Assessing growth of loudness in children by cross-modality matching

This study examined the clinical feasibility, validity, and reliability of loudness growth assessment using cross-modality matching (CMM) between line length and loudness in 16 children 4 to 12 years old with normal hearing or bilateral sensorineural hearing losses ranging from moderate to severe in degree. Eight adult listeners with normal hearing were used as a comparison group. Loudness growth functions and real-ear measures were obtained for 500-Hz and 2,000-Hz narrowband noise stimuli for each individual. No significant differences were found between the loudness slope values for the adults and children with normal hearing. Loudness growth functions of the children with sensorineural hearing loss were significantly steeper (larger) than the slopes obtained from children with normal hearing. The numeric slope value of the loudness growth function became larger and more variable as children's hearing threshold increased and differed for children with similar thresholds. The loudness functions obtained for retested participants at two different test sessions were highly correlated. Real-ear measurements revealed that for equivalent input stimulus levels, significantly higher stimulus levels were present in the ear canals of children versus adults. Although adults and children with normal hearing had similar overall rates of loudness growth, discrete points along the loudness growth function were judged to be louder by the children. This preliminary study suggests that measures of loudness growth using CMM between line length and loudness are feasible, valid, and reliable in children with normal hearing or sensorineural hearing loss. The individual variability noted in slope values for children with hearing loss attests to the importance of subjective assessments of loudness. The protocol used in this study may have potential as a clinical tool for selecting and fitting amplification technology for children with hearing loss as young as 6 years.     

Variables affecting the auditory brainstem response: audiogram, age, gender and head size

Correlations between the ABR (auditory brainstem response) and the variables of hearing loss, gender, head size and age were determined in simple and multiple regression analyses in 334 ears. The stepwise multiple regression analyses for waves I, III and V of the ABR was used to determine the relative importance of the variables. Regression equations were calculated for the latency of each wave. Wave I latency for all subjects is best predicted by hearing threshold at 8 kHz, gender and age, in that order. Wave III latency depends upon hearing threshold at 4 kHz, age and gender. The latency of wave V is best predicted by gender, age and head diameter with threshold at 4 kHz being of minor importance. The I-V interval depends upon head diameter and threshold at 8 and 4 kHz with age of minor importance. Hearing loss at 8 kHz would shorten the I-V interval, while a loss at 4 kHz would be expected to lengthen the interval. Correlations of these variables with the amplitude of I, III and V are also described. Latency and amplitude are correlated with different subject variables suggesting differences in their generation.     

obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome and hearing in children

Objective To explore the relationship between hypoxemia and hearing in children with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. Methods Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were recorded in 68 ears and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in 60 ears in children with OSAHS and type "A" tympanograms, and in 30 ears in normal children. Results ABR latencies of waves Ⅰ, Ⅲ and Ⅴ, and Ⅰ-Ⅲ, Ⅲ-Ⅴ and Ⅰ-Ⅴ intervals were not statistically different between OSAHS and normal children. Wave Ⅰlatency was delayed in children with OSAHS compared to normal children3 (P<0.05). DPOAE amplitudes in children with mild OSAHS were lower than normal children at 8 kHz (P<0.05). DPOAEs were lower at 6 kHz and 8 kHz in children with moderate/severe OSAHS than normal children (P<0.05). Conclusion Cochlear function was affected when AHI was at or greater than lO/hour. ABR and DPOAE can be used to detect early changes in auditory function in children with OSAHS.     

Morphology,GluR1 and GRIP-C localization differ in octopus cells of C57BL6 and B6Cast mice

