bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EVALUATION OF THE FREQUENCY
FOLLOWING RESPONSE IN ITALIAN CHILDREN:
A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Sanfins Milaine , Hatzopoulos Stavros , Hein Thais , Bordin Tatiana , Skarzynski Piotr , Colella-Santos Maria 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundSpeech-ABR is an electrophysiological procedure that makes it possible to monitor the processing of auditory information in the
subcortical region, easily and quickly, applicable even to very young subjects. So far there are no data in the literature describing the standards of normality of FFR in Italian children and adolescents. So the objective of the study was to assess the FFR in Italian children and adolescents with normal hearing.MethodsTwenty-four children and young adolescents, 12 female and 12 male, participated in the study. Their age ranged from 9 to 14 years (average 11.8 years). All subjects were Italian native speakers, right handed and with normal hearing. All subjects had normal behavioral and electrophysiological hearing thresholds. The speech-ABR recordings were acquired by a Biologic Navigator Pro (Natus, USA) with BioMark software.ResultsThe analysis for absolute latency of speech sounds (specifically for the syllable /da/) gave: latency (ms) (male/female) wave V (6.57/6.41),
wave A (7.49/7.54), wave C (18.34/18.57), wave D (22.07/22.22), wave E (30.74/30.50), wave F (39.12/39.19), and wave O (48.06/47.88). For
amplitude (µV), the responses were: (male/female) wave V (0.10/0.11), wave A (0.21/0.22), wave C (0.11/0.11), wave D (0.12/0.13), wave E
(0.19/0.24), wave F (0.22/0.21), and wave O (0.18/0.09). Complex VA: Slope (male/female), 0.33/0.30; Area (male/female), 0.28/0.37.ConclusionsWe found different FFR profiles in the 24 children to those reported in the literature in adult subjects.
USE OF THE VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE MIDDLE
EAR IMPLANT WITH SHORT PROCESS INCUS
COUPLER FOR CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE
INFLAMMATION OF THE EXTERNAL EAR CANAL:
CASE STUDY
Authors: Skarzynski Piotr , Osinska Kamila , Krol Bartłomiej , Wawszczyk Sandra , Matusiak Monika , Ratuszniak Anna , Skarzynski Henryk 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveChronic obstructive inflammation of the external ear canal after different kinds of surgeries often leads to restenosis. There are
different approaches to treatment of such cases, and one solution is a middle ear implant. Here we analyze the efficacy of using the Vibrant
Soundbridge middle ear implant with a new incus short process (SP) coupler in this type of case.Material and MethodsWe present a case study of a 29-year old patient with bilateral mixed hearing loss caused by bilateral obstructive inflammation of the external ear canals. He had undergone meatoplasty with very short-lived improvement. Afterwards he qualified for middle ear implantation to restore hearing, and the Vibrant Soundbridge was implanted with a new SP coupler to which the floating mass transducer (FMT)
is attached. Postoperative hearing tests included pure tone audiometry, free field audiometry, speech recognition, and APHAB questionnaire.ResultsSpeech recognition after implantation improved to 100%. Pre- and postoperative bone conduction thresholds were unchanged. Vibrometry thresholds 10 months after surgery did not deteriorate. There was a decrease in global APHAB score by 61% from 2 to 10 months
after implantation.ConclusionsApplication of the Vibrant Soundbridge middle ear implant can be an effective treatment in cases of hearing loss caused by obstructive inflammation of the external ear canals. The new incus SP coupler seems to be an effective method of stimulating the middle ear
in mixed hearing loss.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF POLISH
CHILDREN WITH COCHLEAR IMPLANTS
AT THE END OF THEIR PRIMARY EDUCATION
Authors: Zgoda Malgorzata , Lorens Artur , Obrycka Anita , Skarzynski Henryk 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundPediatric cochlear implant programs have been running in clinics around the world for more than 30 years. Application of a cochlear
implant gives a deaf child the possibility of acquiring communication skills as good as those of their hearing peers. Reports of the school performance
of deaf students who use cochlear implants are scarce. Reliable information is constrained by the difficulty of obtaining results from large groups of
students with cochlear implants and of standardised tools to assess their academic abilities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the scores on a primary school competency test from children using cochlear implants and to compare them with scores from their typical hearing peers from Poland.Materials and MethodsThe study group comprised 160 children with prelingual hearing loss. The measures for evaluating school achievements were the results of a standardised test at the end of primary school. Twenty one percent of the CI children did the standard version
