bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
STAPES SURGERY FOR OTOSCLEROSIS: AUDIOMETRIC AND SELF-REPORTED HEARING OUTCOMES
Authors: Skarzynski Henryk , Dziendziel Beata , Swierniak Weronika , Gos Elzbieta , Skarzynski Piotr 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundStapes surgery is widely used to treat otosclerosis and its effectiveness is reported in audiometric terms – closure of the preoperative air-bone gap and improvement in air conduction thresholds. The objective of our study was to measure audiometric and self-assessed hearing changes in otosclerosis patients after stapes surgery. A secondary objective was to gauge the relationship between self-reported hearing and audiometric hearing thresholds.Material and MethodsThis prospective study included 236 patients with otosclerosis who underwent primary stapedotomy. The Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit questionnaire (APHAB) was used to measure subjective hearing before surgery and 6 months postoperatively. Pure-tone audiometry was also conducted at the same observation periods.ResultsThe air- and bone-conduction thresholds, as well as the air-bone gap, confirmed that there was a significant improvement in hearing. The difference between the pre- and postoperative APHAB Total score was 26.7 points and was statistically significant (p < 0.001). A weak correlation was found between the pre- and postoperative change of APHAB Total score and air conduction thresholds (rho = 0.23; p < 0.01) as well as between the change in the APHAB Total score and the size of the air-bone gap (rho = 0.19; p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe results of the audiometric tests demonstrate the effectiveness of stapedotomy in improving the hearing of the majority of patients. However, audiometric results give limited information about the status of the patient’s hearing. The patient’s subjective perspective, together with the audiometric data, provide valuable information that can be helpful in clinical decision-making and counselling.
A RARE CASE OF LATE DIAGNOSIS
OF ELONGATED STYLOID
PROCESS SYNDROME
Authors: Olszewski Jurek , Miłoński Jarosław , Jałocha-Kaczka Anna 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundEagle's syndrome comes from the name of the American otolaryngologist – Watt Weems Eagle, who in 1937 was the first to distinguish a separate disease entity for symptoms associated with excessive elongation of the styloid process of the temporal bone.Case reportA 42-year old patient was admitted to the Department of Otolaryngology, Laryngological Oncology, Audiology and
Phoniatrics in November 2018, in a planned mode, with persistent throat pain radiating to the right ear, right side head pain, tongue numbness and hoarseness. Symptoms of variable severity maintained for about 9 years, which is why the patient underwent bilateral tonsillectomy in October 2016. Due to persistent hoarseness, the patient was also qualified for micro-direct laryngoscopy with the removal of vocal
cord nodules, the procedure was performed in March 2017. Despite the surgical treatment, the pain persisted. On the basis of the medical
history, clinical observation, after analyzing the results of the tests with particular consideration of the neck CT scan with 3D reconstruction, the patient was diagnosed with right-sided Eagle's syndrome. The patient was qualified for surgery under general endotracheal anesthesia. In November 2018 partial resection of the right elongated styloid process was performed using an intraoral approach. After wound healing the patient reported complete pain relief.ConclusionsThe elongated styloid process syndrome is most frequently a diagnosis of exclusion. Lack of proper diagnosis often delays significantly the implementation of proper management and thus exposes patients to long-term struggle with pain. If non-specific throat pain
persists, the Eagle’s syndrome should always be considered, which can be treated effectively.
TINNITUS SOUND THERAPY WITH A MOBILE
APPLICATION: CASE STUDY
Authors: Kutyba Justyna , Jedrzejczak W. , Raj-Koziak Danuta , Gos Elżbieta , Skarzynski Piotr 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundEvery year more people suffer from tinnitus. Therapy for the condition requires a comprehensive approach to the patient. Despite
the existence of many treatment methods, none is 100% effective. After a physician has excluded organic diseases, it is standard practice to try
sound therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of sound therapy by means of a free mobile application ReSound Tinnitus
Relief in a patient with very troublesome tinnitus.Case studyThe patient, a 34-year-old woman, reported very troublesome tinnitus, described as a constant, non-pulsating ringing sound felt
“inside the head”. The patient was offered sound therapy using a widely available application installed on a mobile phone. Progress of the
therapy and changes in tinnitus perception were evaluated using two standardized questionnaires: the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and
the Tinnitus Functional Index. Results from both questionnaires showed that overall tinnitus annoyance decreased after 3 and 6 months of useConclusionsThe data demonstrate that the use of sound therapy on a mobile app can provide satisfactory results, at least in this patient.
