Hearing Capacity Research Articles

Intrinsic capacity loss rates and protective factors among individuals aged 80 years and older in Chinese nursing homes: A latent class analysis

Prior to this cross-sectional study, the intrinsic capacity (IC) loss rates and protective factors in nursing homes for individuals aged 80 and older remained unexplored. Analysing 434 participants, this study found 86.9 % of individuals experienced the loss of at least one IC domain, with detailed losses in locomotion, vision, vitality, hearing, psychological, and cognitive capacities at rates of 83.2 %, 52.8 %, 50.9 %, 46.5 %, 44.9 %, and 44.0 %, respectively. Following latent class analysis (LCA), five distinct IC impairment patterns were noted, with locomotor impairment emerging as a central component across most classes. IC protective factors for persons aged 80 years and older included financial stability, being male or younger within the cohort, junior high school or higher education, being married, no smoking history, manageable comorbidity levels, minimal medication use, good sleep, and not using assistive devices. Based on these five classes, this study provides a potential practical framework alongside recommendations for IC care strategies in the oldest-old, emphasising the importance of locomotor function in maintaining the overall IC.

Evaluating Prediction Models with Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly in Chronic Otitis Media Patients.

This retrospective, cross-sectional study aimed to assess the functional hearing capacity of individuals with Chronic Otitis Media (COM) using prediction modeling techniques and the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE) questionnaire. This study investigated the potential of predictive models to identify hearing levels in patients with COM. We comprehensively examined 289 individuals diagnosed with COM, of whom 136 reported tinnitus and 143 did not. This study involved a detailed analysis of various patient characteristics and HHIE questionnaire results. Logistic and Random Forest models were employed and compared based on key performance metrics. The logistic model demonstrated a slightly higher accuracy (73.56%), area under the curve (AUC; 0.73), Kappa value (0.45), and F1 score (0.78) than the Random Forest model. These findings suggest the superior predictive performance of the logistic model in identifying hearing levels in patients with COM. Although the AUC for the logistic regression did not meet the benchmark, this study highlights the potential for enhanced reliability and improved performance metrics using a larger dataset. The integration of prediction modeling techniques and the HHIE questionnaire shows promise for achieving greater diagnostic accuracy and refining intervention strategies for individuals with COM.

Ayurvedic management of Sensorineural Hearing Loss (Badhirya) - A Case Study

The inner ear is the main culprit of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), which is a specific type of hearing loss. Peripheral and Central SNHL (auditory pathway or cortex) can be distinguished. It might be congenital or acquired. Congenital: resulting from prenatal or perinatal conditions or from defects of the inner ear. About 90% of reported cases of hearing loss are related to it. There is currently no suggested course of treatment for it. Hearing loss is associated with Badhirya (hearing loss) in Ayurveda, and our Acharyas have prescribed numerous therapeutic techniques and formulations for the effective treatment of Badhirya (hearing loss). This case study demonstrates the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment in improving the hearing capacity of a 42-year-old male patient who has had moderate to severe SNHL for two years. He was made to undergo both Ayurvedic procedures and medications. The names of the Ayurvedic procedures adopted are Nasya (nasal drops) with Shirbala Taila (101 Avrti), Karnapoorana with Bilwa Taila for 7 days, Sarivadi Vati, Dashmoola Arishta, and Ashavagandha Arishta internally for 45 days. The intervention resulted in a good improvement in hearing.

Uso de auriculares y la audición en estudiantes de medicina de una universidad pública de Lima, Perú

Introduction: Hearing loss affects millions globally, especially young people who frequently use headphones. Objectives: To establish the relationship between headphone use and hearing among medical students in Lima, Peru. Methods: An observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study was conducted at the Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal. Participants included 98 medical students (18-32 years) who regularly used headphones. Those with previous hearing pathologies were excluded. Data collection included surveys on headphone use and audiometries performed in a silent booth. Results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, employing the Spearman's Rho correlation coefficient to assess the relationship between variables. Results: 59.2% of the students were women. 39.2% had mild hearing loss at high tones, while 36.2% had normal hearing. 71.4% reported decreased hearing capacity, and 56.1% experienced ear pain. Headphone use showed a positive and significant correlation with hearing (Rho = 0.298, p = 0.003). Exposure time was also significant (Rho = 0.260, p = 0.010), but sound intensity was not (Rho = 0.193, p = 0.057). Conclusion: There is a positive relationship between headphone use and hearing loss in medical students. It is recommended to implement awareness programs on safe headphone use and conduct regular hearing evaluations to prevent auditory deterioration.

