Degree Of Sensorineural Hearing Loss Research Articles

Efficacy of vestibular rehabilitation program in children with balance disorders and sensorineural hearing loss

ObjectiveAsses the efficacy of a Vestibular-balance rehabilitation program to minimize or reverse balance disability in children with sensorineural hearing loss. MethodForty-five hearing-impaired children with balance deficits (i.e., variable degrees of sensorineural hearing loss or auditory neuropathy). Thirty-five were rehabilitated with cochlear implants, and ten with hearing aids. Their age ranged from 4 to 10 years old. A Pre-rehab evaluation was done using questionnaires, neuromuscular evaluation, vestibular and balance office testing, and vestibular lab testing (using cVEMP and caloric test). Customized balances, as well as vestibular rehabilitation exercises, have been applied for three months. That was followed by post-rehab assessment, including the Arabic DHI questionnaire, PBS, BESS, HTT, and DVA test. ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference in all measured parameters (including the Arabic DHI questionnaire, PBS, BESS, HTT, and DVA test) after rehabilitation. ConclusionsVestibular-balance rehabilitation intervention positively impacts vestibular and balance functions in hearing-impaired children.

Acoustic change complex findings in mild and moderate sensorineural hearing loss

BackgroundAuditory electrophysiological tests of the cortex, which are processed in or close to the auditory cortex, are brain reactions to sound. A variation in a continuous stimulus causes the acoustic change complex potential (ACC), which is a wave following the P1-N1-P2 response.ObjectiveTo measure the amplitude and latency of different components of ACC in normal subjects and across individuals with mild and moderate degrees of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).Patients and methodsThe study includes 100 individuals with the age ranged from 10 to 50 years with different degrees of SNHL. The ACC was evoked by a change of second formant in the middle of ongoing steady-state synthetic, 3 formant vowels (ooee). The total duration was 500 ms. Changing occurred at 250 ms.ResultsThe SNHL subgroups showed statistically significantly longer P1 and N1 latencies. N1 and P2 amplitudes of ACC onset response were larger with a statistical significance as compared to controls. Post hoc analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between mild and moderate SNHL on ACC parameters. Age showed a significant negative correlation with ACC N1 and P2 latency, ACC P1 and N1 amplitude, and onset P2 latency. Onset response P1 latency was significantly higher in children than adults. Median ACC P1 amplitude significantly increased in children than adults.ConclusionACC is a reliable tool for testing the auditory cortex function of detecting difference in sounds presented that can be recorded readily in patients with mild and moderate SNHL.

Validation of the acoustic change complex (ACC) prediction model to predict speech perception in noise in adult patients with hearing loss: a study protocol

BackgroundSpeech perception tests are essential to measure the functional use of hearing and to determine the effectiveness of hearing aids and implantable auditory devices. However, these language-based tests require active participation and are influenced by linguistic and neurocognitive skills limiting their use in patients with insufficient language proficiency, cognitive impairment, or in children. We recently developed a non-attentive and objective speech perception prediction model: the Acoustic Change Complex (ACC) prediction model. The ACC prediction model uses electroencephalography to measure alterations in cortical auditory activity caused by frequency changes. The aim is to validate this model in a large-scale external validation study in adult patients with varying degrees of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) to confirm the high predictive value of the ACC model and to assess its test–retest reliability.MethodsA total of 80 participants, aged 18–65 years, will be enrolled in the study. The categories of severity of hearing loss will be used as a blocking factor to establish an equal distribution of patients with various degrees of sensorineural hearing loss. During the first visit, pure tone audiometry, speech in noise tests, a phoneme discrimination test, and the first ACC measurement will be performed. During the second visit (after 1–4 weeks), the same ACC measurement will be performed to assess the test–retest reliability. The acoustic change stimuli for ACC measurements consist of a reference tone with a base frequency of 1000, 2000, or 4000 Hz with a duration of 3000 ms, gliding to a 300-ms target tone with a frequency that is 12% higher than the base frequency. The primary outcome measures are (1) the level of agreement between the predicted speech reception threshold (SRT) and the behavioral SRT, and (2) the level of agreement between the SRT calculated by the first ACC measurement and the SRT of the second ACC measurement. Level of agreement will be assessed with Bland–Altman plots.DiscussionPrevious studies by our group have shown the high predictive value of the ACC model. The successful validation of this model as an effective and reliable biomarker of speech perception will directly benefit the general population, as it will increase the accuracy of hearing evaluations and improve access to adequate hearing rehabilitation.

