Long-Term Cochlear Implant Sound Processor Usage in Children with Single-Sided Deafness.

OBJECTIVE: To assess cochlear implant (CI) sound processor usage over time in children with single-sided deafness (SSD) and identify factors influencing device use. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, chart review study. SETTING: Pediatric tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Children with SSD who received CI between 2014 and 2020. OUTCOME MEASURE: Primary outcome was average daily CI sound processor usage over follow-up. RESULTS: Fifteen children with SSD who underwent CI surgery were categorized based on age of diagnosis and surgery timing. Over an average of 4.3-year follow-up, patients averaged 4.6 hours/day of CI usage. Declining usage trends were noted over time, with the first 2 years postactivation showing higher rates. No significant usage differences emerged based on age, surgery timing, or hearing loss etiology. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term usage decline necessitates further research into barriers and enablers for continued CI use in pediatric SSD cases.

Cochlear Implantation Outcomes in Pediatric Unilateral Hearing Loss: Impact of Device Use and Direct Input.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of daily cochlear implant (CI) use on speech perception outcomes among children with unilateral hearing loss (UHL). STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional retrospective case series of pediatric patients with UHL who underwent CI between 2018 to 2022. SETTING: Three tertiary children's hospitals. METHODS: Demographics were obtained including duration of deafness and age at CI. Best consonant-nucleus-consonant (CNC) word scores and data logs describing hours of CI usage were assessed postimplantation. Use of direct audio input (DAI) during rehabilitation was recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-seven children were included, with a mean age at CI of 7.8 years. Mean datalogging time was 7.8 ± 3.0 hours/day. 40.7% of children utilized daily DAI. The mean CNC score using the best score during the study period was 34.9%. There was no significant correlation between hours of CI usage and CNC score. There was a significant improvement in CNC score associated with whether the child used DAI during rehabilitation (CNC 50.91% [yes] vs 23.81% [no]), which remained significant when adjusting for age at CI, duration of deafness, and data log hours. CONCLUSION: Unlike children with bilateral hearing loss and CI, children with UHL and CI demonstrate no significant correlation between hours of daily CI usage and CNC scores. However, children who used DAI during postoperative rehabilitation achieved significantly higher CNC scores than those who did not. This suggests that rehabilitation focused on isolated listening with the implanted ear maybe critical in optimizing outcomes with CI in UHL patients.

Factors Predictive of Binaural Hearing Restoration by Cochlear Implant in Single-Sided Deafness.

INTRODUCTION: Cochlear implants (CIs) can restore binaural hearing in cases of single-sided deafness (SSD). However, studies with a high level of evidence in support of this phenomenon are lacking. The aim of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of CIs using several spatialized speech-in-noise tests and to identify potential predictors of successful surgery. METHODS: Ten cases underwent standard CI surgery (MEDEL-Flex24). The speech-in-noise test was used in three different spatial configurations. The noise was presented from the front (N0), toward the CI (NCI), and toward the ear (Near), while the speech was always from the front (S0). For each test, the speech-to-noise ratio at 50% intelligibility (SNR50) was evaluated. Seven different effects were assessed (summation, head shadow [HS], speech released of masking [SRM], and squelch for the CI and for the ear). RESULTS: A significant summation effect of 1.5 dB was observed. Contralateral PTA was positively correlated with S0N0-B and S0NCI-B (CIon and unplugged ear). S0N0-B results were positively correlated with S0N0-CIoff (p < 0.0001) and with S0Near-CIoff results (p = 0.004). A significant positive correlation was found between delay post-activation and HS gain for the CI (p = 0.005). Finally, the HS was negatively correlated with the squelch effect for the ear. CONCLUSION: CI benefits patients with SSD in noise and can improve the threshold for detecting low-level noise. Contralateral PTA could predict good postoperative results. Simple tests performed preoperatively can predict the likelihood of surgical success in reversing SSD.