UNDERSTANDING HEARING LOSS AMONG COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS FROM AN ENGAGING WITH AGING PERSPECTIVE

Abstract Engaging with Aging is an emerging framework proposed by Carnevali which provides a new lens to understand an active, conscious daily living process of coping with age-related changes (ARCs) taken on by older adults. The study aims were to 1) describe the challenges related to hearing loss experienced by community-dwelling older adults, especially during COVID-19; 2) identify the strategies and resources used by older adults to accommodate the daily living challenges caused by hearing loss. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 29 participants aged 64 to 98 online due to COVID-19 restrictions. We used a virtual card sort to assist with data gathering. Hearing loss was mentioned by 18 participants (62%) and their corresponding adaptations were discussed. We found that older adults linked their adaptations to hearing loss based on their changing hearing capacities and needs. Commonly used adaptations included lip reading, volume adjustment, and wearing hearing aids. The challenges caused by COVID-19 in implementing the adaptations were also discussed (e.g., increased difficulty in understanding others due to mask-wearing). While most participants reported making adaptations to hearing loss, some mentioned that hearing loss was “no biggie” to them so no adaptations were needed. This study substantiates the EWA framework by showing the commonality among older adults in linking hearing loss, as one of the common ARCs, with corresponding adaptations. Implications for clinicians and researchers include using EWA to help older adults identify personalized solutions that fit their hearing capacity.

In situ regeneration of inner hair cells in the damaged cochlea by temporally regulated co-expression of Atoh1 and Tbx2

ABSTRACT Cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) are primary sound receptors, and are therefore a target for developing treatments for hearing impairment. IHC regeneration in vivo has been widely attempted, although not yet in the IHC-damaged cochlea. Moreover, the extent to which new IHCs resemble wild-type IHCs remains unclear, as is the ability of new IHCs to improve hearing. Here, we have developed an in vivo mouse model wherein wild-type IHCs were pre-damaged and nonsensory supporting cells were transformed into IHCs by ectopically expressing Atoh1 transiently and Tbx2 permanently. Notably, the new IHCs expressed the functional marker vGlut3 and presented similar transcriptomic and electrophysiological properties to wild-type IHCs. Furthermore, the formation efficiency and maturity of new IHCs were higher than those previously reported, although marked hearing improvement was not achieved, at least partly due to defective mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) in new IHCs. Thus, we have successfully regenerated new IHCs resembling wild-type IHCs in many respects in the damaged cochlea. Our findings suggest that the defective MET is a critical barrier that prevents the restoration of hearing capacity and should thus facilitate future IHC regeneration studies.

Short-term observation of electrical acoustic stimulation in patients with low frequency residual hearing after cochlear implant

