Journal of Audiology and Otology最新文献

{"title":"Age-Dependent Auditory Plasticity: Critical Periods in Subcortical and Cortical Encoding.","authors":"Senem Erdur Uzut","doi":"10.7874/jao.2026.00164","DOIUrl":"10.7874/jao.2026.00164","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Auditory plasticity refers to the capacity of the auditory system to reorganize in response to experience and represents a fundamental feature of neural development. This scoping review synthesizes evidence on age-dependent plasticity at both subcortical and cortical levels, with a particular emphasis on critical and sensitive periods. A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases (1963-2025) was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A total of 2,437 records were screened, of which 78 studies were included in the review. Data were analyzed using thematic synthesis. Four major contributions are presented: 1) an appraisal of methodological limitations; 2) the Graded Windows Model (GWM), a conceptual framework proposing that plasticity may be organized as overlapping and interacting windows along the auditory neuraxis; 3) five testable hypotheses; and 4) clinical recommendations graded based on evidence level and study type. Human and animal evidence were distinguished. The traditional dichotomy that the brainstem matures early, whereas cortical plasticity persists later, may represent an oversimplification. Auditory plasticity appears to involve graded and hierarchically organized windows. Overall, this framework may inform the intervention timing and help prevent maladaptive plasticity.</p>","PeriodicalId":44886,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Audiology and Otology","volume":"30 3","pages":"152-161"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13424914/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148632207","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":"Importance of Comprehensive Tinnitus Assessment: A Conceptual Analysis of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)-Linked Questionnaires.","authors":"Alida Naudé, Amisha Kanji","doi":"10.7874/jao.2025.00346","DOIUrl":"10.7874/jao.2025.00346","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explores the extent to which commonly used tinnitus questionnaires align with relevant International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domains. The aim is not to establish the superiority of any tool, but rather to identify potential gaps in domain coverage and to support more intentional questionnaire selection. A rapid review was conducted to identify validated tinnitus questionnaires used in clinical practice. Each questionnaire was systematically linked to ICF categories employing established frameworks. The study compared the domain coverage of the ICF-based international inventory for tinnitus (ICF-TINI) with that of other commonly used questionnaires and mapped overlapping and unique ICF codes to determine the breadth of coverage. While ICF-TINI addressed a wide range of ICF domains, no single questionnaire provided complete coverage, particularly for the domains of environmental factors and participation. Other tools such as the Tinnitus Functional Index and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory also demonstrated broad but incomplete domain representation. The findings underscore the importance of strategically combining tinnitus questionnaires based on ICF domain mapping, rather than relying solely on familiarity or tradition. The study proposes an evidence-informed approach to tool selection that may enhance person-centered tinnitus assessment. Further research is required to determine whether broader ICF coverage leads to improved outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":44886,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Audiology and Otology","volume":" ","pages":"141-151"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13425014/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148309799","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":"Normative Data and Repeatability of a 4-kHz Pure-Tone Psychoacoustic Tuning Curve Using a Single Clinical Audiometer.","authors":"Byungwoo Yoon","doi":"10.7874/jao.2025.00675","DOIUrl":"10.7874/jao.2025.00675","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>This study aimed to establish normative data and evaluate the test-retest variability of 4 kHz pure-tone psychoacoustic tuning curves (PTCs) measured using a conventional two-channel clinical audiometer. Materials and.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirty-four adults with normal hearing (≤25 dB HL) underwent two PTC testing sessions separated by a 2-week interval. A 4,000-Hz signal tone presented at 10 dB above threshold and seven pure-tone maskers (3,150-4,896 Hz) were administered using an Interacoustics AC40 Audiometer through the 3-down/1-up approach. Participants were randomly assigned to either low-to-high or high-to-low masker-frequency-order groups. Test-retest variability was analyzed across masker frequencies, and correlations with participant demographics were determined. Q10 values were evaluated as indices of frequency selectivity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All participants completed the testing without auditory discomfort. Approximately 80% had a test-retest variability of ≤8 dB, indicating high reliability. The largest intersession differences were observed at 4,896 Hz (9.80±7.35 dB) and 3,150 Hz (5.77±6.95 dB). Test-retest variability was positively correlated with age (r= 0.50, p=0.006). The mean Q10 was 5.76±1.72, and decreased significantly with age (r=-0.49, p=0.014). The average tuning curve exhibited a V-shaped pattern with a tip at 4,000 Hz, consistent with classical findings.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The simplified pure-tone PTC protocol using a standard clinical audiometer provided reproducible and relevant estimates of auditory frequency selectivity. These findings support its clinical feasibility for assessing frequency selectivity and age-related changes in the auditory filter.</p>","PeriodicalId":44886,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Audiology and Otology","volume":"30 3","pages":"198-206"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13424913/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148632214","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":"Defining Norms, Reliability, and Thresholds for Tone Burst-Induced Masseter Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potential Testing Through Bone Conduction.","authors":"Fathima Ruxana, Kumaran Thirunavukkarasu","doi":"10.7874/jao.2025.00423","DOIUrl":"10.7874/jao.2025.00423","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Masseter vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (mVEMPs) provide a noninvasive approach for assessing saccular and vestibular nerve function. Although air-conducted stimuli are commonly used, bone-conduction stimulation offers advantages for individuals with conductive hearing loss. This study aimed to establish normative values and evaluate the test-retest reliability of BC-induced mVEMP using 500 Hz tone bursts in young adults. Subjects and.