Functional Testing Of Hearing Research Articles

Incidence of Seromucous Otitis in Schools in Southern Algeria

Introduction: Seromucous otitis (SMO) is a very common pathology, affecting almost 50% of children. It is a benign condition, but should be investigated in adults for neoplasia of the nasopharynx. It is bilateral in 85% of cases, with an average age of 5 years. Although the evolution of this pathology is often favorable in children, with a tendency to spontaneous regression, in adulthood these ears can evolve into simple or dangerous chronic otitis. Aim: To assess the incidence of seromucous otitis in children in southern Algeria (Laghouat), where the hot season is longer than in temperate or cold regions, and to detect and treat chronic forms. Materials & Methods: This is a monocentric, prospective study involving all schoolchildren aged between 3 and 12, with no history of otitis (chronic otitis) or sensorineural hearing loss, over a 13- month period (October 2020 to October 2021). The diagnosis of sensorineural hearing loss is based on anamnesis and confirmed by clinical examination and functional hearing tests. Results: Of the 340 children examined over a one-year period, 28 presented with seromucous otitis, i.e. 8.2% of the sample size, with a peak in frequency between the ages of 4 and 6. There was also a slight male predominance. Promiscuity was the most frequent risk factor, observed in 64% of cases. Spontaneous regression of seromucous otitis was observed in 10 children (35.7%), and surgical treatment with a trans-tympanic aerator with or without adenoidectomy was instituted in 13 children. Conclusion: The natural evolution of SMO does not always lead to spontaneous regression, and many cases require early management and strict monitoring to prevent complications. It is therefore necessary to introduce screening as part of school hygiene in order to reduce the incidence of chronic otitis in adults.

Dabrafenib protects from cisplatin-induced hearing loss in a clinically relevant mouse model.

The widely used chemotherapy cisplatin causes permanent hearing loss in 40%-60% of patients with cancer. One drug, sodium thiosulfate, is approved by the FDA for use in pediatric patients with localized solid tumors for preventing cisplatin-induced hearing loss, but more drugs are desperately needed. Here, we tested dabrafenib, an FDA-approved BRAF kinase inhibitor and anticancer drug, in a clinically relevant multidose cisplatin mouse model. The protective effects of dabrafenib, given orally twice daily with cisplatin, were determined by functional hearing tests and cochlear outer hair cell counts. Toxicity of the drug cotreatment was evaluated, and levels of phosphorylated ERK were measured. A dabrafenib dose of 3 mg/kg BW, twice daily, in mice, was determined to be the minimum effective dose, and it is equivalent to one-tenth of the daily FDA-approved dose for human cancer treatment. The levels of hearing protection acquired, 20-25 dB at the 3 frequencies tested, in both female and male mice, persisted for 4 months after completion of treatments. Moreover, dabrafenib exhibited a good in vivo therapeutic index (> 25), protected hearing in 2 mouse strains, and diminished cisplatin-induced weight loss. This study demonstrates that dabrafenib is a promising candidate drug for protection from cisplatin-induced hearing loss.

Effects of Recreational Noise on Threshold and Suprathreshold Measures of Auditory Function.

