Results Of Speech Audiometry Research Articles

The effect of percutaneous and transcutaneous BAHA on hearing and subjective auditory abilities: A comparative study.

Hearing loss significantly affects communication, social interactions, and the overall quality of life. The bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) is an implantable system that bypasses the outer and middle ear to directly stimulate the cochlea through bone conduction. This study aimed to compare hearing performance and subjective auditory ability improvements between transcutaneous and percutaneous BAHA devices using audiological assessments and Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale. This cross-sectional prospective study included 29 participants aged 14 to 69 years who had used BAHA for at least 6 months. Both Cochlear Baha System's percutaneous (connect) and transcutaneous (attract) implants were evaluated. Audiological assessments involved pure-tone audiometry, speech recognition threshold, and free-field (FF) audiometry, while subjective auditory ability was measured using the Turkish Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing scale (Tr-SSQ). Significant improvements in FF audiometry averages and speech recognition thresholds were observed with BAHA compared to without BAHA (P < .001). Both implant types provided similar FF averages, speech audiometry results, and Tr-SSQ outcomes, with no significant differences between them. Tr-SSQ scores showed substantial satisfaction, indicating significant improvements in speech perception, spatial perception, and hearing quality with BAHA (P < .001). The findings align with previous research, demonstrating that BAHA is a reliable and effective solution for hearing rehabilitation. The study also emphasized the importance of using both audiological test results and daily hearing function scales to comprehensively evaluate the benefits of hearing rehabilitation in real-world environments. In conclusion, BAHA, regardless of the implant type, can provide predictable and lasting improvements in hearing thresholds and daily hearing abilities, making it a valuable option for patients with conductive hearing loss.

Factors to Describe the Outcome Characteristics of a CI Recipient.

Background: In cochlear implant (CI) treatment, there is a large variability in outcome. The aim of our study was to identify the independent audiometric measures that are most directly relevant for describing this variability in outcome characteristics of CI recipients. An extended audiometric test battery was used with selected adult patients in order to characterize the full range of CI outcomes. Methods: CI users were recruited for this study on the basis of their postoperative results and divided into three groups: low (1st quartile), moderate (medium decentile), and high hearing performance (4th quartile). Speech recognition was measured in quiet by using (i) monosyllabic words (40-80 dB SPL), (ii) speech reception threshold (SRT) for numbers, and (iii) the German matrix test in noise. In order to reconstruct demanding everyday listening situations in the clinic, the temporal characteristics of the background noise and the spatial arrangements of the signal sources were varied for tests in noise. In addition, a survey was conducted using the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities (SSQ) questionnaire and the Listening Effort (LE) questionnaire. Results: Fifteen subjects per group were examined (total N = 45), who did not differ significantly in terms of age, time after CI surgery, or CI use behavior. The groups differed mainly in the results of speech audiometry. For speech recognition, significant differences were found between the three groups for the monosyllabic tests in quiet and for the sentences in stationary (S0°N0°) and fluctuating (S0°NCI) noise. Word comprehension and sentence comprehension in quiet were both strongly correlated with the SRT in noise. This observation was also confirmed by a factor analysis. No significant differences were found between the three groups for the SSQ questionnaire and the LE questionnaire results. The results of the factor analysis indicate that speech recognition in noise provides information highly comparable to information from speech intelligibility in quiet. Conclusions: The factor analysis highlighted three components describing the postoperative outcome of CI patients. These were (i) the audiometrically measured supra-threshold speech recognition and (ii) near-threshold audibility, as well as (iii) the subjective assessment of the relationship to real life as determined by the questionnaires. These parameters appear well suited to setting up a framework for a test battery to assess CI outcomes.

Advantages of bilateral cochlear implantation

The authors studied the indicators of speech intelligibility – a critical indicator of the effectiveness of cochlear implantation (CI) in patients with deafness. The purpose of the study was to compare results of speech audiometry in deaf patients with single-side and bilateral cochlear implantation (CI). The study was conducted inchildren aged 6 to 17 years with maturedspeech skills. The results showed that speech intelligibility in group with bilateral CI higher than in single-side CI group. Bilateral cochlear implantation has more potential for efficient speech rehabilitation than single-side CI.

