Moderate Hearing Loss Group Research Articles

Unilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Congenital Cytomegalovirus Retrospective Observational Study.

The leading nonhereditary cause of childhood sensorineural hearing loss has been attributed to congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV). Sensorineural hearing loss can be unilateral (UHL) or bilateral (BHL), and may be progressive. Our objective was to describe the characteristics, clinical nature and follow-up of ears in cCMV-associated UHL. This 16-year retrospective study was performed at Schneider's Medical Center, Israel. Data were collected from all cCMV infants with UHL at birth who were treated with antiviral treatment initiated within the first 4 weeks of life and had a follow-up period of at least 1 year. We enrolled 67 infants diagnosed with UHL at birth: 17 (25%) with mild hearing loss, 22 (33%) with moderate hearing loss and 28 (42%) with severe hearing loss. At the last follow-up visit, 7 (41%) ears in the mild hearing loss group improved to normal hearing, 8 (47%) ears exhibited no change and 2 (12%) ears deteriorated. In the moderate hearing loss group, 9 (41%) ears improved, 7 (32%) remained static and 6 (27%) deteriorated to the severe hearing loss group. One (4%) ear in the severe hearing loss group showed improvement. Of the 67 ears with normal hearing at birth, 4 (6%) ears deteriorated. This study assessed and elucidated the characteristics, clinical nature and long-term follow-up of both the affected and unaffected ears diagnosed with UHL due to cCMV. These data are crucial when medical and/or surgical interventions are considered.

Correlation between Hearing Impairment and the Triglyceride Glucose Index in Middle-Aged Female Based on a Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between insulin resistance, as measured by the triglyceride–glucose index (TyG index), and hearing impairment in middle-aged women in Korea. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey utilized data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) IV (2007–2009), specifically from the period after July 21, 2009, when hearing test results became available, and from the KNHANES V (2010–2012). This study was conducted on 5416 women aged 40 to 69 who had completed both the health examination survey and audiometric tests, excluding those with missing data on menopausal status and the use of hormone replacement therapy. Results: In the study group, the prevalence of high-frequency hearing loss according to the TyG index was significantly higher in the mild hearing loss group (OR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.49, p < 0.001) and the moderate hearing loss group (OR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.48, p = 0.002). Conversely, the prevalence of low-frequency hearing loss did not show a significant difference in either the mild hearing loss group (OR = 1.17; 95% CI: 0.99, 1.37, p = 0.065) and the moderate hearing loss group (OR = 1.13; 95% CI: 0.94, 1.35, p = 0.199) Conclusions: Since diabetes can induce hearing impairment in women, it is recommended that women with a high TyG index undergo early hearing tests

Physical Inactivity and Sedentariness in Older Hearing Loss patients: Restoration With Hearing Aids.

Hearing loss causes numerous functional deficits. However, few studies have been conducted to assess the association between hearing loss and physical inactivity. This study aimed to evaluate the physical activity and sedentary behavior of hearing loss patients and their relation with the use of hearing aids. We extracted participants over 60 years of age with information on hearing status and physical activities from the eighth Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey conducted from 2019 to 2020. We classified them into four groups: a normal hearing group (≤25 dB), a mild hearing loss group (>25 dB and ≤40 dB), a moderate hearing loss group (>40 dB and ≤50 dB), and a non-serviceable hearing group (>50 dB). Additionally, we extracted hearing aid users with hearing levels exceeding 50 dB. After adjusting other factors, the non-serviceable hearing group walked less frequently than the moderate (p = 0.004) and mild hearing loss group (p < 0.001) and walked less and sat more than the normal hearing group (walking frequency: p < 0.001; walking time: p = 0.020; and sitting time: p = 0.034). Also, the hearing aid users walked more frequently (p = 0.003) and for longer (p = 0.045) than the non-serviceable hearing group. Hearing loss is associated with reduced walking and a sedentary lifestyle. The use of hearing aids is associated with improved physical activity. Appropriate interventions, including hearing aids, should be provided to hearing loss patients. 3 (individual cross-sectional study) Laryngoscope, 2024.

The effect of sensorineural hearing loss on central auditory processing of signals in noise in older adults.