Noise exposure that causes a temporary threshold shift but no permanent threshold shift can cause degeneration of synaptic ribbons and afferent nerve fibers, with a corresponding reduction in wave I amplitude of the auditory brainstem response (ABR) in animals. This form of underlying damage, hypothesized to also occur in humans, has been termed synaptopathy , and it has been hypothesized that there will be a hidden hearing loss consisting of functional deficits at suprathreshold stimulus levels. This study assessed whether recreational noise exposure history was associated with smaller ABR wave I amplitude and poorer performance on suprathreshold auditory test measures. Noise exposure histories were collected from 26 men and 34 women with hearing thresholds ≤ 25 dB hearing loss (HL; 250 Hz to 8 kHz), and a variety of functional suprathreshold hearing tests were performed. Wave I amplitudes of click-evoked ABR were obtained at 70, 80, 90, and 99 dB (nHL) and tone-burst evoked ABR were obtained at 90 dB nHL. Speech recognition performance was measured in quiet and in competing noise, using the Words in Noise test, and the NU-6 word list in broadband noise (BBN). In addition, temporal summation to tonal stimuli was assessed in quiet and in competing BBN. To control for the effects of subclinical conventional hearing loss, distortion product otoacoustic emission amplitude, an indirect measure of outer hair cell integrity, was measured. There was no statistically significant relationship between noise exposure history scores and ABR wave I amplitude in either men or women for any of the ABR conditions. ABR wave I amplitude and noise exposure history were not reliably correlated with suprathreshold functional hearing tests. Taken together, this study found no evidence of noise-induced decreases in ABR wave I amplitude or signal processing in noise in a cohort of subjects with a history of recreational noise exposure.

Tissue‐specific calibration of extracellular matrix material properties by transforming growth factor‐β and Runx2 in bone is required for hearing

Physical cues, such as extracellular matrix stiffness, direct cell differentiation and support tissue-specific function. Perturbation of these cues underlies diverse pathologies, including osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms that establish tissue-specific material properties and link them to healthy tissue function are unknown. We show that Runx2, a key lineage-specific transcription factor, regulates the material properties of bone matrix through the same transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ)-responsive pathway that controls osteoblast differentiation. Deregulated TGFβ or Runx2 function compromises the distinctly hard cochlear bone matrix and causes hearing loss, as seen in human cleidocranial dysplasia. In Runx2+/⁻ mice, inhibition of TGFβ signalling rescues both the material properties of the defective matrix, and hearing. This study elucidates the unknown cause of hearing loss in cleidocranial dysplasia, and demonstrates that a molecular pathway controlling cell differentiation also defines material properties of extracellular matrix. Furthermore, our results suggest that the careful regulation of these properties is essential for healthy tissue function.

Novel approach to select genes from RMA normalized microarray data using functional hearing tests in aging mice

Presbycusis – age-related hearing loss – is the number one communicative disorder and one of the top three chronic medical condition of our aged population. High-throughput technologies potentially can be used to identify differentially expressed genes that may be better diagnostic and therapeutic targets for sensory and neural disorders. Here we analyzed gene expression for a set of GABA receptors in the cochlea of aging CBA mice using the Affymetrix GeneChip MOE430A. Functional phenotypic hearing measures were made, including auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds and distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) amplitudes (four age groups). Four specific criteria were used to assess gene expression changes from RMA normalized microarray data (40 replicates). Linear regression models were used to fit the neurophysiological hearing measurements to probe-set expression profiles. These data were first subjected to one-way ANOVA, and then linear regression was performed. In addition, the log signal ratio was converted to fold change, and selected gene expression changes were confirmed by relative real-time PCR. Major findings: expression of GABA-A receptor subunit α6 was upregulated with age and hearing loss, whereas subunit α1 was repressed. In addition, GABA-A receptor associated protein like-1 and GABA-A receptor associated protein like-2 were strongly downregulated with age and hearing impairment. Lastly, gene expression measures were correlated with pathway/network relationships relevant to the inner ear using Pathway Architect, to identify key pathways consistent with the gene expression changes observed.

Anatomic localization implications of the functional hearing tests; revision of terminology.

Synopsis: This paper is concerned primarily with an evaluation of the terminology commonly used to express the results of the functional hearing tests. At the present time the nomenclature lacks a unifying logical coherence, a lack which often results in vague generalities and loose thinking about certain pathologies and diagnoses. For example, the phrase middle ear involvement has an anatomic connotation; conduction impairment conveys a physiologic implication, and perception deafness suggests psychologic implications—three different classification schemata or frameworks. We expound the thesis that a cohesive system of terminology based solely on the anatomic localization of pathology associated with hearing impairments is preferable from the diagnostic and treatment points of view. I. Diagnostic Role of the Functional Hearing Tests Unequivocal recognition of the diagnostic capabilities and limitations of the functional hearing tests precedes rational interpretation of the test results. The fact that the data obtained by means of the tests

Functional examination of hearing; summaries of the bibliographic material available in the field of otolaryngology for 1954-1955.

