History Of Hearing Impairment Research Articles

The effect of movies on listening comprehension for Saudi EFL students

This study investigated the effectiveness of using movies to improve the listening skills of Saudi EFL students and their attitudes towards movie-based activities. A questionnaire was administered to 147 participants, 113 of whom were female and 34 of whom were male. The participants were divided into four age groups: 18-20 years, 21-25 years, 26-30 years, and above 30 years. Participants were required to have no history of hearing impairment or learning disabilities that may affect listening skills. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The results showed that movies had a positive impact on students' listening skills, and most participants had a positive attitude towards using movies as a learning tool. However, some challenges were also identified, such as finding appropriate movies and lacking guidance on effective movie use. The findings of this study have implications for English language teachers, providing insights into the benefits and challenges of using movies, and suggesting the need for training programs on incorporating movies into language teaching. Overall, this study contributes to understanding how technology-based tools like movies can enhance language learning outcomes.

Emotion Regulation in Depression of Physical Achievement Based on Machine Learning

Depression is a clinical disease, mainly accompanied by mood or emotional abnormalities, mainly depression, slow thinking, often accompanied by emotional abnormalities, cognitive behavior, psychophysiological and interpersonal changes or disorders. Here, using static and task-state MRI data, we present a comprehensive study of abnormal neural activity in patients with depression through spatiotemporal, static, and dynamic measures, demonstrating its validity as an underlying biological trait. In order to effectively study the role of emotion regulation in depression, a brain dynamic network synthesis method based on support vector machine model and community detection algorithm was established. We selected data on the mental state of 45 patients from a hospital’s psychiatric disease control center. They had no history of hearing impairment and normal (or corrected) vision. All procedures are agreed in writing by each participant. The results show that this method can effectively reduce the depression degree of the subjects, and the multi-level features of the integration of task activation and task regulation connection reach 81% ( < 0.0010, surrogate test) and 83% (<0.0016, surrogate test), respectively. The recovery of its depressive psychological state has a significant impact. Numerous studies have used various forms of emotional stimuli to reveal abnormal behaviors and neural responses in multi-channel emotional processing in patients with depression, providing valuable insights into the mechanism of multi-channel emotion regulation in depression.

Cochlear implantation compliance among minorities at high risk for hearing impairment following universal newborn hearing screening.

The universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) allows for early detection of hearing impairment (HI). The goal of this current study was to evaluate the impact of cultural background involving consanguineous marriage on newborn HI diagnosed using UNHS, and compliance with hearing rehabilitation. This is a retrospective cohort study that included all children born at a single tertiary medical center between 2011 and 2017 who did not pass the UNHS (oto-acoustic emission and auditory brainstem response), and were diagnosed with HI. The study group included children from consanguineous marriage cultural background which were compared to a control group-all other children. Data were retrieved from the computerized medical charts and included epidemiological, audiological, and pregnancy/delivery-related data, and known risk factors for congenital HI. A total of 238 (196 study and 42 control) neonates were diagnosed with HI. Family history of HI was significantly more prevalent in the study group in mild-severe and profound HI subgroups (p = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively). Study group demonstrated lower rates of cochlear implantation (CI) compliance (p = 0.079), performed at a significantly older age (23 months (IQR 17-36.5) vs. 16 (IQR 12-26) months, p = 0.021). When recommended, bilateral CI compliance was significantly lower in the study group (94.1 vs.48.9%, p < 0.001). UNHS allows for early HI detection among minority populations at higher risk for CI, yet compliance rates remain lower compared with control. Familiarity of families with the importance of early detection and HI risk may result in higher compliance rates for cochlear implantation. Health providers should aim to improve education and communication with this unique group of patients and consider health promotion programs.

PSAT180 Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) A Case Series

Abstract Case 1 (TTD 30yrs): 71-year-old female presented with decreased mobility over the past 15years. She had malformations of the great toes. She developed "golf ball" sized calcified lumps in the upper ribs, clavicle and sternum which began to form at the age of 32 and were removed surgically. Calcified soft tissue was noted over the shoulders, spine and thighs. No history of hearing impairment. Radiographs showed areas of abnormal bone growth. CT scan of abdomen showed calcifications within the gluteal and thigh muscles The lab profile was normal. DNA analysis in process.Case 2 (TTD 13yrs): A 53-year-old female with symmetric malformations of the great toes presented with a lump behind her knee in her 40's with histopathology consistent with calcium deposition. She was diagnosed initially with dermatomyositis and treated with steroids. No hearing impairment The lab profile and abdominal CT scan were unremarkable. DNA analysis in the process.Case 3: (TTD 25yrs) A 66 yr old female presented with multiple lesions of heterotopic ossification lesions which began at the age of 41 at sites of trauma in the right deltoid, right hip, right calf. These were surgically removed. Also had a malformation of the great toes bilaterally. Received radiation post excision of the calcified lesion in April 2021. A skeletal survey showed myositis ossificans. DNA analysis in the process.

