Audiology Research

7 pages, 246 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

by Roberto Teggi, Bruno Colombo, Iacopo Cangiano, Omar Gatti, Mario Bussi and Massimo Filippi

Audiol. Res. 2023, 13(3), 466-472; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres13030041 - 08 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1221

Menière’s disease and vestibular migraine (VM) are two common inner ear disorders whose diagnoses are based on clinical history and audiometric exams. In some cases, patients have been reporting different episodes of vertigo for years but not fulfilling the Bárány Society criteria for [...] Read more.

Menière’s disease and vestibular migraine (VM) are two common inner ear disorders whose diagnoses are based on clinical history and audiometric exams. In some cases, patients have been reporting different episodes of vertigo for years but not fulfilling the Bárány Society criteria for either. These are called Recurrent Vestibular Symptoms—Not Otherwise Specified (RVS-NOS). It is still under debate if this is a single disease entity or a part of the spectrum of already established disorders. The purpose of our work was to establish similarities and differences with VM in terms of clinical history, bedside examination, and family history. We enrolled 28 patients with RVS-NOS who were followed for at least 3 years with stable diagnosis; results were compared with those of 34 subjects having a diagnosis of definite VM. The age of onset of vertigo was lower in VM than in RVS-NOS (31.2 vs. 38.4 years). As for the duration of attacks and symptoms, we detected no differences other than subjects with RVS-NOS reporting milder attacks. Cochlear accompanying symptoms were more frequently reported by VM subjects (one subject reporting tinnitus and another one reported tinnitus and fullness). Motion sickness was equally reported by subjects across two samples (around 50% for both). Bipositional long-lasting, non-paroxysmal nystagmus was the most common finding in the two groups, with no significant difference. Finally, the percentage of familial cases of migrainous headache and episodic vertigo did not differ between the two samples. In conclusion, RVS-NOS shares some common aspects with VM, including the temporal profile of attacks, motion sickness (commonly considered a migraine precursor), bedside examination, and family history. Our results are not inconsistent with the possibility that RVS-NOS may be a heterogeneous disorder, even if some of these subjects may share common pathophysiological mechanisms with VM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Episodic Vertigo: Differences, Overlappings, Opinion and Treatment)

7 pages, 1684 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Using a Bone Conduction Hearing Device as a Tactile Aid

by Martin Kompis, Manfred Langmair, Georgios Mantokoudis, Stefan Weder, Tom Gawliczek and Marco Domenico Caversaccio

Audiol. Res. 2023, 13(3), 459-465; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres13030040 - 07 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1800

Abstract

Background: With the advent of cochlear implants, tactile aids for the profoundly deaf became obsolete decades ago. Nevertheless, they might still be useful in rare cases. We report the case of a 25-year-old woman with Bosley–Salih–Alorainy Syndrome and bilateral cochlear aplasia. Methods: After [...] Read more.

Background: With the advent of cochlear implants, tactile aids for the profoundly deaf became obsolete decades ago. Nevertheless, they might still be useful in rare cases. We report the case of a 25-year-old woman with Bosley–Salih–Alorainy Syndrome and bilateral cochlear aplasia. Methods: After it was determined that cochlear or brainstem implants were not an option and tactile aids were not available anymore, a bone conduction device (BCD) on a softband was tried as a tactile aid. The usual retroauricular position and a second position close to the wrist, preferred by the patient, were compared. Sound detection thresholds were measured with and without the aid. Additionally, three bilaterally deaf adult cochlear implant users were tested under the same conditions. Results: At 250–1000 Hz, sounds were perceived as vibrations above approximately 45–60 dB with the device at the wrist. Thresholds were approximately 10 dB poorer when placed retroauricularly. Differentiation between different sounds seemed difficult. Nevertheless, the patient uses the device and can perceive loud sounds. Conclusions: Cases where the use of tactile aids may make sense are probably very rare. The use of BCD, placed, e.g., at the wrist, may be useful, but sound perception is limited to low frequencies and relatively loud levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bone and Cartilage Conduction—Volume II)

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18 pages, 2307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Universal Recommendations on Planning and Performing the Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR) with a Focus on Mice and Rats

by Ewa Domarecka and Agnieszka J. Szczepek

Audiol. Res. 2023, 13(3), 441-458; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres13030039 - 02 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2205

Abstract

Translational audiology research aims to transfer basic research findings into practical clinical applications. While animal studies provide essential knowledge for translational research, there is an urgent need to improve the reproducibility of data derived from these studies. Sources of variability in animal research [...] Read more.

