bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coping With Communication Breakdown
Authors: Elfenbein Jill L.
Published: July 2014

Eight years of experience with the Communication Strategies Program have provided evidence that participation in a program of this type can lead to marked improvement in children's abilities to cope with communication breakdown. However, it is clear that children can not be expected to master every aspect of the program in 6 weeks. Most move through the program, learning the basic components during one summer, and then return in subsequent summers to expand their understanding of these concepts and/or to refine their application of the techniques they have been taught. Many children need work on specific vocabulary or syntax skills before they can tackle some of the issues related to causes of communication breakdown (e.g., unclear pronoun referents) or feelings encountered when communication breakdown occurs (e.g., frustration, confusion).

This description of the program has focused on communication between a child who signs and children and adults who do not. However, the children were taught to use the same approach with individuals who do sign or can understand their speech. Marked improvement was seen in interactions among the children, between the children and the clinicians, and between the children and the dorm staff. Parent reports also indicate that benefits cut across many types of interactions. One mother told a local reporter that, "Jaclyn learned that there was a way to make herself understood— whether by sign, gestures, drawing, mimicking or pointing—and not to let anyone tell her anything different... . After the first summer in the University program, Jaclyn was much more sure of herself. She was willing to tackle anything" (Brown, 1989, p. 3).

This program can be readily adapted to a variety of clinical and educational settings. The basic format can be varied to meet the needs of children of different ages, or with different degrees of hearing loss, cognitive abilities, or speech and language skills. The program can also be adjusted to fit within the time frame of school or clinic calendars.

Within the SRP setting, the program has served as the foundation for discussing behavior in emergency situations, use of TDDs, and foreign languages. Formal descriptions of these aspects of the project are under development. It is likely that clinicians who experiment with the program will find additional ways to broaden the program's scope.
Managing Central Auditory Processing Disorders in Children and Youth
Authors: Chermak Gail D. , Musiek Frank E.
Published: July 2014

Concepts in cognitive neuroscience fundamental to intervention are summarized. The functional plasticity of the maturing central nervous system offers opportunity to improve auditory processing skills. A comprehensive approach to improve listening comprehension and learning in children and youth with central auditory processing disorders is outlined. The management approach emphasizes development of both specific and general problem-solving strategies in conjunction with self-regulation of strategy use.
Use of TEOAE, ABR, and Acoustic Reflex Measures to Assess Auditory Function Patients With Acoustic Neuroma
Authors: Robinette Martin S. , Bauch Christopher D. , Olsen Wayne O. , Harner Stephen G. , Beatty Charles W.
Published: July 2014

Cochlear and neural auditory function for a series of 30 patients with acoustic neuroma was assessed pre- and postoperatively by transiently evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE), auditory brain stem response (ABR), and acoustic reflex measures. Employing a retrosigmoid surgical approach, physical integrity of the acoustic nerve was preserved for 22 patients. TEOAEs were observed preoperatively for 13 patients and postoperatively for 6 of them. Postoperative neural function remained unchanged or improved following surgery for 7 patients, and cochlear function decreased. TEOAE, ABR, and acoustic reflex measurements were considered valuable in providing information about site of lesion and probable mechanisms of injury associated with tumor removal.
The K-Amp Hearing Aid
Authors: Killion Mead C.
Published: July 2014

The reason no one wants to be seen wearing hearing aids is probably that they don't work well, or at least they didn't. When the problems with such hearing aids are solved, a new/old problem arises: Background noises are often blamed on the hearing aid. The problem is that the user has lost ABONSO (automatic brain-operated noise suppressor option), and the problem persists until the user relearns how to recognize and localize background noises (at which time the brain automatically performs as a highly effective noise suppressor option). Ongoing attempts to replace the brain with a tiny circuit that will somehow reject noises we don't want to hear are unlikely to result in useful devices.
The Application of Binomial Probability Theory to Paired Comparison Judgments
Authors: Kuk Francis K. , Lau Chi-chuen
Published: July 2014

The paired comparison technique can be potentially useful as a means to enhance the prescriptive fitting of hearing aids. Unfortunately, there are no guidelines to suggest how this technique can be used most reliably and efficiently in the clinic. This article reviews how one can apply binomial probability theory to calculate the likelihood of acceptable outcomes in paired comparison judgments. In addition, an approach designed to maximize the efficiency of this technique is proposed.
Comparison of the Normal and Noise-Suppression Settings on the Spectra 22 Speech Processor of the Nucleus

TM

22-Channel Cochlear Implant System
Authors: Holden Laura K. , Skinner Margaret W. , Holden Timothy A.
Published: July 2014

Seven subjects participated in a comparison of the normal (
N
) and noise suppression (
S
) settings on the Spectra 22 speech processor of the Nucleus