GJB2 Is a Major Cause of Non-Syndromic Hearing Impairment in Senegal.

Simple SummaryThe prevalence of GJB2-related (MIM: 121011) congenital non-syndromic hearing impairment (NSHI) accounts for close to 50% in populations of Asian and European ancestry. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, except for Ghana, previous data showed that the prevalence of GJB2-associated NSHI is close to zero. To investigate the contribution of GJB2 mutations in autosomal recessive NSHI in Senegal, we screened 129 affected and 143 unaffected individuals from 44 multiplex families, 9 sporadic cases, and 148 hearing controls with no personal or family history of hearing impairment, by targeted gene sequencing. We identified three pathogenic GJB2 variants in 34% (n = 15/44) of multiplex families, of which 80% (n = 12/15) were consanguineous. The most common variant, GJB2: c.94C>T: p.(Arg32Cys), accounted for 27.3% (n = 12/44) of familial cases. We also identified the previously reported “Ghanaian” founder variant, GJB2: c.427C>T: p.(Arg143Trp), in four multiplex Senegalese families. Relatively high allele frequencies of c.94C>T. and c.427C>T variants were observed among the screened hearing controls: 1% (n = 2/148 ∗ 2), and 2% (n = 4/148 ∗ 2), respectively. No GJB6-D13S18 deletion was identified in any of the hearing-impaired participants. The data suggest that GJB2: c.94C>T: p.(Arg32Cys) should be routinely tested in NSHI in Senegal.This study aimed to investigate GJB2 (MIM: 121011) and GJB6 (MIM: 604418) variants associated with familial non-syndromic hearing impairment (HI) in Senegal. We investigated a total of 129 affected and 143 unaffected individuals from 44 multiplex families by segregating autosomal recessive non-syndromic HI, 9 sporadic HI cases of putative genetic origin, and 148 control individuals without personal or family history of HI. The DNA samples were screened for GJB2 coding-region variants and GJB6-D3S1830 deletions. The mean age at the medical diagnosis of the affected individuals was 2.93 ± 2.53 years [range: 1–15 years]. Consanguinity was present in 40 out of 53 families (75.47%). Variants in GJB2 explained HI in 34.1% (n = 15/44) of multiplex families. A bi-allelic pathogenic variant, GJB2: c.94C>T: p.(Arg32Cys) accounted for 25% (n = 11/44 families) of familial cases, of which 80% (n = 12/15) were consanguineous. Interestingly, the previously reported “Ghanaian” founder variant, GJB2: c.427C>T: p.(Arg143Trp), accounted for 4.5% (n = 2/44 families) of the families investigated. Among the normal controls, the allele frequency of GJB2: c.94C>T and GJB2: c.427C>T was estimated at 1% (2/148 ∗ 2) and 2% (4/148 ∗ 2), respectively. No GJB6-D3S1830 deletion was identified in any of the HI patients. This is the first report of a genetic investigation of HI in Senegal, and suggests that GJB2: c.94C>T: p.(Arg32Cys) and GJB2: c.427C>T: p.(Arg143Trp) should be tested in clinical practice for congenital HI in Senegal.