Translational audiology research aims to transfer basic research findings into practical clinical applications. While animal studies provide essential knowledge for translational research, there is an urgent need to improve the reproducibility of data derived from these studies. Sources of variability in animal research can be grouped into three areas: animal, equipment, and experimental. To increase standardization in animal research, we developed universal recommendations for designing and conducting studies using a standard audiological method: auditory brainstem response (ABR). The recommendations are domain-specific and are intended to guide the reader through the issues that are important when applying for ABR approval, preparing for, and conducting ABR experiments. Better experimental standardization, which is the goal of these guidelines, is expected to improve the understanding and interpretation of results, reduce the number of animals used in preclinical studies, and improve the translation of knowledge to the clinic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Translational Research in Audiology)

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10 pages, 845 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hearing Outcomes Following Endolymphatic Duct Blockage Surgery and Factors Associated with Improved Audition at Two Years Follow-Up

by Issam Saliba and Marc-Henri Asmar

Audiol. Res. 2023, 13(3), 431-440; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres13030038 - 02 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1385

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate hearing outcomes at 2 years post endolymphatic duct blockage (EDB) surgery, with an analysis of factors that may predict hearing improvement. Study Design: Retrospective comparative study. Setting: Tertiary care center. Subjects: Definite Ménière’s Disease (MD) patients undergoing EDB for refractory [...] Read more.

Objective: To evaluate hearing outcomes at 2 years post endolymphatic duct blockage (EDB) surgery, with an analysis of factors that may predict hearing improvement. Study Design: Retrospective comparative study. Setting: Tertiary care center. Subjects: Definite Ménière’s Disease (MD) patients undergoing EDB for refractory disease. Methods: Chart review was conducted to assign cases to one of the three hearing outcome groups (deteriorated, stable, and improved). All cases that met our inclusion criteria were selected. Preoperative data collected were audiograms, bithermal caloric tests, preoperative vertigo episodes, history of previous ear surgery for Ménière, intratympanic steroid injections (ITS) and intraoperative endolymphatic sac (ELS) tear or opening. Postoperative data collected at 24 months were audiograms, vertigo episodes and bithermal caloric testing. Results: Preoperative vertigo episodes, caloric paresis and history of surgery, ITS injections or ELS integrity, as well as postoperative vertigo class distribution and caloric paresis changes were not different between our groups. Preoperative word recognition score (WRS) was lowest in the improved hearing group (p = 0.032). The persistence of tinnitus at 2 years postoperatively was associated with deteriorated hearing (p = 0.033). Conclusions: There are no strong predictors of hearing improvement on presentation pre-EDB, but low preoperative WRS may be the best estimator available. Therefore, ablative interventions should be considered very carefully in patients presenting with low WRS, as they may benefit more from EDB; there is a fair chance of a good hearing outcome with EDB surgery. Persistence of tinnitus can reflect deteriorating audition. Vertigo control and hearing preservation are independent outcomes of EDB surgery, making it desirable as an early intervention for refractory MD cases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inner Ear Conductive Hearing Loss: Current Studies and Controversies)

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13 pages, 1501 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Review of Neural Data and Modelling to Explain How a Semicircular Canal Dehiscence (SCD) Causes Enhanced VEMPs, Skull Vibration Induced Nystagmus (SVIN), and the Tullio Phenomenon

by Ian S. Curthoys, Christopher M. Smith, Ann M. Burgess and Julia Dlugaiczyk

Audiol. Res. 2023, 13(3), 418-430; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres13030037 - 02 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1834

Abstract

Angular acceleration stimulation of a semicircular canal causes an increased firing rate in primary canal afferent neurons that result in nystagmus in healthy adult animals. However, increased firing rate in canal afferent neurons can also be caused by sound or vibration in patients [...] Read more.