The study aimed to explore the effect of sensorineural hearing loss on the central auditory processing of signals in noise using cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) in a cohort of older adults. Three groups of individuals participated in the study. Each group included 33 older adults with normal hearing, those with mild hearing loss and those with moderate hearing loss. N1-P2 peaks of CAEPs by speech stimuli in silent conditions and with varying sound pressure levels of background noise were recorded. CAEP latencies, amplitudes and relative changes in CAEP amplitudes as a function of decreasing signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) in three groups were analyzed using the mixed analysis of variance method. There was a significant main effect of SNR on all CAEP components, as well as significant main effects of hearing status on N1 latencies, amplitudes and relative changes in N1 amplitudes. A significant interaction was found between hearing status and SNR for relative changes in N1 amplitudes. The normal hearing group differed from both the mild and moderate hearing loss groups in terms of relative changes in N1 amplitudes at SNR 10 dB. The results showed decreased amplitudes and increased latencies for N1-P2 response as the SNR of CAEP stimuli was lowered. The degree of reduction in the N1 amplitudes of the older people with normal hearing resulting from the increase in the background noise level was greater than those in their sensorineural hearing-impaired counterparts, providing evidence for decreased central inhibition for individuals with age-related hearing loss.

Application of auditory brainstem response to different types of hearing loss in infants

Objective:The aim of this study is to analyze the variation characteristics of ABR wave latency and wave interval in different functional states of middle ear and different hearing levels, and to explore the value of ABR detection method in hearing assessment of infants. Methods:A total of 670 children were enrolled in the Pediatric Hearing Diagnosis and Treatment Center of the Department of Otolaryngology head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University from May 2020 to April 2021. According to the hearing test results, they were divided into group A normal group（632 ears）. Group B consisted of normal middle ear function and abnormal hearing（157 ears）, further divided into mild hearing loss subgroup（49 ears）, moderate hearing loss subgroup（47 ears） and severe to very severe hearing loss subgroup（61 ears）. Group C was a group with abnormal middle ear function（551 ears）, which was further divided into normal hearing subgroup（307 ears）, mild hearing loss subgroup（110 ears）, moderate hearing loss subgroup（107 ears） and severe to very severe hearing loss subgroup（27 ears）. The differences of Ⅰ, Ⅲ, Ⅴ Wave Latency, Ⅰ-Ⅲ, Ⅰ-Ⅴ wave interval between subgroups B and C and Group A, and between subgroups B and C were analyzed. Results:When the stimulus intensity was 80 dB nHL, there was no significant difference in ABR latency and wave interval between group B and group A, and there was no significant difference between group B and group A（P>0.05）, nor between the two groups（P>0.05）. In the subgroup of severe to very severe hearing loss, some ABRⅠ, Ⅲ and Ⅴwaves could not be elicited, only Ⅲ and Ⅴ waves were elicited from 4 ears and Ⅴ waves were elicited from 7 ears. The mean latency of 11 ear Ⅲ and Ⅴ waves was （5.20±0.44） ms and （6.80±0.75） ms, respectively, which was longer than that of mild and moderate hearing loss subgroups. Compared with group A, the latency of normal hearing subgroup in group C was significantly prolonged only for wave Ⅰ, and the latency of wave I, Ⅲ and Ⅴin other subgroups was significantly prolonged（P<0.01）. In terms of Ⅰ-Ⅲ and Ⅰ-Ⅴ wave intervals, there was no significant difference between group C and group A in normal hearing subgroup and mild loss subgroup. The subgroup of moderate hearing loss and the subgroup of severe to very severe hearing loss were significantly shorter than the group A（P<0.01）. Compared with the normal group, the latency of Ⅰ, Ⅲ and Ⅴ waves in group C were significantly longer（P<0.01）. The latency of wave Ⅰ, in the moderate hearing loss group was significantly longer than that in the mild hearing loss group（P<0.001）. The latency of each wave in severe to very severe hearing loss subgroup was significantly longer than that in mild and moderate hearing loss subgroup（P<0.001）. There was no difference between mild hearing loss subgroup and normal hearing subgroup（P>0.05）. The subgroup of moderate hearing loss and severe to very severe hearing loss were significantly shorter than the subgroup of normal hearing and the subgroup of mild hearing loss, and there was a significant difference between the two groups（P<0.01）. Conclusion:In sensorineural hearing loss, mild and moderate hearing loss had no significant effect on the latency and interwave period of ABR. The latency of each wave in severe to very severe hearing loss cannot be elicited normally or only Ⅲ and Ⅴ waves can be elicited, and it is significantly prolonged. The latency of ABR Ⅰwave was significantly prolonged when middle ear function was abnormal. The latency of each wave was significantly prolonged when middle ear function was abnormal and hearing was abnormal. When hearing loss reaches a certain degree, the interwave period is shortened significantly. Therefore, for mild to moderate hearing loss, the prolonged latency of ABRⅠ wave is of certain value for the qualitative diagnosis of hearing loss, and the prolonged latency of ABR Ⅰwave is of significance for judging middle ear dysfunction in infants.