Parents' Perception of Quality of Life of their Elementary School Children with Hearing Impairment Using Hearing Aids

Background: Hearing impairment is the most common disabilities that have negative impact on the quality of life of affected children and their families. The aim of this study was to: assess parents' perception level of quality of life of their elementary school children with hearing impairment using hearing aids. Subjects and method: Study design: A descriptive study design was utilized in this study. Study settings: This study was conducted in audiology out-patient clinic of the School Health Insurance Hospital at Tanta City. Study subjects: A convenient sampling of 150 of elementary school students who diagnosed with hearing impairment using hearing aids and their parents which constitute 150 were included in the study. Tool of data collection: one tool was used by the researcher to collect the necessary data. Tool I: A structured interview schedule: this tool included five parts: Part (1): Socio-demographic characteristics of the students and their parents. Part (2): History of hearing impairment and using hearing aids. Part (3): History of the academic achievement of the students. Part (4): Children using hearing devices quality of life. Part (5): Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Results: about half (47.3%) of the child's performance after fitting of hearing aids was fair, while less than half (42.7%) of them had good, less than two thirds (61.3%) of the studied school children' parents had a fair score regarding quality of life and nearly one fifth (20.0% and 18.7% respectively) of the studied school children' parents had a good and poor score. Also there was a highly significant positive correlation between levels of pediatric quality of life inventory of the studied school children and the levels of the studied school children parents of their children using hearing device quality of life as (p=0.000) and (r=0.407). Conclusion: It can be concluded that, less than two thirds of studied school children parents had a fair score according to their children using hearing devices quality of life. Recommendations: It was recommended that, written instructions about hearing aids in the form of booklets or brochures should be provided to each child with hearing impairment using hearing aids and their parents in order to encourage them in effective adherence to the plan of care.

CARDIOVASCULAR AND HORMONAL DISORDERS AMONG WORKERS OCCUPATIONALLY-EXPOSED TO NOISE

Introduction: Noise exposure is a common risk factor for many health adverse effects like hearing impairment, cardiovascular diseases and psychosocial dysfunction. Hypercholesterolemia is suspected to be the main factor for the pathogenesis of prolonged noise-associated cardiovascular extra-auditory effects of occupationally-induced noise. Occupational stress and noise exposure were associated with lowering of total and free testosterone in active male workers which in turn was considered as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, obesity and many other diseases causing overall mortality. Aim of work: To evaluate the environmental measurement of occupational noise intensity at different units of concrete pipes industry and to assess the effect of occupational noise exposure (either auditory or extra-auditory) on the exposed workers with emphasis on cardiovascular symptoms, serum cholesterol and testosterone levels. Materials and methods: A comparative cross sectional is conducted upon 105 male workers in a company for reinforced concrete pipes at Cairo, Egypt. The study group ages ranged from 24- 60 years. Duration of work ranged from 2- 40 years. The workers are classified into two groups: group (A): 52 workers who are exposed to high level noise ≥ 85dB, and group (B): 53 workers who are exposed to low level noise < 85dB.Both groups were interviewed using specially designed questionnaire with emphasis on occupational history ,cardiac history ,history of hearing impairment and sleep disturbances .Clinical (general and systemic) examination was done. Laboratory investigations were performed including serum total cholesterol level, total and free serum testosterone levels. Results: The prevalence of hearing impairment was significantly higher among workers exposed to noise level above 85dBA (61.5% ) as well as the prevalence of cardiac symptoms as palpitation , ischemic heart diseases and history of catheterization were significantly higher among workers from group (A) (53.8%, 40.4% and 15.4% respectively). The levels of total serum cholesterol were significantly higher among workers exposed to noise levels above 85dBA (odds Ratio = 17.6) while total and free testosterone were significantly lower among the same group. Conclusion: The current study revealed that exposure to chronic occupational noise above 85dBA was associated with hypercholesterolemia that leads in turn to cardiovascular disorders and also associated with low levels of serum testosterone hormone.

Tympanometric screening for Otitis media of paediatric patients with respiratory tract infection in rural setting a prospective observational study

Introduction: Early identification of hearing impairment in childhood is imperative, as even a mild hearing loss can have long term consequence on the development of the Central Nervous System. Many children develop transient, fluctuant deafness due to Middle ear effusion, especially during episodes of Common cold. In this research we try to develop a Screening protocol using Impedance Audiometry for early identification of Middle ear effusions. Materials and Methods: Children between 7 months to 6 years of ages, with no previous history of hearing impairment or ear disease, who were suffering from Upper respiratory tract infection (Common cold) were selected as targets of screening. These children were then subjected to a Screening Tympanometry. A simple, quick and accurate method of screening for Middle ear fluid was “Peak” or “No peak” approach was employed to judge the curves. If a curve was obtained (similar to Jerger's classification-type “A”) child was deemed to have “Pass”. A type “B” curve was deemed highly positive and was labelled “Fail+” and any other trace like type “C” or just reduced type “A” or “As” labelled just “Fail”. Otoscopic and endoscopic examination and diligent search was carried out for signs of Middle ear effusion and confirmation was done. This was cross checked by 2 authors (First and third author) and findings confirmed. Results: Dervan child screening protocol is 91.67% (92%) sensitive and 94.23 (94%) specific is detection of Middle ear effusions. Conclusion: Dervan child Middle ear effusion protocol can be used in a cost efficient, scalable and sustainable method of screening children for Middle ear effusion. Tympanometry in selected high risk population is an accurate and reliable test for detection of Middle ear effusion