Objective: To analyze the effects of electrical acoustic stimulation (EAS) on speech and tone recognition as well as music perception in children with low-frequency residual hearing (LFRH) after cochlear implant (CI). Methods: A total of twelve Mandarin patients with LFRH who underwent unilateral CI from January 2017 to October 2020 were recruited, including 8 males and 4 females. There were 5 cases of pre-lingual deafness and 7 cases of post-lingual deafness. The median age at implantation was 12 years old (3-62 years). All patients had residual hearing (RH) before surgery, wore hearing aid (HA) timely, had an effective rehabilitation and the duration of use of electrical stimulation was 37.0±16.2 months. On the implanted side, the thresholds of 125 Hz and 250 Hz were less than and equal to 80 dB HL after implantation. A two-month follow-up clinical study was conducted with the EAS devices. The EAS effects were evaluated before, immediately after and 2 months after upgrade, including speech recognition rate, tone recognition and music tests. SPSS 23.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of ten patients completed a two-month clinical follow-up and efficiency evaluation. Compared to the electrical stimulation, the recognition rate of spondee word significantly decreased after the immediate use of EAS (71.7±4.3 vs 79.6±3.1, P=0.018). Compared to the electrical stimulation as well as immediate use of EAS, the results of sentence in noise, tone in noise, and SRT of sentence in noise were all significantly improved at 2 months after use of EAS (P<0.05). The pitch discrimination was significantly improved at 2 months after the use of EAS compared with that before the use of EAS (P=0.042). Compared with before (P=0.021) and immediately (P=0.017) use of EAS, the ability of rhythm resolution was significantly improved. There were no significant differences in other test results (P>0.05). Conclusions: The low-frequency acoustic information provided by EAS as well as the electrical-acoustic stimulation mode can provide rich auditory cues of speech perception in noise, tone recognition in noise, and musical discrimination for CI subjects. It can promote the improvement of complex listening ability of CI patients undergoing long-term electrical stimulation in a short time and comprehensively improve their hearing capacities.

Auditory capacity of the better-hearing ear in asymmetric hearing loss

PurposeOur aim was to investigate the course of the hearing capacity of the better-hearing ear in single-sided deafness (SSD) and asymmetric hearing loss (AHL) over time, in a multicenter study.MethodsWe included 2086 pure-tone audiograms from 323 patients with SSD and AHL from four hospitals and 156 private practice otorhinolaryngologists. We collected: age, gender, etiology, duration of deafness, treatment with CI, number and monosyllabic speech recognition, numerical rating scale (NRS) of tinnitus intensity, and the tinnitus questionnaire according to Goebel and Hiller. We compared the pure tone audiogram of the better-hearing ear in patients with SSD with age- and gender-controlled hearing thresholds from ISO 7029:2017.ResultsFirst, individuals with SSD showed a significantly higher hearing threshold from 0.125 to 8 kHz in the better-hearing ear compared to the ISO 7029:2017. The duration of deafness of the poorer-hearing ear showed no relationship with the hearing threshold of the better-hearing ear. The hearing threshold was significantly higher in typically bilaterally presenting etiologies (chronic otitis media, otosclerosis, and congenital hearing loss), except for Menière’s disease. Second, subjects that developed AHL did so in 5.19 ± 5.91 years and showed significant reduction in monosyllabic word and number recognition.ConclusionsIndividuals with SSD show significantly poorer hearing in the better-hearing ear than individuals with NH from the ISO 7029:2017. In clinical practice, we should, therefore, inform our SSD patients that their disease is accompanied by a reduced hearing capacity on the contralateral side, especially in certain etiologies.

Brainstem auditory evoked potentials in microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm: A prospective study

ObjectiveThe aim of this prospective study is to identify the factors influencing postoperative hearing loss (HL) and explore effective strategies for reducing postoperative hearing complications following microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasm (HFS). MethodsFrom January 2018 to January 2023, we enrolled a total of 55 patients who underwent MVD for HFS at our institution. Intraoperative monitoring of brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) was conducted in all surgeries, beginning from the induction of general anesthesia and continuing until skin closure. Prior to surgery and one month after, pure-tone audiometry (PTA) evaluations were performed to evaluate HL. We conducted an analysis to identify factors that influenced postoperative HL. Our examination focused on the occurrence of postoperative HL, considering changes in BAEPs, and we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of significant warning criteria. ResultsIn this study, a total of 55 patients (37 women and 18 men) with a mean age of 52.5 ± 13.4 years (range 24–80) were included. Among them, 5 patients (9.1 %) experienced postoperative HL. The variations in other risk factors based on the pattern of HL were not statistically significant (p > 0.05), whereas surgical experience showed significance (p = 0.028). Notably, the group of patients who showed wave V loss in intraoperative BAEPs was found to be significantly associated with postoperative HL. ConclusionSurgical experience is a factor influencing postoperative HL. Intraoperative changes in BAEPs, particularly loss of wave V, were found to be a significant indicator of poorer recovery of hearing capacity after MVD for HFS.