Correspondência entre alvo e saída da prótese auditiva segundo as regras prescritivas NAL-NL1 e NAL-NL2

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare the targets prescribed by the non-linear NAL with the real ear aided response - REAR obtained through probe microphone in the setting of effective use according to the degree of hearing loss. Methods 67 experienced hearing aid users participated in the study. All were reassessed when attending follow-up sessions. At that moment, they were asked whether they had any complaints with respect to the amplification. An audiological evaluation was performed, the hours of use of the device were recorded and the new probe microphone measurement was taken. Results The percentage of ears with REAR within ± 10dB of the prescriptive target was verified. It was observed that 80% of the hearing aids of all groups reached the analyzed range, with the exception of the moderate hearing loss group. We also performed the analysis of the percentage of ears whose hearing aid response was within ± 5 dB for the low frequencies and ± 8 dB for the high frequencies, and it was observed that less than 80% of the adjustments reached this range. Confidence intervals were constructed to verify the preference fit to target of experienced users. Conclusion The range of ±10dB proves to be the users’ preference. For experienced users, it is suggested that the adaptation phase be found in the range of ±3 in the low and medium frequencies and ±7 in the high frequency region

Prevalence of usage of hearing aids and its association with cognitive impairment in Japanese community-dwelling elders with hearing loss

ObjectiveHearing loss is a risk factor for cognitive impairment, and the use of a hearing aid (HA) may prevent cognitive decline alongside hearing loss. We aimed to elucidate the prevalence of self-reported HA usage in Japanese community-dwelling elders with hearing loss, and the effect of hearing and HA on cognitive impairment. MethodsA total of 1193 participants, who had audiometric defined hearing loss and were aged 60 years or over, had their cumulative 3260 observations followed up for 10 years from a large cohort of a Japanese study. Association between hearing (pure-tone average threshold level at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz from the better hearing ear: PTABHE) and HA usage with cognitive impairment (total score of Mini-Mental State Estimation was under 27 or diagnosed as dementia) was analyzed using generalized estimating equations. ResultsThe HA usage rate of the 1193 community-dwelling elders with hearing loss was 6% during the first involvement. The majority (59.2%) of HA users always used an HA. HA usage rate was 0.7% for the mild hearing loss group and 32.4% for the moderate or greater hearing loss group in the latest participating wave. PTABHE was significantly associated with cognitive impairment (odds ratio for every 10 dB 1.36; 95% CI 1.21–1.53, p<0.0001) after adjusting for age, sex, education, depressed mood, smoking status, alcohol intake, income, activity, obesity, histories of hypertension, dyslipidemia, ischemic heart disease, diabetes, stroke, ear disease, and occupational noise exposure. PTABHE was also significantly associated with cognitive impairment in the mild hearing loss group (odds ratio for every 10 dB 1.34; 95% CI 1.05–1.72, p = 0.020) and moderate hearing loss group (odds ratio for every 10 dB 1.82; 95% CI 1.27–2.61, p = 0.001). HA use showed a significant suppressive effect on cognitive impairment in those with moderate hearing loss who always use an HA (odds ratio 0.54; 95% CI 0.30–1.00, p = 0.049). ConclusionThe prevalence of HA usage among Japanese community-dwelling elders with hearing loss is consistent, at around 10%. The hearing level remained a primary risk factor for cognitive impairment among elders with hearing loss after adjusting for several confounding factors. Regular HA use may have a protective effect on cognitive impairment in those with moderate hearing loss.