Addressing Hearing Loss in Old Age Psychiatry

Rationale, aims and objectives: The United Kingdom has an increasingly ageing population. With age, hearing declines and the risk of dementia rises. Sensory impairment such as hearing loss is strongly correlated with cognitive decline, mental illness and dementia. Hearing loss has a negative association with quality of life. Addressing hearing impairment, with early recognition and treatment, is a significant public health issue. The main aims of this study were to: (1) evaluate current practice in Old Age Psychiatry in addressing hearing impairment in older adults in contact with mental health services; (2) evaluate the accessibility of Audiology and/or Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) services and (3) evaluate the level of awareness among clinicians routinely shared with patients and families or carers regarding relevant associations with hearing loss. Method: A national cross-sectional study of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Faculty of Old Age Psychiatry members in England was conducted over 8 weeks. Results: The majority of respondents routinely established a history of hearing impairment in their patients, as well as the possession and regular use of hearing aids. However, a significant proportion did not advise patients of potential links between hearing loss and cognitive impairment (26%) or mental illness (40%). Most respondents reported that their awareness of these links was primarily based on professional experience, rather than published evidence or clinical guidelines. Additionally, 20% reported the experience of referring patients to Audiology and ENT services, was ‘difficult’ or ‘very difficult’. Conclusions: There is a need for further research into hearing loss and its impact on mental health and cognitive impairment, as well as scope to improve dissemination of existing evidence. The identified difficulty in referring to Audiology and ENT should be explored and addressed. Clinicians in Old Age Psychiatry have an important role in identifying hearing impairment and promoting use of hearing aids as part of the person-centered healthcare of this vulnerable population.

Hearing morbidity post head and neck radiotherapy

Introduction: radiation therapy carries an important role in the treatment of head and neck (H&amp;N) cancers. Exposure of cells to ionizing radiation produces a variety of biological and molecular changes that may manifest clinically as tumor killing or normal tissue toxicity, the type and severity of these effects depend on variables such as the energy and type of radiation, the composition of target biologic tissue, the cellular and molecular response, duration of exposure, and cellular microenvironment. A sound signal in the environment is collected by the pinna, passes through external auditory canal and strikes the tympanic membrane_ Vibrations of the tympanic membrane are transmitted to stapes footplate through a chain of ossicles coupled to the tympanic membrane Movements of stapes footplate cause pressure changes in the labyrinthine flu ids which move the basilar membrane. This stimulates the hair cells of the organ of Corti. It is these hair cells which act as transducers and convert the mechanical energy into electrical impulses which travel along the auditory nerve.&#x0D; Objective: to determine the effect of radiotherapy on hearing process.&#x0D; Method: Prospective case control study on 45 patients (90 ears) in al diwaniyah teaching hospital from January 2013 to October 2016 with head and neck malignant tumors diagnosed by histopathological specimens, of both sexes and treated with radiotherapy are included in the study. Patient with history of hearing impairment (disabling or documented sever to profound hearing loss), chronic otitis media and those who receive chemotherapy previously are excluded from study. Pre radiotherapy pure tone audiogram and 6 month after when the patient come back to oncology unit for fellow up their condition those patients allocated in group A while group B (control) 45 healthy person (90 ears) are chosen from staff of hospital and college of medicine after announcement for volunteers in study pure tone audiogram done for them as in case group.&#x0D; Results: Regarding the mean of age for group A was 53 years with range from 30-70 years , with male: female ratio 4:1while for control group(B) was 49 years with range 25-60 years and male to female ratio 2:1. Most common neoplasia was carcinoma of larynx followed by nasopharyngeal , oropharyngeal and hypo pharyngeal carcinoma, oral cavity and paranasal sinuses Regarding hearing about 38 (42.18%) of patients (group A) not affected by radiotherapy while 43 patients (47.75%) got worse hearing after radiotherapy, only 9 patients (9.99%) had hearing improvement. While in control group 73 (81.11%) not changed, 6(6.66%) deteriorate and 11(12.22%) had improve hearing.&#x0D; Conclusions:&#x0D; &#x0D; Radiotherapy induced hearing problems occur in significant number in patient with head and neck tumors.&#x0D; Hearing morbidity post radiotherapy mainly sensory neural&#x0D; Patient counselling before radiotherapy about hearing disabilities should be regarded.&#x0D; Further long term studies and larger sample are needed.&#x0D;