Air conduction (AC) versus bone conduction (BC) loudness balance testing was conducted at frequencies of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, and 4 kHz for two groups: 23 normal hearing subjects and eight subjects with a mild to moderate pure sensorineural hearing loss. Narrow-band noise was presented interchangeably between earphones and a bone transducer fitted to the subjects. Loudness matching was carried out at each frequency and at the levels 30-80 dB hearing level (HL) (10 dB steps) in the following manner: the sound pressure from the earphones was fixed and the subject adjusted the output level of the bone transducer for equal loudness by bracketing the standard. The results revealed somewhat different loudness functions for AC and BC sound with a 6-10 dB difference in the AC and BC loudness functions for the normal hearing group over the dynamic range 30-80 dB HL at the frequencies 250-750 Hz. At the higher frequencies, 1-4 kHz, the difference was only 4-5 dB over the same dynamic range. Similar results were obtained for the sensorineural hearing-impaired group. The difference between the AC and the BC loudness functions may originate from changes with level of the AC sound path, e.g. contraction of the stapedius muscle, but also distortion from the bone transducer and tactile stimulation could have contributed to the results seen.     

DPOAE与高刺激率ABR在听力正常耳鸣患者中的应用价值

目的 观察分析听力正常的耳鸣患者畸变产物耳声发射(DPOAE)与高刺激率听性脑干反应(ABR)检测的特征,探讨其在耳鸣评估中的应用价值。 方法 选取耳鼻咽喉科门诊听力正常的青年耳鸣患者31例(46耳)为耳鸣组,另外选取听力结果正常的青年无耳鸣者25例(50耳)为正常对照组,分别进行纯音听阈测定、声导抗测听、DPOAE和高低刺激率ABR的检测,对比两组受试者DPOAE各频检出率和信噪比以及高低刺激率ABR各波潜伏期(PL)、波间期(IPL)、波幅以及两种刺激速率下的潜伏期和波间期差值(△PL和△IPL)。 结果 DPOAE各频检出率两组无显著性差异;信噪比在8 kHz,耳鸣组较对照组降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);高低刺激率ABR结果中,不同刺激速率下两组Ⅰ、Ⅲ、Ⅴ波波幅差异均无统计学意义;高刺激速率下,耳鸣组Ⅰ~Ⅴ IPL较对照组延长,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),两种刺激速率下,耳鸣组Ⅰ△PL较对照组缩短,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),耳鸣组Ⅴ△PL、Ⅰ~Ⅴ△IPL较对照组延长,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。 结论 DPOAE与高刺激率ABR可作为诊断耳鸣的一种客观检查方法,其对耳鸣的早期评估有重要的应用价值;增加ABR刺激速率,可提高耳鸣检测的敏感性。     

Utility of OAE screener (GSI 70) for the evaluation of distortion product otoacoustic emissions

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of the OAE screener GSI 70 to evaluate of cochlea function in neonates, infants and adults. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were measured using the GSI 70 DPOAE Analyzer and evaluated in 123 human ears between December 1999 and June 2000. We performed the following four general clinical tests to determine the reliability of the GSI 70: 1) comparison of DPOAE levels measured using the ILO 92 and the GSI 70 in 55 adult ears, 2) comparison of DPOAE levels measured using the GSI 70 and hearing levels in 55 adult ears, 3) comparison of DPOAE levels measured using the GSI 70 and ABR levels in 45 neonate and infant ears, and 4) evaluation of the utility of DPOAE measurements obtained using the GSI 70 in functional deafness cases. The following results were obtained: 1) DPOAE levels measured with the ILO 92 and the GSI 70 were closely correlated (correlation coefficient, 0.773 at 2 kHz and 0.813 at 4 kHz). 2) The sensitivity of the GSI 70 in adult ears confirmed to have normal hearing was 80% at 2 kHz and 100% at 4 kHz; the specificity of hearing-impaired ears was 94% at 2 kHz and 94% at 4 kHz. 3) The sensitivity of the GSI 70 in normal neonate and infant ears with normal hearing was 100% at 2 kHz and 100% at 4 kHz; the specificity of hearing-impaired neonate and infant ears was 97% at 2 kHz and 94% at 4 kHz. 4) All of the functionally deaf ears showed excellent DPOAE responses. Examinations using the GSI 70 DPOAE analyzer were very easy and fast. Also, the results were highly reliable, with the exception of one adult who was classified as having normal hearing in an out-of-scale hearing level at 2 kHz. We suggest that specific criteria be established for the clinical usage of the GSI 70 in performing objective hearing evaluations.     