Investigating the Effects of Face Mask on Word Recognition Score Test During the COVID-19 Outbreak: Considerations and Limitations

Introduction: Using personal protective equipment, especially face masks, in the COVID-19 pandemic era may make verbal communication difficult. Furthermore, acoustic changes in mask-wearing conditions may affect speech audiometry results. This study investigates the effect of wearing a face mask on the word recognition score and the role of speech frequency content in this effect.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This study was planned and conducted in two phases. In the first phase, the validity and reliability of two speech material lists, high-pitch and low-pitch, were determined. In the second phase, the word recognition score was measured for “mask-wearing” and “covering mouth without a mask.”&#x0D; Results: The statistical analysis showed that the content validity ratio was 0.92, and the content validity index was 0.8. Therefore, both speech lists were valid. For these lists, the mixed analysis of variance analysis showed that the scores for “mask-wearing” were significantly lower than “covering mouth without a mask,” and there was more reduction in scores for the high-pitched list (F=8.7, df=1, P&lt;0.005).&#x0D; Conclusion: In terms of the impact of a face mask on speech, explaining how speech audiometry is performed, especially in monitoring treatments, may help limit the probability of misinterpretation of speech test findings. Furthermore, understanding the impact of face masks on word recognition scores in adopting sufficient auditory rehabilitation procedures is necessary.

Аудиометрия: значение графического представления результатов

The purpose of the work is to analyze the possibility and significance of graphical presentation of audiometry results, which is one of the key methods for diagnosing human hearing impairment. During the study, the following tasks were set and solved: 1) familiarization with the content of the audiometry method and its varieties; 2) studying the procedure for presenting the results of speech audiometry in graphic form; 3) analysis of examples of audiograms and other graphs reflecting the progress of treatment of a patient with asymmetric hearing.

Analysis of clinical audiological characteristics of noise-induced silent hearing loss

Objective: To explore the characteristics of audiology examination of Noise-Induced Hidden Hearing Loss (NIHHL), and then explore its valuable diagnostic methods.Methods: A total of 80 young men aged between 19 and 35 were selected. They were classified into the experimental group with noise exposure history and the control group without noise exposure history, with 40 men in each group. We carried out extended high-frequency audiometry test for good ears; conducted speech in noise measurement and distortion product emission for good ears; DPOAE test, compare and analyze the results of each test.Results: The extended high frequency hearing threshold test results showed that the hearing threshold of the experimental group was larger than that of the control group at the frequency above 8kHz, with significant statistical difference (p &lt; .01). The results of speech audiometry under noise showed that the signal-to-noise ratio loss in the experimental group was greater than that in the control group, with a significant statistical difference (p &lt; .01). The results of otoacoustic emission showed that the signal-to-noise ratio of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group at the frequency of 6 kHz and above, with a statistically significant difference (p &lt; .01). There is a correlation between pure tone audiometry and DPOAE test results at high frequencies (6 kHz: p &lt;. 0001, r = -.478; 8 kHz: p &lt; .0001, r = -.491;) ; There was a correlation between speech audiometry and DPOAE test results under noise (p = .031, r = -.299).Conclusion: Compared with the control group, the extended high frequency pure tone hearing threshold increased or could not be elicited in the experimental group, speech recognition ability decreased significantly under noise, DPOAE was normally elicited but signal-to-noise ratio decreased, and there was a certain correlation between them. The above three audiological examination methods have a certain reference value for early recognition of hidden hearing loss.