Basic and advanced theory of mind in school-aged children with cochlear implants

Background and Aim: Theory of Mind (TOM) refers to the ability for attributing mental states and beliefs to ourselves and others, and understanding that the others’ mental states can be different from ours. However, this ability seems to be delayed in children with the history of hearing impairment. Based on the evidence, there is a mutual association between language development and social experiences. The present study aimed to assess TOM and the effect of speech therapy in 8- to 9-year-old children with cochlear implants (CIs).Methods: The present study was descriptive and cross-sectional in design. A total of 18 Persian-speaking children with CIs and 18 normal children aged 8-9 years participated in the current study. Children with CIs were selected through convenience method from Amir Alam Hospital and normal peers from their play-ground. The participants had no history of sensory, anatomical, neuronal, and speech disorders. The basic and advanced TOM was assessed with Ghamarani TOM test and a comparison was done between normal children and children with CIs. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS 21.Results: The performance of the two groups with regard to the basic and advanced TOM was significantly different (p&lt;0.001). Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between the duration of speech therapy and TOM abilities (r=0.46, p=0.041).Conclusion: Hearing impairment affects the ability of TOM in children with CIs. The duration of speech therapy has a positive effect on the development of TOM.

Hearing morbidity post head and neck radiotherapy

Radiation therapy carries an important role in the treatment of head and neck (H&amp;N) cancers. Exposure of cells to ionizing radiation produces a variety of biological and molecular changes that may manifest clinically as tumor killing or normal tissue toxicity,the type and severity of these effects depend on variables such as the energy and type of radiation,the composition of target biologic tissue,the cellular and molecular response,duration of exposure,and cellular microenvironment.A sound signal in the environment is collected by the pinna,passes through external auditory canal and strikes the tympanic membrane_ Vibrations of the tympanic membrane are transmitted to stapes footplate through a chain of ossicles coupled to the tympanic membrane Movements of stapes footplate cause pressure changes in the labyrinthine flu ids which move the basilar membrane. This stimulates the hair cells of the organ of Corti. It is these hair cells which act as transducers and convert the mechanical energy into electrical impulses which travel along the auditory nerve.to determine the effect of radiotherapy on hearing process.Prospective case control study on 45 patients (90 ears) in Al diwaniyah teaching hospital from January 2013 to October 2016 with head and neck malignant tumors diagnosed by histopathological specimens,of both sexes and treated with radiotherapy are included in the study. Patient with history of hearing impairment (disabling or documented sever to profound hearing loss),chronic otitis media and those who receive chemotherapy previously are excluded from study. Pre radiotherapy pure tone audiogram and 6 month after when the patient come back to oncology unit for fellow up their condition those patients allocated in group A while group B (control) 45 healthy person (90 ears) are chosen from staff of hospital and college of medicine after announcement for volunteers in study pure tone audiogram done for them as in case group.Regarding the mean of age for group A was 53 years with range from 30-70 years, with male: female ratio 4:1while for control group (B) was 49 years with range 25-60 yearsand male to female ratio 2:1. Most common neoplasia was carcinoma of larynx followed by nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal and hypo pharyngeal carcinoma,oral cavity and paranasal sinuses Regarding hearing about 38 (42.18%) of patients (group A) not affected by radiotherapy while 43 patients (47.75%) got worse hearing after radiotherapy,only 9 patients (9.99%) had hearing improvement. While in control group 73 (81.11%) not changed,6 (6.66%) deteriorate and 11 (12.22%) had improved hearing.Radiotherapy induced hearing problems occur in significant number in patient with head and neck tumors.Hearing morbidity post radiotherapy mainly sensory neural. Patient counselling before radiotherapy about hearing disabilities should be regarded. Further long term studies and larger sample are needed.