Can maximum comfortable loudness levels in hearing impaired listeners be predicted from ipsilateral acoustic reflex thresholds recorded with high frequency probes?

This study was designed to test the effectiveness of the ipsilateral acoustic reflex thresholds measured with low and high frequency probes in predicting the maximum comfortable loudness levels (MaxCLs) in hearing-impaired subjects using recently available sophisticated procedures for acoustic reflex and loudness measures. Loudness growth functions were measured in hearing-impaired subjects at .5, 1 and 2 kHz using a computerized procedure. The maximum level among those sound pressure levels judged as 'comfortable' was designated as the MaxCL. Acoustic reflex thresholds were measured for .5, 1 and 2 kHz activator signals using 226, 678 and 1000 Hz probes. Regression analyses suggested that acoustic reflex thresholds recorded with the 678 and 1000 Hz probes could provide an objective estimate of the MaxCLs for 1 and 2 kHz. Thus, acoustic reflex thresholds may be useful in fitting hearing aids for those subjects in whom reliable measures of MaxCLs cannot be obtained.     

The relationship between the acoustic reflex threshold and levels of loudness categories in hearing-impaired listeners

When applied as a tool for hearing aid fitting, categorical loudness scaling (CLS) is time consuming and not feasible in all subjects. It is therefore desirable to use objective measures for accurate prediction of loudness categories among hearing-impaired individuals. The present study aimed at exploring whether loudness perception at the ART is constant with varying hearing threshold. Seventy-five subjects with various degrees of hearing impairment, measurable acoustic reflex and normal middle ear function participated. The HTLs, ARTs and the levels of six loudness categories at frequencies 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz were determined for all subjects. Loudness at the ART was found to be correlated with the amount of hearing loss. On the basis of these results, it is concluded that the ART cannot be used for accurate estimation of loudness in hearing-impaired subjects.     

Determining the cause of hearing loss: differential diagnosis using a comparison of audiometric and otoacoustic emission responses

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to further investigate the possibility of developing noninvasive methods of differential diagnosis of hearing disorders through the study of experimental animals with induced lesions. In particular, it was desired to compare distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) responses and auditory brain stem response (ABR) thresholds in Mongolian gerbils having either acoustic or strial damage, using as a reference the same responses measured in a control group of normal young adult gerbils. The goal was to evaluate the potential clinical application of this approach to determining the dominant contribution to sensorineural hearing loss in individual human subjects. DESIGN: DPOAE input-output functions and ABR thresholds were measured over a wide range of stimulus frequencies for three groups: (1) a reference group of normal young adult gerbils; (2) a group in which acoustic damage had been induced 2 wk earlier; (3) a group in which damage to the stria vascularis was induced by a series of furosemide injections. The responses in the experimental groups relative to the normal means were compared to determine which combinations of responses were effective in discriminating between animals with different lesions. Three measures were evaluated in detail: the ABR threshold, the emission threshold at a criterion emission amplitude, and the emission amplitude at a high stimulus level. RESULTS: Considering cases with significant hearing loss (ABR thresholds elevated by 20 dB or more), the best method for distinguishing between the two lesions involved a two-dimensional plot comparing emission and ABR thresholds at the same stimulus frequencies. Acoustic damage cases were found in a broad region where the emission and ABR thresholds were roughly equal, whereas strial damage cases were found in a narrower region where the emission threshold was about 0.4 times the ABR threshold (both in dB). These two cases were compared with a third case introduced by definition, that is, damage to inner hair cell or neural systems resulting in an increase in audiometric threshold but no change in emission responses (e.g., auditory neuropathy). The responses for these three cases were found to lie in different regions of the two-dimensional plot comparing emission and ABR thresholds, provided only that ABR thresholds were elevated 20 dB or more. This diagram also revealed cases of preclinical acoustic damage, in which the ABR threshold was shifted less than 20 dB but where the emission threshold was significantly elevated. CONCLUSIONS: The results clearly demonstrate the possibility of developing a clinical method of noninvasive differential diagnosis of hearing loss. The method demonstrated was to add to a standard audiometric evaluation the measurement of DPOAE growth functions over the range of frequencies where these emissions were relatively easy to measure and consistent. The DPOAE stimulus frequencies were chosen to match the audiometric frequencies, and the corresponding emission and audiometric thresholds were compared on a threshold-threshold plot for each individual at a number of stimulus frequencies. Responses in different regions in this plot were found to correspond to different types of sensorineural hearing loss.     