Speech audiometry indicators for diagnosis of hidden hearing loss in MP3 player users

StudywasconductedonthebasisoftheNationalCenterofAudiologyandS.tudy was conducted on the basis of the National Center of Audiology and S. KhechinashviliUniversityClinic.Apopulationof18to30yearsofagewasin-Khechinashvili University Clinic. A population of 18 to 30 years of age was in-cludedinthestudy–40subjectsand15individualsintheagegroup(50to55cluded in the study – 40 subjects and 15 individuals in the age group (50 to 55 years)wereselectedbasedontheirwillingnesstoparticipateinthestudybasedyears) were selected based on their willingness to participate in the study based onnon-randomcomplaintcomplaintsattheclinic.Themaingroupincluded22on non-random complaint complaints at the clinic. The main group included 22 (40%)MP3users,whilethecontrolgroupincluded18(33%)non–usersand(40%) MP3 users, while the control group included 18 (33%) non – users and 15(27%)personsinthemiddleagegroup.Ofthese,37(67%)werefemaleand15 (27%) persons in the middle age group. Of these, 37 (67%) were female and 18(33%)weremale.Auditorythresholdsweremeasuredmonaurallybythepure18 (33%) were male. Auditory thresholds were measured monaurally by the pure toneaudiometerwithinthebandof0.125-16kHzfrequencies.Attheprincipaltone audiometer within the band of 0.125-16 kHz frequencies. At the principal speechfrequencylink,1-8kHz,thethresholdsinplayermusicusersdidnotspeech frequency link, 1-8 kHz, the thresholds in player music users did not differfromthoseinnon-users.Athigherfrequenciesfrom9-16kHz,however,differ from those in non-users. At higher frequencies from 9-16 kHz, however, theplayermusicfanspossessedgreaterthresholdsmorethan25dB.Inanoisythe player music fans possessed greater thresholds more than 25 dB. In a noisy environment,speechaudiometryinnoisewasperformedtotesttheabilitytoenvironment, speech audiometry in noise was performed to test the ability to correctlydistinguishwords.Byexaminingtheresultsofspeechaudiometry,itcorrectly distinguish words. By examining the results of speech audiometry, it wasfoundthatoutof100wordsandthentheyrepeatthem.Mp3playeruserswas found that out of 100 words and then they repeat them. Mp3 player users hadworseresultthanadultgroup,higherunderstandingresultshadnon-users.had worse result than adult group, higher understanding results had non-users. The process of hearing disturbances along with a group-systematic character seemedthustoownanindividual-sensitivequalityalso.Systematicaudiometricalseemed thus to own an individual-sensitive quality also. Systematic audiometrical inspectionofpersonalmusicplayerfollowersisrecommendedforanin-timeinspection of personal music player followers is recommended for an in-time disclosureofahearingdisorderandanimmediatestartthenofcorrespondingdisclosure of a hearing disorder and an immediate start then of corresponding treatmentandpreventivemeans.Thehearingtestinghastoincludehightonetreatment and preventive means. The hearing testing has to include high tone frequencies,9-16kHz.Speechaudiometryinthenoisecanbeconsideredlikefrequencies, 9-16 kHz. Speech audiometry in the noise can be considered like goldstandardfordiagnosticofHiddenHearingLoss.gold standard for diagnostic of Hidden Hearing Loss.

Audiological benefit, quality of life, and factors associated with functional gain in elderly hearing aid users in a developing country between 2017 and 2020: a pre-post-study

BackgroundSensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common auditory deficit in older adults and may lead to quality-of-life deterioration. However, few studies have been performed in low/middle-income countries, particularly in Latin America. This study aimed to assess the audiological benefit, quality of life, and factors associated with functional gain in elderly hearing aid users in the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá and UNIMEQ-ORL, two otology referral centers in Colombia.DesignPre-post study that included hearing aid users at the otology consult of the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá and UNIMEQ-ORL between June 2017 and December 2020. Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) and Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) questionnaires were applied. Audiometric (0,5 kHz to 4 kHz) and speech audiometry results were collected.ResultsA total of 75 participants (132 ears) were included. The mean age was 70.73 years (SD: 12.66). The median hearing aid use in years was 0.71 (IQR: 0.64–0.90). Mean change in speech audiometry was − 26.53dB (95%CI: -28.09, -24.97; p < 0.001), in functional gain was − 21.75dB (-23.81, -19.68; p < 0.001). The mean changes in the APHAB domains were Ease of Communication: -37.85 (95%CI: -43.01; -32.7), Background Noise: -3.51 (-6.06; -0.95), and Aversiveness of Sounds: -6.9 (-2.04; 11.77). The GBI assessment of quality of life showed improvement in 100% of the population after the use of hearing aids. The number of years of hearing aids use was associated with functional gain.ConclusionThe number of years of hearing aids use may impact on the functional gain in these populations. A significant clinical benefit was found in terms of quality of life, communication, and reverberation related to the use of hearing aids. Access to hearing aids should be granted, and public health strategies are needed to grant the access to hearing rehabilitation in these populations.Trial registrationFundación Santa Fe de Bogotá (Protocol Number: CCEI-12666-2020).

