Degree Of Hearing Loss Research Articles

A Step Toward Precision Audiology: Individual Differences and Characteristic Profiles From Auditory Perceptual and Cognitive Abilities.

Older adults with normal hearing or with age-related hearing loss face challenges when listening to speech in noisy environments. To better serve individuals with communication difficulties, precision diagnostics are needed to characterize individuals' auditory perceptual and cognitive abilities beyond pure tone thresholds. These abilities can be heterogenous across individuals within the same population. The goal of the present study is to consider the suprathreshold variability and develop characteristic profiles for older adults with normal hearing (ONH) and with hearing loss (OHL). Auditory perceptual and cognitive abilities were tested on ONH (n = 20) and OHL (n = 20) on an abbreviated test battery using portable automated rapid testing. Using cluster analyses, three main profiles were revealed for each group, showing differences in auditory perceptual and cognitive abilities despite similar audiometric thresholds. Analysis of variance showed that ONH profiles differed in spatial release from masking, speech-in-babble testing, cognition, tone-in-noise, and binaural temporal processing abilities. The OHL profiles differed in spatial release from masking, speech-in-babble testing, cognition, and tolerance to background noise performance. Correlation analyses showed significant relationships between auditory and cognitive abilities in both groups. This study showed that auditory perceptual and cognitive deficits can be present to varying degrees in the presence of audiometrically normal hearing and among listeners with similar degrees of hearing loss. The results of this study inform the need for taking individual differences into consideration and developing targeted intervention options beyond pure tone thresholds and speech testing.

Splicing mutations of GSDME cause late-onset non-syndromic hearing loss

Objective:To dentify the genetic and audiological characteristics of families affected by late-onset hearing loss due to GSDMEgene mutations, aiming to explore clinical characteristics and pathogenic mechanisms for providing genetic counseling and intervention guidance. Methods:Six families with late-onset hearing loss from the Chinese Deafness Genome Project were included. Audiological tests, including pure-tone audiometry, acoustic immittance, speech recognition scores, auditory brainstem response, and distortion product otoacoustic emission, were applied to evaluate the hearing levels of patients. Combining with medical history and physical examination to analyze the phenotypic differences between the probands and their family members. Next-generation sequencing was used to identify pathogenic genes in probands, and validations were performed on their relatives by Sanger sequencing. Pathogenicity analysis was performed according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Guidelines. Meanwhile, the pathogenic mechanisms of GSDME-related hearing loss were explored combining with domestic and international research progress. Results:Among the six families with late-onset hearing loss, a total of 30 individuals performed hearing loss. The onset of hearing loss in these families ranged from 10 to 50 years（mean age: 27.88±9.74 years）. In the study, four splicing mutations of the GSDME were identified, including two novel variants: c. 991－7C>G and c. 1183+1G>T. Significantly, the c. 991－7C>G was a de novo variant. The others were previously reported variants: c. 991-1G>C and c. 991-15_991-13del, the latter was identified in three families. Genotype-phenotype correlation analysis revealed that probands with the c. 991－7C>G and c. 1183+1G>T performed a predominantly high-frequency hearing loss. The three families carrying the same mutation exhibited varying degrees of hearing loss, with an annual rate of hearing deterioration exceeding 0.94 dB HL/year. Furthermore, follow-up of interventions showed that four of six probands received intervention（66.67%）, but the results of intervention varied. Conclusion:The study analyzed six families with late-onset non-syndromic hearing loss linked to GSDME mutations, identifying four splicing variants. Notably, c. 991－7C>G is the first reported de novo variant of GSDME globally. Audiological analysis revealed that the age of onset generally exceeded 10 years,with variable effectiveness of interventions.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Cochleovestibular Malformations in Children in Côte d’Ivoire