Behavioral characterization of the cochlear amplifier lesion due to loss of function of stereocilin (STRC) in human subjects

Loss of function of stereocilin (STRC) is the second most common cause of inherited hearing loss. The loss of the stereocilin protein, encoded by the STRC gene, induces the loss of connection between outer hair cells and tectorial membrane. This only affects the outer hair cells (OHCs) function, involving deficits of active cochlear frequency selectivity and amplifier functions despite preservation of normal inner hair cells. Better understanding of cochlear features associated with mutation of STRC will improve our knowledge of normal cochlear function, the pathophysiology of hearing impairment, and potentially enhance hearing aid and cochlear implant signal processing. Nine subjects with homozygous or compound heterozygous loss of function mutations in STRC were included, age 7–24 years. Temporal and spectral modulation perception were measured, characterized by spectral and temporal modulation transfer functions. Speech-in-noise perception was studied with spondee identification in adaptive steady-state noise and AzBio sentences with 0 and -5 dB SNR multitalker babble. Results were compared with normal hearing (NH) and cochlear implant (CI) listeners to place STRC−/− listeners’ hearing capacity in context. Spectral ripple discrimination thresholds in the STRC−/− subjects were poorer than in NH listeners (p < 0.0001) but remained better than for CI listeners (p < 0.0001). Frequency resolution appeared impaired in the STRC−/− group compared to NH listeners but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.06). Compared to NH listeners, amplitude modulation detection thresholds in the STRC−/− group did not reach significance (p= 0.06) but were better than in CI subjects (p < 0.0001). Temporal resolution in STRC−/− subjects was similar to NH (p = 0.98) but better than in CI listeners (p = 0.04). The spondee reception threshold in the STRC−/− group was worse than NH listeners (p = 0.0008) but better than CI listeners (p = 0.0001). For AzBio sentences, performance at 0 dB SNR was similar between the STRC−/− group and the NH group, 88 % and 97 % respectively. For -5 dB SNR, the STRC−/− performance was significantly poorer than NH, 40 % and 85 % respectively, yet much better than with CI who performed at 54 % at +5 dB SNR in children and 53 % at + 10 dB SNR in adults. To our knowledge, this is the first study of the psychoacoustic performance of human subjects lacking cochlear amplification but with normal inner hair cell function. Our data demonstrate preservation of temporal resolution and a trend to impaired frequency resolution in this group without reaching statistical significance. Speech-in-noise perception compared to NH listeners was impaired as well. All measures were better than those in CI listeners. It remains to be seen if hearing aid modifications, customized for the spectral deficits in STRC−/− listeners can improve speech understanding in noise. Since cochlear implants are also limited by deficient spectral selectivity, STRC−/− hearing may provide an upper bound on what could be obtained with better temporal coding in electrical stimulation.

Caregiving Time of Unpaid Family Caregivers Assisting Older Adults With Hearing Difficulty.

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the association of older adults' hearing difficulty status with caregiving time. Methods: We used data from two linked surveys of Medicare beneficiaries and family caregivers. Hearing difficulty was defined by hearing aid use and hearing capacity in functional settings. Weighted multivariable linear regression examined the association between hearing difficulty and caregiving time. Stratified analyses were conducted to investigate the moderation effects of caregiving networks and care recipient's dementia status. Results: Among 3003 caregivers, those who assisted older adults with hearing difficulty were observed to spend greater time providing care (β = 1.18, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.04, 1.32). Stronger associations in magnitude were observed among caregivers without caregiving networks (β = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.56) and assisting older adults without dementia (β = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.06, 1.37). Discussion: Hearing difficulty may contribute to greater caregiving time and remains a potential target for caregiver support programs.

