Moderate Degree Of Hearing Loss Research Articles

Correlation of Tympanomastoidectomy Pathological Findings With Hearing Loss In Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media Patients

Background: Patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) often experience hearing loss from mild to very severe degrees. In addition, patients with CSOM often have intraoperative pathological findings. Aims of this study is to determine the correlation between intraoperative tympanomastoidectomy pathological findings with the type and degree of hearing loss using pure tone audiogram images in CSOM patients.
 Methods: This study is an analytic type study that uses a cross-sectional design. This research was conducted in three hospitals during October 2021 to December 2021. The sample size in this study was 37 patients who would undergo tympanomastodectomy surgery.
 Results: The most common pathological finding was granulation in 36 patients (97.3%) and followed by sclerotic in 31 patients (83.8%). The average patient had more than 2 pathological findings. Most of patients (78.4%) had conductive hearing loss and most of patients had moderate degree of hearing loss in 25 patients (67.6%). Based on type of hearing loss, there were significant associations with several pathological findings, namely cholesteatoma (p=0.003), defect ossicles (p=0.009), ossicular defects (p=0.001), facial nerve defects (p=0.009). In terms of the number of pathological findings, there was a significant correlation with hearing loss (p=0.004, r=0.467) and the degree of hearing loss (p=0.029, r=0.360).
 Conclusion: Among the pathological findings by type of hearing loss, a significant correlation was found.

Cortical Auditory Evoked Potential Testing in Children With Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder.

In the present report, we reviewed the role of cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) as an objective measure during the evaluation and management process in children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD). We reviewed the results of CAEP recordings in 66 patients with ANSD aged between 2 months and 12 years and assessed the relationship between their characteristics (prevalence, morphology, latencies, and amplitudes) and various clinical features, including the mode of medical management. Overall, the CAEPs were present in 85.2% of the ears tested. Factors such as prematurity, medical complexity, neuronal issues, or presence of syndromes did not have an effect on the presence or absence of CAEPs. CAEP latencies were significantly shorter in ears with cochlear nerve deficiency than in ears with a normal caliber nerve. Three different patterns of CAEP responses were observed in patients with bilateral ANSD and present cochlear nerves: (a) responses with normal morphology and presence of both P1-P2complex and N2 components, (b) responses with abnormal morphology and presence of the N2 component but undefined P1-P2complex peak, and (c) entirely absent responses. None of the patients with normal, mild, or moderate degree of hearing loss had a complete absence of CAEP responses. No significant differences were uncovered when comparing the latencies across unaided and aided children and children who later received cochlear implants. The CAEP protocol used in our ANSD program did inform about the presence or absence of central auditory stimulation. Absent responses typically fit into an overall picture of complete auditory deprivation and all of these children were ultimately offered cochlear implants after failing to develop oral language. Present responses, on the other hand, were acknowledged as a sign of some degree of auditory stimulation but always interpreted with caution given that prognostic implications remain unclear.

Hearing Status Among the Traffic Polices Of Dhaka Metrpolitan City

Background: Noise induced hearing loss is a common and avoidable occupational hazards in urban environments. People in high noise area suffer from hearing impairment. They are considered as social burden in their late life. Identifying risk groups and providing them a safe occupational environment is the responsibility of welfare state. Aims and Objectives: To compare hearing between noise exposed traffic police with polices not exposed to high noise. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Rajarbagh police line hospital from July 2015 to November 2016 where 180 police personnel were enrolled and divided into two groups for comparison with mean duration of work in police force 11.06 years in group-I and 10.48 years in group-II. Work hours of traffic police was 8 hours per day. Result: 37.7% of traffic police found to suffer from mild and 41.75% suffer from moderate degree of hearing loss that need attention of appropriate authority. Conclusion: Environmental pollution in Dhaka city is very high .High noise is a risk factors for occupational hazards that must be looked after by civil society and law enforcing agency to implement sound pollution act. J Dhaka Med Coll. 2022; 31(1) : 46-50

Usability and perceived benefit of hearing assistive features in Apple AirPods Pro