Objective: to find the distribution of various malformations and to report the clinical features of commonly encountered IEMs in our practice. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study, over a period of 14 months (January 2019 to March 2020), in the ENT departments of University Hospitals and the Mother and Child Hospital in Bingerville. All patients, aged up 15 years with computed tomography and/or MRI available, who had a cochleovestibular malformation and sensorineural or predominantly sensorineural mixed hearing loss confirmed were included. Results: The prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss related to cochleovestibular malformations was 3.75% (6 cases out of 160 patients). Patients ranged in age from 2 to 14 years. The diagnosis was made before the age of 3.5 years in 5/6 cases. The sex ratio was 1. Language delay was noted in 5/6 cases. No contributing risk factors were identified. All patients had profound and bilateral hearing loss. Associated malformations were present in 2/6 cases. The most common abnormalities were semicircular canal hypoplasia, internal auditory canal abnormalities and cochlear malformations. There was an association between sensorineural hearing loss linked to malformation and the profound degree of hearing loss. Conclusion: Sensorineural deafness linked to cochleovestibular malformations in children appears to be uncommon. However, they are associated with a risk of profound sensorineural hearing loss. It is therefore important, in the face of any sensorineural hearing loss in the child, to systematically carry out an imaging assessment, even in our low income’s countries.

Innovative Categorization and Operative Management of Auditory Ossicle Disruption Following Trauma: Therapeutic Efficacy and Interventional Paradigms.

Currently, there is no consensus on the treatment protocol for ossicular chain trauma. This study aims to investigate the classification and treatment strategies for traumatic ossicular chain dislocation. We retrospectively analyzed 15 patients. Traumatic ossicular chain dislocations were categorized based on the location of trauma identified during surgery: Type I-ossicular trauma without stapediovestibular dislocation; Type II-stapediovestibular dislocation (with or without associated incus dislocation). Of the 10 patients with Type I trauma, 9 experienced head trauma, and 1 had a penetrating injury to the external auditory canal. Among these, 2 cases involved incudomalleolar dislocation, 2 cases incus dislocation, 5 cases incudostapedial dislocation, and 1 case a fracture of the anterior and posterior arches of the stapes. Seven patients exhibited conductive hearing loss, while 3 presented with mixed hearing loss. Ossiculoplasty was performed using partial ossicular replacement prostheses (PORP) in 8 patients and total ossicular replacement prostheses (TORP) in 2 patients. Postoperative air conduction thresholds significantly improved in all 10 patients. In Type II trauma, all 5 patients had a penetrating injury to the external auditory canal, resulting in varying degrees of hearing loss. Postoperatively, 3 patients experienced improvement in hearing, while 2 showed no significant change. All patients developed vertigo and tinnitus following the trauma, with vertigo resolving after surgery. Pneumolabyrinth was detected in 2 patients. We propose a novel classification system for traumatic ossicular chain dislocation. Treatment strategies should be tailored according to the specific trauma type.

Severe and Frequent Loneliness Mars Adults with Hearing Loss

There is a high prevalence of hearing loss in community and need of research to address this gap into the health-related issues of hearing loss like loneliness, anxiety and depression, hence current study was conducted. Objective: To determine the subjective loneliness in adults with hearing loss and association with clinico-demographic variables. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Isra University Islamabad, recruited N=377 patients with hearing loss utilizing convenience sampling from Sir Ganga Ram and Mayo Hospitals, Lahore, Pakistan from January 2020 to June 2020. The sample included both genders, aged 20 to 65 years with moderate to profound hearing loss of at least 1-year duration. The basic demographic sheet and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale Version 3 were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 26 & Chi-square was utilized for association with p<0.05 taken to be significant. Results: Study revealed severe loneliness in 279(74%) and frequent loneliness in 98(26%). Severity categories of loneliness revealed association with age (p=0.049), gender (p=0.043), smoking (p=0.049), type of hearing loss (p<0.001), degree of hearing loss (p=0.008), hearing aid use (p<0.001), hours and days of hearing aid use (p<0.001). Conclusions: It is concluded that hearing loss results in severe and frequent loneliness. Factors including age, gender, smoking, type of hearing loss, degree of hearing loss, hearing aid use, hours and days of hearing aid use are associated with loneliness in adult population of Punjab, Pakistan.

Preschool Children with Hearing Loss: Social Communication and Parenting Stress.