TM

22-channel cochlear implant system. Speech recognition performance on the Consonant-Vowel Nucleus-Consonant (CNC) Word Test presented in quiet and on the CUNY Sentence Test presented at two signal-to-babble ratios (SBRs) was analyzed for both settings. Group data revealed no significant difference in performance between the
N
and
S
settings for either monosyllabic words in quiet or sentences presented in background babble.
Implementing Speech Supplementation Strategies
Authors: Hustad Katherine C. , Jones Tabitha , Dailey Suzanne
Published: July 2014

A growing body of experimental research suggests that speech supplementation strategies can markedly increase speech intelligibility for individuals with dysarthria (D. Beukelman & K. Yorkston, 1977; E. Crow & P. Enderby, 1989; L. Hunter, T. Pring, & S. Martin, 1991; K. C. Hustad & D. R. Beukelman, 2001). However, studies in which speech supplementation strategies were actually implemented by speakers with dysarthria are limited, leaving their clinical efficacy unknown. The present study compared intelligibility and speech rate differences following speaker implementation of 3 strategies (topic, alphabet, and combined topic and alphabet supplementation) and a habitual (noncued) speech control condition for 5 speakers with severe dysarthria. Results revealed that combined cues and alphabet cues yielded significantly higher intelligibility scores and slower speech rates than topic cues and noncued speech. Overall, topic cues and noncued speech did not differ from one another with regard to intelligibility or speech rate. Combined cues and alphabet cues did not differ from one another with regard to intelligibility; however, speech rate was significantly different between the 2 strategies. Individual differences among speakers were generally consistent with group findings. Results were somewhat different from previous research in which strategies were experimentally superimposed on the habitual speech signal. However, findings provide evidence that alphabet cues and combined cues can have an important effect on intelligibility for speakers with severe dysarthria.
The Auditory Perception Test for the Hearing Impaired-Revised: Test-Retest Reliability, Intra-rater Reliability, and Inter-rater Reliability
Authors: Cordingley Sarah A. , Muñoz Karen F. , Todd Houston K.
Published: July 2014

Purpose: The aims of this study were to assess the test-retest, intra-rater, and inter-rater reliability of the Auditory Perception Test for the Hearing Impaired-Revised (APT/HI-R) for children with hearing loss.

Method: This study used a cross-sectional design. Sixteen children between the ages of 3 and 10 years with bilateral hearing loss who wear amplification and use spoken language to communicate were included in this study.

Results: Test-retest reliability was high (r = 0.98) for the complete test, and for all subsections of the test with the exception of the Linguistic Perception subsection. Reliability was also high for intra-rater (r = 0.99) and inter-rater (84%–92% rater agreement) reliability.

Conclusion: The APT-HI/R showed high reliability in this study, comparable to results from the original pilot study.
Critique of Neonatal Hearing Evaluation
Authors: Goldstein Robert , Tait Charles
Published: July 2014

A commonly employed procedure for routine neonatal hearing screening is analyzed in terms of its rationale, method, and effectiveness. The procedure does not seem to accomplish its objectives adequately and actually creates some problems of its own. A particular weakness of the procedure is that it fails to screen many of the infants who were the main impetus for mass neonatal screening programs—children with deteriorating hearing, and those with mild-to-moderate hearing impairments present at birth. An alternative approach is offered which stresses more careful and objective evaluation of a limited number of children selected on the basis of a high-risk register. An economical and easily learned procedure is suggested to accomplish the evaluation. Stress is also placed on follow-up evaluations in well-baby clinics, in pediatricians' offices, and through mobile hearing testing units.
The Combined Use of Operant Procedures and Theoretical Concepts in the Treatment of an Adult Female Stutterer
Authors: Egolf Donald B. , Shames George H. , Blind Janet J.
Published: July 2014

This paper describes the treatment of a 47-year-old female stutterer who became fluent following participation in a three-stage therapy program. The program was designed to manipulate certain overt manifestations of stuttering, to change the client’s perceptions about her stuttering and herself, and to engage the client in speaking and social situations. The program utilized both theoretical and operant concepts. Clinical implications are discussed.
Lip Taping for Buccal-Labial Insufficiency
Authors: Crouch Zilpha B.
Published: July 2014

This study describes the use of surgical tape to occlude part of the lip aperture for immediate improvement in speech and associated problems for a patient with buccal-labial insufficiency.
Aural Rehabilitation of the Elderly
Authors: Harless Edwin L. , Rupp Ralph R.
Published: July 2014

To date, aural rehabilitation of the elderly has had limited success. In an attempt to improve this success factor, the audiology division of a university speech clinic provided a 10-week program of counseling and speechreading to elderly patients. One means of obtaining registrants for the course was a community hearing-screening project before the program began. The program itself included hearing screening, speechreading practice, a review of “helpful hints,” group discussion, an overview of services available, and a summary report. Its unique feature was the provision of service at the client’s own residence or at a community service agency for senior citizens. By eliminating problems related to limited mobility, participation was greatly enhanced. In addition to providing information and developing speechreading skills, the program in its group discussions gave participants a better understanding of their hearing limitations and of opportunities for improvement.
Bilateral Acoustic Neuromas
Authors: Urban Beth , Generous Thelma Hilger
Published: July 2014