Individuals with hearing loss face high personal costs for hearing aids, making over-the-counter hearing aids, or headphones featuring custom audio control, alternative options. Apple Inc.’s AirPods Pro contain a variety of headphone accommodations designed to help people hear better. Recent research has evaluated electroacoustic properties of AirPods Pro demonstrating good ability to fit prescriptive targets for different hearing losses. Here, we examine the usability and perceived benefit from engaging custom audiogram-driven features in AirPods Pro. Listeners with self-assigned hearing profiles ranging from normal hearing to a moderate degree of hearing loss take a hearing screener (Mimi Hearing Test). AzBio sentences are presented in quiet and in noise while enabling and disabling the custom features in Apple’s Accommodation settings. Listeners then complete a questionnaire targeting usability of the features and perceived benefit. Overall, listeners found the features easy to use and to be at least a little helpful, regardless of hearing status. Listeners with suspected or known hearing impairment reported slightly greater benefit than normal hearing listeners when listening in noise with the custom audio features. Headphone Accommodations in AirPods Pro may be an affordable option for an improved listening experience. [Work supported by Western Washington University.]

Correlation between presbycusis with quality of life based on hearing handicap inventory for the elderly screening version (HHIE-S)

Presbycusis is an age-related hearing loss caused by a degeneration process which is a cumulative effect of various risk factors. Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening version (HHIE-S) questionnaire is a questionnaire that can be used to measure the quality of life in patients with hearing loss. This study aimed to determine the relationship between presbycusis with the quality of life. The research uses cross sectional analytical research methods. The data used in form of primary data is the result of filling in the guided questionnaire and the results of the audiogram, while secondary data is in the form of medical records of presbycusis patients at Dustira Hospital in the period January 2017-December 2018. Data were analyzed by Chi-Square and Spearman Correlation Test. The incidence of presbycusis in the period January 2017-December 2018 at Dustira Hospital was 2,6%. The result showed most of the patients were 65-74 years old (61,8%), male (52,7%), married (58,2%), economic were similar between moderate and low economic status (49.1%), had a history of chronic diseases (76, 4%), had a moderate degree of hearing loss (61,8%) and had a mild-moderate degree of quality of life (52,7%). Based on HHIE-S questionnaire the results showed that there was a significant and strong relationship between presbycusis and patients’ quality of life (p <0.001) and r=0,509. In conclusion, degrees of hearing loss in presbycusis patients will correspond to degrees of decrease in quality of life.

Correlation between presbycusis with quality of life based on hearing handicap inventory for the elderly screening version (HHIE-S)

Presbycusis is an age-related hearing loss caused by a degeneration process which is a cumulative effect of various risk factors. Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening version (HHIE-S) questionnaire is a questionnaire that can be used to measure the quality of life in patients with hearing loss. This study aimed to determine the relationship between presbycusis with the quality of life. The research uses cross sectional analytical research methods. The data used in form of primary data is the result of filling in the guided questionnaire and the results of the audiogram, while secondary data is in the form of medical records of presbycusis patients at Dustira Hospital in the period January 2017-December 2018. Data were analyzed by Chi-Square and Spearman Correlation Test. The incidence of presbycusis in the period January 2017-December 2018 at Dustira Hospital was 2,6%. The result showed most of the patients were 65-74 years old (61,8%), male (52,7%), married (58,2%), economic were similar between moderate and low economic status (49.1%), had a history of chronic diseases (76, 4%), had a moderate degree of hearing loss (61,8%) and had a mild-moderate degree of quality of life (52,7%). Based on HHIE-S questionnaire the results showed that there was a significant and strong relationship between presbycusis and patients’ quality of life (p <0.001) and r=0,509. In conclusion, degrees of hearing loss in presbycusis patients will correspond to degrees of decrease in quality of life.