Studies on parenting stress (PS) in parents of children with hearing loss (HL) have found relationships between child behavior, language skills and parenting stress. The role of early social communication skills has not been researched before. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between child behavior, social communication and PS. The study was performed in a subgroup of a total population sample from the AChild (Austrian Children with Hearing Impairment-Longitudinal Databank) study. Preschool children (n = 81) with all degrees of HL and average cognitive functioning and their families were included, and the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) was used. Through factor component analysis, compound scores for externalizing/internalizing problem behavior and hyperactivity were analyzed. Although mean PS was not elevated, the proportion of those with elevated scores was higher compared with the norm population. There was a strong correlation between child behavior problems and PS (strongest correlation: externalizing problem behavior r = 0.643; p < 0.001). All three problem behaviors accounted for 49.7% of the variance in PS. An indirect effect of social communication on PS was almost completely mediated by problem behavior (especially hyperactivity). The importance of social communication development with respect to problem behavior and PS is highlighted.

Methodology for assessing the probability of hearing loss caused by noise

Introduction. Predicting occupational hearing loss is a promising direction in the health protection of industrial workers.&#x0D; The purpose of the study is to develop and test a methodology for assessing the probability of hearing loss caused by noise, taking into account quantitative criteria for assessing the degree of hearing loss adopted in the Russian Federation.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The assessment of the probability of hearing loss caused by noise is carried out in accordance with GOST R ISO 1999–2017 &#x0D; and includes the determination of age, noise, and general hearing loss. To quantify the degree of hearing loss, a combination of audiometric frequencies &#x0D; of 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 Hz is used in accordance with the classification of the degree of hearing loss caused by noise. The probability of occupational hearing loss caused by noise (%) is determined by plotting the distribution of probabilistic hearing thresholds due to age and noise for the corresponding percentiles (10, 50, 90%).&#x0D; Results. The developed methodology complements and specifies the requirements of GOST R ISO 1999-2017 with respect to the combination of audiometric frequencies, according to which the probability of hearing loss caused by noise is assessed. The boundary thresholds of audibility, the excess of which indicates the presence of a certain degree of hearing loss. Based on the developed methodology, the probabilistic thresholds of audibility at noise exposure of 85, 90, 95, 100 dBA are calculated. The probability of occuptional hearing loss is determined depending on age, work experience, and noise exposure.&#x0D; Limitations. The limitations of the study are determined by the features of the model for assessing hearing loss due to noise exposure according &#x0D; to GOST ISO 1999–2017 and the criteria for assessing the degree of hearing loss in noise workers at audiometric frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 Hz.&#x0D; Conclusion. The developed algorithm will make it possible to determine the probability of hearing loss caused by noise, predict the timing of the development of occupational hearing loss depending on the intensity and duration of noise exposure, the age of the employee, and develop risk-oriented preventive programs.

Исследование распространенности сочетанного поражения органов зрения, слуха и нарушений когнитивной функции у населения Южного Урала в возрасте 85 лет и старше

Material and methods. This study was carried out as part of the research project Ural Eye Study of Very Old People. The study involved 1526 respondents aged 85 years and older. Results. This study was conducted on 731 (47.9%) respondents (mean age 88.1±2.7 years; median 87 years, range 85–98 years) with available data on measures of vision, hearing, and cognitive function. The prevalence of low vision and blindness, hearing impairment, combined disorders and the presence of dementia was 51.8% (95% CI 48.2 to 55.5%), 33.1% (95% CI 29.7 to 36.5%), 20.5% (95% CI 17.8 to 23.5%) and 48.2% (95% CI 44.5 to 51.8%), respectively. A lower cognitive function score was associated with lower visual acuity (p&lt;0.001) and a higher degree of hearing loss (p=0.03), adjusted for older age (p=0.001), rural region of residence (p=0.003), lower level of education (p&lt;0.001) and higher depression scores (p&lt;0.001). Higher prevalence of dementia was associated with higher incidence of hearing impairment (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.59 to 2.98; p&lt;0.001), higher incidence of low vision/blindness (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.55 to 2.81; p&lt;0.001) and a higher prevalence of combined visual and hearing impairment (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.92 to 4.07; p&lt;0.001). Conclusion. This study showed a stronger association of combined visual and hearing impairment (prevalence 20.5%) (OR 2.80) with dementia compared with hearing impairment alone (OR 2.18) or visual impairment alone (OR 2.09). The findings show the importance of correcting sensory impairments for the prevention of dementia. Key words: very old population, population-based study, blindness, low vision, hearing loss, dementia

