Journal of Audiology and Otology最新文献

{"title":"Demographic and Audiometric Profiles of Adults Accessing Audiological Services in Public Hospitals and Private Hearing Aid Centres in Malaysia.","authors":"Maziah Romli, Barbra H B Timmer, Piers Dawes","doi":"10.7874/jao.2024.00710","DOIUrl":"10.7874/jao.2024.00710","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>We aimed to describe the demographic and audiometric profiles of adults accessing audiological services in Malaysia, including comparisons between public hospitals and private hearing aid centers and between the west and east coasts of Peninsular Malaysia.</p><p><strong>Subjects and methods: </strong>We retrospectively reviewed 1,828 patient records, including 1,720 from public hospitals and 108 from private hearing aid centers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Patients in private centers were older (mean age, 65.99 years; standard deviation [SD], 16.97) and had more severe hearing loss (mean four-frequency average hearing loss [4FAHL], 50.56 dB HL; SD, 21.47) than those in public hospitals (mean, 53.83 years; SD, 16.91; mean 4FAHL, 39.37 dB HL; SD, 22.55). Patients on the west coast of Malaysia were slightly older (mean, 55.10 years; SD, 16.87) than those residing on Malaysia's east coast (mean, 53.18 years; SD, 17.76). Gender distribution differed according to region, with more males on the east coast (57.3%) than on the west coast (50.9%) but was similar across public and private settings.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Distinct demographic and audiometric trends were observed between service settings. Older age and more severe HL were associated with private care, whereas regional differences suggest the need for services that accommodate geographic variations.</p>","PeriodicalId":44886,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Audiology and Otology","volume":"29 3","pages":"181-190"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12313437/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144754765","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":"Can a Narrow Frequency Allocation Improve Speech Perception in Korean Cochlear Implant Users?","authors":"Soo Jeong Choi, Bongil Park, Sun-Uk Lee, Jiwon Chang, Gi Jung Im, Euyhyun Park","doi":"10.7874/jao.2025.00199","DOIUrl":"10.7874/jao.2025.00199","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Frequency allocation is crucial in cochlear implantation (CI) mapping, significantly impacting speech perception. Previous studies have suggested that limiting the upper frequency range may improve outcomes; however, evidence remains limited, particularly among non-English-speaking populations. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between frequency allocation and speech perception in Korean CI users.</p><p><strong>Subjects and methods: </strong>We prospectively evaluated 14 ears from nine Korean CI users under two frequency allocation conditions: a standard setting (188-7,938 Hz) and a narrow, modified setting (188-5,938 Hz). Speech perception was assessed using Ling's six-sound test, as well as vowel, consonant, monosyllabic, disyllabic, and sentence recognition tests. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models to account for repeated measures and subject-level clustering.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Narrow frequency allocation significantly improved the perception of vowels (p=0.032), consonants (p=0.035), and monosyllables (p=0.022). Disyllable perception exhibited a positive trend (p=0.056), whereas sentence recognition demonstrated no significant difference (p=0.367).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Narrow frequency allocation significantly enhanced vowel, consonant, and monosyllable perceptions among Korean CI users. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring CI frequency settings to the phonemic characteristics unique to Korean-speaking populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":44886,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Audiology and Otology","volume":"29 3","pages":"226-231"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12313440/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144754764","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":"Electromechanical Reshaping of Porcine Eustachian Tube Cartilage Ex Vivo.","authors":"Byungwoo Yoon, Soo-Kweon Koo, Moo-Jin Baek, Il-Woo Lee, Se-Joon Oh, Soo-Keun Kong","doi":"10.7874/jao.2025.00157","DOIUrl":"10.7874/jao.2025.00157","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>The Eustachian tube cartilage (ETC) is the cartilaginous frame of the Eustachian tube (ET), which plays a pivotal role in its function. Existing treatments for ET dysfunction (ETD) are primarily based on mechanical deformation. Electromechanical reshaping (EMR) is a novel method used to reshape the cartilage into the desired form by applying an electric current using strategically placed needles for mechanical deformation. In this study, EMR was evaluated for its ability to reshape the ETC.