Long-Term Outcome of Cochlear Implantation in Children With Congenital, Perilingual, and Postlingual Single-Sided Deafness.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the long-term outcomes of children with single-sided deafness (SSD) after cochlear implant (CI) surgery, during and after rehabilitation, and compared the results of children with congenital, perilingual, and postlingual SSD. We evaluated the impact of SSD at age at onset and duration of deafness on their performance. DESIGN: Thirty-six children with SSD treated with CI participated in the study: 20 had congenital, seven perilingual (defined: >0 to 4 years), and nine had postlingual deafness (defined as >4 years of age). Their outcome with CI were measured on both subjective and objective scales: duration of device use, speech intelligibility in noise and in quiet, bilateral hearing and localization ability, quality of life and hearing, presence and loudness of tinnitus, and hearing ability of the better hearing ear. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up time of 4.75 years, 32 of the 36 children used their CI on a regular basis. The remaining four children were nonusers. These children had congenital SSD and were older than three years at the time of CI surgery. Overall, for congenital/perilingual and postlingual SSD, speech intelligibility in noise and the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) speech subscore were significantly improved, as were their subjective and objective localization ability and hearing-related quality of life. Children with postlingual SSD benefited from the CI with regard to speech intelligibility, SSQ speech/spatial/total score, and localization error, and children with congenital SSD showed better results with a short duration of deafness of less than 3 years compared with those with a longer deafness period. CONCLUSIONS: Cochlear implantation is a successful treatment for children with congenital/perilingual or postlingual SSD. Results largely differed with respect to the onset and duration of deafness, and better outcomes were achieved by children with postlingual SSD and with a short duration of deafness. Our data also confirmed that children with congenital SSD should be implanted with a CI within three years of age.

Aplicabilidade e considerações clínicas do Sistema Contralateral Routing of Signal (CROS): revisão sistemática / Applicability and clinical considerations of the Contralateral Routing of Signal System (CROS): systematic review / Aplicabilidad y consideraciones clínicas del sistema de enrutamiento de señal contralateral (CROS): revisión sistemática

Introdução: O Sistema Contralateral Routing of Signal (CROS) é uma opção de intervenção auditiva com propósito de melhorar a percepção monoaural e minimizar as dificuldades da perda auditiva unilateral. Objetivo: analisar e descrever o público-alvo, o tempo de adaptação, o controle de uso do Sistema CROS, as avaliações utilizadas para medir os seus benefícios, sua efetividade e limitações. Método: Este estudo foi conduzido de acordo com as diretrizes PRISMA. A pesquisa bibliográfica foi realizada através dos bancos de dados científicos online na área da saúde, PubMed e Scopus, foram utilizadas as palavras-chave "Unilateral hearing loss", "Hearing aid", "CROS" e "Contralateral Routing of Signal". Os resultados da pesquisa limitaram-se a artigos científicos experimentais, que abordavam diretamente o sistema CROS, publicados em inglês, português ou espanhol. Resultados: Onze artigos foram selecionados para a revisão do texto completo. Quanto aos usuários do CROS, a faixa etária variou entre nove a 84 anos; prevalência do sexo masculino. Observou-se grande diversidade nas avaliações, sendo realizadas com tempo de uso inferior a 30 dias e superior a seis meses, após adaptação do CROS. Tal avaliação era realizada por meio de questionários não padronizados e avaliações objetivas com estímulos controlados. O uso do CROS proporcionou benefícios na localização sonora, efeito sombra da cabeça e inteligibilidade de fala, porém não mostrou eficácia em situações ruidosas. Conclusão: Por ser um dispositivo, não invasivo, de fácil adaptação e manuseio que traz benefícios imediatos, o CROS deve ser a primeira opção na reabilitação da perda auditiva unilateral.