Perception towards Hearing Handicap amongst Hearing Impaired Individuals and its Associated Factors

Introduction: Individuals with hearing impairment may not inevitably have hearing handicaps. They might not be psychologically or socially bothered by the deficit in daily life. Objective: This study aims to examine the perception of hearing handicaps among individuals with hearing impairment. Methods: A cross-sectional study comprised 109 individuals with hearing impairment at the ENT clinic in Hospital Serdang. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, hearing level and Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA) questionnaire score were accumulated. Hearing handicaps were measured using the HHIA score. Results: Out of 109 participants, 28.4% experienced a significant hearing handicap while 44% reported no handicap. Our analysis revealed that there is no discernible link between socio-demographic factors such as age group, gender, race, educational level, and overall HHIA score, which exemplify the perception of hearing handicap. However, we did find a statistically significant connection between the degree of hearing loss and the total HHIA score (p=0.003) as well as the usage of a hearing aid and the HHIA score (p=0.042). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the level of hearing loss and the use of hearing aids have a significant impact on how individuals perceive their hearing handicap. In contrast, socio-demographic factors do not appear to influence individuals’ perception towards hearing handicaps. We recommend a regular hearing check-up in the community to enable early detection and interventions when necessary.

Assessment of Auditory Brainstem Response in Infants Suffering from Congenital Heart Disease

Background: Congenital heart defects are the singular most common congenital anomalies and account for a significant fraction of childhood mortality and morbidity. Hearing impairment was the most frequent sensory deficit. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) was determined to assess the maturation and function of brainstem, and hence, hearing in infants. Therefore, we used ABR for hearing assessment in infants diagnosed with congenital heart disease.&#x0D; Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was carried out on 60 infants, below or above the age of 12 months, both sexes, with CHD. Infants were furtherly divided into two equal groups: Group A with a cyanotic infant, and group B with cyanotic infants. All patients were subjected to Echocardiography.&#x0D; Results: 20% of our cases to be affected with varying degrees of hearing loss. No significant difference was found between the cyanotic and a cyanotic infant. However, cyanotic infants below 12 months had higher incidence of hearing loss when compared to those above the age of 12 months; whether the cyanotic or the cyanotic peers.&#x0D; Conclusions: High prevalence of hearing loss amongst patients with CHD warrants the addition of those patients to the high-risk registry for hearing loss, in order that they may benefit from early detection and intervention, and ergo protected against the affection of hearing impairment on their neurodevelopment. Routine follow-ups for patients with cyanotic heart disease from the age of 6 months to assess the effect of chronic hypoxemia on the inner ear and monitor the rate of improvement in ABR results, as to establish an accepted rate of improvement, and an appropriate time of intervention, if needed.

Comparing criteria for deviation from hearing aid prescriptive targets in children

Objective To determine if a stricter criterion for paediatric hearing aid fitting for proximity of fit-to-target of <3 dB root-mean-square (RMS) error produces better audibility and outcomes compared to the current <5 dB criterion, and to examine the relationship between aided audibility and RMS error by degree of hearing loss. Design We evaluated the influence of unaided hearing level on the relationship between RMS error and aided audibility. We assessed the effect of RMS error category (<3, 3–5, >5 dB) on aided audibility, speech recognition, expressive vocabulary, and morphosyntax. Study sample The study included 2314 hearing aid verification measurements from 307 children with hearing aids. Results Children who met a <3 dB criterion had higher aided audibility than children who met no criterion (>5 dB error). Results showed no differences in speech recognition or vocabulary by error category, but children with <3 dB error demonstrated better morphosyntax than children with 3–5 and >5 dB RMS error. Conclusions Fittings that are close to prescriptive targets provide a more positive outcome for children with hearing aids. Using probe microphone measures to adjust hearing aids to within 3 dB may benefit language abilities in children.

RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN HEARING LOSS AMONG MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Prior studies have documented how social and systemic factors contribute to racial differences in health; however, less is known about the life course and social determinants of racial differences in hearing loss (HL) among middle-aged and older adults. Evidence from U.S. population-based cohorts indicates that Black adults have better pure-tone thresholds and a 40-70% lower prevalence of HL compared to White adults. However, beyond documenting racial differences in general hearing sensitivity (i.e., degree of HL), it is unknown how the characteristics of HL (e.g., type, laterality, etc.) vary by race. Using ICD codes and the AMCLASS classification system, we will evaluate types of HL (e.g., sensorineural, conductive, and mixed HL); symmetry categories (e.g., symmetrical or asymmetrical HL); and severity categories (by classifying pure-tone average according to standard metrics: normal [-10-15 dB HL], slight [16–25 dB HL], mild [26–40 dB HL], moderate [41–55 dB HL], moderately severe [56–70 dB HL], severe [71–90 dB HL], and profound [&amp;gt;90 dB HL]). We will examine audiological data on 22,905 adults aged 50 and older (17.9% Black, 82.1% White) using electronic health records (EHR) and linked area-level data from a large healthcare system. We will also investigate how socioeconomic (e.g., education, income, health insurance), psychosocial (e.g., mental health), behavioral (e.g., smoking), and clinical factors (e.g., disease comorbidities) are associated with HL characteristics in White and Black adults. Findings will provide important and actionable insights into racial differences in HL.

Comparisons of air-conduction hearing thresholds between manual and automated methods in a commercial audiometer.

To investigate the correlation of air-conduction thresholds between automated audiometry in a non-isolated environment and manual audiometry in participants with normal hearing and different degrees of hearing loss. Eighty-three participants aged 11-88 years old underwent automated pure-tone audiometry in a non-acoustically isolated environment, and the results were compared with those of manual pure-tone audiometry performed in a standard acoustically isolated booth, with the order of testing randomised. Six frequencies of 250, 500, 1,000, 2000, 4,000 and 8,000 Hz were tested. All 166 ears were completed and 996 valid hearing threshold data were obtained, with 28 data exceeding the 95% confidence interval in the Bland-Altman plot, accounting for 2.81% of all data. The means and standard deviations of the differences for the six frequencies from 250 to 8,000 Hz were, respectively, 0.63 ± 5.31, 0.69 ± 4.50, 0.45 ± 4.99, 0.3 ± 6.2, -0.15 ± 4.8, and 0.21 ± 4.97 dB. The correlation coefficients of the two test results for normal hearing, mild, moderate, severe and above hearing loss groups were 0.95, 0.92, 0.97, and 0.96, respectively. The correlation coefficient of the automated and manual audiometry thresholds for the age groups under 40 years, 40-60 years, and 60 years above, were 0.98, 0.97 and 0.97, respectively, with all being statistically significant (p < 0.01). The response time of the three age groups were 791 ± 181 ms, 900 ± 190 ms and 1,063 ± 332 ms, respectively, and there was a significant difference between the groups under 40 years and over 60 years. There was good consistency between automated pure-tone audiometry in a non-acoustically isolated environment and manual pure-tone audiometry in participants with different hearing levels and different age groups.

HEARING LOSS AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN THE NATIONAL HEALTH AGING TRENDS STUDY

Abstract Hearing loss is an important condition that affects healthy aging. However, nationally representative estimates of hearing loss among older adults are limited due to differences in measures and categorization of hearing as well as limited sampling of older adults. The aims of this presentation are to review the meaning of different hearing measures and categorization and to estimate the prevalence of hearing loss by age and demographic covariates of adults over 70 years. The National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) is a large nationally representative panel study of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older with robust oversampling of the oldest old adults that added pure-tone audiometry, the current gold standard for quantifying hearing loss to the 2021 NHATS round 11 protocol. Cross-sectional (n=2620) weighted prevalence estimates by age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, and income were applied to corresponding United States Census Bureau estimates. Using traditional definitions of hearing loss, an estimated 67.9% (22.4 million) of adults over 70 years have at least some degree of hearing loss (37.4% mild, 25.8% moderate, and 4.6% severe). Prevalence is higher among White, male, lower-income, and lower education attainment subpopulations and increases with age such that 97.6% of adults 90 years and older have hearing loss. Application of new World Health Organization categories of hearing loss resulted in an increase in prevalence from 67.9% to 82.7% of adults over 70 years. The near ubiquitous nature of hearing loss in this population raises questions about identifying actionable cut points in future research.