of the test (without any adjustments to the needs of students with a hearing loss), while the other 79% did an adjusted version of the test.ResultsIn general, the mean scores achieved by the CI children who did the standard version of the school test were slightly better than the mean
results of the typical hearing group sitting the same test. The differences of means in favor of CI children were 3.4 points in overall score (which
had a maximum of 40 points), and 0.3, 1.3, 0.7, 0.7, and 0.6 respectively on the subscales of reading, writing, reasoning, using information, and
practical application of knowledge. However, on an adjusted version of the test, the mean scores obtained by the CI children were somewhat lower
than the mean scores for all the children doing the same test (2 points in overall score, and 1.1, 0.5, 0.4, 0.02, and 0.2 on each respective subscale).SummaryThe 21% of CI children who did the standard version of the school test (without any adjustments) had results which were on a par
with those of children with normal hearing. The 79% who did the adjusted version of the test had results which were comparable to those of
hard-of-hearing children.
SPEECH DIFFICULTIES AND POOR SPEECH INTELLIGIBILITY IN ADULTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Coppens-Hofman Marjolein , Maassen Ben , van Schrojenstein Lantman-de Valk Henny , Snik Ad 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThis review gives an overview of studies on speech difficulties in adults with Down syndrome to identify causes and major determinants of poor speech intelligibility for this group and to suggest areas requiring further research.Material and MethodsExactly 39 published articles were selected by using the following MEsH search terms: speech disorders, articulatory apraxia, phonological impairment, articulation disorders, short-term memory, speech articulation disorders, and speech intelligibility. Articles were grouped for analysis based on themes related to underlying causes of speech difficulties and the diagnosis and treatment of speech difficulties. Future research needs are also presented.ResultsSpeech problems in adults with Down syndrome are not clearly defined. There is no specific data on underlying mechanisms that negatively impact on speech and there is no systematic assessment procedure available for evaluating the speech of adults with Down syndrome. Few studies have investigated treatment possibilities for speech disorders in adults and future research is needed into speech difficulties in adults with Down syndrome.ConclusionsResearch is required into therapeutic programs to improve the speech of adults with Down syndrome. One clinical consideration as to why this research is lacking might be that the speech problem is seen as a characteristic of the Down syndrome itself rather than being seen as the result of distinct underlying deficits that may be sensitive to speech therapy. To aid therapeutic program development, longitudinalstudies of adolescents and adults with Down syndrome are required. Special attention could be given to investigating oral-motor characteristics and apraxia of speech.
FUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF
AUDITORY CORTEX IN PARTIAL DEAFNESS TREATMENT
Authors: Skarzynski Henryk , Wolak Tomasz , Pluta Agnieszka , Lewandowska Monika , Rusiniak Mateusz , Lorens Artur , Sliwa Lech , Skarzynski Piotr , Olszewski Lukasz 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundRecently, there has been a surge of interest in neuroimaging techniques that might help to objectively evaluate
the residual hearing abilities of patients with hearing abilities of patients considered for partial deafness treatment (PDT). Such
an evaluation might allow a wider range of PD candidates to benefit from cochlear implantation (CI). Although existing studies suggest that functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) may help predict the benefits of CI for hearing-impaired patients, little is known about the activity of the primary auditory cortex in patients with partial deafness. This study is the first to apply
fMRI to examine BOLD signal changes in the auditory cortex induced by chirp stimulation in patients with partial deafnessMaterial and MethodTen patients considered for partial deafness treatment with electro-acoustic stimulation (PDT-EAS)
and 10 patients considered for electrical complement treatment (PDT-EC) according to Skarżyński’s categorization of partial
deafness treatment (PDT) participated in the study. fMRI measurements were performed in a 3T Siemens Magnetom Trio
scanner at the Bioimaging Research Center (BRC) of the Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing in Kajetany, Poland.