Correlation between presbycusis with quality of life based on hearing handicap inventory for the elderly screening version (HHIE-S)

Presbycusis is an age-related hearing loss caused by a degeneration process which is a cumulative effect of various risk factors. Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening version (HHIE-S) questionnaire is a questionnaire that can be used to measure the quality of life in patients with hearing loss. This study aimed to determine the relationship between presbycusis with the quality of life. The research uses cross sectional analytical research methods. The data used in form of primary data is the result of filling in the guided questionnaire and the results of the audiogram, while secondary data is in the form of medical records of presbycusis patients at Dustira Hospital in the period January 2017-December 2018. Data were analyzed by Chi-Square and Spearman Correlation Test. The incidence of presbycusis in the period January 2017-December 2018 at Dustira Hospital was 2,6%. The result showed most of the patients were 65-74 years old (61,8%), male (52,7%), married (58,2%), economic were similar between moderate and low economic status (49.1%), had a history of chronic diseases (76, 4%), had a moderate degree of hearing loss (61,8%) and had a mild-moderate degree of quality of life (52,7%). Based on HHIE-S questionnaire the results showed that there was a significant and strong relationship between presbycusis and patients’ quality of life (p <0.001) and r=0,509. In conclusion, degrees of hearing loss in presbycusis patients will correspond to degrees of decrease in quality of life.

IMPACT OF GENDER AND DEGREE OF HEARING LOSS ON SELF ESTEEM IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Background: Hearing impairment is considered as one of the major contributor of drop in low self-esteem of adolescents. Children and adolescents with significant hearing loss have difficulties like communication and social skills in different aspects of their quality of life which later on lead to anxiety, depression and social isolation. Objective: To find out the impact of gender and degree of hearing loss in children and adolescents not using hearing aid. Methodology: A cross sectional survey was conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Total participants were 551 selected between 9-15 years age , with mild and moderate degree of hearing loss with no history of using hearing aid. The Rosenberg self-esteem scale was used to measure the self-esteem level. The data was analysed through multiple linear regression testing SPSS version 21. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 12.38±1.773 year. The degree of hearing loss and the gender were statistically significant predictor {F (df) =157.636(2,548), p<0.001, r2 = .365} of the self-esteem in hearing impaired children. Hence, the age was not significant predictor on the self-esteem (β=.367, p=.228) Conclusion: The self-esteem in the children and adolescents with hearing impairment was affected by gender and degree of hearing loss. Whereas age have no impact on the self-esteem. Keywords: Adolescent, children, Hearing impairment, hearing loss, self-esteem.

Correlation between duration of noise exposure and severity of hearing loss

Background and Objective: Noise pollution is one of the commonest occupational and environmental health hazard. The extent of damage to hair cells is determined by the intensity of noise to which a person is exposed, and the duration of noise exposure [1]. Prolonged exposure to high intensity noise >85dB(A) or more, for eight hours can lead to permanent hearing loss. This exposure can be reduced significantly by using simple ear protection devices. NIHL can be easily prevented through the use of simple and economical tools, but are not used by people due to different reasons.3Our study aimed at determining the relation between the duration of exposure to loud noise on the severity of noise-induced hearing loss. The subjects of our study were train drivers working in an extremely noisy environment for long hours, without using any ear protection tool. Materials and Method: This study involved 60 subjects, who were all train drivers. They were working in an extremely noisy environment for more than eight hours a day for more than ten years. The responses to brainstem evoked response audiometry were recorded and evaluated for severity of hearing loss. Result: 60% subjects reported positive for sensorineural deafness. 18.3% of the subjects were having mild degree of hearing loss, 23.3% were having moderate degree of hearing loss and 18.3% were having severe degree of hearing loss. Conclusion: It was found that the duration of exposure to noise has a positive correlation with the degree of severity of hearing loss (p

Acoustical and Perceptual Analysis of Noise Reduction Strategies in Individuals With Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorders.