However, it is not possible to say that such sound therapy will bring relief to all patients. Nevertheless, it is an option that a doctor can
offer to their patient. A further study is needed on a large group of people to confirm whether it is possible to replace conventional sound
generators with mobile solutions.
ACOUSTIC STRUCTURE OF THE VOICE IN CHILDREN
CONSIDERED FOR PARTIAL DEAFNESS TREATMENT
Authors: Szkielkowska Agata , Ratynska Joanna , Skarzynski Henryk , Michalak Tomasz 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundPartial deafness (PD) is a condition in which normal hearing is preserved in the low frequency range, while severe to profound hearing loss is observed in the middle and high frequency ranges. The aim of this study was to assess the
acoustic structure of the voice in children considered for partial deafness treatment (PDT).Material and MethodsThe material included 127 children aged from 5 to 12 years old. The study group included children
with partial deafness (PD). Depending on age, patients in the study group were divided into 2 groups. The first included 40
children aged 5–6 years, and the second consisted of 44 school-age children aged 7–12 years. The control group included 20
healthy normally hearing children aged 5–6 years and 23 healthy, normally hearing children with clear voices, aged 7–12 years.
Children’s voices were assessed subjectively by the physician and objectively with the use of a digital CSL KAY Multidimensional Voice Profile analyser (MDVP). The sustained vowel “a” was used for analysis.ResultsAcoustic features of PD vs. normally hearing children were different. Statistically significant parameters differentiating voices in the group of younger children were fundamental frequency (Fo); shimmer, a parameter describing changes in
amplitude (ShdB); and noise-to-harmonic-ratio (NHR). In the group of older children more acoustic parameters characterizing voices of PD children were defined. They included fundamental frequency (Fo); fundamental frequency variation (vFo);
amplitude change (vAm, sAPQ); noise-to-harmonic-ratio (NHR); and voice tremor (FTRI).ConclusionsThe acoustic structure of the voice in children with partial deafness is different from that in children with normal hearing.
SUPRASEGMENTAL FEATURES OF CI CHILDREN VIA
CLASSIFICATION OF PRE-LINGUISTIC UTTERANCES:
TWO LONGITUDINAL CASE STUDIES
Authors: Binos Paraskevas , Okalidou Areti , Botinis Antonios , Kiriafinis Georgios , Vital Victor 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe speech prosody of young children who have CIs has not been the subject of detailed investigation. This case
study is a longitudinal investigation of the vocalizations of two young children with CIs. The aims were to examine the suprasegmental characteristics of the prelinguistic utterances of these CI children and to develop a method for deriving phonoprosodic classifications using acoustical and auditory analyses.Material and MethodSpontaneous productions by two congenitally hearing-impaired Greek children fitted with a Nucleus-24 multichannel CI (ages 1: 10 and 2: 7; post-implant ages 0: 0 and 0: 6) were sampled for 6 months and, following transcription, classification of protophones was made. The analysis aimed to detect the frequency of occurrence of different protophone types in the infants’ utterances and to examine utterance duration and pitch contour via spectrography. Utterance
characteristics were analyzed in relation to a) child’s age and b) post-implant age.ResultsAt post-implant age of 6 months, the younger and earlier implanted child showed more prelinguistic vocalizations
and more complex structures than the older, later fitted child. The older, later CI recipient produced CV vocalizations at the
beginning of implantation and gained a facility for frequent CV productions after 4 months of CI use.ConclusionsThe findings are in agreement with other studies which observe that later CI recipients produce CV combinations at earlier phases of the prelexical period until the necessary auditory input is provided by CIs. Protophone vocalizations
serve as a comparative parameter of speech production level in pre-lingual speech.