How can the routine use of face masks by medical professionals affect hearing-impaired patients’ perception of speech? A case–control study

BackgroundFacemasks are routinely used among healthcare providers, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they negatively impact speech perception. Our study investigated how speech perception using the word discrimination score (WDS) was affected by wearing surgical and KN95 masks while dealing with hearing-impaired healthcare recipients.MethodThis case–control study included 60 participants [15 with normal hearing and 45 with varied degrees of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL)], for whom word discrimination scores (WDS) were evaluated under various mask conditions.ResultsOn applying repeated measures of two-way analysis of variance (RM two-way ANOVA), there was statistically significant interaction (p = 0.0018), meaning that the level by which the mask affects the WDS depends on the underlying hearing level. Both main factors showed a statistically significant effect (p < 0.0001). Surgical masks had a lesser impact on speech discrimination compared to KN 95.ConclusionsIt was concluded that KN95 severely impacted the WDS among all groups relative to surgical mask and the no-mask condition. Although the high-frequency SNHL (HF-SNHL) group had mild hearing loss in the pure tone audiometry (PTA) average, they showed lower WDS relative to the mild to moderate flat SNHL (MM-SNHL). Moderately severe to severe SNHL expressed the worst values. As a result, the surgical mask is recommended over the KN95 mask since it provides better speech discrimination while giving adequate protection. These findings should be taken into consideration as they will have an impact on communication, especially in situations like hospitals where the patients must understand the instructors and healthcare providers very well.

A novel variant of the SOX10 gene associated with Waardenburg syndrome type IV

BackgroundWaardenburg syndrome (WS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by varying degrees of sensorineural hearing loss and accumulated pigmentation in the skin, hair and iris. The syndrome is classified into four types (WS1, WS2, WS3, and WS4), each with different clinical phenotypes and underlying genetic causes. The aim of this study was to identify the pathogenic variant in a Chinese family with Waardenburg syndrome type IV.MethodsThe patient and his parents underwent a thorough medical examination. We applied whole exome sequencing to identify the causal variant on the patient and other family members.ResultsThe patient presented with iris pigmentary abnormality, congenital megacolon and sensorineural hearing loss. The clinical diagnosis of the patient was WS4. The whole exome sequencing (WES) revealed a novel variant (c.452_456dup) in the SOX10 gene, which could be responsible for the observed pathogenic of WS4 in this patient. Our analysis suggests that this variant produces a truncated protein that contributes to the development of the disease. The genetic test confirmed the diagnosis of WS4 in the patient from the studied pedigree.ConclusionsThis present study demonstrated that genetic test based on WES, an effective alternative to regular clinical examinations, helps diagnose WS4. The newly identified SOX10 gene variant can expand the understanding of WS4.

