A long-standing controversy concerning the pros and cons of Vll selective amplification for the sensorineural hypacusic has been and is now being waged. There exists clinical evidence to the effect that some cases with high -frequency sensorineural hearing loss can receive benefit through selective amplification. The purpose of this study was to examine several aspects of the speech signal that could be affecting intelligibility when speech is presented at high -intensity levels.

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The purpose of the study was to determine whether hearing aids with binaural processing improve performance during a localization and a hearing in noise task. The study included 16 participants, ages 29 – 67, with bilateral, essentially symmetrical, sensorineural hearing loss who had no prior hearing aid experience. Participants were fit with Oticon Epoq XW hearing aids bilaterally and completed the localization and the hearing in noise task with three listening conditions: (1) without hearing aids (NO), (2) with hearing aids that were not linked (BIL), and (3) with hearing aids that were linked (BIN). For the localization task, 1.5 second pink noise bursts at 75 dB SPL were used as the stimulus. A 180° 11-speaker array was set up to the right or left side of the participants. A twelfth speaker on the contralateral side of the array introduced constant background pink noise at 65 dB SPL. Results revealed that participants performed the best with the NO condition, followed by BIL, then BIN. There was a significant difference between NO and BIL and NO and BIN. For the hearing in noise (HIN) task, sentences from the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) were used as target stimuli. Continuous discourse by one male and two female talkers were used as maskers. There were four masker conditions for this task: (1) signal at 0°, masker at 90° (S0-N90), (2) signal at 0°, masker at 180° (S0-N180), (3) signal at 0°, masker at 270° (S0-N270), and (4) signal at 0°, maskers at 90°, 180°, and 270° (S0-N90, 180, 270). Results revealed that there was no significant difference between listening conditions when all masker conditions were considered. When the one-masker conditions were included, there was a significant difference between the NO and BIL and the NO and BIN conditions with the best performance for BIL, followed by BIN, then NO. Results also revealed a significant difference between masker conditions with the best performance for S0-N270, next best for S0-N90, followed by S0-N180, then S0-N90, 180, 270. / text

Doctor Educationis / Ototoxic induced hearing loss is a common adverse event related to aminoglycosides used in Multi Drug Resistant -Tuberculosis treatment. Exposure to ototoxic drugs damages the structures of the inner ear. Symptomatic hearing loss presents as tinnitus, decreased hearing, a blocked sensation, difficulty understanding speech, and perception of fluctuating hearing, dizziness and hyperacusis/recruitment. The World Health Organization (1995) indicated that most cases of ototoxic hearing loss globally could be attributed to treatment with aminoglycosides. The aim of the study was to determine the proportion of DR-TB patients initiated on treatment at three decentralized sites during a defined period (1st October to 31st December 2015) who developed ototoxic induced hearing loss and the corresponding risk factors, whilst receiving audiological monitoring with an extended high frequency audiometer (KUDUwave). A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. Cumulatively across the three decentralized sites, 69 patient records were reviewed that met the inclusion criteria of the study. The mean age of the patients was 36.1, with a standard deviation (SD) of 10.7 years; more than half (37) were female. Ototoxicity , a threshold shift, placing patients at risk of developing a hearing loss was detected in 56.5% (n=39)of patients and not detected in 30.4%(n=21).The remaining 13,1% (n=9)is missing data. As a result, the regimen was adjusted in 36.2% of patients. . From the 53 patients who were tested for hearing loss post completion of the injectable phase of treatment, 22.6% (n=12) had normal hearing, 17.0 % (n=9) had unilateral hearing loss, and 60.4% (n=32) had bilateral hearing loss. Therefore, a total of 41 patients had a degree of hearing loss: over 30% (n=22)had mild to moderate hearing loss, and only about 15% (n=11)had severe to profound hearing loss. Analysis of risk factors showed that having ototoxicity detected and not adjusting regimen significantly increases the risk of patients developing a hearing loss. The key findings of the study have shown that a significant proportion of DR-TB patients receiving an aminoglycoside based regimen are at risk of developing ototoxic induced hearing loss, despite receiving audiological monitoring with an extended high frequency audiometer that allows for early detection of ototoxicity (threshold shift).