Screening checklist for auditory processing
in adults (SCAP-A): Development and preliminary
findings
Authors: Vaidyanath Ramya , Yathiraj Asha 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundAuditory processing deficits can exist in older adults who have normal hearing sensitivity. However, checklists
to screen for the condition are sparse. Hence, the study aimed to develop two screening checklists to identify auditory processing deficits in older adults, one for the individual and one for the family. The study also aimed to compare the responses on the two checklists.Material and MethodsThrough an interview, data were collected using the two developed checklists. The checklists, with 12 questions each, tapped auditory separation/closure, auditory integration, temporal ordering, as well as memory and attention. The
checklists were administered on 102 participants aged 55 to 75 years and on 84 family members.ResultsIt was found that 98% of the individuals had difficulty on at least one item of the checklist. Values on the kappa measure of agreement were higher when a 2-point rating scale was used instead of a 3-point one. Responses of older individuals
formed five clusters, while those of the family members formed four. Responses to questions within each of the clusters varied; despite this variation, questions that were rated high or low were similar on the two checklists.ConclusionsThe study revealed that a large number of older individuals have symptoms of auditory processing disorders,
and the checklists help to detect them. Validation of the checklists, which is in progress, would confirm their utility in detecting subjects with auditory processing difficulties.
SELF-REPORTED TINNITUS HANDICAP IN INDIVIDUALS WITH AUDITORY NEUROPATHY SPECTRUM DISORDER
Authors: Prabhu P. , Sneha P. 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundTinnitus is one of the symptoms reported by individuals with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorders (ANSD). There are no studies examining the handicap caused by tinnitus in these cases. The study administered the ‘Self report tinnitus handicap questionnaire’ (SR-THQ) and estimated the pitch and loudness of tinnitus in individuals with ANSD.Material and MethodsSR-THQ was administered to 30 individuals diagnosed with ANSD. The participants subjectively rated their tinnitus pitch, loudness, and severity. Tinnitus was also determined by matching pitch and loudness in 25 of these individuals.ResultsThe mean percentage tinnitus handicap in individuals with ANSD was 59.3%. The majority of the participants reported their tinnitus frequency to be low-pitched, moderately loud, and the severity ranged from moderate to severe. There was a weak or moderately negative correlation between SR-THQ scores and tinnitus pitch and loudness.ConclusionsTinnitus can cause emotional problems and affect daily life in individuals with ANSD. Thus, clinically, one should attempt to manage tinnitus in individuals with ANSD.
INTERSUBJECT VARIABILITY OF THALAMIC ACTIVATION
DURING GENERATION OF BERGER’S ALPHA RHYTHM
Authors: Rusiniak Mateusz , Lewandowska Monika , Pluta Agnieszka , Ciesla Katarzyna , Wojcik Joanna , Wolak Tomasz 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe aim of the present work is to investigate the relationship between spontaneous electroencephalographic (EEG) brain activity at 8–13 Hz frequency (Berger’s rhythm) and thalamus activation. The leading theory of how Berger’s
rhythm is generated suggests a thalamo–occipital circuit, but there is still much uncertainty as to the role of the thalamus.Material and MethodsWe used a Siemens Magnetom 3T Trio scanner and a 64-channel NeuroScan SynAmps2 EEG system
to examine 36 healthy young male adults. The study paradigm consisted of 30-s blocks with eyes closed alternated with 30-s
blocks with eyes open, both repeated six times. The EEG data was preprocessed as follows: 1) fMRI gradient artifact removal;
2) BCG reduction; 3) 1–20 Hz band-pass filtration. Alpha rhythm segments were marked in the preprocessed data. fMRI data
was preprocessed using typical procedures (motion correction, normalization, smoothing), and then a general linear model (GLM) analysis was performed using alpha segments derived from the EEG as events. A modified hemodynamic response
function suitable for examining thalamus physiology was applied.ResultsEEG data produced a typical spatial distribution of the alpha rhythm, mostly elicited in the parieto–occipital electrodes. Group-level analysis of the fMRI data failed to reveal any activation in the thalamus. However, further investigation
revealed three subgroups of patients: 1) those who had a signal decrease in the left medial dorsal nucleus; 2) those with positive activation of thalamic structures; and 3) those where no activation was detected in the thalamus.ConclusionsThe thalamus might be involved differently in alpha rhythm generation from one subject to another. The observed intersubject variability might be caused by physiological mechanisms underlying Berger’s rhythm.
