Mechanisms of increased sensitivity to noise and light in migraine headache

To determine whether phonophobia is a manifestation of loudness recruitment, the hearing and auditory discomfort thresholds to an 8000 Hz tone were measured during the headache-free interval and again during an attack of migraine in 16 migraine sufferers. The visual discomfort threshold was also determined. For comparison, measures were taken in 10 non-headache controls of similar age and sex distribution. Auditory and visual discomfort thresholds decreased substantially during attacks of migraine. Increases (three subjects) or decreases (three subjects) in hearing threshold during attacks of migraine were significantly greater than the variation recorded in control subjects from Session I to Session 2. The findings do not support the view that phonophobia in migraine is a manifestation of loudness recruitment, although cochlear disturbances might mediate hearing loss in some cases. Disruption of central sensory processing mechanisms during migraine could increase sensitivity to quiet sounds, and contribute to phono- and photophobia.     

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.     

Long-term measurement of binaural intensity matches and pitch matches. I. Normal hearing

Changes in pitch perception and hearing thresholds over time have been observed in subjects with monaural fluctuating low-frequency hearing loss and Ménière's disease. Long-term suprathreshold audiometry and binaural pitch matches could provide information of these changes. Ten normal subjects were tested for stability of binaural intensity and pitch matches during 9–22 days in their homes with newly developed portable test equipment. Binaural pitch matches were measured using a 0.25- or 1-kHz reference tone presented at 60 dB SPL to one ear, and a loudness-matched test tone of adjustable frequency presented to the other ear. The results showed stable binaural intensity matches (individual inter-quartile ranges, IQRs, 1.2 to 5.7 dB), but binaural pitch matches varied greatly (IQR ?0.6 to 5.3% at 0.25 kHz; IQR ?1.6 to 7.9% at 1 kHz). Binaural pitch-matching was much better in subjects who could define pitch precisely during monaural pitch matching. It was concluded that in future long-term evaluations of patients with fluctuating inner-ear function, binaural intensity matches could be suitable for all, but binaural pitch matching only for selected patients.     

An improved model for loudness coding during auditory adaptation

A comparison of loudness adaptation measured at four baseline intensities and at test values 10 and 20 dB above the baseline intensities revealed an orderly decline. The magnitude of the decline in loudness adaptation with the increasing difference between the test values and the baseline was shown to agree with earlier theories. A method for closely estimating the change in loudness adaptation is presented in convenient graphic form and in algebraic equations.

Résumé

Nous avons, pour quatre intensités de base, comparé les valeurs d'adaptation de la sonie pour des intensités de test: 1) égales à l'intensité de base; 2) supérieures de 10 dB à l'intensité de base et 3) supérieures de 20 dB à l'intensité de base. Nous avons observé une diminution régulière de la valeur de l'adaptation avec l'augmentation de l'écart entre les intensités de test et les intensités de base, en accord avec les théories émises par Hood [1950], Small [1963] et Stevens [1956]. Nous présentons une méthode sous forme graphique et algébrique qui permet d'estimer les valeurs d'adaptation de la sonie.     

Classical Neo-stapedotomy

Preservation of stapedius muscle and incudo-stapedial joint during stapedotomy for otosclerosis is the motto of the dat. The Study was carried out in 500 patients. In Group A (n = 140), the stapedius muscle and incudostapedial joint were preserved. In Group B (n = 360), the stapedius muscle was cut. One month after surgery in Group A patients, the Stapedius-Reflex (SR) was evoked in 75% and three months later in 90%. The mean Loudness Discomfort Level (LDL) after one month of surgery in Group A was 95dB while three months after it was increased to 110dB. Speech discrimination score (SDS) in Group A with 80 dB suprathreshold is 93% and in Group B it is only 72%. This study established the fact that the preservation of stapedial muscle and incudo stapedial join is beneficial and essential, whenever possible, in the surgery for otosclerosis.     