A perda auditiva no idoso acarreta em dificuldade na percepção da fala. O teste comumente utilizado na logoaudiometria é a pesquisa do índice de reconhecimento de fala máximo (IR-Max) em uma única intensidade de apresentação da fala. Entretanto, o procedimento mais adequado seria a realização do teste em diversas intensidades, visto que o índice de acerto depende da intensidade da fala no momento do teste e está relacionado com o grau e configuração da perda auditiva. A imprecisão na obtenção do IR-Max poderá gerar uma hipótese diagnóstica errônea e o insucesso no processo de intervenção na perda auditiva. Objetivo: Verificar a interferência do nível de apresentação da fala, no teste de reconhecimento de fala, em idosos com perda auditiva sensorioneural com diferentes configurações audiométricas. Métodos: Participaram 64 idosos, 120 orelhas (61 do gênero feminino e 59 do gênero masculino), idade entre 60 e 88 anos, divididos em grupos: G1- composto por 23 orelhas com configuração horizontal, G2- 55 orelhas com configuração descendente, G3- 42 orelhas com configuração abrupta. Os critérios de inclusão foram: perda auditiva sensorioneural de grau leve a severo, não usuário de aparelho de amplificação sonora individual (AASI), ou com tempo de uso inferior a dois meses, e ausência de alterações cognitivas. Foram realizados os seguintes procedimentos: pesquisas do limiar de reconhecimento de fala (LRF), do índice de reconhecimento de fala (IRF) em diversas intensidades e do nível de máximo conforto (MCL) e desconforto (UCL) para a fala. Para tal, foram utilizadas listas com 11 monossílabos, para diminuir a duração do teste. A análise estatística foi composta pelo teste Análise de Variância (ANOVA) e teste de Tukey. Resultados: A configuração descendente foi a de maior ocorrência. Indivíduos com configuração horizontal apresentaram índice médio de acerto mais elevado de reconhecimento de fala. Ao considerar o total avaliado, 27,27% dos indivíduos com configuração horizontal revelaram o IR-Max no MCL, assim como 38,18% com configuração descendente e 26,19% com configuração abrupta. O IR-Max foi encontrado no UCL, em 40,90% dos indivíduos com configuração horizontal, 45,45% com configuração descendente e 28,20% com configuração abrupta. Respectivamente, o maior e o menor índice médio de acerto foram encontrados em: G1- 30 e 40 dBNS; G2- 50 e 10 dBNS; G3- 45 e 10 dBNS. Não há uma única intensidade de fala a ser utilizada em todos os tipos de configurações audiométricas, entretanto, os níveis de sensação que identificaram os maiores índices médios de acerto foram: G1- 20 a 30 dBNS, G2- 20 a 50 dBNS; G3- 45 dBNS. O MCL e o UCL-5 dB para a fala não foram eficazes para determinar o IR-Max. Conclusões: O nível de apresentação teve influência no desempenho no reconhecimento de fala para monossílabos em idosos com perda auditiva sensorioneural em todas as configurações audiométricas. A perda auditiva de grau moderado e a configuração audiométrica descendente foram mais frequentes nessa população, seguida da abrupta e horizontal. / Hearing loss in elderly causes difficulty in speech perception. The test commonly used in speech audiometry is the search for the maximum speech recognition score (PB-Max) in a single presentation intensity of speech. However, the most adequate procedure would be the test at multiple intensities considering that the correct level depends on the intensity of the speech at the moment of the test and is related to the degree and configuration of hearing loss. The imprecision in obtaining the PB-Max can produce an erroneous diagnostic hypothesis and failure in the intervention process in hearing loss. Purpose: To verify the interference of the level of speech presentation, through the speech recognition test, in elderly patients with sensorineural hearing loss with different audiometric configurations. Methods: Participants were 64 elderly, 120 ears (61 females and 59 males), ages ranging from 60 to 88, divided into three groups: G1- comprising 23 ears with flat configuration, G2- 55 ears with gradually sloping, G3- 42 ears with steeply sloping configuration. The criteria of inclusion of individuals were: sensorineural hearing loss from mild to severe degree, no hearing aid users, or period of use lower than two months, and absence of any cognitive impairment. The following procedures were performed: speech recognition threshold (SRT), word recognition scores at multiple intensities, most comfortable loudness level (MCL) and uncomfortable loudness level (UCL) using speech stimuli. For the procedure above, lists of 11 monosyllabic words were presented, in order for the test duration to be reduced. Statistical analysis was made by the test Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey\'s test. Results: The gradually sloping configuration was the most common. Subjects with flat configuration showed higher correct mean level in speech recognition. Considering the total ears assessed, 27.27% of subjects with flat configuration revealed the PB-max in MCL, as well as, 38.18% with gradually sloping and 26.19% with steeply sloping configuration. The PB-max was found in the UCL, in 40.90% of the subjects with a flat configuration, 45.45% with gradually sloping configuration and 28.20% with steeply sloping configuration. Respectively, the highest and the lowest correct mean indexes were found: G1- 30 and 40 dB SL; G2- 50 and 10 dB SL; G3- 45 and 10 dB SL. There is not a single speech intensity to be used in all types of audiometric configurations, however, the sensation levels that identified the correct mean levels were found: G1 - 20-30 dB SL, G2 - 20-50 dB SL; G3 - 45 dB SL. The MCL and UCL-5 dB using speech stimuli, were not effective to determine the PB-Max. Conclusion: The presentation level influenced the performance in speech recognition for monosyllables in elderly patients with sensorineural hearing loss in all audiometric configurations. Moderate hearing loss and gradually sloping configuration were more frequent in this population, followed by steeply sloping and flat configuration.