During the fMRI study, subjects were presented with a chirp of two different bandwidths: 50–950 Hz (middle frequency 500 Hz)
and 3000–5000 Hz (middle frequency 4000 Hz) at 90 dB(C) via MRI-compatible earphones. A sparse paradigm was used and
the data was analyzed using the SPM8 package (Statistical Parametric Mapping, http://www.fil.ion.ucl.ac.uk/spm/). Standard
preprocessing was followed by a second-level analysis for contrast of low and high frequencies.ResultsAs expected, bilateral activation in the auditory cortex was observed in response to stimulation by 500 Hz chirps in
PDT-EAS and PDT-EC candidates. Activation in response to 4000 Hz chirps were found only in the PDT-EAS group but less
strongly than for 500 Hz chirps.ConclusionsfMRI can be used as an objective way of assessing residual hearing in the auditory cortex of patients with partial deafness.
THE TELEFITTING METHOD USED IN THE NATIONAL
NETWORK OF TELEAUDIOLOGY: ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY
AND COST EFFECTIVENESS
Authors: Wasowski Arkadiusz , Skarzynski Henryk , Lorens Artur , Obrycka Anita , Walkowiak Adam , Walkowiak Adam , Skarzynski Piotr , Wlodarczyk Andrzej , Bruski Lukasz 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundTo obtain the best hearing benefits after cochlear implantation, the speech processor must be optimally fitted.
The majority of patients have to undertake a long trip to the cochlear implant (CI) clinic, and this incurs high cost, time, and
travel weariness. To overcome this problem, ‘telefitting’ has been proposed. The aim of this paper is to present the results of a
large-scale introduction of telefitting into clinical practice.Material and MethodsMaterial of this study consisted of 94 cochlear implant users scheduled for telefitting between March
and May 2011 in one of 8 centers selected for this study. For cost assessment a group of 195 patients was surveyed. Each patient underwent a teleconsultation procedure. After telefitting the patient was presented with a questionnaire consisting of questions relating to the quality and time effectiveness of telefitting and the preparation process, assessment of the ease
of contact with the audiologist, the sense of security and calm during the session, and an overall assessment of its usefulness
as an alternative to different kinds of standard visits.Results and ConclusionsThe Nationwide Network of Teleaudiology proved to be a reliable platform for telefitting. The method and a proposed model of postoperative care for implanted patients using telemedicine seems to be a reliable alternative to
standard model. It improves the quality of service provided to patients and saves substantial time and money
GAIN AND MAXIMUM OUTPUT OF IMPLANTABLE HEARING DEVICES IN PATIENTS WITH MODERATE TO SEVERE SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS
Authors: Zwartenkot Joost , Snik Ad , Kompis Martin , Stieger Christof 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundTo determine the dynamic range and the maximum output of three current middle ear implants and to discuss optimal candidacy for middle ear implantation.Study DesignClinical studyMaterial and MethodsGain and output measurements were compared for three types of middle ear implants: the Otologics middle ear transducer (MET), the Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB), and the Direct Acoustic Cochlear Stimulator (DACS). The performance of these selected implants in users with severe, predominantly sensorineural, hearing loss (50–65 dB HL) was studied. Patients with chronic external otitis and sensorineural hearing loss used either a MET (n=9) or a VSB (n=9) implant. Patients with a predominantly sensorineural hearing loss after surgically treated otosclerosis used a DACS (n=4). Patients were selected from two different implant teams but evaluated with the same protocol. The relative gain at threshold level was determined, viz. the bone-conduction threshold minus the aided soundfield threshold, divided by the bone-conduction threshold. Input–output measurements were performed with the devices in linear amplification mode and with unlimited output. In this latter data set, the maximum output and the input dynamic range of the devices were determined.ResultsThe relative gain for each of the three implants was comparable; however, the values were slightly lower than the generally accepted target values. The input dynamic range of the devices varied, with the widest range for the DACS and Otologics devices.ConclusionThe results from this study indicate that the first generation DACS device is a good option for patients with moderate/severe sensorineural hearing loss and surgically treated otosclerosis who require a hearing implant.