INTRODUCTION THE ASCENDANCY of the acoustic physicists in the literature on the functional tests of hearing continues. We have tried to fit their ideas into office procedures within the facilities of the practicing otologist so far as we could. The problem of shortened bone conduction and its relation to the indications for fenestration seems difficult, as it can occur even in tubal cases, for instance, if the round window is obstructed by secretion or the like. HEARING AIDS Guilford and Haug1discuss the problem of the otologist and the hearing aid. The ideal candidate for a hearing aid is one with an average loss of 30 db. or more in the better ear, absence of recruitment and tolerance problems for amplification, and a noninfected external canal, middle ear, or mastoid process. He should have satisfactory discrimination ability and be psychologically prepared to adjust to the associated early noise discomfort

SOME CLINICAL PHENOMENA OF DEAFNESS IN THE LIGHT OF NEW AND OLD TESTS OF THE EAR

THE unbiased reader of modern publications on functional tests of hearing cannot escape the conclusion that audiometry has conquered the field of hearing tests and that the tuning forks are doomed to be shelved as obsolete instruments, as interesting curiosities of otologic history. G. E. Shambaugh,¹who took a critical view of hyperenthusiasm about the increasing monopoly of audiometry in 1930, was not mentioned among the numerous references in Bunch's work on "Clinical Audiometry,"²in 1943. I, who have taken an active part in the development of functional tests of the ear since 1902 and found the opportunity to study audiometry on a large material since 1938, am the last to deny the revolutionary importance of audiometry, but I feel that a sound constructive antithesis of old and new tests might still be indicated and perhaps helpful in the approach to the problem of deafness, especially that of congenital deafness.

FUNCTIONAL EXAMINATION OF HEARING

During the past year we have seen more papers on the functional testing of hearing in the German literature than have been apparent for some time. As we noted several years ago, articles in German had become scarce, and the literature in the United States and England had by far overcome the lead which the Germans had many years ago held in so predominant a fashion. Kelley¹presents the historical aspects of bone conduction. Conduction of sound through the cranial bones was known as early as the sixteenth century. Ingrassia was one of the first to report on it, as was discovered in his work, edited in 1603, after his death. Capivacci in 1589 applied the knowledge of bone conduction to clinical otology by having the patient hold one end of a rod between his teeth, with a vibrating string of a musical instrument in contact with the other. If

Progress in Otolaryngology: Summaries of the Bibliographic Material Available in the Field of Otolaryngology * FUNCTIONAL EXAMINATION OF HEARING

During the past year, or rather during the period from September 1934 to September 1935, a number of papers dealing with audiometry have appeared. As observed during the past few years, it is again true that most of the papers dealing with functional testing of hearing have appeared in the English and American journals and very few in the German or French literature. All in all, the material which forms the substance of this review has not been as extensive during the past few years as was previously the case. Langenbeck, 1 in a short article, gives a few additional points to supplement a previous article which appeared in the same journal. 2 He calls attention to the fact that Bezold carried out his quantitative hearing tests with the unweighted forks. He evidently did this because the tones of the Edelmann forks were heard longer when the fork was unweighted.