#4989 FIRST INTERIM ANALYSIS OF THE INTERNATIONAL DISTAL RENAL TUBULAR ACIDOSIS REGISTRY

Abstract Background and Aims Primary Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis (dRTA) is a rare genetic condition characterized by impaired capacity of A-type intercalated cells to excrete excess of H+ ions. The disease is caused primarily by pathogenic variants in the SLC4A1 gene encoding for the basolateral anion exchanger 1 (AE1) or the ATP6V1B1 and ATP6V0A4 genes encoding for two subunits of the apical proton ATPase. The latter also cause variable degrees of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Additional genes include WDR72 that is associated with amelogenesis imperfecta and FOXI1 that also causes SNHL. To understand better the impact of alkali treatment on the natural history of dRTA, a European prospective registry has been created in collaboration with the ERKNet European Reference Network. Method We present a first interim descriptive analysis of first 182 patients that have been collected from 2019 to 2022. Treatment data are under analysis and are not included. Results To date, mostly paediatric patients (79%) have been included in the registry. A genetic diagnosis was available in 111/182 (61%) of patients and showed the following distribution of underlying genes: ATP6V0A4: 45%, ATP6V1B1: 41%, SLC4A1: 14%. Variants in WDR72 and FOXI1 were reported in one patient each. Overall, we observed no major differences in blood pressure and in urinary/blood parameters, when comparing children vs adults or proton ATPase vs AE1 defects (partially shown in tables 1 and 2). Adult patients were on average diagnosed later, had more frequently nephrolithiasis and higher BMI. In part, differences may reflect selections biases that will be assessed with the collection of longitudinal data. As expected, patients with proton pump defects were diagnosed earlier and had more frequently SNHL. The degree of nephrocalcinosis and the estimated glomerular filtration rates were similar when comparing all groups. None of the patients had developed end stage kidney disease. Conclusion This first report demonstrates successful enrolment of a cohort of patients with dRTA. Enrolment is still ongoing. Longitudinal data will allow assessing the impact of alkali therapy on the long-term outcome.

Audiogram Configuration, Molecular Etiology, and Outcome of Cochlear Implantation in Postlingual Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder.

To explore the diverse molecular etiologies of postlingual auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) and report on the electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) thresholds and the outcome of cochlear implantation (CI). Patients with late-onset, progressive hearing loss who went through molecular genetic testing were enrolled. Type of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was classified as flat, reverse-slope, midfrequency, downsloping, or ski slope. We identified postlingual ANSD subjects through diagnostic tracts applied differently depending on the degree of SNHL. For CI recipients, individual ECAP thresholds, postoperative speech perception abilities, and the genetic cause were analyzed. The detection rate of ANSD among patients with postlingual SNHL was 5.1% (15/293 probands). Diverse genetic etiologies were identified in 7 (46.6%) of the 15 postlingual ANSD subjects, the genetic cause being found exclusively in subjects with reverse-slope SNHL. The pattern of intraoperative ECAP responses was also diverse and showed some correlation with the genetic etiology. Despite the diverse molecular etiology and ECAP responses, CI in postlingual ANSD patients, including those with features involving the postsynaptic component, yielded significant improvements in speech understanding. This study proposes a differentiated diagnostic approach that focuses on both poor speech discrimination and reverse-slope hearing loss for the diagnosis of ANSD. Based on the improvement of speech understanding from all cochlear implantees with ANSD as well as the correlation between the genetic etiology and ECAP thresholds, we suggest that CI can significantly benefit ANSD subjects even those with unknown etiologies unless there is overt peripheral neuropathy.

A Study of Relationship Between Serum Lipids and Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

The modern life style poses new challenges on the normal physiological mechanisms of the human body. Drug abuse, tobacco smoking, and alcohol drinking, as well as lack of exercise may also increase the risk of developing certain diseases, especially older age.To study the relationship between degree of sensorineural hearing loss and serum lipid level (total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoproteins, high density lipoproteins).A cross-sectional study was conducted in 150 patients aged between 15 to 60years diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss at Otorhinolaryngology outpatient department at Sir Sunder Lal hospital, IMS, BHU. All the 150 patients were amongst age group of 15 to 60years who were registered from August 2019 to July 2021.The serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein directly correlate with the severity of sensorineural hearing loss significantly (p < 0.05) whereas the serum levels of high-density lipoprotein had no direct co-relation with the severity of sensorineural hearing loss. Hyperlipidemic state is a major risk factor for SNHL. Regular screening and monitoring of serum lipid might prevent morbid SNHL and improve patients' quality of life in long term.