Introducción: El Sistema Contralateral Routing of Signal (CROS) es una opción de intervención auditiva con el propósito de mejorar la percepción monoaural y minimizar las dificultades de la pérdida auditiva unilateral. Objetivo: analizar y describir el público objetivo, el tiempo de adaptación, el control del uso del Sistema CROS, las evaluaciones utilizadas para medir sus beneficios, su efectividad y limitaciones. Metodo: Este estudio se realizó de acuerdo con las pautas PRISMA. La búsqueda bibliográfica se realizó a través de bases de datos científicas online del área de salud, PubMed y Scopus, utilizando las palabras clave "Unilateral hearing loss", "Hearing aid", "CROS" y "Contralateral Routing of Signal". Los resultados de la investigación se limitaron a artículos científicos experimentales, que abordaron directamente el sistema CROS, publicados en inglés, portugués o español. Resultados: Se seleccionaron once artículos para revisión de texto completo. En cuanto a los usuarios de CROS, la edad osciló entre los nueve y los 84 años; prevalencia masculina. Hub gran diversidad en las evaluaciones, realizadas con tiempos de uso de menos de 30 días y más de seis meses tras la adaptación del CROS. Dicha evaluación se realizó mediante cuestionarios no estandarizados y evaluaciones objetivas con estímulos controlados. El uso de CROS proporcionó beneficios en la localización del sonido, el efecto de sombra de la cabeza y la inteligibilidad del habla, pero no fue efectivo en situaciones ruidosas. Conclusión: Al tratarse de un dispositivo no invasivo, de fácil adaptación y manejo que aporta beneficios inmediatos, CROS debería ser la primera opción en la rehabilitación de la hipoacusia unilateral.

Introduction: The system Contralateral Routing of Signal (CROS) is an option of auditory intervention in order to improve the monaural perception and minimize the difficulties of unilateral hearing loss. Objective: to analyze and describe the target users, the adaptation time and the control use of CROS system, the evaluations utilized to measure its benefits, as well as its effectiveness and limitations. Method: This study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The bibliographic research was through the scientific data online banks in the health area, PubMed and Scopus, using the keywords "Unilateral hearing loss", "Hearing aid", "CROS" and "Contralateral Routing of Signal". The results of the research were limited to experimental scientific articles, which address directly the CROS system, published in English, Portuguese or Spanish. Results: Eleven studies were selected to review. The age of CROS users ranged from nine to 84 years and male sex prevalence. There was great diversity in the evaluations being carried out. The performance's evaluation date varied between less than 30 days and more than six months after the adaptation. Such assessments were performed using non-standardized questionnaires and objective evaluations with controlled stimuli. The use of CROS provides benefits in sound localization, head shadow effect and speech intelligibility, but it is not effective in noisy situations. Conclusion: CROS should be the first option in unilateral hearing loss rehabilitation for being a non-invasive, easy adaption, handling dispositive and with good benefits to the client.

Cochlear implantation after radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma.

OBJECTIVE: The object of this study was to ascertain outcomes of cochlear implantation (CI) following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for vestibular schwannoma (VS). METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective chart review of adult patients with VS treated with SRS who underwent CI between 1990 and 2019 at a single tertiary care referral center. Patient demographics, tumor features, treatment parameters, and pre- and postimplantation audiometric and clinical outcomes are presented. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (18 ears) underwent SRS and ipsilateral CI during the study period. Thirteen patients (76%) had neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). Median age at SRS and CI were 44 and 48 years, respectively. Median time from SRS to CI was 60 days, but notably, 4 patients underwent SRS and CI within 1 day and 5 patients underwent CI more than 7 years after SRS. Median marginal dose was 13 Gy. Median treatment volume at the time of SRS was 1400 mm3 (range 84-6080 mm3, n = 15 patients). Median post-CI PTA was 28 dB HL, improved from 101 dB HL preoperatively (p < 0.001). Overall, 11 patients (12 ears) exhibited open-set speech understanding. Sentence testing was performed at a median of 10 months (range 1-143 months) post-CI. The median AzBio sentence score for patients with open-set speech understanding was 76% (range 19%-95%, n = 10 ears). Two ears exhibited Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) sentence scores of 49% and 95%, respectively. Four patients achieved environmental sound awareness without open-set speech recognition. Two had no detectable auditory percepts. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients who underwent CI following SRS for VS enjoyed access to sound at near-normal levels, with the majority achieving good open-set speech understanding. Implantation can be performed immediately following SRS or in a delayed fashion, depending on hearing status as well as other factors. This strategy may be applied to cases of sporadic or NF2-associated VS. ABBREVIATIONS: AAO-HNS = American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery; ABI = auditory brainstem implant; CI = cochlear implantation; CN = cranial nerve; CNC = consonant-nucleus-consonant; CPA = cerebellopontine angle; EPS = electrical promontory stimulation; ESA = environmental sound awareness; HINT = Hearing in Noise Test; IAC = internal auditory canal; NF2 = neurofibromatosis type 2; OSP = open-set speech perception; PTA = pure tone average; SRS = stereotactic radiosurgery; VS = vestibular schwannoma; WRS = word recognition score.