CLINICALLY RELEVANT LONG-TERM RELIABILITY OF CONTRALATERAL SUPPRESSION OF CLICK-EVOKED OTOACOUSTIC EMISSIONS
Authors: Killan Edward , Brooke Ruth , Farrell Alexandra , Merrett Jessica 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundContralateral suppression of click-evoked otoacoustic emissions (CEOAEs) is a potentially useful clinical tool. Recent studies have provided descriptions of the reliability of this measure. In terms of their clinical relevance, the studies were limited as they utilised custom-built measurement systems or were conducted by a single tester over a short time. Further, previous studies generally reported only group data. The present study addresses these limitations by reporting individual and group data collected by two testers, using standard clinical equipment over longer time-frames.Material and MethodsContralateral suppression of CEOAEs was recorded from 12 ears using the ILO 292 system. Clicks and contralateral broadband noise (BBN) were presented at 60 dB p.e. SPL and 65 dB SPL respectively. Global and best half-octave band suppression values (in dB) were measured on four separate occasions by two testers spanning an average period of 35.5 days. Reliability was assessed via the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the standard error of measurement (SEm). Multilevel regression analysis was used to explore potential causes of variation in suppression.ResultsGlobal suppression reliability was shown to be worse than previous reports, with only fair to good reliability observed. ICC and SEm values were 0.57 and 0.47 dB respectively. Corresponding values for best half-octave band suppression were 0.49 and 0.64 dB. Further analysis revealed no significant effect on contralateral suppression for a range of variables tested. Substantial variation (up to 2 dB) in contralateral suppression between test sessions was seen for individual subjects.ConclusionsFindings suggest that contralateral suppression of CEOAEs, measured by separate testers using standard clinical equipment, is not reliable over long time periods.
COURSE OF LARYNGEAL FUNCTION RECOVERY AFTER RECONSTRUCTION OF THE LARYNGEAL NERVES
Authors: Krasnodębska Paulina , Szkielkowska Agata 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundAccording to the literature, the rate of laryngeal paralysis after thyroid surgery is as high as several percent. For oncolog-ical operations the rate can reach 20%. The return of laryngeal function depends on the degree of nerve damage. Surgical procedures are required to increase the likelihood of nerve function recovery. Three methods of phonosurgery are currently used. The first is based on injecting auto or alloplastic materials into the vocal fold. The second interferes with the skeleton of the laryngeal cartilages; according to the Isshiki clas-sification, it includes type I thyreoplasty (medialisation thyreoplasty), optionally with complementary arytenoid adduction. The third method reconstructs the laryngeal nerves. Combinations of the three methods are increasingly used. Conservative treatment including phoniatric voice rehabilitation should be started as early as possible.Case reportThe paper presents a case report of a patient after thyroid surgery due to papillary carcinoma, complicated by bilateral laryn-geal paralysis and aphonia.ConclusionsFunctional Voice Therapy started just after healing of the postoperative wound in the neck eliminated abnormal compensatory mechanisms of phonation. Reconstruction of the laryngeal nerves is an opportunity to quickly return laryngeal function and prevents unwanted secondary functional mechanisms within the vocal organ.
PILOT HEARING SCREENING IN SCHOOLCHILDREN FROM ARMENIA, RUSSIA, KYRGYZSTAN, AND AZERBAIJAN
Authors: Skarzynski Piotr , Cyran Olivia , Świerniak Weronika , Wołujewicz Kinga , Barylyak Roman , Skarżyński Henryk 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundA number of pilot hearing screening programs have been started in various countries, promoting hearing-loss detection and treatment of communication disorders in school-age children. The aim of the study was to evaluate the hearing status of schoolchildren from selected schools in Armenia, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan.Material and methodsHearing screening was performed in 1022 children aged from 6 to 12 years in Armenia, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan. The study was carried out with the use of the Sensory Examination Platform. Pure-tone air-conduction hearing thresholds were obtained at 0.5–8 kHz. Hearing loss was defined as a loss of more than 20 dB in one or both ears in at least one of the following: high-frequency pure-tone average (HFPTA) and low-frequency pure-tone average (LFPTA) and others.ResultsNormal hearing was observed in 75.4% of children. Hearing loss was observed in 13.4% of the children unilaterally and 11.2% bilaterally. Overall, the results of screening indicate higher incidence of LFHL in children than HFHL.ConclusionsThe high prevalence of hearing loss in children from the studied countries indicates the need to conduct further hearing screening programs in this part of the world. This would allow earlier diagnosis of hearing problems and enhance the options for introducing proper diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, leading to better outcomes.