孤独症儿童脑干听觉诱发电位及耳声发射研究

目的探讨孤独症对听觉系统功能的影响,为临床诊治提供理论依据。方法对20例孤独症患儿进行听觉脑干诱发电位（auditory brainstem response,ABR）及畸变产物耳声发射（distortion Product otoacoustic emission,DPOAE）测试,设立同年龄段正常组进行对照研究。结果①孤独症组ABR双耳Ⅴ波潜伏期、右耳Ⅰ～Ⅴ波间期、Ⅲ～Ⅴ波间期延长,与对照组比较有显著性差异（P〈0．05）;②孤独症组DPOAE异常率增高,1kHz及1．5kHz平均幅值及1kHz引出率降低,与对照组比较有显著性差异（P〈0．05）。结论孤独症儿童ABR潜伏期延长,DPOAE测试异常率增高,提示脑干听觉通路传导异常,可能是引起孤独症儿童广泛感觉系统发育障碍,使言语、认知、社会等方面异常发育的原因之一。     

小儿蜗后听觉神经损害的临床与听力学特征及定位

目的 探讨包含了听神经病在内的ABR严重异常、DPOAE正常为特征的蜗后听觉神经功能障碍小儿的临床与听力学特征及其可能的病损部位.方法 选取2002至2006年听力专科中ABR严重异常、DPOAE正常,排除中耳传导功能异常的患儿86例(165耳),年龄8 d～7岁,平均1岁1个月,入选为本研究对象.选择ABR严重异常、DPOAE异常、排除中耳病变的听功能障碍26例(29耳)患儿作为蜗性病变对照组,选择健康同龄儿童86例(166耳)作为正常对照组,比较蜗后病变、蜗性病变、正常听力3组间ABR波Ⅰ、波Ⅲ、波Ⅴ潜伏期和振幅,以及Ⅰ～Ⅲ波间期等参数的异同.所有数据采用SPSS11.0统计软件包进行t检验.结果 86例蜗后听神经损害患儿中,51例(59.3%)的病例新生儿期有高胆红素血症史,其中40例血中间接胆红素水平达重度标准,11例为轻中度;在首次就诊的原因中,主诉运动障碍者40例(46.5%),听力言语障碍者10例(11.6%);在伴随的疾病中,32例(37.2%)确诊伴随有脑性瘫痪.在86例165耳蜗后听觉神经功能障碍患耳中,103耳最大强度声刺激(103 dB)ABR无波分化,27耳仅见波Ⅰ分化,19耳仅见波Ⅴ分化,13耳见波Ⅰ+Ⅲ分化,3耳见波Ⅰ+Ⅴ分化.仅见波Ⅰ分化耳,其波Ⅰ潜伏期较正常听力耳延长,振幅较正常听力耳低矮(t值分别为-6.75和2.58,P值均<0.05);有波Ⅰ+Ⅲ分化耳,波Ⅰ潜伏期和振幅与正常听力耳差异无统计学意义,波Ⅲ潜伏期则较正常听力耳延长,振幅较正常听力耳低矮(t值分别为-2.77和3.63,P值均<0.05),Ⅰ～Ⅲ波间期较正常听力耳Ⅰ～Ⅲ波间期延长(t=-2.99,P<0.05).结论 在蜗后听觉神经功能损害类型中,最常见的类型为ABR从波Ⅰ开始就严重异常,即听神经病,其病变主要在第Ⅷ颅神经听支;仅见波Ⅰ分化耳,其病变部位主要在第Ⅷ颅神经听支以后;ABR有波Ⅰ+波Ⅲ分化耳,主要病变部位在波Ⅲ的发源神经核团,即上橄榄核以后的听觉神经通路.振幅低矮的波Ⅴ不是听神经病独有的特征.高胆红素血症导致的蜗后听觉神经系统病变的病例中,其受侵害部位的先后次序可能为大脑皮层、腩干听觉神经核团、第Ⅷ对颅神经听支.     