Hearing Status and Aural Rehabilitative Profile of 878 Patients With Sporadic Vestibular Schwannoma.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To examine the hearing status and aural rehabilitative profile in a national cohort of patients with sporadic vestibular schwannoma (VS). STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of Acoustic Neuroma Association members diagnosed with sporadic VS was performed from February 2017 through January 2019. Self-reported results were used to determine the aural rehabilitative profile of respondents. RESULTS: Among survey respondents, 62.2% (546/878) were not using any hearing-assistive device at time of survey. For the 37.8% (332/878) that were utilizing hearing-assistive devices, 32.8% (109/332) reported using a behind-the-ear hearing aid, 23.8% (79/332) used a contralateral routing of signal (CROS) hearing aid, and 21.7% (72/332) used a bone conduction device. Notably, 41.9% (278/663) of patients who previously underwent tumor treatment reported utilizing a hearing rehabilitation device at some point during VS management compared to 27.0% (58/215) of those undergoing observation with serial imaging (P < .001). Of 275 patients with functional hearing in the ipsilateral ear, 26.5% (73/275) reported having used at least one type of hearing device; 24.0% (66/275) reported use of a conventional hearing aid, 0.7% (2/275) a CROS aid, and 0.4% (1/275) a bone conduction device. Among respondents reporting ipsilateral nonfunctional hearing, 44.9% (258/575) reported having used at least one type of hearing device; 13.0% (75/575) a CROS aid, and 12.3% (71/575) a bone conduction device. CONCLUSIONS: Even among a cohort with presumably elevated literacy surrounding hearing rehabilitation options, few patients with a history of unilateral vestibular schwannoma ultimately use hearing assistive devices long-term, suggesting that most patients sufficiently adjust to unilateral hearing loss or are unsatisfied with the benefits achieved with current device options. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:1378-1381, 2021.

Treatment choice in single-sided deafness and asymmetric hearing loss. A prospective, multicentre cohort study on 155 patients.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the treatment choice in a cohort of subjects with single-sided deafness (SSD) and asymmetric hearing loss (AHL). To assess the reliability of the treatment trials. DESIGN: In this national, multicentre, prospective study, the choice of subjects was made after two consecutive trials of Contralateral Routing Of the Signal (CROS) hearing aids and a Bone Conduction Device (BCD) on a headband. Subjects could proceed with one of these two options, opt for cochlear implantation or decline all treatments. SETTING: Seven tertiary university hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred fifty-five subjects with SSD or AHL fulfilling the candidacy criteria for cochlear implantation, with or without associated tinnitus. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: After the two trials, the number of subjects choosing each option was described. Repeated assessments of both generic and auditory-specific quality of life were conducted, as well as hearing assessments (speech recognition in noise and horizontal localization). RESULTS: CROS was chosen by 75 subjects, followed by cochlear implantation (n = 51), BCD (n = 18) and abstention (n = 11). Patients who opted for cochlear implantation had a poorer quality of life (P = .03). The improvement of quality of life indices after each trial was significantly associated with the final treatment choice (P = .008 for generic indices, P = .002 for auditory-specific indices). The follow-up showed that this improvement had been overestimated in the CROS group, with a long-term retention rate of 52.5%. CONCLUSIONS: More than one third of SSD/AHL subjects are unsatisfied after CROS and BCD trials. Repeated quality of life assessments help counselling the patient for his/her treatment choice.

Estimating Real-World Performance of Percutaneously Coupled Bone-Conduction Device Users With Severe-to-Profound Unilateral Hearing Loss.