AUDITORY BEHAVIOURAL AND ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES IN ADULTS: EVALUATING CENTRAL AUDITORY PROCESSING
Authors: Raumane Diana , Kise Ligija , Logina Inara 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundIn addition to well known declines in the peripheral auditory system successful perception of speech is dependent on behavioural factors, as well as sound processing at subcortical and cortical levels. We hypothesized that cause and hence localization of impairment in the brain may be diverse in young and elderly people with hearing impairment, accordingly not always related with aging. The aim of the study is to determine the hallmarks of auditory behaviour and auditory cortical evoked responses that could be used in audiology clinics to help explain deficits in speech recognition in young and elderly listeners and recognize the most indicative effects of cortical auditory evoked potentials associated with difficulties of speech intelligibility.Material and MethodsThree groups of adults participated: young normal hearing, young and elderly subjects with difficulty to understand speech especially in complex listening environments despite normal pure tone thresholds. We supposed that differences could be found between young and elderly subjects. Procedure involved behavioural hearing tests, dichotic word tests and sentence recognition test in quiet and noise, and electrophysiological measures as cortical auditory evoked potential components P1, N1, P2, P3 in quiet and noise.ResultsSignificant correlation was found between hearing behavioural tests and auditory cortical evoked potentials. This dichotic study demonstrated differences in cortical processing in people with good hearing, young and elderly listeners with speech recognition difficulties. Results provide information about central tests showing significant decrease of perception in young and elderly participants with hearing impairment and it is most strongly associated with event related potential response P3. Sensitivity to signal intensity level significantly changes in the group of young and elderly subjects with hearing impairment for responses P1, N1, P2(p<0.5).ConclusionsDespite of resembling results from behaviour tests outcomes of auditory evoked potentials mark less influence of signal intensity level latencies in young then in older subject group. They could be useful in audiology practice for clinical diagnostics and evaluation of hearing rehabilitation.
MANAGED ESTIMATION OF PSYCHOPHYSICAL THRESHOLDS
Authors: Vaerenberg Bart , Heeren Willemijn , Govaerts Paul 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveThe estimation of perceptive thresholds is a basic element of psychoacoustics. One of the drawbacks of commonly used adaptive algorithms is the lack of reliability when the behavioral response is not robust. To address this issue an adaptive algorithm, TEMA (Threshold Estimation by Managed Algorithm), has been developed.DesignTEMA seeks the 50% point on the psychometric curve based on an up-down staircase procedure. Internal controls
and stochastic processes aim at enhancing the reliability. The development of TEMA is described, together with its validations
with reference to common adaptive procedures. Both Monte Carlo simulations and real subject testing were performed to assess the psychoacoustic threshold in intonation perception tests and the number of stimulus presentations needed.Study sampleA total of 29 adult listeners participated in the within-subjects comparison; 19 listeners had normal-hearing,
the other 10 were hearing impaired (5 aided, 5 unaided).ResultsThe results show that TEMA outperformed commonly used algorithms in non-robust responders, with a minimal
cost in terms of test duration.ConclusionsTEMA’s adaptive algorithm was shown to be significantly more resistant to gambling or cheating behavior and
threshold drift than traditional, reversal-based algorithms. TEMA increases the accuracy of threshold estimation and the test
reliability in non-robust responders. This makes TEMA applicable for automated threshold measurements in clinical settings.