Prevalence of Hearing Impairment Among Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with varied manifestations, including potential auditory complications. Previous studies have indicated varying prevalence rates of hearing impairment among SLE patients, necessitating further research to understand the extent and nature of these auditory issues. Objective: The primary aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of hearing impairment in SLE patients, with a focus on identifying the types and degrees of hearing loss and associated symptoms like tinnitus and vertigo. Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study involved 38 SLE patients from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, and DHQ Hospital, Bhimber, Kashmir. Participants underwent pure tone audiometry (PTA) to assess hearing impairment. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0, with a focus on qualitative variables like gender, education, and socio-economic status. Patients with SLE-associated co-morbid factors affecting hearing were excluded. Results: The study found a 29% prevalence of hearing impairment among SLE patients, with sensorineural hearing loss being the most common type (21.1%). Conductive hearing loss and mixed hearing loss were observed in 2.6% and 5.3% of patients, respectively. The majority of hearing impairments were of mild to moderate degree. Additionally, 23.7% of patients reported tinnitus, and 18.45% experienced vertigo. Conclusion: The study concludes that hearing impairment, particularly sensorineural hearing loss of a mild to moderate degree, is a significant concern in SLE patients. The findings highlight the need for routine audiological assessments, including PTA and High Frequency Audiometry (HFA), in the management of SLE patients to facilitate early detection and treatment of hearing loss.

Hearing loss and cognition: A protocol for ensuring speech understanding before neurocognitive assessment.

Many neurocognitive evaluations involve auditory stimuli, yet there are no standard testing guidelines for individuals with hearing loss. The ensuring speech understanding (ESU) test was developed to confirm speech understanding and determine whether hearing accommodations are necessary for neurocognitive testing. Hearing was assessed using audiometry. The probability of ESU test failure by hearing status was estimated in 2679 participants (mean age: 81.4±4.6 years) using multivariate logistic regression. Only 2.2% (N=58) of participants failed the ESU test. The probability of failure increased with hearing loss severity; similar results were observed for those with and without mild cognitive impairment or dementia. The ESU test is appropriate for individuals who have variable degrees of hearing loss and cognitive function. This test can be used prior to neurocognitive testing to help reduce the risk of hearing loss and compromised auditory access to speech stimuli causing poorer performance on neurocognitive evaluation.

Study of the peripheral and central auditory pathways in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis

ObjectiveTo investigate the peripheral and central auditory pathways in mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) individuals. MethodThe research sample comprised 15 individuals (one female and 14 males), aged 8 to 46 years. The following procedures were used: medical history survey, otoscopy, speech and pure-tone threshold audiometry, acoustic immittance measures, and central auditory pathway assessment with brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) and long-latency auditory evoked potentials (LLAEP). ResultsThe pure-tone audiometry identified hearing loss in 13 individuals, and more than 90 % of the hearing loss was sensorineural. The degree of hearing loss was between mild to moderately severe with descendent configuration. Type A tympanogram predominated, and acoustic reflexes were present according to the types and degrees of hearing loss. Among the individuals with abnormal BAEP, longer wave III and V absolute latencies were the main findings. In addition, the unilateral absence of wave I was observed in two cases. In the LLAEP, longer latencies were observed in 14 individuals, and the most impaired components were the P1 and P3 in children and adolescents and the P2, N2 and P3 in adult individuals. ConclusionThe peripheral auditory pathway assessment revealed a predominantly sensorineural hearing loss, affecting mainly high frequencies, and in the central pathway was observed abnormal brainstem and cortical auditory processing in individuals with MPS.