Purpose The conventional amplification devices render minimal or no benefit at abating the speech perception problems of individuals with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD). This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of noise reduction strategies (multiband spectral subtraction, Wiener-as, Karhunen-Loeve transform [Subspace], and ideal binary mask [IdBM] algorithm) on speech using speech perception measures and acoustic measure among individuals with ANSD. Method Two groups of participants (age: 17-43 years) were recruited in the study. Group I comprised 12 individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of ANSD and not exceeding moderate degree of hearing loss and Group II of 10 individuals with normal hearing in both ears. The signal-to-noise required for 50% speech recognition (SNR-50) was measured for the participants in five conditions, that is, unprocessed speech and speech processed with four noise reduction strategies. Additionally, an acoustic objective measure Extended Short-Time Objective Intelligibility algorithm was employed to estimate the intelligibility index across the conditions. Results Significant difference was found across conditions in both the groups. Pairwise comparison revealed significantly better speech perception on SNR-50 measure with IdBM strategy, for both the groups. No significant difference in SNR-50 was observed with other noise reduction strategies. IdBM condition also gave the highest intelligibility index (d) values using Extended Short-Time Objective Intelligibility algorithm. This finding needs to be verified on a larger group of individuals with ANSD. Conclusions IdBM noise reduction strategy rendered significantly lower SNR-50 compared to other noise reduction strategies for individuals with ANSD in this study. This provides clinical evidence for the same and also recommends trying on a larger group of participants before its implementation in hearing devices. Apart from this, the current strategies used in hearing aids provide no improvement in speech identification in noise for this population. Hence, though the present hearing aids may show benefit in quiet condition, chances of its rejection are high in noisy backgrounds.

Hearing gain after tympanoplasty: a prospective study

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The aim of the present study was to determine hearing improvement in different types of tympanoplasties by comparing mean preoperative air bone (AB) gap with mean postoperative AB gap. The study focused on reconstruction of tympanic membrane and ossicular apparatus by tympanoplasty alone or tympanoplasty with mastoid surgeries (canal wall up or canal wall down).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 60 patients of either sex having chronic otitis media with conductive hearing loss of >20 dB were included in the study. Each patient had to undergo preoperative and postoperative pure tone audiometry to calculate average AB gap. Patients underwent tympanoplasty, with or without mastoid exploration depending on the disease status. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) was done at 3 months and 6 months and compared with pre-operative PTA. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Preoperatively PTA showed 29 (48.33%) patients had mild degree of hearing loss, followed by moderate degree of hearing loss in 18 (30.0%) patients. 10 (16.67%) patients had minimal hearing loss and moderately severe hearing loss was seen in 3 (5%) patients. Tympanoplasty alone was done in 52 patients (86.67%). Tympanoplasty with canal wall up mastoidectomy was done in 6 (10%) and tympanoplasty with canal wall down mastoidectomy was done in 2 (3.33%) patients. Type I tympanoplasty was performed in 37 (61.6%) patients, type-III tympanoplasty was the type of surgery in 15 (25.0%) patients. Type II and type IV tympanoplasties were performed in 4 (6.7%) patients each separately.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Hearing gain is better in type I tympanoplasty than in tympanoplasty type II, type III and type IV with or without mastoid surgeries.</p><strong></strong>

An Integrative Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Directional Microphone and Noise-Reduction Algorithm under Realistic Signal-to-Noise Ratios.

Many studies on the efficacy of directional microphones (DIRMs) and noise-reduction (NR) algorithms were not conducted under realistic signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions. A Repeat-Recall Test (RRT) was developed previously to partially address this issue. This study evaluated whether the RRT could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the efficacy of a DIRM and NR algorithm under realistic SNRs. Possible interaction with listener working memory capacity (WMC) was assessed. This study uses a double-blind, within-subject repeated measures design. Nineteen listeners with a moderate degree of hearing loss participated. The RRT was administered with participants wearing the study hearing aids (HAs) under two microphones (omnidirectional versus directional) by two NR (on versus off) conditions. Speech was presented from 0° at 75 dB SPL and a continuous noise from 180° at SNRs of 0, 5, 10, and 15 dB. The order of SNR and HA conditions was counterbalanced across listeners. Each test condition was completed twice in two 2-hour sessions separated by one month. The recall scores of listeners were used to group listeners into good and poor WMC groups. Analysis using linear mixed-effects models revealed significant effects of context, SNR, and microphone for all four measures (repeat, recall, listening effort, and tolerable time). NR was only significant on the listening effort scale in the DIRM mode at an SNR of 5 dB. Listeners with good WMC performed better on all measures of the RRT and benefitted more from context. Although DIRM benefitted listeners with good and poor WMC, the benefits differed by context and SNR. The RRT confirmed the efficacy of DIRM and NR on several outcome measures under realistic SNRs. It also highlighted interactions between WMC and sentence context on feature efficacy.