Specific language impairment: speech perception in relation to noise

BackgroundChildren with specific language impairment (SLI) fail to develop age-appropriate language despite being apparently normal in other respects. Those children usually have abnormal speech perception in noise. This work is designed to investigate speech perception in background noise in those children. It included two groups of children: control group (15 children with normal typical language development) and study group (25 children diagnosed with SLI). All children were submitted to intelligence scale, language assessment, full audiological evaluation, and Arabic Pediatric Speech Intelligibility in noise test (PSI).ResultsResults showed no statically significant difference in total and verbal IQ, while non-verbal IQ was significantly lower in the study group. As regard results of speech audiometry, the control group had better SRT and higher WD% than the study group. Expressive, receptive, and total language scores were lower in the study group. Arabic Pediatric Speech Intelligibility in noise test showed significantly increased PSI scores with increasing the SNR from 0 to +8dB in both groups. The comparison between both groups showed a significant higher score in the control group at different S/N recording conditions.ConclusionsChildren with SLI have difficulty in speech perception when compared to typically developed language children. This difficulty is more apparent in the presence of background noise.

Effects of SoundBite Bone Conduction Hearing Aids on Speech Recognition and Quality of Life in Patients with Single-Sided Deafness.

Objectives To analyze the clinical application of SoundBite bone conduction hearing aids by assessing the improvement of speech recognition and the scores of the benefit scale questionnaire for patients with single-sided deafness (SSD). Design Nine patients aged 24 to 61 years with SSD for more than 3 months were enrolled in this study. The patients could understand and repeat Mandarin and have good compliance with the study. The measurements were evaluated before and after one month of wearing hearing aids using the pure tone audiometry threshold, speech recognition in quiet and in noise, and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) benefit scale score. Results Pure tone audiometry results showed that the average hearing threshold of good ears and bad ears was 11.4 ± 2.6 dB HL and 89.9 ± 6.4 dB HL, respectively. The average hearing threshold of bad ears after wearing hearing aids was 23.5 ± 9.0 dB HL. Statistical analysis showed that the hearing improvement for the bad ears after wearing hearing aids was significant. The speech audiometry results showed that the disyllable word recognition score of the bad ears in quiet increased significantly at 50 dB SPL by 40 ± 12 percentage points and at 65 dB SPL by 71 ± 15 percentage points. As for the speech recognition in noise, when the signal sound came from the bad ear side and the noise from the good ear side (SSSDNAH), the speech recognition score (SRS) significantly increased by 17 ± 6 and 9 ± 4 at a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of -2 dB and -5 dB, respectively, after wearing the hearing aids. When the signal sound came from the front of the patient and the noise from the bad ear side (S0NSSD), the SRS scores were reduced by 5 ± 5 and 7 ± 5 percentage points at SNR equal to -2 dB and -5 dB, which was significantly different from that before wearing the hearing aids. When the signal and noise both came from the front of the patients (S0N0), the SRS was not significantly increased by 5 ± 4 percentage points at SNR equal to -2 dB compared to before wearing hearing aids. However, the SRS was significantly increased by 5 ± 2 percentage points at SNR equal to -5 dB compared to before wearing hearing aids. The average total GBI score was 31 ± 12 for the nine patients, with an average score of 32 ± 10, 31 ± 8, and 30 ± 7 for general conditions, social support, and physical health, respectively. The results of the questionnaires showed that patients' quality of life was improved after wearing SoundBite bone conduction hearing aids. Conclusions SoundBite bone conduction hearing aids are a good choice for patients with SSD, as it could improve the speech recognition ability of patients both in a quiet and noisy environment and improves the quality of life after wearing hearing aids.