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A total of 84 ETCs were harvested from 42 post-mortem porcine crania and randomly divided into control and experimental (EMR) groups. To reshape the ETC, the control ETCs were subjected to a mechanical force, whereas the experimental group was subjected to the same force and current of 3, 4, or 5 V for 2 or 3 min. Changes in shape were assessed by measuring the contour angles using digital photographs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the analysis of the contour angle, ETC post-EMR for 2 min at ≥4 V demonstrated significant reshaping relative to the control group (p<0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>EMR can be used to reshape the ETCs ex vivo. Future experiments with well-designed ex vivo and in vivo conditions are required to develop novel therapeutic options for ETD.</p>","PeriodicalId":44886,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Audiology and Otology","volume":"29 3","pages":"219-225"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12313434/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144754766","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":"Isolated Myxoma of the External Auditory Canal: A Rare Case Report.","authors":"Eun Kyung Jeon, Min Heon Kim, Dong Hwan Kwon, Young Joon Seo","doi":"10.7874/jao.2024.00423","DOIUrl":"10.7874/jao.2024.00423","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Isolated myxomas of the external auditory canal are extremely rare, benign tumors. We present a case of a 77-year-old male patient who presented with a benign mass in the right external auditory canal. Isolated myxomas of the tragus around the external auditory canal are rare. This case report highlights the clinical presentation, surgical management, and pathological findings of this patient. The importance of considering myxoma in the differential diagnosis of benign tumors of the external auditory canal is emphasized. Long-term follow-up is necessary to monitor for potential recurrence or associated conditions. Further studies are needed to better understand the etiology, pathogenesis, and optimal management of this rare type of tumor.</p>","PeriodicalId":44886,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Audiology and Otology","volume":"29 3","pages":"232-235"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12313435/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144754768","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":"Impact of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Recovery in Patients With Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: An Observational Study.","authors":"Hye Ah Joo, So Hee Kang, Se Eun Lee, Yun Ji Lee, Min-Young Kwak, Woo Seok Kang, Joong Ho Ahn, Hong Ju Park, Jong Woo Chung","doi":"10.7874/jao.2025.00066","DOIUrl":"10.7874/jao.2025.00066","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>We aimed to assess the efficacy of various treatments for patients experiencing sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), with a focus on hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and the effect of HBOT administration timing on hearing recovery.</p><p><strong>Subjects and methods: </strong>In keeping with guideline recommendations, patients with SSNHL enrolled in this study received systemic corticosteroids, intratympanic dexamethasone, or HBOT in combination or as monotherapy. Hearing thresholds were determined using pure-tone audiometry (dB HL), and recovery was categorized as complete recovery (CR), partial recovery (PR), slight recovery (SR), or no recovery (NR). Post-treatment thresholds were assessed 2-3 months after symptom onset.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After treatment, we observed CR in 16 patients (15.2%), PR in 22 patients (21.0%), SR in 44 patients (42.0%), and NR in 23 patients (22.0%). Notably, among the 79 patients with severe hearing loss (>70 dB), those who received treatment within 2 weeks of onset showed better hearing outcomes than those who started treatment after 2 weeks. In the HBOT group, a shorter interval between symptom onset and HBOT initiation was associated with a higher likelihood of hearing improvement. Importantly, in patients with an initial hearing threshold of <70 dB, initiating HBOT within 2 weeks was associated with statistically significantly higher hearing recovery rates.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings of our study support the premise that early initiation of HBOT within 2 weeks of symptom onset results in better hearing recovery in patients with SSNHL.</p>","PeriodicalId":44886,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Audiology and Otology","volume":"29 3","pages":"191-196"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12313433/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144754767","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":"Recent Advances in Functionalized Nanoparticles for Targeted and Controlled Inner Ear Therapy via Localized Cochlear Delivery.","authors":"Dong-Kee Kim","doi":"10.7874/jao.2025.00311","DOIUrl":"10.7874/jao.2025.00311","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Treatment of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is challenging due to the inner ear's complex anatomy and physiological barriers, such as the blood-labyrinth barrier. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have emerged as promising solutions, offering targeted, sustained, and stimuli-responsive therapeutic options. This review discusses recent advancements in nanoparticle functionalization strategies for inner ear drug delivery. Active targeting approaches, such as the use of prestin-specific peptides, enable selective delivery to outer hair cells. Stimuli-responsive systems, including thermosensitive hydrogels and light-activated nanoparticles, facilitate controlled drug release in response to internal or external triggers. Surface modifications with polyethylene glycol, cell-penetrating peptides, and cationic charges enhance permeability across the round window membrane and improve cellular uptake. These functionalized nanoparticles have demonstrated improved cochlear targeting and therapeutic outcomes in preclinical models of SNHL. Continued development of these multifunctional, biocompatible systems holds considerable promise for clinical translation in the treatment of SNHL.</p>","PeriodicalId":44886,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Audiology and Otology","volume":"29 3","pages":"159-165"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12313432/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144754770","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":"Traumatic Bilateral Facial Nerve Palsy: A 10-Year Retrospective Study.","authors":"Vshakri Ehdam, Mohd Khairi Md Daud","doi":"10.7874/jao.2025.00150","DOIUrl":"10.7874/jao.2025.00150","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Simultaneous bilateral facial nerve palsy (FNP) is rare. Traumatic and nontraumatic causes have been demonstrated. This study was performed to determine the prevalence and outcomes of bilateral traumatic FNP.</p><p><strong>Subjects and methods: </strong>We retrospectively reviewed temporal bone fracture (TBF) cases from 2010 to 2019. Number of patients and each patient's characteristics were obtained using the hospital coding system.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 336 TBF cases were identified, among which 316 (94%) were unilateral and 20 (6%) were bilateral. Among these 20 cases, five (25%) developed bilateral FNP, all resulting from bilateral TBF and accounting for 1.5% of all TBF cases. Four of these five patients experienced delayedonset bilateral FNP, and one patient experienced immediate onset on one side and delayed onset on the other. All five patients developed incomplete FNP, with the most severe case scored House-Brackmann grade IV. Longitudinal TBF was the cause in all but one case, which resulted from mixed fractures on one side. All five patients were treated conservatively with oral steroids and physiotherapy.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Although bilateral traumatic FNP is rare, it should be suspected in all cases of bilateral TBF, and close follow-up is required to achieve rapid diagnosis and enhance management. Because bilateral TBF strongly tends to be longitudinal, incomplete FNP is typical.</p>","PeriodicalId":44886,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Audiology and Otology","volume":"29 3","pages":"214-218"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12313438/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144754773","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":"Self-Perception of Hearing Abilities: The Role of Auditory Processing and Extended High-Frequency Hearing in Older Adults With Normal Hearing.","authors":"Oscar M Cañete, Alejandro Luza-Barrios, Felipe Oyarzo-Núñez, Gabriela Paredes-Inostroza, Axel Mutis-Coroseo","doi":"10.7874/jao.2025.00045","DOIUrl":"10.7874/jao.2025.00045","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>This study investigated the self-reported listening abilities of older adults with clinically normal hearing and examined the role of auditory processing abilities and extended high-frequency thresholds in perceived challenges.</p><p><strong>Subjects and methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study used self-report questionnaires and objective measures, such as the dichotic digit test, gaps-in-noise test, and extended high-frequency audiometry. Fifty adults, including 25 younger adults (<30 years) and 25 older adults (≥50 years) with normal hearing thresholds, were included.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Older adults reported significantly more difficulties in spatial hearing, intelligibility in quiet and sound identification tasks compared to younger adults. Objective assessments revealed deficits in temporal resolution, binaural separation, and extended high-frequency thresholds in older individuals. Significant correlations were observed between extended high-frequency thresholds and auditory processing abilities. However, no correlation was found between extended high-frequency thresholds and self-reported listening difficulties.