Aided loudness growth and satisfaction with everyday loudness perception in compression hearing aid users

The primary goal of this study was to examine the relationship between listeners' loudness growth and their satisfaction with loudness when wearing wide-dynamic-range compression (WDRC) hearing aids. An absolute-magnitude-estimate procedure was used to obtain listeners' unaided and aided loudness growth functions in response to a 500 and 2000 Hz warble tone. In general, listeners' unaided loudness growth functions were steeper than the average normal-hearing listeners' functions for both frequencies, and their aided loudness growth functions were shallower than their unaided functions. Loudness growth functions tended to be undercompressed for 500 Hz but overcompressed for 2000 Hz. The Profile of Aided Loudness (PAL) questionnaire was administered to determine listeners' loudness satisfaction in everyday listening situations. Most listeners were satisfied with their perception of soft, average, and loud environmental sounds, regardless of how well or not well their WDRC aids normalized their aided loudness growth.     

Development of distortion product otoacoustic emissions in C57BL/6J mice

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) have been used to examine the development of hearing in the rat and gerbil. However, no reports of DPOAE measurement from the onset of hearing in mice are available. Commercially-available components were assembled and adapted to provide a suitable probe microphone and sound delivery system for measuring DPOAE in developing C57BL/6J mice. Furthermore, DPOAE data were compared with the findings of the auditory brainstem response (ABR). DPOAEs were obtained at 8 kHz from 11 days after birth, 20 kHz from 12 days, and 30 kHz from 13 days. Adult-like patterns of DPOAE were obtained 21 days at 8 and 20 kHz, and 28 days at 30 kHz. On the other hand, the ABR thresholds at 12 to 36 kHz appeared between 11 and 12 days and were saturated at 14 days. Based on these data, the onset of measureable DPOAEs in the mouse were earlier than in the rat and gerbil. The maturation of DPOAE in the mouse begins at a lower frequency in the high frequency range. In addition, the ABR threshold reached maturation earlier than DPOAE.     

The objective estimation of loudness discomfort level using auditory brainstem evoked responses

The loudness discomfort level (LDL) is of importance in the fitting of hearing aids, but very young children are unable to provide a subjective judgement of LDL. Therefore the relationship between Jewett wave V latency and subjective loudness was investigated to ascertain if objective estimation of LDL is possible. ABR recordings were taken from 8 normally hearing subjects at the stimulus intensity corresponding to their LDL and at stimulus levels from 10 to 30 dB below this. The wave V latency/intensity function did not correlate well with the LDL. However, the slope of this function did correlate to a high degree and a predictive model of LDL was derived. Identical measurements were then taken from a sample of 12 cochlear-impaired subjects with a range of audiometric profiles. Their subjective LDLs could be predicted from the wave V latency function to an accuracy of +/- 5 dB, using the model derived from the normally-hearing subjects. This model appeared to be equally valid for all the degrees and profiles of hearing loss included in the sample and showed a closer relationship to LDL than did absolute wave V latency or estimates derived from the acoustic reflex.     

Loudness and auditory steady-state responses in normal-hearing subjects

This study evaluated the use of multiple auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) to estimate the growth of loudness in listeners with normal hearing. Individual intensity functions were obtained from measures of loudness growth using the contour test and from the electrophysiological amplitude measures of multiple amplitude-modulated (77–105Hz) tones (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000Hz) simultaneously presented to both ears and recorded over the scalp. Slope analyses for the behavioural and electrophysiological intensity functions were separately performed. Response amplitudes of the ASSRs and loudness sensation judgements increase as the stimulus intensity increases for the four frequencies studied. A significant relationship was obtained between loudness and the ASSRs. The results of this study suggest that the amplitude of the ASSRs may be used to estimate loudness growth at least for individuals with normal hearing.     