The effect of bony cochlear nerve canal (BCNC) diameter on the degree of sensorineural hearing loss.

This study investigated the correlation between the diameter of the bony cochlear nerve canal (BCNC), as determined by Temporal bone CT, and MRI findings of cochlear nerves (CN) in children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). A prospective study design was followed. Radiological data (Temporal bone CT and MRI) of fifty children with sensorineural hearing loss (age <18y) were included in the study. All patients (100 ears) underwent routine MRI protocol in addition to 3D CISS (3-D constructive interference in steady state). Based on CT findings, the BCNC was classified according to its diameter into three groups; group 1 (<1.4mm), group 2 (1.4-2.0mm), and group 3 (>2.0mm). A significant difference between the three groups at degrees of SNHL (p<0.001) was observed. Significant difference (p<0.001) was also observed in the mean level of pure tone audiometry (PTA) average in group 1 compared to group 2. The CN was absent in 20 ears of group 1 CT results (29%), CN hypoplasia was noticed in 40 ears of group 1 CT (58%). However, CN was present in 9 ears of group 1 CT (13%), while in group 2 and 3, CN was present in 100% of the cases (27, and 4 ears, respectively, p<0.001). MRI and CT imaging are valuable in the diagnosis of SNHL in children. Moreover, with BCNC stenosis, there was a high probability of CN aplasia or hypoplasia.

Pseudo air–bone gap in sensorineural hearing loss: Effect of signal frequency and degree of hearing loss – implications for clinical diagnosis

Introduction: Pseudo air–bone gaps (ABGs) in the audiogram can lead to a false diagnosis of middle ear pathology where none exists. While it is known that the magnitude of such false ABGs are frequency dependent, the effect on the severity of hearing loss on this relationship needs more clarity. Objective: The purpose of the study was to identify frequencies that are susceptible to pseudo-ABGs and investigate the effect of the degree of hearing loss on the magnitude of such air–bone gaps. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the ABG in three degrees of sensorineural hearing loss: mild (26–40 dB HL), moderate (41–55 dB HL), and moderately severe (56-70 dB HL) was carried out. One hundred and fifty samples were considered in each category (18–60 years). Differences across frequencies and degree of hearing loss were assessed. Results: Large ABGs were observed at 250 Hz and 4000 Hz, and the ABGs significantly increased with the degree of hearing loss at 250 Hz and 500 Hz. Conclusions: Caution needs to be exercised while interpreting the ABG at the low frequencies and 4000 Hz, especially when the degree of hearing loss is moderate and higher, to avoid the misdiagnosis of a conductive component in a sensorineural pathology.

Targeted new screening for congenital cytomegalovirus infection: clinical, audiological and neuroimaging findings

ObjectiveTo evaluate clinical, audiological and neuroimaging findings in a cohort of infants diagnosed with congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection after failure at newborn hearing screening.MethodsA prospective observational study in the Netherlands,...

Case Report - Cogan Syndrome Atypical in Dr.Hasan Sadikin Hospital

Cogan's syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder with around 250 cases worldwide affecting young Caucasian adults in the third decade of life. This disease is characterized by audiovestibular disorders and inflammation in the eye. In this article, a case of Cogan's Syndrome was reported found in Dr. Hasan Sadikin Bandung ENT-HNS Clinic. Objective for this case report is as case study and knowledge because Cogan’s syndrome is a rare disease. Case: A 59-year-old woman with autoimmune disorders, interstitial keratitis in the eye and hearing loss in both ears, and without vestibular disorders. Audiogram examination revealed mild degree of sensorineural hearing loss in both ears. Patient is diagnosed with typical Cogan's Syndrome. Management of typical Cogan's Syndrome patients are the administration of methylprednisolone 48 mg per day; with a gradual reduction in dose; and prednisone eye drops, provides good response. Conclusion for this case report is Cogan’s syndrome are rare case and usually related with audiovestibular disorder and inflammation in the eye, management of Cogan's Syndrome with high doses of corticosteroids provides a good response.