TEMPORAL PROCESSING IN MUSICIANS
AND NON-MUSICIANS
Authors: Kumar Priyanka , Rana Baljeet , Krishna Rajalakshmi 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundTemporal processing abilities are important for speech perception, and they are generally superior in musicians
than in non-musicians. Since there are many different training methods used to develop musical expertise (e.g. vocal or instrumental), these differences could lead to varying temporal processing abilities of acoustic signals. The current study aims
to see if there are any differences in temporal processing abilities between violinists and vocalists.Material and MethodsFour different psychoacoustic tests – gap detection threshold (GDT), duration discrimination test
(DDT), duration pattern test (DPT), and the modulation detection threshold for sinusoidally amplitude-modulated noise
(SAM) at six different modulation frequencies – were used to assess differences in temporal processing abilities between 15
trained violinists and 15 trained vocalists. The results were compared with a group of 15 non-musicians.ResultsMusicians, both violinists and vocalists, always performed significantly better (p<0.01) than non-musicians in all 4
psychoacoustic tests. Vocalists performed equal to or slightly better than violinists in GDT and at 5/6 modulation frequencies
in modulation detection threshold for SAM noise test, although the differences were not statistically significant.ConclusionsAlthough vocalists and instrumentalists undergo different forms of training in terms of the sound they produce and the sound qualities they need to perceive, the training does not lead to any major difference in their temporal processing abilities of acoustic signals.
THE EFFECT OF TINNITUS AND PRESBYCUSIS ON
CONTRALATERAL SUPPRESSION OF OTOACOUSTIC
EMISSIONS
Authors: Komis Agis , Maragkoudakis Pavlos , Gkoritsa Eleni , Kandiloros Dimitrios , Korres Stavros , Ferekidis Eleftherios , Nikolopoulos Thomas 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe medial olivocochlear system (MOCS), part of the efferent auditory pathway, causes an inhibitory effect on
the outer hair cells, thus protecting them against extreme noise exposure and improving speech discrimination in noisy environments. This study aims to assess the MOCS function and aging in tinnitus patients with the use of contralateral suppression (CS) of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs).Material and Methods136 subjects took part in this study, divided in 6 groups (control group, right-side tinnitus, left-side
tinnitus, bilateral tinnitus, presbycusis without tinnitus and presbycusis with tinnitus). CS of transiently- evoked (TEOAEs)
and distortion products OAEs (DPOAEs) was measured for each group and pair- wise comparisons between the groups were
performed.ResultsCS was less frequent and the mean values of CS were significantly lower in the tinnitus ears than normal ones. The
mean values of CS of ears with presbycusis were in some cases higher than ears with presbycusis and tinnitus and also than
ears with tinnitus and normal hearing. Not particular statistical differences were found between the method used (TEOAEs
or DPOAEs) and the comparisons between the groups.ConclusionsThe absence and lower values of CS in tinnitus ears imply a MOCS dysfunction as a main factor of tinnitus generation. Tinnitus seems to have a more detrimental effect to the MOCS function than presbycusis. CS of TEOAEs and DPOAEs
are equally sensitive methods in detecting MOCS dysfunction in patients with tinnitus.
BALANCE PROBLEMS IN DOWN SYNDROME CHILDREN: VARIOUS SENSORY ELEMENTS AND CONTRIBUTION TO MIDDLE EAR PROBLEMS
Authors: El Shennawy Amira 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundDown syndrome (DS) is one of the commonest causes of developmental delay in children, with equilibrium problems being an integral part of the syndrome. This leads to further impairment of cognitive and concentration abilities.Material and MethodsIn our study, 30 DS children were categorized into 3 groups: bilateral normal middle ear pressure, bilateral abnormal middle ear pressure, and unilateral abnormal middle ear pressure. Sensory components of balance (somatosensory, visual, and vestibular) were assessed using computerized dynamic posturographyResultsResults showed a statistically significant decrease in composite score, visual ratio, and vestibular ratio among DS children compared to normal children. No significant differences in sensory parameters between the various DS groups (with various tympanogram types) were encountered.ConclusionsThis might lead one to suspect central and proprioceptive causes behind balance problems in DS, but further extended studies are needed to confirm this. Bedside screening tests for visual and vestibular functioning of balance are recommended, e.g. past pointing and Fukuda for early detection and intervention.