Relationship of Preoperative Hearing loss with Peroperative Ossicular Discontinuity in Chronic Otitis Media

Background: Chronic Otitis Media (COM) is a common disease in our country. COM with or without cholesteatoma may lead to ossicular discontinuity. However, the discontinuity of the ossicular chain is usually confirmed during operation. The purpose of the study was to find out the correlation between preoperative hearing loss and the status of ossicular chain at surgery.
 Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of otolaryngology- Head & neck surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from January 2013 to June 2014. At least 113 patients of COM were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Relevant data were collected in a predesigned data collection sheet and analyzed with standard statistical method. Statistically significant inferred for P value <0.05. No groups whose ability to give voluntary informed consent questionable was not included. No potential risks exist in designed this study.
 Results: Out of 34 patients with mild degree of hearing loss 31(39.7%) had intact ossicular chain whereas discontinuity was seen in 3(8.6%) cases, 37 patients with moderate degree of hearing loss 16(45.7%) had ossicular discontinuity. Among 23 patients with moderate to severe degree of hearing loss 14(17.9%) had intact ossicular chain whereas ossicular discontinuity was found 9(25.7%), 9 patients of severe degree of hearing loss 7(20%) had ossicular discontinuity. Cases with moderate and severe degree of hearing loss had significant ossicular discontinuity (p<0.05). Air-bone gap > 40 dB was found in 60% cases of ossicular discontinuity, followed by air bone gap 31-40 dB(17.14%), 21-30 dB(14.29%) and 11-20 dB( 8.57%) respectively. So ossicular discontinuity was in higher air-bone gap group and it was statistically significant (p<0.001).
 Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol; October 2019; 25(2): 94-101

Frequency of Noise Induced Hearing Loss Among Traffic Wardens of Lahore

Background: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a major cause of disability throughout the world. It is the most common irreversible job-related hazard in the world with a higher burden in the developing regions of the world. Certain occupations are at high risk for NIHL. Traffic wardens could be considered highly vulnerable group as they are exposed to long hours of traffic noise. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of noise induced hearing loss among traffic wardens of Lahore city.Material and Methods: It was a cross-sectional, descriptive study, carried out from 1st December 2018 to 31st May 2019, in which 329 traffic wardens appointed in 34 beats/sectors of Lahore city were included. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire, followed by Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) of all the subjects.Results: A total of 329 traffic wardens were selected for this study. Mean age of the traffic wardens was 35.35 ± 1.21 years. NIHL was present in 174 (52.9%) traffic wardens, out of which, 138 (79.3%) had mild, 32 (18.4%) moderate, and 4 (2.3%) had moderately severe degree of hearing loss. Among the 329 traffic wardens, 165 (50.2%) had exposure to noise between 7am to 3pm (morning shift) and 42 (12.8%) had some problem with their hearing. Only 12 (3.6%) had ringing in the ears or tinnitus, 140 (42.6%) wore any hearing protection during duty hours and 42 (12.8%) said they had difficulty in hearing and frequently asked people to repeat themselves.Conclusion: In this study a high frequency of noise induced hearing loss was reported among traffic wardens of Lahore city with most of them having mild to moderate degree of hearing loss.