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Older adults with clinically normal hearing reported more listening difficulties and performed worse in auditory processing tasks than younger adults. Extended high-frequency thresholds were correlated with auditory processing abilities but not with self-reported difficulties. These findings indicate a relationship between age-related auditory changes and perceived listening difficulties, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive auditory assessment in older adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":44886,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Audiology and Otology","volume":"29 3","pages":"205-213"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12313436/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144754771","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, Cultural Adaptation, and Field Testing of the Korean Version of the HEAR-COMMAND Tool: A Self-Rated ICF-Based Questionnaire for Assessing Hearing, Communication, and Conversation Disabilities in Korean-Speaking Populations.","authors":"Razan Alfakir, Lily Dunaway, JungMoon Hyun, Hae Sagong, Tahereh Afghah, Soyean Kang","doi":"10.7874/jao.2025.00136","DOIUrl":"10.7874/jao.2025.00136","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Despite the growing Korean population in the USA, barriers to healthcare access persist due to widespread limited English proficiency, particularly in hearing healthcare. A lack of culturally competent, multilingual resources has exacerbated these challenges. This study aimed to translate the HEAR-COMMAND Tool into Korean, adapt it culturally, and assess its comprehensibility, readability, and relevance to Korean individuals.</p><p><strong>Subjects and methods: </strong>A systematic six-step methodology led by a team of four Korean faculty members was used for the translation process. Two nursing faculty members drafted the first version, ensuring alignment with the original content. A bilingual linguist specializing in English-Korean translation reviewed the draft, followed by a speech-language and hearing sciences faculty member who assessed its cultural appropriateness. The translated tool was tested by 10 Korean-speaking participants to evaluate its readability, linguistic and cultural suitability, and accessibility, leading to further refinement. Finally, five Korean American healthcare and academic professionals provided additional inputs, resulting in a beta version of the HEAR-COMMAND Tool-Korean.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The beta version of the HEAR-COMMAND Tool-Korean was generally found to be feasible, comprehensible, and engaging. Ten of the 15 participants found the items easy to understand, although some had difficulties with specific terms and sentence structures. Notably, 14 of the 15 participants reported that the tool would likely motivate them to seek professional help for hearing concerns.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The translation and cultural adaptation of the HEAR-COMMAND Tool into Korean represents an advancement in addressing the hearing healthcare needs of the Korean population in the USA. Grounded in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), this tool facilitates hearing-related assessments that can be used more broadly among all Korean-speaking individuals worldwide. Future research should validate this tool and examine its impact in clinical and community settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":44886,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Audiology and Otology","volume":"29 3","pages":"197-204"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12313439/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144754772","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":"Mobile Audiometry for Use in Ototoxicity Monitoring Programs: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Pierre W C Yim, Zee Hui Lim","doi":"10.7874/jao.2024.00815","DOIUrl":"10.7874/jao.2024.00815","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ototoxicity monitoring programs (OMPs) for cisplatin-induced hearing loss have not been widely adopted in clinical practice for various reasons. Mobile audiometry (MA) offers cost and convenience advantages over conventional pure-tone audiometry (CA) and it is currently used in hearing screening. However, there is no consensus on whether MA can replace CA for measuring hearing thresholds in OMPs. This scoping review examines the challenges of OMPs and evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of MA for hearing thresholds. A comprehensive search was conducted in four databases from their inception to December 2024. Data on study characteristics, reported OMP challenges, MA specifications, test settings, and performance measures were extracted. Nine studies on OMP challenges were reviewed. Identified barriers were inconsistent referrals, resource constraints, low awareness of ototoxicity monitoring, and patient-related factors. Twenty-three studies reporting on three portable audiometers, and 14 app-based hearing tests were evaluated for the diagnostic accuracy of MA for hearing thresholds. Only two studies involved testing at extended high frequencies. Studies used measures including MA-CA threshold differences, sensitivity/specificity, and test-retest reliability. App-based MA represents an accessible and scalable solution to the resource constraints faced by OMPs. However, its diagnostic accuracy remains uncertain given the substantial methodological variability across studies. OMPs using MAs should consider clinically validated modalities.</p>","PeriodicalId":44886,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Audiology and Otology","volume":"29 3","pages":"166-180"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12313441/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144754769","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}