Angular acceleration stimulation of a semicircular canal causes an increased firing rate in primary canal afferent neurons that result in nystagmus in healthy adult animals. However, increased firing rate in canal afferent neurons can also be caused by sound or vibration in patients after a semicircular canal dehiscence, and so these unusual stimuli will also cause nystagmus. The recent data and model by Iversen and Rabbitt show that sound or vibration may increase firing rate either by neural activation locked to the individual cycles of the stimulus or by slow changes in firing rate due to fluid pumping (“acoustic streaming”), which causes cupula deflection. Both mechanisms will act to increase the primary afferent firing rate and so trigger nystagmus. The primary afferent data in guinea pigs indicate that in some situations, these two mechanisms may oppose each other. This review has shown how these three clinical phenomena—skull vibration-induced nystagmus, enhanced vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, and the Tullio phenomenon—have a common tie: they are caused by the new response of semicircular canal afferent neurons to sound and vibration after a semicircular canal dehiscence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Third Mobile Window Syndromes: New Insights in Pathomechanisms, Instrumental Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment)

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10 pages, 1238 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Utilizing Cartilage Conduction Hearing Aids among Patients with Conductive Hearing Loss

by Takuya Kakuki, Ryo Miyata, Yurie Yoshida, Aya Kaizaki, Ayami Kimura, Kaede Kurashima, Rui Kuwata and Kenichi Takano

Audiol. Res. 2023, 13(3), 408-417; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres13030036 - 01 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1136

Abstract

The cartilage-conduction hearing aid (CC-HA) is a new hearing device that is suitable for use in patients with conductive hearing loss. It has been 5 years since the introduction of the CC-HA. Although the number of users has increased, the CC-HA is not [...] Read more.

The cartilage-conduction hearing aid (CC-HA) is a new hearing device that is suitable for use in patients with conductive hearing loss. It has been 5 years since the introduction of the CC-HA. Although the number of users has increased, the CC-HA is not yet widely known. This study examines the effects of CC-HA on patients with conductive hearing loss and investigates factors that affect the willingness to use the device by comparing purchasers and non-purchasers of CC-HA in patients with unilateral conductive hearing loss. Eight patients had bilateral conductive hearing loss, and 35 had unilateral conductive hearing loss. Each patient underwent sound field tests and speech audiometry, and the effects of the CC-HA were compared with those of conventional bone conduction hearing aids (BC-HA). In patients with bilateral conductive hearing loss, the CC-HA was non-inferior to BC-HA. The CC-HA improved the hearing thresholds and speech recognition in patients with unilateral conductive hearing loss. Moreover, in patients with unilateral conductive hearing loss, experiencing the effect of wearing the CC-HA under conditions such as putting noise in the better ear could affect patients’ willingness to use the CC-HA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bone and Cartilage Conduction—Volume II)

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10 pages, 247 KiB

Open AccessReview

Intraoperative Cochlear Nerve Monitoring in Cochlear Implantation after Vestibular Schwannoma Resection

by Valerio Maria Di Pasquale Fiasca and Giulia Tealdo

Audiol. Res. 2023, 13(3), 398-407; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres13030035 - 30 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1387

Abstract

Background: The use of a cochlear implant (CI) for hearing rehabilitation after vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection is widely spreading. The procedure is usually performed simultaneously to tumor resection with a translabyrinthine approach. To ensure the best device function, assessing the integrity of the [...] Read more.

Background: The use of a cochlear implant (CI) for hearing rehabilitation after vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection is widely spreading. The procedure is usually performed simultaneously to tumor resection with a translabyrinthine approach. To ensure the best device function, assessing the integrity of the cochlear nerve is of primary importance. Methods: A narrative review of the literature on the present topic was carried out up to June 2022. Finally, nine studies were considered. Results: Electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses (eABR) is the most widely used method of intraoperative monitoring of cochlear nerve (CN) during VS resection, although its limits are known. It can be assessed through the CI electrode array or through an intracochlear test electrode (ITE). Variations of the graph are evaluated during the surgical procedure, in particular the wave V amplitude and latency. As tumor dissection progresses, the parameters may change, informing of the CN status, and the surgical procedure may be modulated. Conclusion: An eABR positive result seems to be reliably correlated with a good CI outcome in those cases in which a clear wave V is recorded before and after tumor removal. On the contrary, in those cases in which the eABR is lost or altered during the surgical procedure, the positioning of a CI is still debatable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hearing and Balance in Acoustic Neuroma)

9 pages, 228 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Tinnitus Education for Audiologists Is a Ship at Sea: Is It Coming or Going?

by Marc Fagelson

Audiol. Res. 2023, 13(3), 389-397; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres13030034 - 25 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1669

Abstract

Subjective tinnitus is a highly prevalent sound sensation produced in most cases by persistent neural activity in the auditory pathway of the patient. Audiologists should be confident that they can employ elements of sound therapy and related counseling to support patients in coping. [...] Read more.