An Integrative Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Directional Microphone and Noise Reduction Algorithm Under Realistic Signal-to-Noise Ratios

Background: Many studies on the efficacy of directional microphones (DIRMs) and noise reduction (NR)algorithms were not conducted under realistic signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions. A Repeat–RecallTest (RRT) was developed previously to partially address this issue.<br />Purpose: This study evaluated whether the RRT could provide a more comprehensive understanding ofthe efficacy of a DIRM and NR algorithm under realistic SNRs. Possible interaction with listener workingmemory capacity (WMC) was assessed.<br />Research Design: This study uses a double-blind, within-subject repeated measures design.<br />Study Sample: Nineteen listeners with a moderate degree of hearing loss participated.<br />Data Collection and Analysis: The RRT was administered with participants wearing the study hearingaids (HAs) under two microphones (omnidirectional versus directional) by two NR (on versus off) conditions.Speech was presented from 0° at 75 dB SPL and a continuous noise from 180° at SNRs of 0, 5,10, and 15 dB. The order of SNR and HA conditions was counterbalanced across listeners. Each testcondition was completed twice in two 2-hour sessions separated by one month.<br />Results: The recall scores of listeners were used to group listeners into good and poor WMC groups.Analysis using linear mixed-effects models revealed significant effects of context, SNR, and microphonefor all four measures (repeat, recall, listening effort, and tolerable time). NR was only significant on thelistening effort scale in the DIRM mode at an SNR of 5 dB. Listeners with good WMC performed better onall measures of the RRT and benefitted more from context. Although DIRM benefitted listeners with goodand poor WMC, the benefits differed by context and SNR.<br />Conclusions: The RRT confirmed the efficacy of DIRM and NR on several outcome measures underrealistic SNRs. It also highlighted interactions between WMC and sentence context on feature efficacy.<br />

Identification and Management of Middle Ear Disorders in a Rural Cleft Care Program: A Telemedicine Approach.

The aim of this study was to devise a grassroots-level strategy for identification and management of middle ear disorders in a community-based program for individuals with cleft lip and palate in 2 rural districts in the state of Tamil Nadu in South India. Community workers underwent training to conduct video otoscopy using the ENTraview device. Community workers conducted video otoscopy on 160 individuals with cleft lip and palate between 3 and 35 years old in the community. Middle ear conditions were identified using store-and-forward telepractice. Diagnostic telehearing evaluation was conducted using synchronous pure tone audiometry and tympanometry for those who were identified with tympanic membrane (TM) and/or middle ear diseases (MEDs). A review of data collected over a 13-month period was carried out to assess coverage and follow-up intervention rates. The program was successful in achieving 80% coverage for identification of TM and MEDs within 13 months of program implementation. TM and/or MEDs were identified in 26% (82/320 ears) of those who underwent video otoscopy. Telehearing evaluations were completed on 42 ears of individuals with TM and/or MEDs; 52% (22/42 ears) of these individuals had a minimal, mild, or moderate degree of hearing loss. Regarding follow-up for intervention, 78% qualified for surgical intervention, and 31% qualified for medication. This grassroots-level telemedicine approach was successful in achieving better coverage, and store-and-forward telepractice helped in providing remote diagnosis and recommendation by otolaryngologists to all individuals with TM/MEDs in the rural community. The follow-up for otological intervention significantly improved from that achieved in the previous years.

Assessment of Patch Test in Predicting Ossicular Status in Chronic Otitis Media

Objectives: To assess the reliability of paper-patch test in predicting the intra-operative ossicular status of patients with tympanic th membrane perforation from small to medium size.
 Methods: This is a hospital based prospective study conducted from 30 April, st 2016 to 1 May, 2017 in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of Nepalgunj Medical College Teaching Hospital. The patients of chronic otitis media with small to medium sized central perforation were subjected to complete history taking and thorough examination. Audiological evaluation was done before patching, then after patching the perforation with cigarette paper. The result was recorded to predict the ossicular status.
 Result: The most common age group affected by the disease was 20-30 years with 21(42%) patients. Most of them were females 28(56%). Left ear was affected more 19(38%) than right ear 16(32%) and bilateral 15(30%). All the patients had conductive type of hearing loss out of which moderate degree of hearing loss was present in 36(72%) and mild degree of hearing was present in 14(28%). Following patch test, the hearing improved and in 7(14%) of patients the hearing came to normalcy. Majority of patients had mild degree of hearing loss, i.e., 36(72%) and moderate degree of hearing loss was seen in 7(14%). It was found that in those patients in whom there was less improvement in hearing that i.e. less than 10 dB, the mobility of the ossicles was restricted intra-operatively.
 Conclusion: The type of hearing loss was conductive hearing loss out of which most common was moderate degree of hearing loss in 36(72%) followed by mild degree of hearing present in 14(28%). Following patch test, it was found that in those patients in whom there was less improvement in hearing i.e., less than 10 dB,ossicular discontinuity was noted intra-operatively and thus ossicular reconstruction by tympanoplasty procedures had to be undertaken.