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This normative study included 45 healthy participants (aged 18-35). Bone conduction mVEMPs were elicited using 500 Hz tone bursts delivered through a B71 RadioEar vibrator. Responses from the masseter muscle were recorded using surface electrodes placed in a zygomatic montage. Participants underwent two test sessions within 1 month. The assessed parameters included P1 and N1 latencies, peak-to-peak amplitude, and asymmetry ratio. Threshold estimation was performed on a subset of 15 participants to determine response detectability.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Normative values revealed consistent P1 and N1 latencies across sessions with mean latencies of 11.76 ms and 14.77 ms, respectively. No significant interaural or sex-related differences were noted, except for ipsilateral P1 latency and contralateral N1 latency. The test-retest reliability ranged from fair to good, particularly for the P1 latency and asymmetry ratio. Threshold responses were reliably elicited at intensities up to 115 dB SPL.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Bone conduction mVEMP elicited stable and reproducible responses in healthy young adults, supporting its clinical utility, particularly in patients with conductive pathology, those with reduced neck muscle strength, and within geriatric populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":44886,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Audiology and Otology","volume":" ","pages":"189-197"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13425013/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148309731","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":"Optimizing Hearing Rehabilitation in Chronic Otitis Media: An Expert Opinion on Early Integration of Bone Conduction Devices.","authors":"Hillary A Snapp, Douglas D Backous, Marcela Machena Borja, Karina Fanelli, Noemi Hernández, Jacques A Herzog, Rafael Jaramillo, Manabu Komori, Kelvin Kong, Thomas Lenarz, Naoki Oishi, Jaydip Ray, Faisal Zawawi, Myrthe Karianne Sophie Hol","doi":"10.7874/jao.2026.00073","DOIUrl":"10.7874/jao.2026.00073","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic otitis media (COM) frequently results in persistent hearing loss that is underrecognized and insufficiently addressed, even after successful surgical management. This expert opinion presents statements and treatment recommendations that advocate for the earlier integration of bone conduction device (BCD) solutions into the management of COM-related hearing loss. Expert opinions were developed through a structured, multiphase process integrating interdisciplinary expertise, a literature review, and patient perspectives. A core team drafted preliminary statements based on evidence from COM, hearing loss research, and clinical experience. These statements were discussed during a face-to-face roundtable in Vienna in September 2025 with 12 international experts, using a structured Think-Pair-Share format. Feedback from breakout groups, plenary discussions, and subsequent email reviews informed the final expert statements and treatment recommendations. Three statements were developed, refined, and agreed upon by the participants. Experts emphasized the early and proactive use of nonsurgical and surgical BCDs to support developmental, communicative, and functional outcomes. Optimal hearing interventions should be prioritized in parallel infection management and surgical interventions. Structured monitoring of hearing and quality of life is recommended to guide timely adjustments in the management of COM and related hearing loss. This expert opinion supports a shift toward the earlier integration of BCD solutions into the management of COM, emphasizing a dual focus on infection control and hearing rehabilitation.</p>","PeriodicalId":44886,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Audiology and Otology","volume":"30 3","pages":"162-170"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13425017/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148632312","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":"Development of Hearing Information Booklet for Dementia Healthcare Professionals.","authors":"Chanbeom Kwak, Woojae Han, Young Joon Seo, Ghee-Young Noh","doi":"10.7874/jao.2025.00129","DOIUrl":"10.7874/jao.2025.00129","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Age-related hearing loss is a key risk factor for dementia; however, community healthcare professionals often lack training in hearing care for people with dementia. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the Hearing Guidelines of Unified Information for Dementia Experts (H-GUIDE), an educational booklet designed to improve hearing-related knowledge and practices in dementia care. Subjects and.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The H-GUIDE consists of five sections: Hearing Loss and Dementia, Hearing Screening Tests, Introduction of Hearing Aids, Use of Hearing Aids, and Maintenance of Hearing Aids. Participants were 71 long-term care workers, including facility managers and healthcare professionals. The Knowledge Attitude Practice (KAP), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and Hearing Aid Knowledge Inventory (HAKI) questionnaires were applied before, after, and two months after the educational intervention.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants showed significant improvements in hearing-related knowledge, practice, and intention to use the H-GUIDE post intervention. These effects were sustained during the two-month follow-up. The HAKI scores increased significantly post-test and remained stable over time.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The H-GUIDE was validated as an effective and user-friendly educational tool that enhances hearing care competency among dementia healthcare professionals; it also supports early detection and management of hearing problems.