Analysis of Auditory Function of Patients With Parkinson Disease Based on Mandarin

Objective: This study aimed to assess hearing loss and speech recognition impairment in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) based on Mandarin through pure-tone audiometry and speech audiometry. Methods: In total, 32 PD patients and 32 age-matched normal controls were enrolled for pure-tone audiometry and speech audiometry using a GSI arrow audiometer together with the BOSCH Chinese speech audiometry system. Results: The results of pure-tone audiometry showed that PD patients exhibited more severe low-, medium-, or high-frequency hearing loss than normal controls, especially at higher frequencies, and there were significant differences in gender. In addition, the results of speech audiometry showed that the speech recognition threshold of PD patients was significantly higher than that of normal controls. Furthermore, at any of the 3 hearing levels of 70, 50, and 30 dB HL, the recognition rates of initials, finals, and tones were successively decreased in PD patients, especially initials. Conclusion: PD patients exhibited significant hearing loss and speech recognition impairment. The initial recognition was more dependent on the hearing levels.

Intratympanically administered steroid for progressive sensorineural hearing loss in Ménière’s disease

Background: Ménière’s disease is characterised by episodic rotational vertigo, sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and vegetative symptoms.Objectives: The aim of our study is to follow-up the effects of the intratympanic steroid treatment of hearing loss in MD.Material and methods: A group of 105 clinically diagnosed MD patients were enrolled in this investigation. Long-term follow-up was carried out, and pure tone speech audiometry results of the subjects before and after application of steroid were contrasted. Statistical analysis was carried out using the IBM SPSS V24 software.Results: Based on the audiograms in this population, all stages of hearing loss were presented (from slight to profound). In most of the cases (68.6%), after intratympanic dexamethasone treatment, stagnation in the hearing profile was achieved. Moreover, there was a smaller group demonstrating hearing improvement after the treatment (12.4%). According to logistic regression [p = .001; Odds ratio: 2.75 (95% CI 1.068–4.442,)], there was a strong correlation between hearing improvement and dexamethasone treatment (all patients were treated with intratympanic dexamethasone, while improvement without steroid treatment could never be attained).Conclusions and significance: Intratympanically administered dexamethasone is a potent agent to prevent the progression of hearing loss in MD.

Hearing impairment in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 2

To systematically assess auditory characteristics of a large cohort of patients with genetically confirmed myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2). Patients with DM2 were included prospectively in an international cross-sectional study. A structured interview about hearing symptoms was held. Thereafter, standardized otologic examination, pure tone audiometry (PTA; 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 kHz), speech audiometry, tympanometry, acoustic middle ear muscle reflexes, and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) were performed. The ISO 7029 standard was used to compare the PTA results with established hearing thresholds of the general population according to sex and age. Thirty-one Dutch and 25 French patients with DM2 (61% female) were included with a mean age of 57 years (range 31-78). The median hearing threshold of the DM2 cohort was higher for all measured frequencies, compared to the 50th percentile of normal (p < 0.001). Hearing impairment was mild in 39%, moderate in 21%, and severe in 2% of patients with DM2. The absence of an air-bone gap with PTA, concordant results of speech audiometry with PTA, and normal findings of BAEP suggest that the sensorineural hearing impairment is located in the cochlea. A significant correlation was found between hearing impairment and age, even when corrected for presbycusis. Cochlear sensorineural hearing impairment is a frequent symptom in patients with DM2, suggesting an early presbycusis. Therefore, we recommend informing about hearing impairment and readily performing audiometry when hearing impairment is suspected in order to propose early hearing rehabilitation with hearing aids when indicated.