A case is presented of a 17-year-old female with bilateral acoustic neuromas not associated with multiple neurofibromatosis. The progressive nature of the hearing loss, retrocochlear audiometric test results as well as physical symptoms suggested bilateral acoustic neuromas. Both neuromas were removed with resulting total hearing loss.
The “Silent Cough” Method for Vocal Hyperfunction
Authors: Zwitman Daniel H. , Calcaterra Thomas C.
Published: July 2014

Coughing and throat clearing are vocally abusive activities that can be directly related to laryngeal disease. Methods of therapy include advising the patient to avoid or eliminate these activities, although the authors have found that few patients benefit from such suggestions. The action of coughing and throat clearing has been examined by means of indirect laryngoscopy and high-speed cinematography, and the stages of the cough from complete constriction of the folds to violent abduction are reviewed. Although the cough reflex is a natural protective mechanism that at times must be activated because of obstruction of the air tract, continual coughing and throat clearing frequently have a significant nonessential component. The actions may be due to an overawareness of secretions in the larynx, the fruitless use of coughing or throat clearing to eliminate pain or discomfort, or unconscious habit. Methods to treat this type of cough or throat clearing are explored, with special emphasis on the “silent cough,” a technique the authors devised as a substitute for unnecessary coughing or throat clearing. Case reports are presented to illustrate this method in therapy.
Speech Produced with the Tokyo Artificial Larynx
Authors: Weinberg Bernd , Riekena Ann
Published: July 2014

This report provides basic information about a relatively unknown pneumatic artificial larynx called the Tokyo artificial larynx. Part of the report describes a clinical study of a highly skilled American user of the Tokyo larynx. Descriptive information is provided about important acoustic and perceptual characteristics of speech produced with this Japanese-made device.
The Submentovertical Projection in the Radiographic Analysis of Velopharyngeal Dynamics
Authors: Zwifman Daniel H. , Gyepes Michael T. , Sample Frederick
Published: July 2014

In assessing lateral pharyngeal wall movement during routine cinefluorographic examination for velopharyngeal adequacy, the inclusion of submentovertical projection is important to the lateral projection of the velum. The main structures of the nasopharynx and surrounding areas are defined, and a method to obtain visualization of this area in normal subjects is described. The degree of lateral pharyngeal wall movement varies among normal individuals and may affect the success of pharyngeal flap operations in patients with velopharyngeal inadequacy.
Subclinical Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection and Hearing Impairment
Authors: Dahle Arthur J. , McCollister Faye P. , Hamner Barbara A. , Reynolds David W. , Stagno Sergio
Published: July 2014

The hearing sensitivity of children with subclinical congenital cytomegalovirus infection was evaluated and compared with that of a group of matched control subjects. Nine of the 18 infected subjects had some hearing loss, ranging from slight high-frequency impairments to a severe-to-profound unilateral loss. The findings indicate that subclinical congenital cytomegalovirus must be considered a potential etiological factor in sensorineural hearing impairment.
Teaching English as a Second Language to Young Deaf Children: A Case Study
Authors: Collins-Ahlgren Marianne
Published: July 2014

Examination of a three-year-old deaf girl’s expressive language reveals a diglossic continuum ranging from her own invented and imaginative signs through the language of signs, to those used in English syntactical order without inflections, to those with some English markings, to signed American Standard English. By means of total communication, that is, the use of signing, fingerspelling, speech reading, speech, and limited audition via amplification, her language is equivalent to that of her hearing peers.
Relative Intelligibility of the CID Spondees as Presented Via Monitored Live Voice
Authors: Beattie Randall C. , Svihovec Dion V. , Edgerton Brad J.
Published: July 2014

Using three speakers and 75 subjects, a 7.9-dB range in the relative intelligibility of the Central Institute for the Deaf (CID) spondees was found when they were presented via monitored live voice. This range is consistent with previous research and is considered unnecessarily large and detrimental to the efficiency and precision of the speech reception threshold (SRT) test. The exclusive use of 18 words that have a mean range of 1.5 dB is suggested. The slope of the 36-item spondee articulation function is 12% per decibel and is slightly steeper than previous research using the CID W-l recorded spondees. The slope for the suggested 18-item test is also about 12% per decibel. For the 36-item test the mean speech detection threshold (SDT) was 6.6 dB sound pressure level (SPL) and the mean SRT was 14.2 db SPL. The 7.6-dB difference between the two speech measures is consistent with previous research but the SRT is about 6 dB better than the 20 dB SPL recommended by ANSI 1969. For the suggested 18-item test, the mean SRT was 14.5 dB SPL, which was 7.9 dB above SDT. When the 18-item test is used, average normal hearing can be expected to be about 5.5 dB better than specified by ANSI 1969.
A Comparison of Impairments in Verbal Comprehension, Speech, Reading, and Writing in Adult Aphasics
Authors: Duffy Robert J. , Ulrich Sandra Reimer
Published: July 2014