Subjective tinnitus is a highly prevalent sound sensation produced in most cases by persistent neural activity in the auditory pathway of the patient. Audiologists should be confident that they can employ elements of sound therapy and related counseling to support patients in coping. However, patients with bothersome tinnitus may be challenged by mental health complications, and they struggle to find adequate care when tinnitus and psychological distress co-occur. Audiologists in many cases lack the confidence to provide in-depth counseling while mental health providers lack basic understanding of tinnitus, its mechanisms, and the elements of audiologic management that could support patients in coping. At the very least, audiologists should be able to explain the mechanisms involved in and contributing to negative tinnitus effects, conduct valid measures of these effects, and offer reasonable options for managing the consequences linked by the patient to bothersome tinnitus and sound-related sensations. This brief communication summarizes the current state of tinnitus-related opportunities offered in US audiology training programs, and the substantial need to improve both the education of practitioners and the delivery of services to patients in need. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Translational Research in Audiology)

11 pages, 919 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Third-Party Disability for Significant Others of Individuals with Tinnitus: A Cross-Sectional Survey Design

by Eldré W. Beukes, Gerhard Andersson and Vinaya Manchaiah

Audiol. Res. 2023, 13(3), 378-388; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres13030033 - 23 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1413

Abstract

There is currently increasing awareness of third-party disability, defined as the disability and functioning of a significant other (SO) due to a health condition of one of their family members. The effects of third-party disability on the SOs of individuals with tinnitus has [...] Read more.

There is currently increasing awareness of third-party disability, defined as the disability and functioning of a significant other (SO) due to a health condition of one of their family members. The effects of third-party disability on the SOs of individuals with tinnitus has received little attention. To address this knowledge gap, this study investigated third-party disability in the significant others (SOs) of individuals with tinnitus. A cross-sectional survey design included 194 pairs of individuals from the USA with tinnitus and their significant others. The SO sample completed the Consequences of Tinnitus on Significant Others Questionnaire (CTSOQ). Individuals with tinnitus completed standardized self-reported outcome measures for tinnitus severity, anxiety, depression, insomnia, hearing-related quality of life, tinnitus cognitions, hearing disability, and hyperacusis. The CTSOQ showed that 34 (18%) of the SOs were mildly impacted, 59 (30%) were significantly impacted, and 101 (52%) were severely impact. The clinical variables of tinnitus severity, anxiety, and hyperacusis in individuals with tinnitus were the best predictors of the impact of tinnitus on SOs. These results show that the SOs of individuals with tinnitus may experience third-party disability. The effect of the individual’s tinnitus on their SO may be greater when the individual with tinnitus has a higher level of tinnitus severity, anxiety, and hyperacusis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Brain, Hearing and Tinnitus Science)

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11 pages, 1690 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cochlear Aqueduct Morphology in Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome

by Nimesh V. Nagururu, Diane Jung, Ferdinand Hui, Monica S. Pearl, John P. Carey and Bryan K. Ward

Audiol. Res. 2023, 13(3), 367-377; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres13030032 - 15 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1271

Abstract

The cochlear aqueduct (CA) connects the scala tympani to the subarachnoid space and is thought to assist in pressure regulation of perilymph in normal ears, however, its role and variation in inner ear pathology, such as in superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS), is [...] Read more.

The cochlear aqueduct (CA) connects the scala tympani to the subarachnoid space and is thought to assist in pressure regulation of perilymph in normal ears, however, its role and variation in inner ear pathology, such as in superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS), is unknown. This retrospective radiographic investigation compared CA measurements and classification, as measured on flat-panel computerized tomography, among three groups of ears: controls, n = 64; anatomic superior canal dehiscence without symptoms (SCD), n = 28; and SCDS, n = 64. We found that in a multinomial logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, and BMI, an increase in CA length by 1 mm was associated with a lower odds for being in the SCDS group vs. control (Odds ratio 0.760 p = 0.005). Hierarchical clustering of continuous CA measures revealed a cluster with small CAs and a cluster with large CAs. Another multinomial logistic regression adjusted for the aforementioned clinical covariates showed an odds ratio of 2.97 for SCDS in the small CA cluster as compared to the large (p = 0.004). Further, no significant association was observed between SCDS symptomatology—vestibular and/or auditory symptoms—and CA structure in SCDS ears. The findings of this study lend support to the hypothesis that SCDS has a congenital etiology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Third Mobile Window Syndromes: New Insights in Pathomechanisms, Instrumental Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment)

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10 pages, 1717 KiB

Open AccessReview

Hearing Rehabilitation in Vestibular Schwannoma

by Gauri Mankekar and Sean Holmes

Audiol. Res. 2023, 13(3), 357-366; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres13030031 - 12 May 2023

Viewed by 2018

Abstract

The most common complaint among patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) is hearing loss. This significantly affects the quality of life before, during, and after treatment for patients with VS. Untreated hearing loss in VS patients may even lead to depression and feelings of [...] Read more.