Comparative the Diurnal changes in the Cognitive abilities of Patients with Parkinson's disease, from Morning to Afternoon

Introduction: Parkinson’s Diseases is primarily caused by damage of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway and accumulation of aggregated a-snucleui in specific brain stem, spinal cord, and cortical region.The loss of dopamine is predominantly severe in the putamen, which explains the motor manifestations of the disease; other dopaminergic projections are also affected and contribute to the development of cognitive impairment. Cognitive dysfunction is common in Parkinson’s disease and predicts poor clinical outcomes. It is associated primarily with pathologic involvement of basal forebrain cholinergic and prefrontal dopaminergic systems. Impairments in executive functions, attention, and visuospatial abilities are its hallmark features with eventual involvement of memory and other domains. Aim: Compare the diurnal changes in cognitive abilities of patients with Parkinson's Disease over morning versus evening Methodology: Patients were selected for this study in the sample size of 30. The Mean age group of Parkinson’s patients lie in between 60- 70 year. Random sampling was done, Collection of Data from SAM global University, Bilkheriya. In the inclusion criteria MMSE Score is equal to 25, well understand the Hindi and English language, with having normal hearing capacity. In the exclusion criteria patient with wheel chair excluded and having Severe cognitive impairments or presence of any psychiatric impairments Result: Difference in cognition on the total score of PDCRS between Morning to Evening.(&lt;0.05).There was considerable cognitive decline seen as the day wears out Conclusions: Diurnal variation present in the subjects with Parkinson's disease seeing that there were significant variations in the scores of the patients on the cognitive rating scale from morning to evening.

MRNA Abundance of Neurogenic Factors Correlates with Hearing Capacity in Auditory Brainstem Nuclei of the Rat.

Neural stem cells (NSCs) have previously been described up to the adult stage in the rat cochlear nucleus (CN). A decreasing neurogenic potential was observed with critical changes around hearing onset. A better understanding of molecular factors affecting NSCs and neurogenesis is of interest as they represent potential targets to treat the cause of neurologically based hearing disorders. The role of genes affecting NSC development and neurogenesis in CN over time on hearing capacity has remained unclear. This study investigated the mRNA abundance of genes influencing NSCs and neurogenesis in rats' CN over time. The CN of rats on postnatal days 6, 12, and 24 were examined. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction arrays were used to compare mRNA levels of 84 genes relevant to NSCs and neurogenesis. Age- and hearing-specific patterns of changes in mRNA abundance of neurogenically relevant genes were detected in the rat CN. Additionally, crucial neurogenic factors with significant and relevant influence on neurogenesis were identified. The results of this work should contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the neurogenesis of the auditory pathway.

A systematic review and metanalysis of questionnaires used for auditory processing screening and evaluation.

The recognition of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) as a distinct clinical condition that impacts hearing capacity and mental health has gained attention. Although pure tone audiometry is the gold standard for assessing hearing, it inadequately reflects everyday hearing abilities, especially in challenging acoustic environments. Deficits in speech perception in noise, a key aspect of APD, have been linked to an increased risk of dementia. The World Health Organization emphasizes the need for evaluating central auditory function in cases of mild hearing loss and normal audiometry results. Specific questionnaires play a crucial role in documenting and quantifying the difficulties faced by individuals with APD. Validated questionnaires such as the Children's Auditory Processing Performance Scale, the Fisher's Auditory Problems Checklist, and the Auditory Processing Domains Questionnaire are available for children, while questionnaires for adults include items related to auditory functions associated with APD. This systematic review and meta-analysis identified six questionnaires used for screening and evaluating APD with a total of 783 participants across 12 studies. The questionnaires exhibited differences in domains evaluated, scoring methods, and evaluation of listening in quiet and noise. Meta-analysis results demonstrated that individuals with APD consistently exhibited worse scores compared to healthy controls across all questionnaires. Additionally, comparisons with clinical control groups showed varying results. The study highlights (i) the importance of standardized questionnaires in identifying and assessing APD, aiding in its diagnosis and management, and (ii) the need to use sub-scores as well as overall scores of questionnaires to elaborate on specific hearing and listening situations. There is a need to develop more APD specific questionnaires for the adult population as well as for more focused research on APD diagnosed individuals to further establish the validity and reliability of these questionnaires.

Social engagement and depressive symptoms mediate the relationship between age-related hearing loss and cognitive status.