The role of mono- and binaural hearing aid in the rehabilitation of the adult patients presenting with hearing impairment

The objective of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of mono- and binaural hearing aids in the rehabilitation of the adult patients of different age presenting with chronic symmetric hearing loss (CSHL). A total of 263 subjects at the age from 50 to 88 years complaining of moderate to severe (grade I-IV) chronic symmetric hearing impairment were available for the examination. Following the ENT examination with the application of pure tone audiometry and impedancometry, the participants of the study were supplied with the individually fitted digital behind-the-ear hearing instruments and underwent speech audiometry in the free sound field. The intelligibility of polysyllabic words in the calm and noisy environment was evaluated. A significant deterioration of the intelligibility was documented both under the quiet and noisy conditions. Its severity increased with the patients' age and the degree of hearing impairment. The comparison of the results of speech audiometry in the patients using either a single or two hearing aids gave evidence that binaural hearing aids were more efficient than monoaural ones in 86% of the patients. Re-examination of the same patients one year after the completion of the first study has demonstrated that 59% of them became permanent users of the hearing aids with 47% of them making regular use of simultaneously two hearing aids. It is concluded that speech audiometry in the free sound field can be recommended as a highly informative method that allows to substantiate the reasonable choice between the mono- and binaural hearing aids for the adult patients presenting with hearing impairment.

Tolerance and osteointegration of TricOsTM/MBCP® in association with fibrin sealant in mastoid obliteration after canal wall-down technique for cholesteatoma

Conclusion: The TricOs™/MBCP® and fibrin sealant composite was a convenient, effective, and well-tolerated material for mastoid cavity filling and immediate reconstruction of the external auditory meatus after cholesteatoma surgery with canal wall down (CWD). Objective: To assess the tolerance and osteointegration of a bone graft substitute, TricOs™/MBCP®, in association with fibrin sealant for filling the mastoid cavity after cholesteatoma surgery using the CWD technique. Methods: In this prospective observational study 57 patients with cholesteatoma suitable for CWD were recruited from April 2006 to April 2008 and followed up for 1 year. The mastoid cavity was filled with TricOs™/MBCP® followed by immediate reconstruction of the external auditory meatus covered with fascia temporalis and/or cartilage. The main outcome was skin tolerance assessed by a novel weighted score emphasizing long-term results. The typical weighted reference score was 1.67; skin tolerance was considered acceptable if 75% of patients had a score ≤ 1.67. Secondary outcomes were otorrhea and/or otalgia, hearing, and osteointegration assessed through computed tomography scanning at 12 months. Results: Forty-one patients had a complete follow-up; 34 (82.3%) patients achieved the main end point with scores ≤ 1.67. Otorrhea decreased postoperatively. No otalgia interfering with daily tasks was reported. Ossicular reconstruction was carried out in 29 patients. Absence of cochlear toxicity was confirmed by unimpaired bone conduction. Preoperative and postoperative speech audiometry results were similar. No serious adverse events were observed. Osteointegration was satisfactory with hyperdensity or intermediate density in 95% of patients at 12 months.

Utility of Vibrant Soundbridge in Patients with Congenital Middle and Outer Ear Deformities

ObjectiveTo report use of the Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) in patients with congenital deformation of the middle and outer ears and investigate its utility in this patient population. MethodFour patients with congenital deformation of middle and outer ears underwent VSB implantation. All were male (aged 3-18 years, average 13.5 years) and operated on the left side. Malformation was bilateral in 3 patients and unilateral in 1 patient. Surgical techniques were modified to accommodate each patient's unique conditions and needs. The implant site was approached via the facial recess in 3 patients and through a retro-facial nerve route in 1 patient. The VSB implant was connected to either the stapes (2 cases) or the round window (2 cases). Pure tone and speech audiometry results and daily communication capabilities before and after VSB activation were compared. ResultsThe operations were successful in all patients, with no complications. The patient communication level improved significantly after VSB activation. Average air conduction pure tone threshold or conditioned reflex audiometry threshold improved by 35 dB in the 0.25-4 kHz range, from 69 dB HL before VSB activation to 34 dB HL after. The sentence recognition rate in quiet at 65 dB SPL went up to 86% from 0% without VSB for patients with bilateral deformation and remained at 100% for the patient with unilateral deformity. However, for the latter patient, the rate improved to 20% from 0% without VSB in noise (-8 dB SNR). ConclusionVSB is an excellent solution for improving hearing in patients with congenital deformation of middle and outer ears. Operation can be completed and good results can be achieved even in patients with unique conditions and needs.