A Study of Signal-to-Noise Ratios for Monosyllabic and Sentence Recognition Threshold in Sensorineural Hearing Loss

A major problem for most patients with hearing impairment is understanding speech in background noise. In the current study, we investigated to search of threshold of speech recognition at various signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) using the monosyllabic words and sentences. Three listener groups consisting of 7 normal-hearing, 20 listeners with mild degree of sensorineural hearing loss, and 20 listeners with moderate degree of hearing loss (HL) were participated in this study. The subjects listen to the target monosyllables or sentences at eight conditions of SNRs (ranging from –12 to 9 dB SNR). The SNR required for 50% word recognition was -2.13 dB, -1.22 dB and 0.55 dB for normal-hearing, mild, and moderate HL listeners. The SNR for sentence recognition was -2.86 dB, -2.31 dB and –1.85 dB for the same listener groups. The 50% recognitions for sentence were obtained at a significantly lower SNR than for monosyllabic word. Regardless of the stimulus type, SNR for speech recognition threshold by sensorineural hearing loss with moderate HL were significantly higher than normal and mild HL. The results can be useful for development of speech-in-noise recognition test and decision on efficient SNR in aural rehabilitation for hearing aid users.

One-year prevalence and risk factors of tinnitus in children with otological problems.

The present study was conducted to find one year prevalence and risk factors of tinnitus in the children (below 18 years) who reported with the ear or hearing related complaint to All India Institute of Speech and hearing, Mysore. A retrospective case analysis was carried out by reviewing the case files of those who visited the institute during the above period. The results shown that the tinnitus prevalence was 5.24%. No gender difference was found in children with tinnitus. Further, 79.63% of the children with tinnitus had hearing loss. In addition, 30.23% of the children with tinnitus had mild degree of hearing loss followed by minimal, and moderate degree of hearing loss. Most of these children had conductive, and sensorineural type of hearing loss than mixed type of hearing loss. It can be concluded that hearing loss, gender, giddiness, and headache were found to be major risk factors.

Amplification for listeners with a moderately severe high-frequency hearing loss.

Some evidence exists to support the use of an extended bandwidth (EBW) for those with a relatively mild to moderate degree of hearing loss. The use of frequency lowering is suggested for those with a severe/profound degree of hearing loss. The amplification option for those with a moderately severe hearing loss in the high frequencies is less clear. This study compared three amplification options for listeners with a moderately severe hearing loss in the high frequencies. The efficacy of three amplification options-limited bandwidth to 4000 Hz, EBW, and frequency transposition-were evaluated for listeners with a moderately severe, high-frequency hearing loss. The experiment used a factorial repeated-measures design. A total of 13 adults with bilateral hearing loss of 50-70 dB HL at 4000 Hz served as test participants. The participants rated the sound quality of birdsongs and music when aided with the amplification options. Speech perception in quiet was measured at 50 dB SPL and 68 dB SPL input levels. The participants also completed a questionnaire on the best amplification option to use in different real-life environments during a 2 wk, take-home trial. The data were analyzed with repeated-measures analysis of variance. The findings showed that more listeners preferred the EBW for home use but that the frequency transposition was the least preferred. In addition, the performance of the EBW was better than that of the limited bandwidth in speech recognition but similar to that of the frequency transposition. The results supported the fitting of an EBW as the better choice for this group of listeners.