Audiology Research最新文献

{"title":"The Predictive Role of Video Head Impulse Testing Patterns of Anti-Compensatory Saccades Using the Suppression Head Impulse Paradigm for the Diagnosis of Mild Acute Unilateral Vestibular Loss.","authors":"Cristiano Balzanelli, Fabio Pontara, Luca Oscar Redaelli de Zinis","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15050110","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15050110","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> To evaluate the predictive role of anti-compensatory saccades in diagnosing mild acute unilateral vestibular loss. <b>Methods:</b> Consecutive patients with vertigo who underwent a bedside vestibular evaluation and video head impulse testing of the horizontal semicircular canal at the San Bernardino Outpatient Clinic in Salò, Italy, between 1 January and 30 June 2024 were examined (Group 1). Two control groups were considered: patients with severe unilateral acute vestibular loss (Group 2) and healthy subjects (Group 3). The video head impulse testing patterns of anti-compensatory saccades (amplitude, scattered pattern, and latency) using the suppression head impulse paradigm were analyzed to evaluate their predictive role in identifying horizontal canal dysfunction, even when borderline gain values of the canal's vestibulo-ocular reflex were present. <b>Results:</b> Group 1 included 74 patients, Group 2 included 20 patients, and Group 3 included 20 healthy, voluntary subjects. The anti-compensatory saccades revealed significant differences in the amplitudes and scattered patterns between the two ears, exclusively in Groups 1 and 2. <b>Conclusions:</b> The anti-compensatory saccades alterations using the suppression head impulse paradigm can predict mild acute unilateral vestibular loss, even when the horizontal semicircular canal's vestibulo-ocular reflex gain values are mild (lower borderline). Conversely, a borderline asymmetry of the horizontal semicircular canal's vestibulo-ocular reflex using the classic head impulse paradigm should not be considered a marker of mild acute unilateral vestibular loss when the saccadic pattern is symmetrical using the suppression head impulse paradigm. Further meticulous differential diagnostic investigations are necessary in such cases to effectively diagnose horizontal semicircular canal dysfunction.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452734/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145114561","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Influence of Auditory Dysfunction on Ergonomic Workplace Design for Aging Employees.","authors":"Matjaž Maletič, Albin Kotnik, Zvone Balantič","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15050109","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15050109","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: This research focuses on the increasing presence of older workers in the labor market, a group particularly vulnerable to hearing problems due to age-related changes and prolonged noise exposure. <b>Methods</b>: The research combines theoretical and empirical approaches to investigate the impact of noise on the workplaces of older employees. The empirical component is based on two primary methods: a survey and audiometric testing to assess participants' hearing abilities. The study included a sample of 50 older workers, all with diagnosed hearing loss. <b>Results</b>: The results of the survey showed that most older workers are regularly exposed to noise at work, which has long-term negative effects on their hearing. This highlights the need to introduce appropriate protective measures such as personal protective equipment, insulation of noise sources, and raising awareness about the dangers of noise. In addition to the questionnaire survey, the analysis of hearing measurements revealed that all respondents had significant bilateral hearing loss, with sensorineural hearing loss being the most prevalent type. <b>Conclusions</b>: This study highlights the negative impact of chronic noise exposure in the workplace on the hearing, communication and productivity of older workers and emphasizes the importance of combining preventive measures, hearing protection and workplace adaptations to promote their well-being and performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452327/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145114596","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Is Pupil Response to Speech and Music in Toddlers with Cochlear Implants Asymmetric?","authors":"Amanda Saksida, Marta Fantoni, Sara Ghiselli, Eva Orzan","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15040108","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15040108","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Ear advantage (EA) reflects hemispheric asymmetries in auditory processing. While a right-ear advantage (REA) for speech and a left-ear advantage (LEA) for music are well documented in typically developing individuals, it is unclear how these patterns manifest in young children with cochlear implants (CIs). This study investigated whether pupillometry could reveal asymmetric listening efforts in toddlers with bilateral CIs when listening to speech and music under monaural stimulation. <b>Methods:</b> Thirteen toddlers (mean age = 36.2 months) with early bilateral CIs participated. Pupillary responses were recorded during passive listening to speech and music stimuli, presented in quiet or with background noise. Each child was tested twice, once with only the left CI active and once with only the right CI active. Linear mixed-effects models assessed the influence of session (left/right CI), signal type (speech/music), and background noise. <b>Results:</b> A significant interaction between session and signal type was observed (<i>p</i> = 0.047). Speech elicited larger pupil sizes when processed through the left CI, while music showed no significant lateralized effects. Age and speech therapy frequency moderated pupil responses in speech and music trials, respectively. <b>Conclusions:</b> Pupillometry reveals subtle asymmetric listening effort in young CI users depending on the listening ear, suggesting early emerging functional lateralization despite sensory deprivation and device-mediated hearing.