Hearing Screening to Evaluate the Status of Newborn Hearing Impairment in the NICU of a Tertiary Hospital

Introduction: One to three per 1,000 live births suffers from significant hearing impairment. However, 2 to 4 per 100 infants who survived neonatal intensive care have some degree of sensorineural hearing loss. If hearing impairment in newborns is detected earlier, early management can prevent undesirable and often irreversible damage due to late detection. Early detection and the treatment of hearing impairment in children are essential for the development of communication skills, social skills, emotional well-being, and positive self-esteem. Unfortunately, this disability remains undetected for many newborns until it is too late to prevent undesirable and often irreversible damage. Unfortunately, not many studies were done on this topic in Bangladesh. The magnitude of the burden of hearing impairment in the study place might be identified by this study. The objective of the study: Hearing screening was done to see the status of hearing impairment in newborns admitted to NICU.&#x0D; Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted in the department of neonatology, BSMMU. Newborn admitted to the NICU during the study period was the study population. The newborn who met the inclusion criteria was screened with TEOAE close to discharge from the NICU or before one month of age. A second screen was done with TEOAE again after one month of 1st screen but prior to 3 months of postnatal age if referred in 1st screen. Diagnostic ABR was done prior to 3 months of the postnatal age if referred in both the 1st and 2nd screen.&#x0D; Results: 426 valid recordings from 493 newborns admitted to the NICU enrolled consecutively constitute the basis of this study. Fourteen newborns were found to have hearing impairment among 426 newborns (3.3%). 2 newborns had unilateral hearing loss, and their hearing losses were moderate in nature. The other 12 newborns in their 24 ears had different grades of hearing loss. It was mild hearing loss in 3 ears, moderate in 9 ears, severe in 8 ears, and profound in 4 ears.&#x0D; Conclusion: Hearing screening showed that 3.3% of newborns in the NICU have a hearing impairment. It is still an underestimation considering the number of newborns who were lost to follow-up.&#x0D; TAJ 2022; 35: No-1: 77-82

Cochlear Implant Evolving Indications: Our Outcomes in Adult Patients.

Background: The eligibility criteria for cochlear implantation are constantly evolving, following the continuous progress in technology, knowledge about cochlear implant (CI) fitting, and the possibility to preserve residual hearing. Appropriate attention should be given to asymmetric hearing loss (AHL) and single-side deafness (SSD) subjects. This study aimed to analyze cochlear implant indications and evaluate the longitudinal performance outcomes for patients with different kinds and degrees of sensorineural hearing loss. Methods: A total of 69 adult hearing loss CI recipients were included and divided into four subgroups according to our CI indication criteria. We performed objective and subjective measures, including speech perception analysis in silence and with background noise, comparing the outcomes obtained in the four groups. Results: After cochlear implant surgery, concerning the preimplantation daily listening condition, a significantly improved speech perception score in silence and noise was found in all four groups (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusion: CI could represent an efficient solution for patients with AHL and SSD classes.

Пневмолабиринт как осложнение после стапедопластики

Pneumolabyrinth is characterized by the presence of air in the inner ear due to intrusion from the tympanic cavity. It is a rare complication of stapedoplasty. Currently, there is no clear algorithm for treatment of this complication. The paper reports two cases of pneumolabyrinth being the short-term and long-term postoperative complications. In the first case, the patient, who had undergone stapedoplasty in the left ear, suddenly developed rapid hearing loss and tinnitus in the left ear with dizziness three weeks after physical activity. Physical examination revealed no evidence of the tympanic membrane defect. Audiometry revealed left-sided IV degree of sensorineural hearing loss. Pneumolabyrinth was detected on the temporal bone CT scans. In the second case, vestibulocochlear symptoms developed three days after stapedoplasty in the right ear. Pure tone audiometry revealed right-sided IV degree of mixed hearing loss. CT scan of the temporal bone confirmed the diagnosis of pneumolabyrinth. In both cases the correct position of the stapedial prosthesis, "empty" vestibule and perilymphatic fistula were found during revision tympanotomy. The prosteses were removed during surgery, Dexamethasone solution was introduced into the vestibule; stapedoplasty with autocartilage on the perichondrium was performed. After surgery, vestibular symptoms disappeared, and hearing improved.