Purpose The bone-conduction device attached to a percutaneous screw (BCD) is an important treatment option for individuals with severe-to-profound unilateral hearing loss (UHL). Clinicians may use subjective questionnaires and speech-in-noise measures to evaluate BCD use in this patient population; however, the translation of these metrics to real-world aided performance is unclear. The purpose of this study was twofold: first, to measure speech-in-noise performance in BCD users with severe-to-profound UHL in a simulated real-world environment, relative to individuals with normal hearing bilaterally; second, to determine if BCD users' subjective reports of aided performance relate to simulated real-world performance. Method A between-subjects design with two groups was conducted with 14 adults with severe-to-profound UHL (BCD group) and 10 age-matched participants with normal hearing bilaterally (control group). Speech-in-noise tests were administered in an eight-speaker R-Space simulating a real-world environment. To further explore speech-in-noise evaluation methods for this population, testing was also completed in a clinically common two-speaker array. The effects of various microphone settings on performance were explored for BCD users. Subjective performance was measured with the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB; Cox & Alexander, 1995) and the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (Gatehouse & Noble, 2004). Statistical analyses to explore relationships between variables included repeated-measures analysis of variance, regression analyses, independent-samples t tests, nonparametric Mann-Whitney tests, and correlations. Results In the simulated real-world environment, BCD group participants struggled with speech-in-noise understanding compared to control group participants. BCD benefit was observed for all microphone settings when speech stimuli were presented to the side with the BCD. When adaptive directional or fixed directional microphone settings were used, a relationship was noted between simulated real-world speech-in-noise performance for speech stimuli presented to the side with the BCD and subjective reports on the Background Noise subscale of the APHAB. Conclusions The Background Noise subscale of the APHAB may help estimate real-world speech-in-noise performance for BCD users with severe-to-profound UHL for signals of interest presented to the implanted side, specifically when adaptive or fixed directional microphone settings are used. This subscale may provide an efficient and accessible alternative to assessing real-world speech-in-noise performance in lieu of less clinically available measurement tools, such as an R-Space.

Subjective Benefits of Bimodal Listening in Cochlear Implant Recipients with Asymmetric Hearing Loss.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of cochlear implant (CI) use on subjective benefits in quality of life in cases of asymmetric hearing loss (AHL). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. SETTING: Tertiary academic center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Subjects included CI recipients with AHL (n = 20), defined as moderate-to-profound hearing loss in the affected ear and mild-to-moderate hearing loss in the contralateral ear. Quality of life was assessed with the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) pragmatic subscales, which assess binaural benefits. Subjective benefit on the pragmatic subscales was compared to word recognition in quiet and spatial hearing abilities (ie, masked sentence recognition and localization). RESULTS: Subjects demonstrated an early, significant improvement (P < .01) in abilities with the CI as compared to preoperative abilities on the SSQ pragmatic subscales by the 1-month interval. Perceived abilities were either maintained or continued to improve over the study period. There were no significant correlations between results on the Speech in Quiet subscale and word recognition in quiet, the Speech in Speech Contexts subscale and masked sentence recognition, or the Localization subscale and sound field localization. CONCLUSIONS: CI recipients with AHL report a significant improvement in quality of life as measured by the SSQ pragmatic subscales over preoperative abilities. Reported improvements are observed as early as 1 month postactivation, which likely reflect the binaural benefits of listening with bimodal stimulation (CI and contralateral hearing aid). The SSQ pragmatic subscales may provide a more in-depth insight into CI recipient experience as compared to behavioral sound field measures alone.

Low-Frequency Hearing Preservation With Long Electrode Arrays: Inclusion of Unaided Hearing Threshold Assessment in the Postoperative Test Battery.