Intracochlear schwannoma

Intracochlear schwannoma is rarely diagnosed. We report the case of a 27-year-old woman with intracochlear schwannoma who presented with 7 years history of hearing impairment. Audiological tests and imaging studies revealed a possibility of intracochlear schwannoma. Excision of the tumor was done by transcochlear approach. The histologic diagnosis was schwannoma. Her postoperative course was uneventful. We present this rare case and discuss the presentation, diagnosis, and management options in such cases.

Consanguinity and hearing impairment in a deaf school

Objective: To find out the frequency of consanguinity and positive family history of hearing impairment among deaf children in a deaf school in Bangladesh. Methods: This was a retrospective study were included 150 patients. They were subjected to complete audiological examinations. These pupils were collected from Integrated Pre-school for Hearing Impaired children (IPSHIC) of SAHIC, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Results: The results showed that out of 150 Hearing impaired (HI ) children 30.0% (45) were from the consanguineous parents and 70.0% (105) from non- consanguineous parents. Also found 22.0% (33) had positive family history of hearing impairment. Conclusion: Prevention is only means to reduce the prevalence of Congenital hearing impairment. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v20i2.22020 Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol; October 2014; 20(2): 60-65

Prevalence and risk factors for sensorineural hearing loss: Western Sicily overview

The objective of this work was to evaluate the prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and distribution of the main risk factors associated to it focusing on their role in the development of deafness and their interaction. We performed a global audiological assessment (through TEOAE, tympanometry and ABR) in 508 infants at risk studying the main risk factors reported by Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (2007). Fifty-one infants (10.03 %) were diagnosed with SNHL (45 bilateral and 6 unilateral) with a mean hearing threshold of 87.39 ± 28.25 dB HL; family history of hearing impairment (HI) and TORCH infections indicated independent significant risk factors (P < 0.00001 and P = 0.024, respectively). High SNHL percentages were evidenced also in NICU babies, due to the various pathologies and risk factors presented by these infants, and among newborns who suffered from hyperbilirubinemia (11.97 and 9.52 %, respectively). The mean degree of hearing loss for children with family history of HI (>100 dB HL) emphasizes the necessity of an early diagnosis to avoid the consequences of auditory deprivation. Craniofacial abnormalities and syndromes associated to HI showed an important relationship (P < 0.00001) with conductive hearing loss. A progressive increase was evidenced in SNHL incidence as the number of risk factors rises (from 5.12 for 2 risk factors to 28.5 % for 5 or more) with a significant difference among the groups (P = 0.049); multiple risk factors showed an additional cofactor for HL (r (2) = 0.93). Considering the high SNHL prevalence (10.03 %) in infants at risk, this study highlights the necessity to implement a neonatal hearing screening program in Western Sicily.

Hearing impairment and poverty: The epidemiology of ear disease in Peruvian schoolchildren

Objectives 1) To measure prevalence of hearing impairment (HI) in schoolchildren living in poverty in Peru. 2) To identify risk factors for HI and assess its impact on academic performance. Study Design Cross-sectional. Setting Elementary schools in an asentimiento humano (shantytown) near Lima, Peru, October 2008 to March 2009. Subjects Schoolchildren (n = 335), ages six to 19 years. Methods Audiological health was assessed with pure-tone audiometry, tympanometry, and otoscopy. The primary outcome was HI, defined as average threshold >25 dB HL for 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz, in one or both ears (per World Health Organization/International Organization for Standardization). A questionnaire on health history was administered to parents. Statistical analysis included univariate analysis for χ 2 values and odds ratios (ORs), and multivariate logistic regression. Results HI prevalence: 6.9 percent (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.2%-9.6%). Risk factors for HI (OR, 95% CI, P value): neonatal jaundice (5.59, 1.63-19.2, 0.015), seizure (7.31, 2.50-21.4, 0.0013), hospitalization (4.01, 1.66-9.68, 0.003), recurrent otitis media (5.06, 1.98-12.9, 0.002), past otorrhea (4.70, 1.84-12.0, 0.003), family history of HI at <35 years (2.91, 1.19-7.14, 0.026), tympanic membrane abnormality (13.8, 4.48-42.7, <0.001), cerumen impaction (15.8, 4.71-53.1, <0.001), and eustachian tube dysfunction (4.87, 1.74-13.7, <0.001). HI was an independent predictor of academic failure (3.36, 1.15-9.82, 0.03). Conclusions Impoverished Peruvian schoolchildren were four to seven times more likely to experience HI than children living in higher-income countries. Untreated middle ear disease in the context of limited access to pediatric care was a major risk factor for HI. Furthermore, HI was associated with worse scholastic achievement. These results support prioritization of pediatric ear health as an essential component of the global health agenda, especially in resource-poor countries.