Waardenburg syndrome type 4 coexisting with open-angle glaucoma: a case report

BackgroundWaardenburg syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder with varying degrees of sensorineural hearing loss as well as abnormal pigmentation in hair, skin, and iris. There are four types of Waardenburg syndrome (1–4) with different characteristics. Mutations in six genes have been identified to be associated with the various types. Herein, we describe a case of Waardenburg syndrome type 4 combined with open-angle glaucoma.Case presentationA 43-year-old Han Chinese man had undergone trabeculectomy due to progression of visual field impairment and unstable intraocular pressure in both eyes. Slit-lamp examination revealed diffuse iris hypopigmentation in the left eye and hypopigmentation of part of the iris in the right eye. Fundus examination showed red, sunset-like fundus due to a lack of pigmentation in the retinal pigment epithelium layer, diffuse loss of the nerve fiber layer, and an excavated optic nerve head with advanced-stage glaucoma. Imaging was performed using anterior segment optical coherence tomography to detect the iris configuration. In the heterochromic iris portion, the normal part of the iris showed a clear hyperreflective signal of the anterior border layer, while atrophy of the pigmented anterior border layer showed a hyporeflective area of the anterior surface resulting in reduced light absorption. Two mutations of the endothelin receptor type B gene were recognized in this study. The first (c.1111G>A on exon 7) leads to an amino acid change from glycine to serine at codon 371. Sanger verification revealed that this mutation is inherited from the mother. The other mutation (c.553G>A) leads to an amino acid change from valine to methionine at codon 185. Sanger verification showed that this mutation was inherited from the father.ConclusionWaardenburg syndrome shows a remarkable diversity in clinical presentation and morphology. This disease can also present with open-angle glaucoma. Sequencing analysis revealed two heterozygous mutations in the EDNRB gene in this patient, inherited from his mother and father, respectively. These two sites constitute a compound heterozygous variation.

Prevalence of abnormal vestibular responses in children with sensorineural hearing loss.

Dysfunction of the vestibular organs has a great deal of influence on children's balance. Children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) may often have accompanying abnormal vestibular responses. Video head impulse test (vHIT) combined with a test battery of cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs, oVEMPs) make it possible to determine the prevalence of abnormal vestibular response in any of the five paired vestibular organs amongst children with SNHL. Prospective cross-sectional study including children aged 3-17years with uni- or bilateral SNHL (bone-conduction (BC) pure tone average (PTA4) above 20dB). Assessments included vHIT, cVEMP, and oVEMP. Descriptive data were analyzed. T-tests were performed to detect any correlation between the degree of SNHL and abnormal vestibular responses. 42 children (27 males), a total of 63 ears with SNHL, mean BC PTA4 SNHL of 42.3dB (32.0; 58.4 IR) were included. 28.6% had at least one ear with abnormal vestibular response. 97.6% (41/42) completed one and 75.0% (27/36) completed all vestibular examinations. Ears with two pathological examinations had significantly more severe SNHL than ears with one pathological or normal vestibular examinations (p = 0.008, p = 0.005). All test methods used with this study were easy, fast, and comfortable for children (as young as 3years of age) to undergo. Even a moderate SNHL might be associated with abnormal vestibular response. Structural damage to the organs is the most likely cause of vestibular deficit. Consensus on criteria defining pathological examinations with both vHIT and VEMPs are required for more accurate comparison with previous studies.