A clinical population of 44 aphasics was rated on the severity of impairment of functional communication in each of four language modalities: verbal comprehension, speech, reading, and writing. Comparisons are made of the severity of impairment in each pair of language modalities for the subjects as a group and for individual subjects. Correlations between severity ratings in each pair of language modalities are also presented. The results indicate that all modalities are impaired to approximately the same degree and that differences between severity ratings across all modalities are small for the large majority of aphasic subjects. Writing is usually the most severely impaired modality. A discussion is presented reviewing the important influences that methodology has on the data obtained and on the inferences which may be drawn about the nature of aphasia as a uni- or multimodality impairment.
Children’s Perception of Time-Compressed Speech on Two Measures of Speech Discrimination
Authors: Beasley Daniel S. , Maki Jean E. , Orchik Daniel J.
Published: July 2014

Time-compressed versions of the WIPI and PB-K 50 speech discrimination measures were presented at two sensation levels to 60 children divided into three age-groups of 20 each. Results showed that average intelligibility scores increased as a function of increasing age and sensation level and decreased with increasing amounts of time compression. The PB-K 50 measure was found to be more difficult than the WIPI for each age-group under each condition of time compression and sensation level. The several factors under study were found to interact. The results are discussed relative to open- versus closed-message set response tasks and the implications for audiological diagnoses of children with central auditory processing problems.
Critical Bandwidth and Sensitivity Prediction in the Acoustic Stapedial Reflex
Authors: Schwartz Daniel M. , Sanders Jay W.
Published: July 2014

Critical bandwidth measurements and sensitivity prediction from the acoustic reflex (SPAR) test results were obtained on 20 normal-hearing and two groups of 10 hearing-impaired subjects each representing mild-to-moderate and severe hearing loss. Results of critical bandwidth measurements indicated that for center frequencies of 1000 and 2000 Hz the critical bandwidth was significantly greater for the hearing-impaired subjects. A statistical analysis of the difference in critical bandwidth between those predicted by the SPAR test to have a mild-to-moderate hearing loss and those subjects for whom the test predicted severe hearing loss indicated no differences in critical bandwidth at 2000 Hz. A significant difference was found at 1000 Hz but in the wrong direction. Analysis of the relationship between predicted slope of hearing loss and critical bandwidth also failed to show significance. Although the data for hearing-impaired subjects fail to support the rationale for the SPAR test, the results for the entire research sample offer substantial support. Further, the ability of the test to predict categorically degree of hearing loss was also strongly supported.
Listeners' Impressions of Speakers with Lateral Lisps
Authors: Silverman Ellen-Marie
Published: July 2014

This paper reports research conducted to determine whether the lateral lisp is a speech defect. The specific purpose of this research was to determine whether the lateral lisp calls adverse attention to the speaker. Two groups of broadcast communication students rated the concept ‘The Person Speaking’ on a 49-scale semantic differential. One group performed the task after listening to a tape recording of a young woman reading contextual material with a simulated lateral lisp. The other group performed the task after listening to a recording of the same woman reading the material in a normal manner. Analyses of the scale values computed for the two conditions indicated that the lateral lisp called adverse attention to the speaker. A systematic replication was undertaken to assess the generality of this finding. The procedures of the original investigation were followed except that business administration students served as judges. The results replicated those of the original investigation. These data indicate that the lateral lisp is probably a speech defect and suggest that the practice of eliminating school speech services for children whose only speech difference is a lateral lisp should be reconsidered.
Bekesy Comfortable Loudness: Supportive Case Studies
Authors: Orchik Daniel J. , Dunckel D. Creig , Culbertson M. C.
Published: July 2014

Two cases of radiographically or surgically confirmed acoustic neurinoma are presented. In each case a mild, unilateral sensorineural hearing loss was identified. Results of threshold Bekesy audiometry were negative while the Bekesy comfortable loudness (BCL) procedure indicated significant auditory adaptation in both patients.
A Comparison of the Auditec of St. Louis Cassette Recordings of NU-6 and CID W-22 on a Normal-Hearing Population
Authors: Beattie Randall C. , Edgerton Brad J. , Svihovec Dion V.
Published: July 2014

Articulation functions were generated on a normal-hearing population with the Auditec of St. Louis cassette recordings of the NU-6 and CID W-22 speech discrimination tests. Both tests were similar and yielded slopes of about 4.4%/dB. Each gave a speech discrimination score of approximately 95% at 32 dB SL. Speech reception thresholds were obtained with monitored live voice and yielded good testretest consistency. Speech thresholds were about 9 dB better than the ANSI (1969) specifications.
On Facilitating Spontaneous Talking in Young Children
Authors: Hubbell Robert D.
Published: July 2014

