. Lack of transportation, childcare for siblings, and newborn insurance status impede access to diagnostic testing. Level 3 evidence-retrospective review comparing cases and controls. Laryngoscope, 2024.