Purpose The goal of this work was to evaluate the low-frequency hearing preservation of long electrode array cochlear implant (CI) recipients. Method Twenty-five participants presented with an unaided hearing threshold of ≤ 80 dB HL at 125 Hz pre-operatively in the ear to be implanted. Participants were implanted with a long (31.5-mm) electrode array. The unaided hearing threshold at 125 Hz was compared between the preoperative and postoperative intervals (i.e., initial CI activation, and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after activation). Results Eight participants maintained an unaided hearing threshold of ≤ 80 dB HL at 125 Hz postoperatively. The majority (n = 5) demonstrated aidable low-frequency hearing at initial activation, whereas 3 other participants experienced an improvement in unaided low-frequency hearing thresholds at subsequent intervals. Conclusions CI recipients can retain residual hearing sensitivity with fully inserted long electrode arrays, and low-frequency hearing thresholds may improve during the postoperative period. Therefore, unaided hearing thresholds obtained within the initial weeks after surgery may not reflect later hearing sensitivity. Routine measurement of postoperative unaided hearing thresholds-even for patients who did not demonstrate aidable hearing thresholds initially after cochlear implantation-will identify CI recipients who may benefit from electric-acoustic stimulation. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.11356637.

Unilateral hearing loss: benefit of amplification in sound localization, temporal ordering and resolution / Perda auditiva unilateral: benefício da amplificação na ordenação e resolução temporal e na localização sonora

ABSTRACT Purpose To assess the hearing abilities of temporal ordering, temporal resolution and sound localization before and after the fitting of a hearing aid (HA) in individuals with unilateral hearing loss (UHL). Methods There were evaluated 22 subjects, aged 18 to 60 years, diagnosed with sensorineural or mixed UHL, from mild to severe degrees. The study was divided into two stages: the pre and post-adaptation of HA. In both phases, subjects performed an interview, application of Questionnaire for Disabilities Associated with Impaired Auditory Localization, auditory processing screening protocol (APSP) and Random Gap Detection Test (RGDT). Results This study found no statistically significant difference in sound localization and memory evaluations for verbal sounds in sequence, in RGDT and Questionnaire for Disabilities Associated with Impaired Auditory Localization. Conclusion With the effective use of hearing aids, individuals with UHL showed improvement in the auditory abilities of sound localization, ordering and temporal resolution.

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar as habilidades auditivas de ordenação temporal, resolução temporal e localização sonora, antes e após a adaptação do aparelho de amplificação sonora individual (AASI) em indivíduos com perda auditiva unilateral (PAUn). Método Foram avaliados 22 indivíduos, com idades de 18 a 60 anos, com diagnóstico de PAUn sensorioneural ou mista, de graus leve a severo. O estudo foi dividido em duas etapas: a pré- e a pós-adaptação do AASI. Em ambas as etapas, os indivíduos realizaram anamnese, bem como a aplicação do Questionário de Habilidade Auditiva da Localização da Fonte Sonora (QHALFS), avaliação simplificada do processamento auditivo (ASPA) e Random Gap Detection Test (RGDT). Resultados O presente estudo encontrou diferenças estatisticamente significantes nas avaliações de localização sonora e memória para sons verbais em sequência, no RGDT e no QHALFS. Conclusão Com o uso efetivo do AASI, indivíduos com PAUn apresentaram melhora nas habilidades auditivas de localização sonora, ordenação e resolução temporal.

Treinamento auditivo acusticamente controlado como opção de intervenção em transtorno do processamento auditivo central em perda auditiva unilateral severa/profunda / Acoustically controlled auditory training as an intervention option in central auditory processing disorder in severe/profound unilateral hearing loss