Progress in Otolaryngology: A Summary of the Bibliographic Material Available in the Field of Otolaryngology from Sept. 1, 1933, to Sept. 1, 1934. * FUNCTIONAL EXAMINATION OF HEARING

In the last year, as in the past few years, there has been a great dearth of papers on the subject of functional testing of hearing. Most of the articles have been found in the American and the English literature. The topic of the unmasking of simulated deafness has interested a considerable percentage of those who have lately written on hearing tests. Northington 1 presents a group of cases of Meniere's syndrome, none of them being instances of true Meniere's disease. The functional examination of the ear is one of several procedures for the determination of the cause of disabilities referable to the ear or to the vestibular mechanism as a whole. The usefulness of this examination depends on a correct interpretation of the aural tests as well as other available evidence. Northington's experience reveals that patients with Meniere's syndrome have no inflammatory disease or traumatic lesion of the

FUNCTIONAL TESTS OF HEARING

As noted in the last review,¹so again we observe that the number of papers published on functional testing of hearing is not very large. Furthermore, the articles in the American and the English literature far outnumber those in the German. According to Fletcher,²the advice now given patients with impaired hearing regarding the use of hearing devices, namely, that they try two or three different sets and then determine for themselves which, if any, is the best for them, is far from satisfactory from the patient's point of view. The author presents some facts which have been determined in the research studies of the Bell Telephone Laboratories bearing on this subject which may aid otologists in enabling them to give their patients scientific advice on this subject. The variations of the level of speech for a person with normal hearing cover a range of from 40 to

TUNING FORK EXCITER: AND SOURCES OF ERROR IN TESTS OF HEARING

Designed for activating tuning forks with greater precision, the apparatus here presented (see photograph) has been useful in two different ways: (1) to demonstrate that such a device is not needed, and (2) to explain why it is not needed. In other words, by the use of the apparatus it was discovered that strong blows (not weak blows) delivered in any manner desired always gave uniform results. Later it was thought that it might be of interest to present that fact and also, by means of the new knowledge in physics and the physiology of hearing, to explain the findings. This leads to emphasis on the importance of standardized tuning forks and a sound-proof room, rather than on devices for exciting tuning forks. In times past many devices have been described and suggestions offered for activating tuning forks with a standard blow for functional hearing tests. On the same subject

Progress in Otolaryngology: A Summary of the Bibliographic Material Available in the Field of Otolaryngology * FUNCTIONAL EXAMINATION OF HEARING; DEAFMUTISM AND EDUCATION OF THE DEAF

In the review of the literature on the functional testing of hearing published in the January, 1930, number of theARCHIVES,¹it was stated that one of the most striking facts in the period from Oct. 1, 1928, to the end of September, 1929, was that so few articles had appeared in the foreign literature, especially the Continental European literature. "This is a decided reversal of form from that which was observed in previous years when American or English writers seemed to deal with this subject only on rare occasions." The same thing may be said this year, that not only are there fewer articles altogether, but they are practically all by English and American writers, particularly the latter. It is difficult indeed in so limited a sphere and one that has been studied so intensively to bring forth new material, and I believe, therefore, that

FUNCTIONAL EXAMINATION OF HEARING DEAF-MUTISM AND EDUCATION OF THE DEAF

Every year I have noticed certain tendencies in the literature on the functional testing of hearing. A few years ago I called attention to the fact that while formerly the greatest number of articles on tests of hearing and similar subjects came from the European schools, especially the German and Austrian, for a number of years American and English writers, particularly the former, had furnished most of the papers, and that practically all the articles came from those sources. In the past year, a number of papers have appeared in the German literature, but one still finds many contributions in the American and English journals. While the subject of audiometers is not so prominent as it was a few years ago, it is still receiving considerable attention. Fully recognizing the excellent work done by such men as Harvey Fletcher and his associates, by Dean and Bunch, Jones and Knudsen and

Progress in Otolaryngology: A Summary of the Bibliographic Material Available in the Field of Otolaryngology in 1929 * PROGRESSIVE DEAFNESS, OTOSCLEROSIS AND DISEASES OF THE LABYRINTH

A survey of last year's publications on progressive deafness and allied conditions, as well as pathologic labyrinthine processes, yields some interesting material. Harris 1 contributed a paper based on the study of eighty-two cases of progressive deafness with no history of suppuration. The method of selection was to take only cases with a history of gradually increasing deafness not due to a suppurative condition. No attempt was made to fit the cases into groups according to supposed morbid anatomy. In addition to the usual examination and functional hearing tests the patients were subjected to a complete physical examination and chemical analysis of the blood. A family history of deafness was found by a trained investigator in only 8 per cent of the cases. These figures are much lower than those quoted by many other observers, and lead to the view that the importance of heredity has been overemphasized. The drum membrane