Impact of Sensorineural Hearing Loss during the Pandemic of COVID-19 on the Appearance of Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety and Stress.

Background. The incidence of hearing loss is constantly increasing and according to the World Health Organization, by 2050, 900 million people will suffer from hearing loss. The main Objective of the study was to determine the differences between the severity of the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression in participants with varying degrees of sensorineural hearing loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. An additional aim was to examine the extent and manner in which protective face masks impact the communication of people with hearing loss. Matrials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, which included 160 patients (81 men and 79 women) with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The patients’ age range was 50 to 80 years. Depending on the degree of hearing loss or pure-tone threshold, the participants were divided into four groups: mild hearing loss, moderate hearing loss, severe hearing loss and profound hearing loss. The research used the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and a questionnaire in which the participants reported whether surgical face masks (medical three-layer masks) worn by speakers makes communication difficult, to what extent and in what way. Results: The average age of the patients was 67.97 ± 8.16. A significant correlation was found between the degree of hearing loss and communication difficulties caused by the use of protective face masks (p < 0.001). For patients with severe and profound hearing loss, communication is significantly more difficult (50.0% and 45.0% respectively) when the interlocutor wears a face mask. There is a significant correlation between the degree of hearing loss and the way in which communication is made more difficult when the interlocutor wears a face mask (p < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was determined between the degrees of hearing loss in all measured subscales: stress (p = 0.024), anxiety (p = 0.026) and depression (p = 0.016). Conclusions: We have determined that face masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly hamper communication among the study groups (p = 0.007) and there is a significant correlation between the degree of sensorineural hearing loss and the presence of symptoms in all three DASS-21 subscales, meaning that the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression were more intense in severe and profound hearing loss.

Технологические возможности современных кохлеарных имплантов Nurotron на пути успешной слухоречевой реабилитации пациентов с нарушениями слуха высокой степени и глухотой

This article presents current data on the technological capabilities of Nurotron cochlear implantation systems for the rehabilitation of patients from various age groups with a high degree of sensorineural hearing loss and deafness. A comparative description of the main models of speech processors from various manufacturers is given, as well as an assessment of the effectiveness of the use of the Nurotron cochlear implantation system. This experience of using the Nurotron cochlear implantation system can be used in the practice of otorhinolaryngologists and otorhinolaryngologists in the Russian Federation and abroad.

Neuropatía Auditiva Infantil

La combinación de las otoemisiones acústicas transitorias (OEAT) y los potenciales evocados auditivos del tronco cerebral (PEATC) nos permite identificar a un grupo de pacientes con neuropatía auditiva (NA), cuyas implicaciones clínicas y terapéuticas constituyen un reto en nuestra práctica otológica. La población pediátrica estudiada por nosotros, no ha manifestado una alteración en el examen neurológico o en la resonancia nuclear magnética cerebral o de los oídos internos. Las OEAT y los timpanogramas tipo A,se registraron en el 100% de los casos. Los reflejos estapediales y los PEATC estaban ausentes en todos los pacientes. En la audiometría tonal o conductual, el grado de hipoacusia neurosensorial osciló entre leve a moderada, siendo bilateral en todos los casos. Los niños que colaboraron en las pruebas verbales, demostraron una desproporcionada disminución de la comprensión de la palabra que no correspondió a sus audiogramas tonales. Los hallazgos previos sugieren que la lesión es neurosensorial, con normofuncionalidad de las células ciliadas externas cocleares (OEAT presentes). No se puede precisar si la lesión está localizada en las células ciliadas internas, en el octavo par o en ambos. Las etiologías más probables que han justificado la NA han sido: hiperbilirrubinemia, anoxia perinatal, prematuridad o idiopáticas. El resultado de la rehabilitación del lenguaje con los audífonos demuestra una efectividad limitada. Todos los pacientes están siendo tratados por un terapeuta en el leguaje. El éxito de esta terapia depende de la precocidad en su instauración.