Encouraging spontaneous talking in children requires quite different techniques from those used in highly structured language skill training. Data are reviewed demonstrating that certain behaviors commonly used by clinicians may actually decelerate spontaneous talking in the child because they function as constraints on the child’s behavior. This dilemma is interpreted in terms of pragmatics, the effects of communication on behavior. On this basis, techniques for encouraging spontaneous talking which emphasize the interpersonal aspects of clinical work with language-delayed children are discussed.
A Communication System for the Severely Dysarthric Speaker with an Intact Language System
Authors: Beukelman David R. , Yorkston Kathryn
Published: July 2014

Two severely dysarthric speakers who had previously spelled entire messages oh an alphabet board were taught a system in which they pointed to the first letter of each word as they spoke. Rate and intelligibility of speech produced with (aided) and without (unaided) the communication system were judged by observers who viewed videotaped samples. The rate of aided and unaided speech was markedly faster than spelling the entire message. Aided speech was slower but more intelligible than unaided speech. Further analysis revealed that intelligibility was influenced by at least two factors: (1) rate and (2) information provided by the identification of the first letter of each word. For one speaker both factors contributed to increased intelligibility, while for the other speaker only initial letter information appeared to influence intelligibility.
The Assessment of Pitch Discrimination Ability in Young Children
Authors: Andrews Moya L. , Madeira Shelley S.
Published: July 2014

This study tested the hypothesis that some tasks used in assessing pitch discrimination ability may instead be assessing children’s ability to deal with relational language. Five tasks were given to 36 normal children who were equally divided into three age groups, six to six and one-half years, seven to seven and one-half years, and eight to eight and one-half years of age. Task 1 involved a training procedure to assess the children’s ability to hear the differences in the pitch of two tones, which were an octave apart. A simple motor response was required. Task 2 assessed the children’s ability to label these tones as high or low. Task 3 assessed their ability to compare two tones and label the second as higher or lower than the first. Task 4 examined their ability to label as high or low the position of a man on a ladder. Task 5 examined their ability to compare the positions of two men on two ladders and say whether the second man was higher or lower than the first. Results indicated that children who make pitch discriminations as demonstrated by nearly perfect scores on Task 1 often fail to demonstrate those discriminations on tasks requiring relational language. A comparison of Tasks 2 and 3 to Tasks 4 and 5 suggests that children in the age range studied are less proficient in applying high-low and higher-lower to pitch than to spatial relations.
A Remotely Activated Tactual Communication Aid for the Hearing Impaired
Authors: Sparks David W.
Published: July 2014

While a variety of techniques have been developed to help the profoundly hearing impaired to communicate, most of these techniques do not enable the deaf to communicate remotely. This report describes a remotely activated tactual communication aid along with results obtained from tests with the aid on normal hearing and profoundly hearing-impaired individuals.
The Reliability and Validity of the Comfort Level Method of Setting Hearing Aid Gain
Authors: Walden Brian E. , Schuchman Gerald I. , Sedge Roy K.
Published: July 2014

The comfort level method (Carhart, 1946) probably is the most widely used procedure for setting the acoustic gain of hearing aids. A series of experiments were conducted to determine the test-retest reliability of the comfort level method and the relationship between the comfort settings established in a clinical test suite and the comfort settings utilized in more realistic daily listening situations. Adults with bilateral sensorineural hearing impairments were subjects. The results suggest that the comfort level method has good test-retest reliability for most clinical purposes. Further, clinically established comfort settings may accurately represent typical daily-use settings if the input level used to establish the comfort settings in the clinical environment is 70 dB SPL.
Signal Monitor for Audiometry
Authors: Olsen Wayne O. , Ness Anders B.
Published: July 2014

Conventional volume unit (VU) and auditory monitors of signals generated by or fed through an audiometer do not allow monitoring of the signal after the attenuator or output selector. An amplifier-compressor circuit has been designed and constructed which allows auditory monitoring of the electrical signal at the transducer. The circuit and its use are described.
Verbal Information Gathering Strategies: The Child’s Use of Language to Acquire Language
Authors: Snyder-McLean Lee K. , McLean James E.
Published: July 2014

Recent investigations suggest that normally developing infants are active participants in a language-transmission partnership with the mature speakers in their environments. In a recent paper, (Snyder, McLean, 1977) we noted that available data suggest several specific language acquisition strategies exhibited by children in these interactions. While the earlier paper focused on a set of posited nonverbal strategies, this sequel focuses on two broad types of early verbal behavior that function as effective strategies for the language-learning child. These posited verbal acquisition strategies are referred to as selective imitation and metalinguistic utterance production. The conflicting theory and data on the role of early verbal imitation are reviewed, and it is concluded that selective imitation is most functional at specific stages of the language acquisition process. A hierarchy of metalinguistic utterance types is suggested, ranging from those reflecting the highest apparent intentionality (that is, interrogative utterances) to those reflecting the least (referred to as evocative utterances). Suggestions for future research are offered and implications for language intervention are discussed.
A Noninvasive Method for Clinically Estimating Subglottal Air Pressure
Authors: Netsell Ronald , Hixon Thomas J.
Published: July 2014