A surdez neurossensorial imunomediada (SNIM) é uma das formas reversíveis de surdez neurossensorial, justificando a necessidade de identificação de marcadores mais específicos que ajudem na sua abordagem. O Western blot com antígenos de tecidos bovinos detecta um anticorpo contra a proteína de 68kD (hsp-70) em SNIM. Entretanto, anticorpos antihsp- 70 são comumente encontrados em indivíduos sadios. O objetivo do estudo foi determinar a reatividade de soros de pacientes com doenças otológicas freqüentemente relacionadas à etiologia auto-imune contra antígeno celular de linhagem humana (HeLa) através do Western blot, comparando com outros marcadores sorológicos de auto-imunidade. Soros de 81 pacientes com surdez neurossensorial (25 surdez súbita, 35 rapidamente progressiva e 21 doença Ménière) foram testados por Western blot utilizando extrato total de célula HeLa como antígeno alvo. Os pacientes com surdez foram comparados com indivíduos com audição normal e sem queixas otológicas ou história de doença sistêmica auto-imune (n=48). Observou-se reatividade contra célula HeLa principalmente nas regiões de 42, 48 and 62kD no grupo com surdez. O padrão de reatividade foi diferente entre os diferentes subgrupos de surdez. A reatividade contra as bandas de 48 and 62kD foi observada em surdez súbita e surdez rapidamente progressiva. A proteína de 48kD proveniente da surdez rapidamente progressiva parece ser diferente daquela encontrada em surdez súbita devido a sua resistência à tripsina. Este estudo demonstrou a existência de autorreatividade contra células HeLa na surdez súbita, surdez rapidamente progressiva e doença de Ménière, sugerindo a presença de novos autoanticorpos. O seu papel é ainda desconhecido. Estudos detalhados são necessários para avaliar a real relevância clínica desta autorreatividade na patologia de orelha interna ou como marcador prognóstico ou diagnóstico / Immune-mediated sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is one of few forms of reversible SNHL, justifying the need to define more specific markers to help clinical approach. Western blot with bovine tissues detect an autoantibody against the 68kD protein (hsp70) in immune-mediated SNHL. However, antihsp70 antibodies are also common in healthy individuals. The objective of this study was to determinate the reactivity of serum from patients with otologic entities often related to autoimmune etiology against human cell line antigen (HeLa) by Western blot, comparing to other serological markers. Sera of 81 patients with SNHL (25 sudden SNHL, 35 rapidly progressive SNHL and 21 Ménière\'s disease patients) were tested by Western blot using HeLa cell total extract as target. Western blot outcome was compared with detection of other current autoimmune markers. Experimental group data were compared to normal-hearing subjects (n=48) without otologic or systemic autoimmune disease. Reactivity to HeLa cells was observed mostly at 42, 48 and 62kD region which pattern was different among different groups. Binding to 48 and 62kD HeLa cell antigen was observed in sudden SNHL and rapidly progressive SNHL. The 48kD protein from rapidly progressive SNHL seems to be different from sudden SNHL\'s according to resistance to trypsin. This study detected autoreactivity to HeLa cells in sudden SNHL, rapidly progressive SNHL and Ménière\'s disease, suggesting the presence of new autoantibodies. Their role is still unknown and further studies should evaluate their relevance on pathology in the inner ear or as diagnostic or prognostic marker