PROGRESS IN OTOLARYNGOLOGY. A Summary Of The Bibliographic Material Available In The Field Of Otolaryngology * FUNCTIONAL EXAMINATION OF FUNCTIONAL EXAMINATION OF HEARING; DEAF-MUTISM AND EDUCATION OF THE DEAF

One of the most striking facts that I have noted in looking over the literature from Oct. 1, 1928, to September, 1929, is that so few articles on functional testing of hearing have appeared in the European journals. It has been my usual experience to find that most papers relating to this subject have for a good many years appeared especially in the German journals. This last year they have been absent so far as I have been able to determine. I have found one article in French dealing with the audiometer of the type most used in America, and all the other papers were those which appeared in England and in this country, particularly the latter. This is a decided reversal of form from that which was observed in previous years when American or English writers seemed to deal with this subject only on rare occasions. It can be

CHICAGO LARYNGOLOGICAL AND OTOLOGICAL SOCIETY, MIDDLE SECTION OF THE AMERICAN LARYNGOLOGICAL, RHINOLOGICAL AND OTOLOGICAL SOCIETY: Joint Meeting, Jan. 9, 1929

SOMEVERYACCURATEMEASUREMENTS OF THEAMPLITUDE OFVIBRATION OFTUNINGFORKPRONGS.DR.ROBERTSONNENSCHEIN. To have accurate methods in all functional testing of hearing, it is necessary that the instruments one uses, such as tuning forks, be properly calibrated; to obtain uniform and comparable observations, a definite technic must be employed. In the work done with the Webster phonometer some years ago, it was found that apparently the greatest intensity of vibration emanated from the broad or outer surface of the prongs, a little less so from the narrower surfaces, still less from the ends, and least of all from the edges or angles formed by the broad and narrow surfaces. Some forks have prongs which show a quadrilateral cross section so that one cannot say a broad or outer surface if the outer surface and the anterior surface are the same width. At the time that the

Progress in Otolaryngology: A Summary of the Bibliographic Material Available in the Field of Otolaryngology * THE FUNCTIONAL EXAMINATION OF HEARING * DEAF-MUTISM AND THE EDUCATION OF THE DEAF

During the past year many articles dealing with the functional testing of hearing and allied subjects have appeared. It was gratifying to be able to state in the reviews that appeared in January, 1927 and 1928, that American otologists are contributing a large number of excellent papers on this subject, so that there no longer seems to be the preponderance of European, and especially of German and Austrian, work on this subject that there was until a few years ago. The most encouraging fact, however, is that European authorities are beginning to read and take cognizance of the excellent American literature, of which they seemed entirely ignorant until recently. In several of the papers which I am reviewing in this issue, American work on functional testing of hearing, especially that done with audiometers, is receiving considerable attention. This is notably so in the case of the paper by Ruf

THEORETICAL INTERPRETATIONS OF THE FUNCTIONAL TESTS

Functional tests of hearing are usually relied on to differentiate obstructive from nervous conditions of the auditory apparatus. The criteria on which otolaryngologists base their diagnoses and quote almost as laws, briefly stated, are: 1. Nerve deafness is indicated whenever the ear senses the higher tones of the musical scale subnormally, and especially if the so-called limit of upper tone is lowered. 2. Obstructive deafness is indicated whenever the ear senses the high tones well but the lower tones with increasing difficulty as the scale descends, and especially if the so-called limit of lower tone is raised. 3. Bone conduction of shortened duration is taken to mean nerve deafness, whereas, if it is normal or lengthened actually (or even relatively), it is taken to denote obstructive deafness. The tests of Weber, Rinne, Schwabach and Gellé all involve bone conduction. I shall not, however, discuss bone conduction at this time.