A noninvasive method for estimating a client’s ability to generate and maintain subglottal air pressure is described. The usefulness of the method is illustrated with sample data obtained from individuals with dysarthria.
Reading Skills, Auditory Comprehension of Language, and Academic Achievement
Authors: Burrows Evelyn Honor , Neyland Della
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between scores made by kindergarten children on a test of reading readiness skills and tests of auditory reception of language, and between their scores on a test of academic achievement and tests of auditory reception of language. There was a significant positive correlation between all tests compared.
Erratum: Psychometric Characteristics of the WISC-R Performance Scale with Deaf Children
Authors: Hirshoren Alfred , Hurley Oliver L. , Kavale Kenneth
Published: July 2014

In the February 1979 issue of this journal, the article by Alfred Hirshoren, Oliver L. Hurley, and Kenneth Kavale (“Psychometric Characteristics of the WISC-R Performance Scale with Deaf Children”) contains an error. On page 76, the first sentence should read, “To compute reliability coefficients for each of the subjects and for tile Performance Scale IQ, Cronbach’s (1951) coefficient alpha, a generalization of the Kuder-Richardson Reliability Coefficient 20 when test items are not scored dichotomously, was used.”
Talker Effects on Word-Discrimination Scores of Adults With Sensorineural Hearing Impairment
Authors: Penrod John P.
Published: July 2014

Speech discrimination testing was completed on 30 adults with varying degrees of sensorineural hearing impairment. Tape recordings of four talkers' utterances of CID W-22 word lists served as the stimulus materials. Listeners' responses were scored independently by three experienced judges. For 26 of the 30 subjects, the difference between the lowest and highest word-discrimination score was 8% or greater. Variations in scores could not be attributed to a single talker but were spread across all talkers. A moderate negative correlation was found between each listener’s average word-discrimination score and amount of variability among his or her individual scores. The statistical analysis indicated that talker differences were responsible for only a small portion of the variability in scores and suggested that a factor of greater importance is the talker-listener interaction.
A Comparison of Children’s Performance on Two Tests of Articulation
Authors: Schissel Richard J. , James Linda B.
Published: July 2014

This study compared children’s performance on two tests of articulation. Children ranging in age from five years, four months to eleven years, six months were administered the Deep Test of Articulation and the Arizona Articulation Proficiency Scale: Revised. Comparisons between the tests were made of performance on individual sounds, total test performance, and differences in children identified as potentially in need of remediation. Results revealed differences in performance across tests on 15 of 21 sounds tested. Performance of almost 83% of the subjects varied across tests on at least one sound. Although some individual sounds displayed considerable variation between tests, total test performance and conclusions were similar. The data indicated, however, that the AAPS may fail to identify some children with consistent errors on relatively few sounds. The results are related to previous research, and clinical implications are discussed.
Loudness Discomfort Levels
Authors: Hawkins David B.
Published: July 2014

Before any amplification system is evaluated, prescribed, or recommended, the audiologist must determine that the limits of its output across frequency are not greater than the levels at which clients experience discomfort, that is, their Loudness Discomfort Levels (LDL). After reviewing terminology, reasons for obtaining LDLs, and several sources of variability in LDL measurements, a new clinical LDL measurement procedure for hearing aid evaluations is suggested. The main aspects of this procedure are the instructions (from Morgan, Wilson and Dirks, 1974), the stimuli (sweep-frequency pulsed pure tones), the psychophysical method (tracking procedure), the calibration of the stimuli (by a hearing aid receiver attached to a 2 cm
3
coupler), and the presentation of the stimuli (through the hearing aid receiver coupled to the client's earmold). This technique is suggested as clinically feasible and as a defensible procedure for obtaining LDLs for the purpose of more closely specifying an appropriate SSPL90 curve.
Maximum Duration of Sustained /s/ and /z/ in Children
Authors: Tait Nancy Adkins , Michel John F. , Carpenter Mary A.
Published: July 2014

It has been proposed in the clinical literature that a ratio of the maximum duration of /s/ to /z/ may be useful in determining the possible contributions of the respiratory and vocal mechanisms to a disordered voice. The purpose of this study was to obtain preliminary normative data for the maximum phoneme duration (MPD) of /s/ and /z/ and to determine the ratio of /s/ to /z/ in five, seven, and nine year olds. The results indicated that while there were no significant differences in MPD for either /s/ or /z/ between males and females at any one age level, there was a significant increase in the MPD of /s/ and /z/ for both sexes as a function of age. When the ratio of /s/ to /z/ was computed for the subjects, there were no significant differences in these ratios between males and females nor were there significant differences as a function of age.
Low-Frequency Response of Hearing Aids and Judgments of Aided Speech Quality
Authors: Punch Jerry L. , Beck Edwin L.
Published: July 2014