Editorial

Editorial

Detection of the 35delG/GJB2 and del(GJB6-D13S1830) Mutations in Venezuelan Patients with Autosomal Recessive Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss

Severe to profound hearing impairment affects 1 of every 1000 newborn children each year. Inheritance accounts for 60% of these cases, of which 70% are nonsyndromic. The most common cause of autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL) is mutation in GJB2, a gene on chromosome 13, which encodes a gap junction protein named Connexin 26. Mutations in GJB2 are responsible for 40% of genetic childhood deafness. The most common mutation, 35delG, predominates in many ethnic groups. Some families with linkage to the DFNB1 locus have none or only one mutated allele in GJB2, however, some subjects can exhibit a large deletion in another connexin gene, GJB6, resulting in a monogenic or digenic pattern of inheritance in this complex DFNB1 locus that contains both genes (GJB2 and GJB6). The aim of the study was to determine (1) the frequency for the 35delG (27.5%), del(GJB6-D13S1830) (2.5%) and del(GJB6-D13S1854) (0.0%) mutations in a cohort of 40 Venezuelan patients with ARNSHL and (2) the carrier frequency 35delG (4%), del(GJB6-D13S1830) (0%) and del(GJB6-D13S1854) (0%) in the Venezuelan population with no familial history of hearing impairment. One patient (2.5%) was detected as double heterozygote for the deletion del(GJB6-D13S1830) and 35delG mutation. This result has direct clinical implications because we include the molecular detection of the deletion del(GJB6-D13S1830) during the evaluation of the diagnosis of deafness in the Venezuelan population.

Working memory and sentence comprehension of Hong Kong Chinese children with specific language impairment

Children with Specific Language Impairment present with delayed language development, but do not have a history of hearing impairment, mental deficiency, or associated social or behavioral problems. Non-word repetition was suggested as an index to reflect the capacity of phonological working memory. There is a paucity of such studies among Hong Kong Chinese children. This preliminary study aimed to examine the relationship between phonological working memory and Specific Language Impairment, through the processes of non-word repetition and sentence comprehension, of children with Specific Language Impairment and pre-school children with normal language development. Both groups of children were screened by a standardized language test. A list of Cantonese (the commonest dialect used in Hong Kong) multisyllabic nonsense utterances and a set of 18 sentences were developed for this study. t-tests and Pearson correlation were used to study the relationship between non-word repetition, working memory and specific language impairment. Twenty-three pre-school children with Specific Language Impairment (mean age = 68.30 months; SD = 6.90) and another 23 pre-school children (mean age = 67.30 months; SD = 6.16) participated in the study. Significant difference performance was found between the Specific Language Impairment group and normal language group in the multisyllabic nonsense utterances repetition task and the sentence comprehension task. Length effect was noted in Specific Language Impairment group children, which is consistent with the findings of other literature. In addition, correlations were also observed between the number of nonsense utterances repeated and the number of elements comprehended. Cantonese multisyllabic nonsense utterances might be worth further developing as a screening tool for the early detection of children with Specific Language Impairment.

The impact of a family history of hearing problems on those with hearing difficulties themselves: an exploratory studyEl impacto de la historia familiar de problemas auditivos en quienes tienen problemas auditivos: un estudio exploratorio

The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of a family history of hearing impairment on those people with the hearing impairment themselves. The subjects were 102 consecutive patients with a family history of hearing impairment, seen in an audiological rehabilitation clinic. Each was given an open-ended questionnaire asking whether such a family history had any effects on them and, if so, to list any effects. Results were qualitatively analysed. 57 subjects indicated effects. Of those listed, 57% were positive, 19% negative, and 24% neutral. The most common positive effects concerned realising the importance of hearing aids and early help-seeking. Common negative effects were concern for the future of themselves and their children. Neutral effects were a reported ignorance or denial of a family history. The results emphasize the importance of asking patients about any family history when planning their rehabilitative programme.