The most common complaint among patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) is hearing loss. This significantly affects the quality of life before, during, and after treatment for patients with VS. Untreated hearing loss in VS patients may even lead to depression and feelings of social isolation. A variety of devices are available for hearing rehabilitation for patients with vestibular schwannoma. These include contralateral routing of hearing signals (CROSs), bone-anchored hearing devices, auditory brainstem implants (ABI), and cochlear implants. In the United States, ABI is approved for patients 12 years of age and older with neurofibromatosis type 2. In the past few years, cochlear implantation has been offered simultaneously or sequentially with tumor resection or irradiation, or even to patients whose VS have been monitored with serial imaging. However, determining the functional integrity of the auditory nerve in patients with vestibular schwannoma is a challenge. This review article consists of (1) the pathophysiology of vestibular schwannoma (VS), (2) hearing loss in VS, (3) treatment of VS and associated hearing loss, (4) options for auditory rehabilitation in patients with VS with their individual benefits and limitations, and (5) challenges in hearing rehabilitation in this cohort of patients to determine auditory nerve functionality. (6) Future directions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hearing and Balance in Acoustic Neuroma)

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10 pages, 3017 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Examination of Factors Affecting the Likelihood of Whether Individuals Would Purchase Cartilage Conduction Hearing Aids

by Shunsuke Takai, Takeshi Sato, Yuya Miyakura, Mika Adachi, Yohei Honkura, Daisuke Yamauchi and Yukio Katori

Audiol. Res. 2023, 13(3), 347-356; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres13030030 - 11 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1248

Abstract

Cartilage conduction hearing aids (CC-HAs) are a novel type of hearing aid relying on cartilage conduction, the so-called third auditory conduction pathway. However, CC-HAs have only recently entered routine clinical use, and therefore data on their usefulness are lacking. The purpose of this [...] Read more.

Cartilage conduction hearing aids (CC-HAs) are a novel type of hearing aid relying on cartilage conduction, the so-called third auditory conduction pathway. However, CC-HAs have only recently entered routine clinical use, and therefore data on their usefulness are lacking. The purpose of this study was to examine the possibility of assessing whether individual patients would show good adaptation to CC-HAs. Thirty-three subjects (41 ears in total) underwent a free trial of CC-HAs. Age, disease category, and the pure-tone threshold of air and bone conduction, unaided field sound threshold, aided field sound threshold, and functional gain (FG) at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz were compared between patients who subsequently purchased and did not purchase the CC-HAs. Overall, 65.9% of the subjects purchased CC-HAs after the trial. In comparison to non-purchasers, those who decided to purchase CC-HAs showed better pure tone hearing thresholds at high frequencies for both air conduction (2 and 4 kHz) and bone conduction (1, 2, and 4 kHz), as well as for aided thresholds in the sound field (1, 2, and 4 kHz) when using CC-HAs. Therefore, the high-frequency hearing thresholds of subjects trialing CC-HAs might be helpful for identifying those who are likely to benefit from them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bone and Cartilage Conduction—Volume II)

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6 pages, 232 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Genetic Evaluation of Prelingual Hearing Impairment: Recommendations of an European Network for Genetic Hearing Impairment

by Laurence Jonard, Davide Brotto, Miguel A. Moreno-Pelayo, Ignacio del Castillo, Hannie Kremer, Ronald Pennings, Helena Caria, Graça Fialho, An Boudewyns, Guy Van Camp, Monika Ołdak, Dominika Oziębło, Naïma Deggouj, Romolo Daniele De Siati, Paolo Gasparini, Giorgia Girotto, Margriet Verstreken, Silvia Dossena, Sebastian Roesch, Saba Battelino, Katarina Trebušak Podkrajšek, Athanasia Warnecke, Thomas Lenarz, Anke Lesinski-Schiedat, Michel Mondain, Anne-Françoise Roux, Françoise Denoyelle, Natalie Loundon, Margaux Serey Gaut, Patrizia Trevisi, Elisa Rubinato, Alessandro Martini and Sandrine Marlin Show full author list Hide full author list