</p>","PeriodicalId":44886,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Audiology and Otology","volume":" ","pages":"181-188"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13425019/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147582677","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":"Translation and Validation of the \"Hearing Impairment Impact-Significant Other Profile (HII-SOP): A Tool to Measure Hearing Loss-Related Quality of Life in Spouses of People With Hearing Loss\" Into Kannada.","authors":"Koushiki Ullal, Usha Shastri, Mohan Kumar Kalaiah, Himani Kotian, Joyline Rodrigues, Anciya P Pinto","doi":"10.7874/jao.2025.00248","DOIUrl":"10.7874/jao.2025.00248","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Hearing loss can have direct adverse effects on the significant others (SOs) of individuals with hearing loss. The term \"third-party disability\" is used to refer to the difficulties faced by family members because of the health conditions of their SOs. The \"Hearing Impairment Impact-Significant Other Profile (HII-SOP)\" is a tool designed to measure hearing loss-related quality of life among spouses of English speakers with hearing loss. In the present project, we have sought to translate the HII-SOP questionnaire into Kannada, a southern Indian language spoken by 43.7 million people, and validate it. Subjects and.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In the first phase, we translated the questionnaire into Kannada following a structured protocol. In the second phase, we evaluated the psychometric properties by administering the translated version (HII-SOP-K) to 57 SOs of individuals with hearing loss. The sample included spouses, children, and other caregivers of individuals with hearing loss who were native speakers of Kannada (mean age: 47.96 years).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The HII-SOP-K showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.90) and strong test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.914). Exploratory factor analysis revealed that the five factors accounted for 58.3% of the variance. Most SOs reported mild-to-moderate third-party disabilities. The relationship between SOs (spouses, children, and others) and individuals with hearing loss had no significant effect on HII-SOP-K scores.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The Kannada version of the HII-SOP is a valid and reliable tool for assessing third-party disabilities among the SOs of individuals with hearing loss. Assessment of third-party disabilities will facilitate patient- and family-centered audiological care and may enable the inclusion of SOs in the aural rehabilitation of individuals with hearing loss and facilitate a comprehensive understanding of third-party disability among Kannada speakers; thus, HII-SOP-K is suitable for use in clinical and research contexts among Kannada speakers.</p>","PeriodicalId":44886,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Audiology and Otology","volume":" ","pages":"171-180"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13425018/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148309811","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":"Intratympanic Steroid Administration for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Just a Matter of Physician Preference?","authors":"Ilias A Lazarou, Petros V Vlastarakos, Giorgos Sideris, Thomas P Nikolopoulos","doi":"10.7874/jao.2025.00647","DOIUrl":"10.7874/jao.2025.00647","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":44886,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Audiology and Otology","volume":" ","pages":"207-208"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13425073/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148309784","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":"A Review of the Clinical Applicability of Neurotrophins in Cochlear Implantation.","authors":"Seung Cheol Ahn","doi":"10.7874/jao.2025.00857","DOIUrl":"10.7874/jao.2025.00857","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Neurotrophins reportedly improve hearing outcomes when used in combination with cochlear implants, as they promote the survival of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) and stimulate SGN neurite outgrowth in animal models of sensorineural hearing loss. However, their applicability to human patients remains unknown. This review examines the clinical applicability of neurotrophins based on advances in drug delivery techniques to the inner ear and discusses their potential for future application in human patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":44886,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Audiology and Otology","volume":"30 2","pages":"93-103"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13129892/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147784954","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":"Mild but Not Minor: Reconsidering Clinical Practice and Tinnitus-Related Aspects of Mild Hearing Loss.","authors":"Hantai Kim, Jong Bin Lee","doi":"10.7874/jao.2025.00633","DOIUrl":"10.7874/jao.2025.00633","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mild hearing loss, though often overlooked, can substantially affect daily communication and quality of life. Conventional hearing aids remain the mainstay of hearing loss management, yet their high cost has limited their widespread adoption. Recently, alternative amplification devices, such as personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) and over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, have gained attention. Emerging evidence suggests that these devices may provide meaningful benefits to individuals with mild hearing loss and could help expand accessibility. Patients with tinnitus may particularly benefit from amplification, because hearing aids improve tinnitus-related outcomes. However, professionals are not usually involved in the purchase and use of PSAPs and OTC hearing aids. This may lead to suboptimal or even harmful results, especially in tinnitus care, for which counselling and cognitive behavioral therapy are essential components of comprehensive management. Amplification alone should not be considered a sufficient treatment strategy. Ultimately, while PSAPs and OTC hearing aids offer promising and cost-effective options for managing mild hearing loss, their integration into clinical practice requires careful consideration. Clear guidelines and professional consensus are needed to ensure that these devices are used appropriately and effectively, maximizing benefits while minimizing potential risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":44886,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Audiology and Otology","volume":"30 2","pages":"83-92"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13129891/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147784985","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}