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12382946/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144973299","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical Insights into Hearing Loss.","authors":"George Psillas, Petros D Karkos","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15040107","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15040107","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We are pleased to present a Special Issue addressing new insights into the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing loss [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12382701/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144973253","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Speech-to-Text Captioning and Subtitling in Schools: The Results of a SWOT Analysis.","authors":"Ambra Fastelli, Giulia Clignon, Daniele Corasaniti, Eva Orzan","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15040105","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15040105","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Poor classroom acoustics and inadequate digital environments in educational settings can pose an additional barrier for students, especially those with special needs, such as students with hearing difficulties. These challenges can hinder communication, academic achievement, and social inclusion. Speech-to-text captioning systems offer a promising assistive tool to support education. This study aimed to evaluate the strengths and limitations of implementing such systems in schools through a structured strategic analysis. <b>Methods:</b> The analysis method consisted of two phases. A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis was performed on data from a survey compiled by an interdisciplinary team. A subsequent TOWS analysis was used to develop strategic recommendations by cross-referencing internal and external factors. <b>Results:</b> The analysis highlighted key strengths, including improved communication, support for inclusive practices, and adaptability to diverse learning needs. Identified weaknesses included cognitive load, synchronization delays, and variability in student profiles. Opportunities included educational innovation, access to funding programs, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Threats included inadequate classroom technology, poor acoustics, and the risks of social stigma. The analysis yielded 17 recommendations to improve the usability and customization of the tool. <b>Conclusions:</b> Speech-to-text captioning systems have significant potential to promote accessibility and inclusion in education. This strategic analysis provides a structured, interdisciplinary approach to strategic planning and the successful implementation of assistive technology in schools. By combining multidisciplinary expertise with structured evaluation, it identified key design, training, and policy priorities. This approach offers a replicable model for user-centered planning and the development of assistive tools and can inform wider efforts to reduce communication barriers in inclusive education.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12382921/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144973337","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association Between Hearing Aid Use and Physical Activity Levels in Older Adults with Hearing Loss.","authors":"José Ramos-Rojas, Gonzalo Valdivia, Dominique Terán-Tapia, Anthony Marcotti, Eduardo Fuentes-López","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15040106","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15040106","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Few studies have examined the relationship between hearing aid use and physical activity levels, yielding inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to determine the possible association between hearing aid use and physical activity levels in a representative sample of older adults with hearing loss and a clinical indication for hearing aid use in Chile. <b>Methods</b>: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from a nationally representative health survey employing geographically stratified, multistage probability sampling. Participants were aged ≥60, had medical indication for hearing aid use, demonstrated normal cognitive function, and reported no motor disability. Physical activity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). We also collected data on self-perceived hearing status, specialist recommendations for hearing aid use, and adherence among device owners. Multivariate ordinal regression models evaluated the association between hearing aid use and physical activity, accounting for the survey's complex sampling design. <b>Results:</b> The sample comprised 356 individuals, representing 599,912 older adults after applying survey weights. Overall, 50.5% reported owning a hearing aid; of these, 46.8% always used their device, and 19.1% never used it. Compared with consistent users, participants who used their hearing aid \"sometimes\" or \"rarely\" had significantly lower odds of higher physical activity levels (OR = 0.13; 95% CI: 0.02-0.85; <i>p</i> = 0.03 and OR = 0.13; 95% CI: 0.02-0.96; <i>p</i> = 0.04, respectively). Those who never used their hearing aid had 86% lower odds of higher physical activity (OR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.03-0.94; <i>p</i> = 0.04). <b>Conclusions</b>: Consistent hearing aid use was associated with higher physical activity levels in older adults with hearing loss. These findings support the integration of hearing rehabilitation into broader strategies for promoting healthy aging.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12382805/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144973281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of Prototype Transparent Mask, Opaque Mask, and No Mask on Speech Understanding in Noise.","authors":"Samuel R Atcherson, Evan T Finley, Jeanne Hahne","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15040103","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15040103","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Face masks are used in healthcare for the prevention of the spread of disease; however, the recent COVID-19 pandemic raised awareness of the challenges of typical opaque masks that obscure nonverbal cues. In addition, various masks have been shown to attenuate speech above 1000 Hz, and lack of nonverbal cues exacerbates speech understanding in the presence of background noise. Transparent masks can help to overcome the loss of nonverbal cues, but they have greater attenuative effects on higher speech frequencies. This study evaluated a newer prototype transparent face mask redesigned from a version evaluated in a previous study. <b>Methods:</b> Thirty participants (10 with normal hearing, 10 with moderate hearing loss, and 10 with severe-to-profound hearing loss) were recruited. Selected lists from the Connected Speech Test (CST) were digitally recorded using male and female talkers and presented to listeners at 65 dB HL in 12 conditions against a background of 4-talker babble (+5 dB SNR): without a mask (auditory only and audiovisual), with an opaque mask (auditory only and audiovisual), and with a transparent mask (auditory only and audiovisual). <b>Results:</b> Listeners with normal hearing performed consistently well across all conditions. For listeners with hearing loss, speech was generally easier to understand with the male talker. Audiovisual conditions were better than auditory-only conditions, and No Mask and Transparent Mask conditions were better than Opaque Mask conditions. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings continue to support the use of transparent masks to improve communication, minimize medical errors, and increase patient satisfaction.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12382911/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144973264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preschool Hearing Screening: Nineteen Years of the Coração Delta Project in Campo Maior, Portugal.","authors":"Cláudia Reis, Luísa Monteiro, Conceição Monteiro, Joana Pereira, Joana Teixeira, João Mendes, Mariana Pereira, Magda Barrocas, Dionísia Gomes, Margarida Serrano","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15040104","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15040104","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Preschool hearing screening is justified by the risk of late onset hearing loss, the high prevalence of otitis media with effusion in school-aged children, and the critical timing just before children begin formal reading and learn to write. This study describes the results of the annual preschool hearing screening program in Campo Maior from 2007 to 2025 (nineteen years) and correlates the audiological referral to the otoscopy findings by the otolaryngologists. <b>Methodology</b>: Retrospective study using clinical records from nineteen years of preschool hearing screening. <b>Results</b>: Screening identified 310 children (29% of 1068 screened) requiring referral to an ENT specialist. Of the 217 referred children evaluated by ENT, 198 (91.2%) had confirmed pathology or healthcare needs of medical intervention. A statistically significant positive association (r = 0.254, <i>p</i> < 0.05) existed between abnormal otoscopy findings and Type B or C2 tympanograms (versus Type A or C1). Hearing loss occurring with Type A tympanograms (0.8% unilaterally, 0.3% bilaterally) may suggest sensorineural hearing loss. <b>Conclusion</b>: This study reinforces the importance of universal preschool audiological screening for all children, particularly for children facing geographic barriers to healthcare. Community-based interventions facilitated by social solidarity associations can play a crucial role in mitigating healthcare access disparities across populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12383093/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144973279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association Between SGLT2 Inhibitor Therapy and the Incidence of Tinnitus in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Retrospective Cohort Study.","authors":"David Ulrich Seidel, Simon Bode, Karel Kostev","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15040102","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15040102","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Numerous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with heart failure and chronic kidney disease. However, whether SGLT2 inhibitors are also associated with a reduced risk of tinnitus has not been investigated.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the association between SGLT2 inhibitor therapy and the incidence of tinnitus in patients with type 2 diabetes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective cohort study was based on data from a nationally representative database of primary care practices in Germany from 2012 to 2023. Patients with type 2 diabetes who were treated with metformin and additionally received either an SGLT2 inhibitor or a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitor were included. Patients with a previous diagnosis of tinnitus were excluded. The primary outcome was the first tinnitus diagnosis documented by a primary care physician. The SGLT2 and DPP4 cohorts were compared for tinnitus incidence using Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariable Cox regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>66,750 patients with SGLT2 inhibitors and 82,830 with DPP4 inhibitors were analyzed. The cumulative 5-year incidence of tinnitus was 1.9% in both groups. The multivariable regression analysis did not show a significant association between SGLT2 therapy and the occurrence of a tinnitus diagnosis (HR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.89-1.21).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There was no difference in tinnitus incidence between patients with SGLT2 or DPP4 inhibitors. The causes could lie in the heterogeneous, not purely vascular, etiology of tinnitus in general practitioners' practices. Future studies should include further clinical data, including confirmed hearing impairments.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12382665/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144973327","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Psychiatric Comorbidities in Hyperacusis and Misophonia: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Ana Luísa Moura Rodrigues, Hashir Aazh","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15040101","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15040101","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the research literature on the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in patients with hyperacusis and misophonia. <b>Method</b>: Four databases were searched: PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science (Wis)-last search conducted on the 16th of April 2024 to identify relevant studies. The methodological quality of each study was independently assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist. <b>Results</b>: Five studies were included for the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in hyperacusis, and seventeen studies for misophonia. Among patients with hyperacusis, between 8% and 80% had depression, and between 39% and 61% had any anxiety disorder as measured via a diagnostic interview and/or self-report questionnaires. For misophonia, nine studies provided data on various forms of mood and anxiety disorders, with prevalences ranging from 1.1% to 37.3% and 0.2% to 69%, respectively. <b>Conclusions</b>: Although the 22 included studies varied considerably in design and scope, some recurring patterns of comorbidity were noted. However, apparent trends-such as the higher prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders compared to other psychiatric conditions-should be interpreted with caution, as most studies did not comprehensively assess a full range of psychiatric disorders. This likely skews prevalence estimates toward the conditions that were specifically investigated.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12383035/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144973316","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}