Audiol. Res. 2023, 13(3), 341-346; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres13030029 - 10 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1508

Abstract

The cause of childhood hearing impairment (excluding infectious pathology of the middle ear) can be extrinsic (embryofoetopathy, meningitis, trauma, drug ototoxicity, noise trauma, etc [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics of Hearing Loss—Volume II)

15 pages, 497 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impacts and Identification of Hearing Aid Refurbishing Programs for People with Hearing Loss: A Scoping Review

by Mathieu Hotton, Virginie Prud’Homme, Léa Richard, Laurie Cormier, Katherine Simoneau, Mathilde Lefebvre-Demers, Claude Vincent and Normand Boucher

Audiol. Res. 2023, 13(3), 326-340; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres13030028 - 06 May 2023

Viewed by 1693

Abstract

This article consists of a scoping review completed to describe the impacts of refurbished hearing aids (HAs) for people with hearing loss, and to identify existing HA refurbishing programs around the world. In this review, JBI methodological guidance for scoping reviews was followed. [...] Read more.

This article consists of a scoping review completed to describe the impacts of refurbished hearing aids (HAs) for people with hearing loss, and to identify existing HA refurbishing programs around the world. In this review, JBI methodological guidance for scoping reviews was followed. All types of sources of evidence were considered. Thirty-six sources of evidence were included, 11 articles and 25 web pages. Results suggest that refurbished HAs may improve communication and social participation for individuals with hearing loss and provide monetary savings to them and to governmental agencies. Twenty-five HA refurbishing programs were identified, all based in developed countries and distributing refurbished HAs mostly locally, but also in developing countries. Issues related to refurbished HAs were highlighted, such as potential cross-contamination, quick obsolescence, and repairing problems. Some facilitators for the success of this intervention are to offer accessible and affordable follow-up services, repairs, and batteries, and to ensure awareness and participation of hearing healthcare professionals and citizens with hearing loss. In conclusion, the use of refurbished HAs appears to be a valuable option for low-income people with hearing loss, but it should be included in a more global intervention program to ensure its sustainability. Full article

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12 pages, 784 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Balance Rehabilitation with Peripheral Visual Stimulation in Patients with Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia: An Open-Pilot Intervention Study

by Daniela Caldirola, Claudia Carminati, Silvia Daccò, Massimiliano Grassi, Giampaolo Perna and Roberto Teggi

Audiol. Res. 2023, 13(3), 314-325; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres13030027 - 28 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1764

Abstract

Given the involvement of balance system abnormalities in the pathophysiology of panic disorder and agoraphobia (PD-AG), we evaluated initial evidence for feasibility, acceptability, and potential clinical usefulness of 10 sessions of balance rehabilitation with peripheral visual stimulation (BR-PVS) in an open-pilot 5-week intervention [...] Read more.

Given the involvement of balance system abnormalities in the pathophysiology of panic disorder and agoraphobia (PD-AG), we evaluated initial evidence for feasibility, acceptability, and potential clinical usefulness of 10 sessions of balance rehabilitation with peripheral visual stimulation (BR-PVS) in an open-pilot 5-week intervention study including six outpatients with PD-AG who presented residual agoraphobia after selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment and cognitive–behavioral therapy, dizziness in daily life, and peripheral visual hypersensitivity measured by posturography. Before and after BR-PVS, patients underwent posturography, otovestibular examination (no patients presented peripheral vestibular abnormalities), and panic-agoraphobic symptom and dizziness evaluation with psychometric tools. After BR-PVS, four patients achieved postural control normalization measured by posturography, and one patient exhibited a favorable trend of improvement. Overall, panic-agoraphobic symptoms and dizziness decreased, even though to a lesser extent in one patient who had not completed the rehabilitation sessions. The study presented reasonable levels of feasibility and acceptability. These findings suggest that balance evaluation should be considered in patients with PD-AGO presenting residual agoraphobia and that BR-PVS might be an adjunctive therapeutic option worth being tested in larger randomized controlled studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Episodic Vertigo: Differences, Overlappings, Opinion and Treatment)

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Audiol. Res., Volume 13, Issue 3 (June 2023) – 15 articles

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