Objetivo: Verificar o desempenho de crianças diagnosticadas com deficiência auditiva, de grau leve, condutiva e sensorioneural, no Teste da Habilidade de Atenção Auditiva Sustentada (THAAS) visando constatar se este teste sofre influência da presença de uma deficiência auditiva. Modelo: Estudo do Teste da Habilidade de Atenção Auditiva Sustentada-THAAS em três grupos: grupo 1 (G1) grupo controle, formado por crianças com audição normal; grupo 2 (G2) crianças com deficiência auditiva sensorioneural bilateral de grau leve e grupo 3 (G3) composto por crianças com perda auditiva condutiva bilateral de grau leve. Local: Divisão de Saúde Auditiva ? Hospital de Reabilitação de Aanomalias Craniofaciais ?Universidade de São Paulo (HRAC/USP). Participantes: 90 crianças com idade entre 7 e 11 anos de idade, sendo 30 de cada grupo. Intervenções: Audiometria Tonal Limiar, Imitanciometria e THAAS Resultados: não houve indícios estatisticamente significativos entre sexo e idade, em todos os grupos estudados. Os grupos sensorioneural e condutivo apresentaram desempenho inferior ao grupo controle, em todas as respostas do THAAS. Conclusões: o teste THAAS sofreu influência das perdas auditivas de grau leve, condutivas e sensorioneurais na população estudada, sendo o pior comprometimento para perdas sensorioneurais. / Objective: To verify the performance of children diagnosed with a hearing loss of mild degree, conductive and sensorineural, at Sustained Auditory Attention Ability Test (SAAAT), aiming to observe if this test suffers the influence of the presence of a hearing loss. Model: A study of the Sustained Auditory Attention Ability Test ? SAAAT in three groups: group 1 (G1) control group comprising children with normal hearing, group 2 (G2) children with a bilateral sensorineural hearing loss of a mild degree and group 3 (G3), comprising children with a bilateral conductive hearing loss of a mild degree. Place: Division for Hearing Health ? Craniofacial Anomaly Rehabilitation Hospita, University of São Paulo (HRAC/USP). Participants: 7 to 11 year old children, 30 for each group. Interventions: Pure Tone Audiometry, Immitance Acoustic and SAAAT. Results: There were not any statistically significant indications between sex and age in all studied groups. Sensorineural and conductive groups showed a lower performance related to control group in all answers for SAAAT. Conclusions: SAAAT test suffered the influence of conductive and sensorineural hearing losses of light degree in studied population, the worse compromise occurring for sensorineural losses.

A surdez neurossensorial imunomediada (SNIM) é uma das formas reversíveis de surdez neurossensorial, justificando a necessidade de identificação de marcadores mais específicos que ajudem na sua abordagem. O Western blot com antígenos de tecidos bovinos detecta um anticorpo contra a proteína de 68kD (hsp-70) em SNIM. Entretanto, anticorpos antihsp- 70 são comumente encontrados em indivíduos sadios. O objetivo do estudo foi determinar a reatividade de soros de pacientes com doenças otológicas freqüentemente relacionadas à etiologia auto-imune contra antígeno celular de linhagem humana (HeLa) através do Western blot, comparando com outros marcadores sorológicos de auto-imunidade. Soros de 81 pacientes com surdez neurossensorial (25 surdez súbita, 35 rapidamente progressiva e 21 doença Ménière) foram testados por Western blot utilizando extrato total de célula HeLa como antígeno alvo. Os pacientes com surdez foram comparados com indivíduos com audição normal e sem queixas otológicas ou história de doença sistêmica auto-imune (n=48). Observou-se reatividade contra célula HeLa principalmente nas regiões de 42, 48 and 62kD no grupo com surdez. O padrão de reatividade foi diferente entre os diferentes subgrupos de surdez. A reatividade contra as bandas de 48 and 62kD foi observada em surdez súbita e surdez rapidamente progressiva. A proteína de 48kD proveniente da surdez rapidamente progressiva parece ser diferente daquela encontrada em surdez súbita devido a sua resistência à tripsina. Este estudo demonstrou a existência de autorreatividade contra células HeLa na surdez súbita, surdez rapidamente progressiva e doença de Ménière, sugerindo a presença de novos autoanticorpos. O seu papel é ainda desconhecido. Estudos detalhados são necessários para avaliar a real relevância clínica desta autorreatividade na patologia de orelha interna ou como marcador prognóstico ou diagnóstico / Immune-mediated sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is one of few forms of reversible SNHL, justifying the need to define more specific markers to help clinical approach. Western blot with bovine tissues detect an autoantibody against the 68kD protein (hsp70) in immune-mediated SNHL. However, antihsp70 antibodies are also common in healthy individuals. The objective of this study was to determinate the reactivity of serum from patients with otologic entities often related to autoimmune etiology against human cell line antigen (HeLa) by Western blot, comparing to other serological markers. Sera of 81 patients with SNHL (25 sudden SNHL, 35 rapidly progressive SNHL and 21 Ménière\'s disease patients) were tested by Western blot using HeLa cell total extract as target. Western blot outcome was compared with detection of other current autoimmune markers. Experimental group data were compared to normal-hearing subjects (n=48) without otologic or systemic autoimmune disease. Reactivity to HeLa cells was observed mostly at 42, 48 and 62kD region which pattern was different among different groups. Binding to 48 and 62kD HeLa cell antigen was observed in sudden SNHL and rapidly progressive SNHL. The 48kD protein from rapidly progressive SNHL seems to be different from sudden SNHL\'s according to resistance to trypsin. This study detected autoreactivity to HeLa cells in sudden SNHL, rapidly progressive SNHL and Ménière\'s disease, suggesting the presence of new autoantibodies. Their role is still unknown and further studies should evaluate their relevance on pathology in the inner ear or as diagnostic or prognostic marker

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