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is the third leading cause of years lived with disability. Connections among ARHL, depressive symptoms, social engagement and cognitive status are increasingly reported but the underlying mechanisms leading to these relationships are largely unknown. Exploring these mechanisms is a worthy goal, especially in older adults. This study aimed to examine the mediating effect of social engagement and depressive symptoms on the relationship between ARHL and cognitive status. Structural equation modeling (SEM) with path analysis were performed with data from a cross-sectional study conducted in 11 community centers in 2021, which assessed older adults' intrinsic and sensory capacities using the WHO ICOPE framework. Demographic information, health profile, a binary measure of hearing capacity, depressive symptoms, social engagement, and cognitive status of participants were gathered. A total of 304 participants were included. ARHL was positively associated with depressive symptoms (β=0.18, p=0.009) and negatively related to social engagement (β=-0.13, p=0.026). Social engagement was positively associated with cognitive status (β=0.17, p=0.005) and negatively associated with depressive symptoms (β=-0.23, p<0.001). Greater depressive symptoms were negatively associated with the participants' cognition (β=-0.13, p=0.009). Both social engagement (β=-0.02, p=0.029) and depressive symptoms (β=-0.02, p=0.032) mediated the negative associations between ARHL and cognitive status. Addressing hearing loss, depressive symptoms, and enhancing social engagement should be investigated as a potential means of minimizing cognitive decline. Well-designed studies are needed to comprehensively inform the clinical practice development, particularly large prospective studies that will facilitate further elucidate possible causal mechanisms behind these observed associations.

High-frequency audiometry in the diagnosis of tinnitus

BackgroundSubjective tinnitus is an unpleasant perception of sound without any external acoustic stimulus. It can be manifested in the form of various phantom sounds, which most often resemble ringing, whistling, squeaking, noise, chirping, or buzzing. The sounds are heard solely by the sufferer and can occur in the middle of the head, but also in the ears—on one or both sides.AimThe aim of the study was to evaluate the hearing capacity based on audiometric threshold measurements in the frequency range of 0.125–16 kHz in patients with tinnitus. In addition, we investigated the following questions:Can high-frequency audiometry be useful in the diagnosis of tinnitus?Does hearing loss occur in an increasingly wide frequency range with age compared to the control group?Can tinnitus be considered the first symptom of the onset of high-frequency hearing loss?MethodsThe study included 99 patients, all of whom underwent pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and extended high-frequency audiometry (HFA) in the ranges of 0.125–8 kHz and 8–16 kHz, respectively. In each patient (excluding the control group), tinnitus was characterized in terms of its frequency and intensity.Results and conclusionThe study concluded that tinnitus may be a symptom indicating the presence of high-frequency hearing loss as hearing loss occurs in an increasingly wider frequency range with age, so HFA should be a routine audiological test in patients with tinnitus.

A Review on the Influence of Noise on the Welfare of Dogs

The purpose of ears is to receive and transmit sound information to the brain. All ears have a dynamic functioning range but if sounds are excessively loud, it may harm the auditory system whereas those that are too low in intensity are simply not processed. One-third of canine population suffers from noise aversion. Dogs are frequently startled by loud noises like gunshots, thunder, or fireworks. Research indicates that some dog breeds are significantly less likely to experience loud noise phobia. Older dogs are more prone to react emotionally negatively to loud noises. Extreme phobic reactions can result from a single traumatic encounter as well as recurrent exposure to frightful stimuli. While phobic responses might include panic, acute agitation, and/or destructive activity, mild fear responses can include panting, pacing and hiding attempts. Sudden, loud noises are one of the most common triggers for fearful behaviours in dogs and many companion dogs suffer from noise sensitivity. This review deals with physiology of canine ear, breed differences in hearing capacities, frequencies of sound that affect dogs and the physiological and behavioural responses of dogs to noise stress. The effect of music on canine welfare and strategies for noise abetment is also elucidated. To protect the wellbeing of dogs and to limit the emergence of anxiety-related behavioural stress issues, a better understanding of interpreting canine responses to noise is imperative.