Audiological correlates of tumor parameters in acoustic neuromas

The objective of this study was undertaken to evaluate a correlation of pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry with tumor size, the presence of intrameatal extension, contralateral pure tone audiometry, and contralateral speech audiometry results at acoustic neuroma (AN) patients. Seventy-six patients with a unilateral-cerebellopontine angel tumor with/without internal acoustic canal (IAC) were included in this study. Data on pure tone audiometry, speech discrimination scores (SDS), speech reception thresholds (SRT), tumour size, and extension to IAC were analyzed retrospectively. As a result, patients with unilateral ANs had an asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss and had an asymmetric finding on the results of speech audiometry was present. We could not find any correlation between the size of the tumor and the hearing levels at each frequency. In addition, there appeared to be no significant correlation between the extension of tumor to the IAC and the audiological findings.

Natural History of Hearing Deterioration in Intracanalicular Vestibular Schwannoma

Intracanalicular vestibular schwannomas have a range of treatment options that can preserve hearing: microsurgery, stereotactic radiotherapy, and conservative observation. To evaluate the natural course of hearing deterioration during a period of conservative observation. A retrospective case review was performed on 47 patients with a unilateral intracanalicular vestibular schwannoma. Evaluation of growth was monitored by repeat MRI scanning. Repeated pure-tone and speech audiometry results were evaluated for subgroups of patients showing growth or no growth and by subsite location of tumor in the internal auditory canal. Patients had a mean follow-up of 3.6 years. Over the entire population, the pure-tone average thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 kHz and the word recognition scores both significantly deteriorated from 38 to 51 dB HL, and from 66% to 55%, respectively. Overall, 74% of subjects with good hearing, according to the 50/50 rule, maintained hearing above this rule. There were no significant differences in hearing loss by subsite in the internal auditory canal (porus, fundus, central) or by growth status (stable, growing, shrinking). Only 6 patients showed a large hearing change. This happened early during follow-up, with relatively stable hearing after this. Hearing will deteriorate in some intracanalicular vestibular schwannomas, regardless of tumor growth. Hearing deterioration, if on a large scale, most likely occurs early in follow-up. The present results using conservative management in these tumors appear similar to those reported for stereotactic radiotherapy or microsurgery.

Preliminary clinical research of cochlear implantation in elderly and pre-elderly patients with profound hearing loss

To explore the safety and efficacy of cochlear implantation among elderly patients with severe to profound hearing loss. Eight pre-elderly and elderly patients with an medium age of 58 years who suffered from bilateral severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss received cochlear implantation between November 2008 and November 2009. The patients' tolerance to implant surgery and the occurrence of complications were observed. Three months after switch-on, aided threshold and speech performance were measured. The surgery was uneventful in all cases with normal intraoperative neural response telemetry elicited. Three months after switch-on, average aided threshold across speech frequencies was 35 - 50 dB HL measured in sound field with warble tone. The results of speech audiometry showed large variation between individuals. Some patients achieved good performance in monosyllable recognition test, disyllables threshold test and sentences recognition test under both bubble noise and quiet conditions. Pre-elderly and elderly patients can endure a state of general anesthesia for cochlear surgery without complications. Cochlear implant can provide reconstruction of speech recognition capabilities for elderly patients suffering from severe to profound hearing loss. Cochlear implantation can improve the quality of life of elderly patients with hearing loss.

リオン補聴相談室における両耳装用の現況 （第２報） 語音聴力検査成績からの検討

リオン補聴相談室における両耳装用の現況 （第２報） 語音聴力検査成績からの検討