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a efetividade do treinamento auditivo acusticamente controlado em pessoas com distúrbio do processamento auditivo central e perda auditiva unilateral de grau severo a profundo. Métodos Participaram do estudo 16 indivíduos, de 13 a 21 anos de idade, diagnosticados com perda auditiva unilateral de grau severo a profundo e transtorno do processamento auditivo central, divididos em dois grupos, com oito indivíduos cada, pareados por idade, sexo e escolaridade: grupo estudo, submetido ao programa de treinamento auditivo acusticamente controlado, em oito sessões, realizadas uma vez por semana; grupo comparação, que não foi submetido a nenhum tipo de intervenção. Ao final de oito semanas, os grupos foram reavaliados quanto ao potencial evocado auditivo de longa latência (P300) e quanto às habilidades auditivas alteradas, observadas nos testes Localização Sonora, Identificação de Sentenças Sintéticas, Fala no Ruído e Randon Gap Detection Test. Resultados Não houve influências do lado da perda auditiva na avaliação inicial, para nenhum dos grupos. Na avaliação final, verificou-se, somente no grupo estudo, aprimoramento de todas as habilidades auditivas, diminuição da latência e aumento da amplitude no P300. Indivíduos com perda auditiva à direita apresentaram maior aumento da amplitude do P300. Não foram observadas modificações no grupo comparação. Conclusão O treinamento auditivo acusticamente controlado foi eficaz, pois possibilitou o aprimoramento das habilidades auditivas e a modificação na atividade neurobiológica quanto à velocidade de processamento auditivo. Sugere-se essa opção de intervenção em pessoas com transtorno do processamento auditivo central e perda auditiva unilateral.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the effectiveness of the auditory training acoustically controlled in people with central auditory processing disorders and unilateral hearing loss from severe to profound. Methods 16 individuals between the age of 13 to 21 diagnosed with unilateral hearing loss from severe to profound and central auditory process disorder has participated in this study, individuals were divided into two groups, consisting of eight individuals each, paired by age, sex and education. Eight of them - Experimental Group - underwent an individual Acoustically Controlled Auditory Training program consisting of eight sessions accomplished once a week. The remaining individuals - Control Group - there were no intervention. At the end of eight weeks, both groups were reassessed for Long Latency Auditory Evoked Potential (P300), and altered hearing abilities on the Sound Localization test, Synthetic Sentence Identification, Speech in Noise and Random Gap Detection Test. Results There were no influences of the hearing loss side in the initial assessment for any of the groups. In the final assessment there was an improvement in all abilities, decreased latency and increased amplitude in P300 only Experimental Group. Individuals with hearing loss on the right showed a greater increase in P300 amplitude. There were no changes in the Control Group. Conclusion The acoustically controlled auditory training was effective because it allowed an improvement of the auditory abilities and a modification in the neurobiological activity in relation to the auditory processing speed. This option it is suggested for intervention in people with a central auditory processing disorder and hearing loss.

Análise da percepção da fala com uso de dispositivos de amplificação em indivíduos com malformação de orelha e perda auditiva unilateral / Analysis of speech perception with amplification devices in subjects with ear malformation and unilateral hearing loss

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a percepção da fala de indivíduos com malformação de orelha e perda auditiva unilateral utilizando dois tipos de amplificação: amplificação sonora individual (AASI) convencional e softband (faixa com vibrador ósseo). Método: Foram selecionados 15 indivíduos, de ambos os sexos, com malformação congênita de orelha externa e/ou orelha média, diagnóstico de perda auditiva unilateral do tipo condutiva ou mista de grau moderado a severo, idade entre 15 e 25 anos, e encaminhamento para amplificação realizado pelo médico otorrinolaringologista. Após a adaptação com AASI e softband, foi realizada avaliação da percepção da fala sem uso da amplificação, com AASI acoplado ao arco e vibrador ósseo (convencional) e com uso do softband (faixa com vibrador). Os indivíduos foram avaliados por meio do Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) nas condições de silêncio e de ruído. Resultados: Foram avaliados sete indivíduos com malformação de orelha unilateral, sendo 57,1% na orelha direita e 42,9% na orelha esquerda. Quanto ao tipo e grau da perda, 71, 4% da amostra possuía perda auditiva condutiva moderada. No teste de percepção de fala na condição de silêncio, ruído frontal e ruído lateral, em três situações: sem amplificação, com o uso do AASI convencional e com o uso do softband, os resultados com uso de dispositivos de amplificação apresentaram-se melhores em todas as condições. Conclusão: Os indivíduos apresentaram melhora sutil, porém não significativa, na percepção de fala tanto em situações de silêncio, ruído frontal e lateral independentemente do tipo de amplificação.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To verify the speech perception in subjects with ear malformation and unilateral hearing loss, fitted with two types of amplification as follows: conventional hearing aids and softband (band with vibrator bone). Method: The study included fifteen subjects of both sexes who presented congenital malformation of the middle or outer ear, diagnosed with unilateral conductive or mixed hearing loss, moderate to severe hearing loss, age range between 15 to 25 years and, prescription from a specialist doctor for hearing device fitting. We performed the speech perception assessment without amplification after the hearing aid and softband fitting, with the hearing aid linked to the bone vibrator (conventional) and the softband (band with the bone vibrator). The subjects were evaluated using the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT), in silence and in noise. Results: Seven subjects with unilateral ear malformation were evaluated, 57.1 % had impairment in the right ear and 42.9 % in the left ear. Regarding the type and the level of hearing loss, 71 % of all subjects included in the sample presented moderate conductive hearing loss. The assessment of speech perception was performed during silence, frontal noise, lateral noise and, during three specifics situations: no amplification, with conventional hearing aid and with the softband. The results with the amplification devices were positive in all evaluated conditions. Conclusion: Evaluated subjects presented improvement in speech perception, in silence, frontal noise and lateral noise situations, regardless of the type of amplification; however, the difference was not statistically significant.