HEARING LOSS IN SHIPYARD WORKERS AND BATTLE CRUISER EMPLOYEES: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY
Authors: Dimakis Christodoulos , Delidis Alexandros , Theodosiadis Panagiotis , Soulantikas Konstantinos , Gortsali Athanasia , Nikolopoulos Thomas 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundNoise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a common occupational disease that both shipyard and battle cruiser workers may encounter, since they are both exposed to hazardous noise levels. However, both white- and blue-collar workers are simultaneously exposed to possible daily risk-factors of incident tinnitus and subsequent hearing loss (HL), such as caffeine and smoking. The aim of the present prospective study is to investigate the prevalence of HL in these working groups of the Greek Navy and the Hellenic Shipyard SA (HSY) in Skaramanga, Greece, and to look at the correlation between OHL and hazardous noise levels as well as other individual factors.Material and methodsDuring 2015–17, multiple choice questionnaires including questions referring to socio-demographic information, educational level, and daily habits were administered, and audiograms were performed, to 120 male white- and blue-collar workers, aged 23–30 years old. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS v.15.ResultsHL in battle cruiser employees was correlated with occupational noise and individual factors such as caffeine, smoking, and educational level. Additionally, HL in shipyard employees was correlated with occupational noise, alcohol and caffeine intake, smoking, and educational level. A higher level of HL appeared to be correlated with higher levels of occupational noise, lower educational level, and larger consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and smoking. Dietary habits were non-significantly statistically correlated with HL in both types of workers.ConclusionsHL is a disease strongly related to the Navy and the shipyard industry. Therefore, constant monitoring of workers, implementation of hearing conservation programs, and using preventive measures are the cornerstone of preventing and treating HL. More research of HL in Navy employees should be conducted.
Subjective and objective assessment of cochlear
implant benefit in adults with the prelingual
onset partial deafness
Authors: Kobosko Joanna , Pankowska Agnieszka , Olszewski Łukasz , Geremek-Samsonowicz Anna , Skarżyński Henryk 
Published: May 2021

WstępZ dotychczasowych badań wynika, że nie ma związku między ocenami subiektywnymi a obiektywnym pomiarem korzyści
z implantu ślimakowego (CI) u osób zaopatrzonych w ten typ protez słuchu bądź związek ten jest słaby.CelW pracy podjęto zagadnienie zależności między subiektywną oceną korzyści z implantu ślimakowego a obiektywną ich oceną
dokonywaną w badaniach audiometrycznych i obserwacjach logopedycznych w szerszym kontekście, jaki tworzą: ocena psychologiczna dokonana na podstawie np. pomiaru kwestionariuszowego, jak i inne wybrane informacje zawarte w dokumentacji medycznej, dotyczące pacjenta z CI, np. posiadane choroby somatyczne czy psychiczne.Materiał i metodaDo analizy jakościowej wybrano 4 przypadki kliniczne osób z częściową głuchotą o początku prelingwalnym według kryterium subiektywnej oceny korzyści z CI dokonanej za pomocą kwestionariusza NCIQ. Dwie osoby, które ogółem wysoko
oceniały te korzyści, oraz dwie osoby, które oceniały je jako bardzo niskie. W analizie jakościowej każdej z osób uwzględniono rezultaty wybranych badań audiometrycznych, informacje o ich funkcjonowaniu językowym i komunikacyjnym, a także psychologicznym, uwzględniając wyniki kwestionariuszy: SES, GHQ-28, Mini COPE.WynikiOkazało się, że oceny subiektywne i obiektywne, a także obserwacja logopedyczna i ocena psychologiczna tworzą spójny obraz w przypadku dwóch osób, a w odniesieniu do kolejnych dwóch osób (w tym jednej oceniającej wysoko, a jednej nisko korzyści
z CI) ocena subiektywna i obiektywna są w różnym stopniu rozbieżne. Rozbieżność tę można wyjaśnić m.in. uwarunkowaniami psychologicznymi, co starano się pokazać w omówieniu rezultatów każdej z osób.WnioskiKlinicyści pracujący z osobami głuchymi i słabosłyszącymi, które otrzymały implant ślimakowy, powinni szczególnie wnikliwie analizować sytuacje rozbieżności oceny subiektywnej i obiektywnej korzyści z CI, poddając wieloaspektowej analizie jakościowej otrzymane rezultaty. Ważna rola przypada w niej konsultacji psychologicznej czy psychoterapeutycznej ze względu na znaczenie
pozaudiologicznej motywacji do implantu ślimakowego i jej ewentualnych konsekwencji u osób już zaimplantowanych.