Loudness balance procedures for the measurement of recruitment

Coles and Priede have recommended that in the alternate binaural loudness balance test use of the normal ear as the reference standard be now abandoned in favour of the worse ear. Their data are critically reviewed and shown to be subject to cumulative errors of methodology and interpretation.

Résumé

Coles et Priede [1976] ont recommandé que, pour le test d'équilibrage alterné de la sonie, l'utilisation de paliers fixes d'intensité sur I'oreille normale soit abandonnée au profit de l'oreille malade. Leurs données sont examinées et paraissent ětre entachées à la fois d'erreurs d'interprétation et de méthodologie.     

The Acoustic Reflex at Low Sensation Levels

The acoustic stapedial reflex, with normally occurs at a hearing level of about 80dB, can be detected at lower levels by means by means of preactivation. Two rechniques are presented, which allow the detection of reflex activity at intensities from 30 to 50 dB HL. It was the authors' intention to find a way to determine the hearing threshold from the stapedius reflex threshold even in patients, in whom the hearing threshold was not horizontal.     

响度梯度训练法矫治听障儿童响度低下障碍的个案研究

目的本研究探讨响度梯度训练法在临床上对响度过低患者的康复效果。方法以1名存在响度低下问题的听力障碍儿童为对象，运用响度梯度训练法对其进行提高响度的康复训练，比较分析训练前后该儿童的平均言语强度、强度标准差、最高强度和最低强度。结果响度训练前后患儿平均言语强度存在显著性差异，最低强度无显著差异，最高强度有显著变化。结论响度梯度训练法对听障儿童响度低下问题有康复效果。     

Electro-cochléogramme chez l'adulte et chez l'enfant: étude electro-physiologique du récepteur périphérique

The electro-cochleogram, as it has been performed in the Audiological Department for more than a year, on adults, on children or on the new-born, has shown different pathological conditions. Already the responses can be classified into different groups according to their pattern, amplitude, latency and to the curves representing their variations with the intensity of the click. In addition to normal response, different types can be differenciated: the recruiting response, the broad response, the abnormal response, etc. Indeed many different patterns can be observed in between these characteristic patterns. But it is believed that each individual response is the precise image of a particular condition in the peripheral receptor. Thus it seems that a more detailed analysis of each pattern, together with the study of a greater number of cases, will allow, later on, a more precise diagnosis.     

Etude de la fatigue auditive chez l'homme Comparaison de la récupération au niveau du seuil et aux niveaux supraliminaires

Using a 1 000-Hz pure tone, a TTS₂ of 20 dB was produced in a group of subjects. Recovery from this TTS was studied at 1 500 Hz and the measurements were extended to 320 min to encompass the course of recovery. The recovery of the temporary impairment of threshold was plotted concurrently with that of the temporary masked threshold shift (TMTS) of the 1 500 Hz tone in the presence of a 700 Hz masking tone. This technique provided an indirect measurement of loudness loss at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 dB SL. The time required for complete recovery depended upon whether one measured TTS or TMTS; the longest recovery times were, in respect of the masked threshold, at low sensation levels.

Un TTS₂ de 20 dB a été produit chez un groupe de sujets en utilisant un son pur de 1 000 Hz. Les mesures de la récupération ont été effectuées a 1 500 Hz, pendant 320 min, de façon à atteindre une disparition pratiquement complète du TTS. La récupération du TTS était notée simultanément à celle du TMTS (‘temporary masked threshold shift’) du son de 1 500 Hz en présence d'un son masquant de 700 Hz. Cette méthode a permis de mesurer, de façon indirecte, la perte de la sonie aux niveaux de 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 et 60 dB SL. La récupération du TTS et celle du TMTS à ces différents niveaux était réalisée pour des délais significativement différents; compareée à la récupération du seuil absolu, la récupération du seuil d'effet de masque a été, en fait, plus longue aux faibles niveaux d'audition.