Comparing Direct-to-Consumer Devices to Hearing Aids: Amplification Accuracy for Three Types of Hearing Loss.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration finalized regulations for over-the-counter hearing aids (OTC-HAs) on August 17, 2022. Little is known about the comparative performance of OTC-HAs and prescription HAs. This study compared amplification accuracy of prescription HAs and direct-to-consumer devices (DTCDs, including personal sound amplification products [PSAPs] and OTC-HAs). Eleven devices were programmed to meet prescriptive targets in an acoustic manikin for three degrees of hearing loss. Devices consisted of high- and low-end HAs, PSAPS, and OTC-HAs. Each was tested, and deviations from target measured with an HA analyzer at every combination of 10 frequencies and low-, average-, and high-level inputs. Accuracy was compared using a multilevel Poisson model with device-specific intercepts controlling for input level, frequency, and device type. For mild-moderate hearing loss, deviations from targets were not statistically different between high- and low-end HAs, but PSAPs (5.50 dB, SE = 0.92 dB) and OTC-HAs (8.83 dB, SE = 1.10 dB) had larger differentials. For flat moderate hearing loss, compared to high-end HAs, average differentials were larger for all device types at all input levels and frequencies (Low HA: 3.82 dB, SE = 1.10 dB; PSAP: 9.24 dB, SE = 1.22 dB; OTC-HA: 8.61 dB, SE = 1.19 dB). For mild sloping to severe hearing loss, compared to high-end HAs, OTC-HAs (9.72 dB, SE = 1.20 dB) and PSAPs (7.34 dB, SE = 1.07 dB) had larger differentials and significant variability at the highest and lowest frequencies. Half (three) of the PSAPs and OTC-HAs met most targets within ±5 dB. DTCDs were unable to meet prescriptive targets for severe types of hearing loss but could meet them for mild hearing loss. This study provides an examination of current hearing devices. More research is needed to determine whether meeting prescriptive targets provides any benefit in the outcomes and performance with DTCD devices.

Prevalence of Hearing Loss among Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) Babies in Two Tertiary Hospitals in Malaysia.

This study aimed to evaluate hearing loss among very low birth weight babies in two hospitals in Malaysia. A total of 380 babies from Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), Kuala Lumpur and Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) were recruited in this retrospective study. All babies with birthweight less than 1500grams nursed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) between January 2014 till December 2019 was included in the study. Data was analysed on demography, interval taken for hearing intervention and defaulter rate. The data of patient parameters between both hospitals were analysed and association between various factors were evaluated. A total 187 Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) Kuala Lumpur babies and 193 VLBW Sarawak babies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, among which 10.1% and 10.9% had SNHL in Kuala Lumpur and Sarawak respectively. CHL was reported among 8.6% Kuala Lumpur and 14% of Sarawak babies. When studied on the different types and degrees of hearing loss, 2.6% of Kuala Lumpur babies born less than 28 Weeks Gestation Age (WGA) had moderate SNHL and 2.0% of Sarawak babies had profound SNHL. In this study only gestational age (week) (p=0.003) and dysmorphism (p<0.001) were statistically significant to be associated with hearing loss. The prevalence of hearing loss among VLBW babies in Kuala Lumpur was 20.3% and 24.8% in Sarawak. Gestational age (p=0.044) and presence of dysmorphism (p<0.001) were found to have statistically significant association with prevalence of hearing loss. The defaulter rate at Kuala Lumpur was 52.6% and 42.3% in Sarawak.

Pure Tone Audiometry in Anemia Patients.

Anaemia is a prevalent medical condition that impacts a significant proportion of the worldwide populace. While the cardiovascular and respiratory systems' influence on anaemia has been extensively researched, its effect on the auditory system remains unclear. The objective of this investigation was to assess the pure tone audiometry of individuals with anaemia and establish a connection between the type of hearing impairment and the level of anaemia, if any. This cross-sectional study comprised 100 patients who were diagnosed with anaemia. All study participants underwent a thorough general examination and hearing assessment, which encompassed tuning fork tests, and pure-tone audiometry. Statistical analysis was utilized to determine the type and severity of hearing loss and its correlation with the degree of anaemia. Our research findings indicate that 46.8% of moderately anaemic patients and 62.9% of patients with severe anaemia exhibited sensorineural hearing loss. A significant correlation was observed between the degree of anaemia (p < 0.05) and hearing loss. Our research findings indicate that individuals with moderate and severe anaemia exhibit a notably greater incidence of hearing impairment in comparison to those with mild anaemia. The research findings thus suggest a potential correlation between anaemia and auditory impairment. The timely identification and management of anaemia could potentially play a crucial role in preventing or reducing hearing impairment among individuals with anaemia. Additional research is required to clarify the mechanisms that underlie this association and to investigate possible interventions for mitigating the risk of hearing impairment in individuals with anaemia.