Association Between Hearing Loss and Postural Instability in Older Korean Adults

Hearing loss is one of the most frequently occurring sensory disabilities worldwide. The association between hearing loss and postural instability in an older population remains to be studied. To determine whether the odds of postural instability increase with the degree of hearing loss and to suggest criteria for hearing rehabilitation for postural instability. This cross-sectional population-based study of 3864 participants 40 years and older with hearing loss used data from 2010 through 2012 in the fifth edition of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nationwide survey of South Korea. Pure tone audiometry was performed on both the left and right sides and each hearing grade of each side was classified into 1 of 3 subcategories: normal hearing, mild hearing loss, or moderate hearing loss (moderate hearing loss or worse). Postural instability was defined as the failure to remain standing on a foam pad surface with feet 10 cm apart with arms folded and hands cupping the elbows and eyes closed. A binomial logistic regression model was used to assess the association between hearing loss and postural instability. Data were analyzed from August 18, 2019, to September 2, 2019. Age-related hearing loss defined as a threshold of 26 dB or more. The degree of hearing loss and postural instability. Of the 3864 participants included in the study, the mean (SD) age was 57.8 (11.3) years and 2135 (55.2%) were women. Female sex was associated with higher odds of postural instability compared with male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.65; 95% CI, 1.12-2.42, adjusted for age and hearing status), and the odds of postural instability increased with every 1 year increase in age (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.10-1.16, adjusted for sex and hearing status). Unilateral or bilateral mild hearing loss was not associated with an increase in the odds of postural instability, but moderate hearing loss present on at least 1 side was associated with an increase in the odds of postural instability: unilateral moderate hearing loss group (OR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.12-6.10, adjusted for age and sex), one mild and the other moderate hearing loss group (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.16-4.09, adjusted for age and sex), and bilateral moderate hearing loss group (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.27-4.33, adjusted for age and sex). Aging, female sex, and having hearing loss were associated with postural instability in this analysis. Moderate or worse hearing loss present on at least 1 side was associated with increased odds of postural instability. Future research in this area is warranted to identify more precise interrelationships and preventive measures.

White-matter integrity and hearing acuity decline in healthy subjects: Magnetic resonance tractography.

The association between hearing acuity and white-matter (WM) microstructure integrity was evaluated in a normal healthy population with a variety of hearing acuity using an automated tractography technique known as TRACULA (TRActs Constrained by UnderLying Anatomy) in order to investigate whether hearing acuity decline is correlated with brain structural connectivity. Forty healthy controls were recruited to this study, which used a Siemens 3T Trio with a standard eight-channel head coil. Hearing acuity was assessed using pure-tone air conduction audiometry (Amplivox 2160, with Audiocups to eliminate noise and allow accurate pure-tone audiometry). Handedness and anxiety and depression were assessed for all participants in this study using the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, respectively. This study showed a significant reduction in WM volume of the left cingulum angular bundle (CAB; t = 2.32, p = 0.02) in the mild to moderate hearing-loss group (238 ± 223 mm2) compared to the group with normal hearing (105 ± 121 mm2). The WM integrity of the left CAB was found to be significantly different (t = 2.06, p = 0.04) in the mild to moderate hearing-loss group (0.18 ± 0.06 mm2/s) compared to the group with normal hearing (0.22 ± 0.05 mm2/s). The WM integrity of the left anterior thalamic radiation (ATR) was found to be significantly different (t = 2.58, p = 0.014) in the mild to moderate hearing-loss group (0.33 ± 0.05 mm2/s) compared to the group with normal hearing (0.37 ± 0.03 mm2/s). A significant negative correlation was found between age and the WM integrity of the right ATR (r = -0.33, p = 0.038), and between hearing acuity and the WM integrity of the right ATR (r = -0.38, p = 0.013) and left CAB (r = -0.36, p = 0.019). Discussion and conclusion: An important finding in this study is that brain structural connectivity changes in the left hemisphere seem to be associated with age-related hearing loss found mainly in the ATR and CAB tracts.

Frequency-specific hearing results after stapes surgery for Chinese population otosclerosis with different degrees of hearing loss

Background: Frequency-specific hearing studies are important for predicting hearing results and the prognosis after stapes surgery, to prepare for the rehabilitation of frequency-specific hearing in patients with otosclerosis.Objectives: To evaluate outcomes of stapes surgery of Chinese otosclerosis patients with different degrees of hearing loss.Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 213 otosclerosis patients who underwent stapes surgery in our hospital. Pre- and post-operative audiometric evaluation using conventional audiometry.Results: The post-op ABG was less than 20 dB in 94.52% of all cases after surgery. There was no statistical significance of the post-op ABG among different groups at all frequencies except extremely severe group (p < .05). There was a significant improvement of both AC and BC thresholds in post-op period and the most significant improvement was found in severe group. There were no serious post-op complications and no re-operations during the follow-up period.Conclusion: Stapes surgery is a suitable treatment option for otosclerosis with mild to extremely severe HL. The mild to moderate hearing loss groups had the most significant improvement of AC thresholds in the low frequency region, and the severe to extremely severe groups appeared in the high frequency region.