Loudness and auditory steady-state responses in normal-hearing subjects

This study evaluated the use of multiple auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) to estimate the growth of loudness in listeners with normal hearing. Individual intensity functions were obtained from measures of loudness growth using the contour test and from the electrophysiological amplitude measures of multiple amplitude-modulated (77-105 Hz) tones (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz) simultaneously presented to both ears and recorded over the scalp. Slope analyses for the behavioural and electrophysiological intensity functions were separately performed. Response amplitudes of the ASSRs and loudness sensation judgements increase as the stimulus intensity increases for the four frequencies studied. A significant relationship was obtained between loudness and the ASSRs. The results of this study suggest that the amplitude of the ASSRs may be used to estimate loudness growth at least for individuals with normal hearing.     

Auditory brainstem and middle latency responses to 1 kHz tones in noise-masked normally-hearing and sensorineurally hearing-impaired adults

The present study provides comparative evaluation of the ABR and MLR to 1 kHz brief tones in two groups of hearing-impaired subjects (noise-masked normally-hearing; and sensorineurally hearing-impaired adults), as well as a normally-hearing control group. Tones were presented at intensities from threshold to 80–90 dB nHL. The results of this study show that: (1) the ABR and MLR to these low-frequency (1 kHz) tones are equally accurate in estimating hearing threshold, (2) at supra-threshold levels, there are differences in the ABRs and MLRs for subjects with decreased hearing sensitivity resulting from cochlear pathology, compared to those obtained from adults with simulated hearing loss due to broadband masking, and (3) supra-threshold stimuli produce differential effects on the latency and amplitude characteristics of the ABR and MLR in listeners with true sensorineural hearing impairments. Possible physiologic explanations are offered for this differential pattern of results.     

Detection of loudness recruitment in patients with retrocochlear lesions using the "Würzburger Hörfeld" loudness scaling

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of hearing loss caused by cerebellopontine angle tumors such as acoustic neuromas is unknown. The lack of loudness recruitment is thought to be one of the features of retrocochlear hearing impairment. In contrast to conventional suprathreshold tests, the categorial loudness scaling using the "Würzburger H?rfeld" is a valuable tool to describe the individual perception of sound. The aim of the present study was to analyze the loudness growth rate in patients with acoustic neuroma. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Pure tone and speech audiometry as well as auditory brainstem response and bilateral categorial loudness scaling were performed preoperatively in 54 patients with acoustic neuroma. Loudness scaling was done in free field switching off the contralateral ear by using an ear-plug. RESULTS: An abnormal rapid loudness growth function was found in 38 of the 54 patients (70.4%) at least at one frequency on the tumor side. The contralateral side was effected only in 57.4% of the patients. The incidence of a recruitment depended on the frequency with a maximum at 4 kHz. The slope of the loudness function showed a tendency to increase with increasing hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: Loudness recruitment is not a rare phenomenon in patients with acoustic neuroma. The underlying cause (a preexisting hair cell damage, hair cell changes resulting from an obstruction of the cochlear blood supply or a disruption of the cochlear efferents) still remains unclear.     

Auditory brainstem and middle latency responses to 1 khz tones in noise-masked normally-hearing and sensorineurally hearing-impaired adults

The present study provides comparative evaluation of the ABR and MLR to 1 kHz brief tones in two groups of hearing-impaired subjects (noise-masked normally-hearing; and sensorineurally hearing-impaired adults), as well as a normally-hearing control group. Tones were presented at intensities from threshold to 80-90 dB nHL. The results of this study show that: (1) the ABR and MLR to these low-frequency (1 kHz) tones are equally accurate in estimating hearing threshold, (2) at supra-threshold levels, there are differences in the ABRs and MLRs for subjects with decreased hearing sensitivity resulting from cochlear pathology, compared to those obtained from adults with simulated hearing loss due to broadband masking, and (3) supra-threshold stimuli produce differential effects on the latency and amplitude characteristics of the ABR and MLR in listeners with true sensorineural hearing impairments. Possible physiologic explanations are offered for this differential pattern of results.