Mehr soziale Teilhabe für Hörgeschädigte durch Cochlea-Implantate? Zur Ambivalenz der Mensch-Maschine-Interaktion und zum Stellenwert psycho-sozialer Begleitung

Cochlea implants help persons that suffer from deafness over time to regain hearing capacity. However, persons with CI implants experience year-long processes of adapting to technology-assisted hearing. The study highlights how people experience those processes and how they deal with changing expectations. Within this qualitative study, 50 cochlear implant recipients were interviewed about their personal experiences with the supplying clinics. 30 persons were recruited through self-help groups; another 20 persons were recruited through a learning center for hearing-impaired persons. They were asked about their experiences in social, cultural and professional participation as well as hearing barriers they still face in everyday life after their CI fitting. Participants had been wearing CI devices for a maximum of three years. This is a timeframe when most subsequent therapies have ended. Also, the initial phase of learning to handle the CI is supposed to be over. The study shows that even with a cochlear implant communication barriers remain. People's expectations are not met when complete comprehension of listening during conversations is not achieved. Difficulties in dealing with a high-tech hearing prosthesis and experiencing a "foreign body" are obstacles that lower acceptance of CI. Counselling and support preparing the use of cochlea implants should be guided by realistic goals and expectations. Guided training and communication courses can help, including local care such as certified hearing aid acousticians. Those elements can increase quality and reduce uncertainty.

Variations in cochlea shape reveal different evolutionary adaptations in primates and rodents

The presence of a coiled cochlea is a unique feature of the therian inner ear. While some aspects of the cochlea are already known to affect hearing capacities, the full extent of the relationships between the morphology and function of this organ are not yet understood—especially when the effect of body size differences between species is minimized. Here, focusing on Euarchontoglires, we explore cochlear morphology of 33 species of therian mammals with a restricted body size range. Using μCT scans, 3D models and 3D geometric morphometrics, we obtained shape information of the cochlea and used it to build phylogenetically corrected least square models with 12 hearing variables obtained from the literature. Our results reveal that different taxonomic groups differ significantly in cochlea shape. We further show that these shape differences are related to differences in hearing capacities between these groups, despite of similar cochlear lengths. Most strikingly, rodents with good low-frequency hearing display “tower-shaped” cochleae, achieved by increasing the degree of coiling of their cochlea. In contrast, primates present relatively wider cochleae and relative better high frequency hearing. These results suggest that primates and rodents increased their cochlea lengths through different morpho-evolutionary trajectories.

Assessment of Environmental Parameters and Occupational Health Hazards of Rural Women in Post Harvest Activities of Assam

Agriculture is the oldest and most dangerous occupation as compared to other occupations. Agriculture is the major national economic contributor for under-developed nations such as India, Brazil, and South Korea. It was estimated that nearly half of the world labor force involved in agricultural activities. An attempt was undertaken to assess the environmental parameters and occupational health hazards in the view point of environmental conditions in post harvest activities. Three blocks were selected randomly from Jorhat sub-division. Two villages from each block were selected randomly and there by all together six villages and 300 farm women were selected proportionately. Both interview and experimental method was considered for collection of data. Personal and demographic characteristics of the respondents showed that 82 per cent belonged to marginal farmers having 1 acre of land. As regards to age of the respondents, 88 per cent falls in the age group of 30-40 years. The mean temperature was found to be 22°C and mean relative humidity (RH) was observed to be 49 per cent. The lighting condition revealed that the illuminance level were ranges from 21 lux to 95 lux. It was found that mean noise level was 110 db which was more than the permissible limit. Hazards faced by farm women in post harvest activities due to the environmental factors are pain or cramps, indigestion, eye strain, watering of eyes, blurred vision or vision problem, loss of hearing capacity, temporary deafness, headaches and faintness due to working under cold, humid, noisy and inadequate lighting conditions. It was apparent that 63 per cent respondents were belonged to ‘high’ incidence of environmental hazards during the performance of post harvest activities. The angles of average flexion was highest in upper arm (90.62) and extension was in thoracic and it was observed 115.30°indicating deviation of body parts.