Connected discourse was processed by a master hearing aid via two channels that were independently adjusted to seven discrete settings of low-cutoff frequency. Signals were tape-recorded and played back in a paired-comparison format to 12 listeners with gradually sloping sensorineural hearing loss, who selected the speech channel preferred for its sound quality. Four experimental trials were administered, each of which consisted of 21 randomized paired conditions. Results across the four trials revealed high intersubject and intrasubject response agreement. Listeners indicated strong and systematic preferences for speech reproduced by circuitry having progressively extended low-frequency emphasis. Findings confirm earlier experimental observations that hearing-impaired listeners are capable of making repeatable paired-comparison preference judgments of the quality of hearing-aid processed speech. Additionally, results demonstrate definitively that low-cutoff frequency is sufficiently robust to be regarded as the probable source of a potent perceptual basis for such judgments. The clinical implication is that hearing-impaired listeners can be expected to exhibit strong preferences for the quality of speech reproduced by hearing aids having relatively extended low-frequency response.
The Effect of Context on Verbal Elicited Imitation
Authors: Hale-Haniff Mary , Siegel Gerald M.
Published: July 2014

Elicited imitation is a language sampling procedure in which a child is asked to repeat an utterance that is modeled by the examiner. In most clinical applications of this technique, the stimulus sentences are presented without any relevant context and without regard to whether the child knows the meaning of the sentences to be imitated. In the current experiment, 16 language-delayed preschool children repeated a set of 40 sentences, controlled for length, without context and with context provided by a set of pictures drawn to capture the meaning of the stimuli. For some of the children, the context had little effect. For the group as a whole, however, the number of errors was significantly reduced when the visual context was provided. These findings suggest that, for at least some children, the elicited imitation procedure is made more sensitive to the child's best grammatical performance when context is added.
Electromyographic Feedback Treatment for Tinnitus Aurium
Authors: Borton Thomas E. , Moore Walter H. , Clark Sandra R.
Published: July 2014

The relationship between behavioral severity ratings of tinnitus and electromyographic (EMG) activity recorded at the frontalis muscle was investigated in a single adult female. A within-subject, double reversal experimental design was utilized. Although auditory biofeedback procedures were effective in decreasing and increasing EMG activity at frontalis muscle sites, changes in EMG levels were not systematically related to behavioral severity ratings of either tinnitus or annoyance. Psychoacoustic judgements of tinnitus parameters were similarly unrelated to EMG levels. Psychological strategies were developed by the subject that apparently were associated with increases as well as decreases in EMG activity.
A Comparative Study of Pre-Meaningful Vocalizations Produced by Normally Developing and Down's Syndrome Infants
Authors: Smith Bruce L. , Oller D. Kimbrough
Published: July 2014

Pre-meaningful vocalizations produced by nine normally developing and 10 Down's syndrome infants were recorded as part of a longitudinal study of language development. The recordings were phonetically transcribed using a modified version of the International Phonetic Alphabet. Data were analyzed in terms of (1) age at onset of reduplicated babbling, (2) developmental trends for place of consonant articulation, and (3) developmental aspects of vocalic productions. In general, substantial similarities between the two groups of infants were observed with regard to the selected parameters. Both groups began to produce canonical, reduplicated babbling at 8-8 1/2 months of age, and trends regarding consonantal and vocalic development for the two groups were very similar during approximately the first 15 months of life.
A Clinical Method for Estimating Laryngeal Airway Resistance during Vowel Production
Authors: Smitheran Judith R. , Hixon Thomas J.
Published: July 2014

A noninvasive clinical method for estimating laryngeal airway resistance during vowel production is described. Resistance is calculated from the ratio of translaryngeal pressure to translaryngeal flow, the first determined from measurement of oral pressure and the second determine from measurement of airway-opening flow made during the production of a specially designed utterance. Application of the method to the study of vowels resulted in a calculated mean laryngeal airway resistance of 35.7 cm H
2
O/LPS for 15 normal adult males. This resistance value is remarkably similar to mean values obtained in previous research using complex invasive experimental methods. Clinical use of the method is illustrated in case studies that highlight both evaluation and management potentials. It is concluded that the method proposed is clinically practical, that the data it provides are both valid and reliable, and that the method shows great promise of becoming a routine clinical tool for estimating laryngeal airway resistance during vowel production.
Markedness of Features in the Articulatory Substitutions of Children
Authors: Toombs Margaret Stutts , Singh Sadanand , Hayden Mary Ellen
Published: July 2014

This study concerns an analysis of articulatory substitutions of 801 students using markedness theory and a distinctive feature model (Singh & Singh, 1976). The 556 male and 245 female students ranged in age from 3–7 years and were diagnosed as evidencing an articulatory disorder or a linguistic delay. Significantly more feature substitutions moved from marked to unmarked values than from unmarked to marked values (p < .05, binomial distribution). The study proposed a hierarchy of distinctive features in terms of markedness rather than in terms of features per se. The applications of articulatory and acoustic data to phonological theory and the implications of the findings to speech treatment are discussed.
Importance of an Eye Examination in Identifying the Cause of Congenital Hearing Impairment
Authors: Campbell Catherine W. , Polomeno Robert C. , Elder John M. , Murray Jane , Altosaar Anne
Published: July 2014