Clinical Performance Evaluation of a Personal Sound Amplification Product vs a Basic Hearing Aid and a Premium Hearing Aid

Hearing loss is a highly prevalent condition with multiple negative associated outcomes, yet few persons with hearing loss have hearing aids (HAs). Personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) could be an alternative low-cost solution to HAs, but data are lacking on the performance of PSAPs. To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a PSAP by comparing its performance with that of a basic HA and a premium HA in participants with mild, moderate, and moderately severe hearing impairment. A prospective, single-institution cohort study was performed with a total of 56 participants, including 19 with mild hearing loss, 20 with moderate hearing loss, and 17 with moderately severe hearing loss. All participants underwent 4 clinical hearing tests with each of the PSAP, basic HA, and premium HA, and all completed an evaluative questionnaire. All hearing devices (PSAP, basic HA, and premium HA) were applied by a clinician to prevent bias and order effects; participants were blinded to the device in use, and sequence of devices was randomized. The study used the Korean version of the hearing in noise test, the speech intelligibility in noise test, listening effort measurement using a dual-task paradigm, pupillometry, and a self-rating questionnaire regarding sound quality and preference. These tests were administered under the following 4 hearing conditions: unaided hearing, use of PSAP, use of basic HA, and use of premium HA. The study included 56 participants with a mean age of 56 years (interquartile range, 48-59 years); 29 (52%) were women. In the mild and moderate hearing loss groups, there was no meaningful difference between PSAP, basic HA, and premium HA for speech perception (Cohen d = 0.06-1.05), sound quality (Cohen d = 0.06-0.71), listening effort (Cohen d = 0.10-0.92), and user preference (PSAP, 41%; basic HA, 28%; premium HA, 31%). However, for the patients with moderately severe hearing loss, the premium HA had better performance across most tests (Cohen d = 0.60-1.59), and 70% of participants preferred to use the premium HA. The results indicate that basic and premium HAs were not superior to the PSAP in patients with mild to moderate hearing impairment, which suggests that PSAPs might be used as an alternative to HAs in these patient populations. However, if hearing loss is more severe, then HAs, especially premium HAs, should be considered as an option to manage hearing loss.

Smart Phone Based Audiometry in City Traffic Police.

Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is defined as "reduction in auditory acuity associated with noise exposure". Traffic police is a bundle of people who are the usual sufferer of this type of increased hearing threshold. In developing countries like India, many of them are unable to access audiology services, because of shortage of trained professionals and limited sources. Smartphone based audiometry is easy and can detect hearing loss as early as possible. To study hearing threshold in traffic police. Total 88 persons were included in the study. An occupational history was taken regarding duration of posting followed by smart phone based audiometry (Hearing Test TM software) test. Out of total 88 persons, 80 were having increased hearing thresholds which were suggestive of noise induced hearing loss. Out of total 88 persons 8 were in normal group, 24 were in mild hearing loss group, 42 were in moderate hearing loss group and 14 were in severe hearing loss group. Total number of person with notch at 4000/6000Hz was 28, suggestive of particular pattern of noise induced hearing loss. During the last decade, mobile phones have evolved like anything. Furthermore, the utilization of health-related applications has gained increased focus. Health-related applications are useful, less time consuming and with increased efficiency by early diagnoses. There are many of smart-phone hearing applications that are already in use. They use similar principle as audiometer. This kind of application will narrow down the supply and demand ratio of audiology service in developing countries.

The Acceptable Noise Level Benefit From Directionality for Listeners With Severe Hearing Loss.

Objectives Directional microphone technology can enhance the speech intelligibility and listening comfort of listeners with hearing impairment. The main aim of this study is to investigate and compare the benefit derived by listeners with severe hearing loss from directional microphone technology with that derived by listeners with moderate hearing loss.Methods The acceptable noise levels (ANLs) of two groups of listeners with moderate or severe hearing impairment (17 subjects in each group) were measured under unaided, omnidirectional-baseline-aided, and directional-aided conditions.Results Although the absolute ANL of the listeners in the severe hearing loss group was significantly higher than that of the listeners in the moderate hearing loss group, their derived benefit was equivalent to that derived by the listeners in the moderate hearing loss group. ANL and hearing loss degree were significantly related. Specifically, the ANL increased with the severity of hearing loss.Conclusion Directional microphone technology can provide the benefits of listening comfort to listeners with severe hearing loss.