The medical records of 84 children with severe-to-profound bilateral congenital sensorineural hearing loss were reviewed. Records of an eye examination were available for 64 children. In 5 patients (8% of those examined), an eye examination confirmed a previously suspected cause of deafness, and in another 5 children (8%), a diagnosis that had not been suspected was made. Congenital syndromes caused by environmental or hereditary factors, which involve sensorineural hearing impairment and abnormal eye findings, are reviewed. The importance of an eye examination for all children with congenital sensorineural hearing impairment is stressed.
Longitudinal Observations of Individual Infant's Vocalizations
Authors: Maskarinec Ann Stash , Cairns George F. , Butterfield Earl C. , Weamer L. K.
Published: July 2014

Twice a week observation of five infants' vocalizations during the first 30 weeks of life showed that hearing impaired infants displayed different language patterns than normally hearing infants. Developmental differences in vocal activity were observed by six weeks of age, suggesting that hearing impaired infants may differ from unimpaired infants earlier than has been believed.
The Relationship between Magnitude of Hearing Loss and Acoustic Reflex Threshold Levels
Authors: Silman Shlomo , Gelfand Stanley A.
Published: July 2014

The acoustic reflex threshold (ART) was studied in 544 ears having hearing levels (ANSI-1969) ranging from 0 to 110 dB HL. The activating signals were pure tones (500, 1000, and 2000 Hz) presented at levels up to 125 dB HL. The results indicated that the ART increased with hearing loss beyond certain levels. The proportion of absence of reflex responses depends upon the degree of hearing loss, test frequency, and the limits imposed by the instrumentation. Absence of reflex responses is rare for hearing losses of less than about 80 dB HL when the hearing loss is attributable to cochlear involvement.
Comparison of Scores Obtained on the PPVT and the PPVT-R
Authors: Choong Jennie , McMahon Joan
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this study was to compare age equivalent values obtained from the PPVT and PPVT-R. The 80 subjects, ages 3:6 to 4:6 years old, were presented one form each of the original and revised forms of the test. Results indicate the subjects achieved aged equivalent scores significantly closer to their chronological ages on the PPVT-R.
Psychoacoustic Tuning Curves and Averaged Electroencephalic Responses in a Patient with Low-Frequency Sensory-Neural Hearing Loss
Authors: Goldstein Robert , Karlovich Raymond S. , Tweed Theodore S. , Kile Jack E.
Published: July 2014

A 10-year-old girl whose bilateral, low-frequency, sensory-neural hearing loss had been noted three years earlier showed a drop in speech discrimination in her left ear with no corresponding decrease in pure-tone sensitivity. Psychoacoustic tuning curves and middle-component averaged electroencephalic responses to tone-pips suggested that damage to the left ear had become greater than indicated by the pure-tone audiogram, accounting for the drop in speech discrimination. This case suggests caution in inferring the magnitude of damage to the peripheral auditory system from tonal thresholds.
Peripheral Hearing Loss
Authors: Speaks Charles , Bauer Karen , Carlstrom Jane
Published: July 2014

This experiment assessed the extent to which a peripheral hearing loss may confound interpretation of dichotic listening test results in assessment of central auditory deficit. A normal-hearing listener was tested monotically and dichotically with CV nonsense syllables in two conditions. In one, an
EAR
plug inserted in the auditory canal to simulate a unilateral conductive hearing loss. In the second, no plus was inserted. Syllables were presented with equal intensity to the two ears for dichotic testing and testing was conducted at several different intensities. With the plug inserted, both magnitude and direction of percent ear advantage varied with test intensity even when monotic speech recognition scores exceeded 95% for both ears. When dichotic tests are used to assess central auditory deficit in patients with peripheral hearing loss, we recommend that the test intensity be at least 10 dB from both the lower and upper knees of monotic performance-intensity functions.
Language Acquisition and Communicative Behavior in Autism
Authors: Prizant Barry M.
Published: July 2014

Deviant language characteristics, deficits in social interaction, and ritualistic and compulsive behaviors are now considered to be among the definitive characteristics of the autistic syndrome. There have been few attempts to bring a sense of cohesion to the varied communicative symptomatology evident in autism, because much of the research literature has been product oriented rather than process oriented, and has focused on language structure rather than function. Therefore, behaviors such as immediate echolalia, delayed echolalia, and interactive rituals as often viewed as isolated, deviant phenomena, rather than as phenomena related to predominant cognitive processing modes and cognitive-linguistic development in autism. This discussion reviews symptomatology of autistic communication in reference to "gestalt" versus "analytic" modes of cognitive processing, language acquisition, and language use. Based on research on language behavior of normal and autistic children, specific issues are considered, including a reconsideration of echolalic behaviors, patterns of social interaction, and patterns of cognitive-linguistic development in autism.