Long-term evaluation of sound localisation in single-sided deaf adults fitted with a BAHA device.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a long-term evaluation of the localisation capabilities in the horizontal plane of single-sided deaf patients fitted with a BAHA device. DESIGN: Single-centre retrospective study. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one adults with single-sided deafness (SSD) with normal hearing in the contralateral ear (pure tone average <20 dB, SDS > 90%) rehabilitated with a Cochlear BAHA device from 2003 to 2012 on the deaf side over a median follow-up of 8 years. OUTCOME MEASURES: The task used in this paper is a sound localisation identification task with a set-up of seven loudspeakers on a semi-circular array at 30-degree intervals performed at three periods: before BAHA, initially and at last follow-up. Our main criterion of judgement was the root-mean-square (RMS) localisation error. In addition, the Bern Benefit in Single-Sided Deafness Questionnaire (BBSS) was administered. RESULTS: The mean RMS localisation error was initially estimated at 64° without any rehabilitation (for a chance level RMS estimated at 81°). Initially, with the BAHA device, the RMS localisation error dropped to 51°. At the last follow-up evaluation, a significant decrease at 23° was noted. Concerning the Bern Questionnaire, 19% of the patients (n = 4) did not report any change (score of 0), 33% (n = 7) are satisfied (score of +1 or +2) and 48% (n = 10) are very satisfied with the BAHA device (score better than +3). CONCLUSION: Improvement of sound localisation in the horizontal plane for some SSD patients is likely related to altered processing of monaural spectral cues. The time needed to learn to use the azimuth-dependent spectral cues takes time. Long-term follow-up should be considered for studies investigating sound localisation performance.

The use of remote microphone systems in unilateral hearing loss: a preliminary study among Brazilian children and teenagers

Abstract Due to the large number of individuals with Unilateral Hearing Loss (UHL) and the recommendation to use hearing assistive devices, studies are required to define possibilities of intervention for this population. Objective: To evaluate the performance of the Remote Microphone System (RMS) in children with UHL. Methodology: Prospective clinical study with a convenience sample. Eleven children (mean age of 9.2 years) with severe and profound sensorineural UHL, hearing aid users and enrolled in regular schools participated in the study. They were evaluated using the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT), the Classroom Participation Questionnaire (CPQ), and the Sustained Auditory Attention Ability Test (SAAAT) with RMS. Results: HINT results were analyzed using variance to three criteria of repeated measures, which revealed differences between intervention, position, and time factors and significant interaction between these three factors. The comparative analysis of the results from CPQ showed significant differences in the statistical t-test (p=<0.001) for all subscales. The analysis of variance at two repeated measures criteria used in the study of SAAAT revealed a difference between intervention and time, and both interacted significantly. Conclusion: The RMS associated with a hearing aid was effective for individuals with UHL.

A Prospective Randomized Crossover Study in Single Sided Deafness on the New Non-Invasive Adhesive Bone Conduction Hearing System.

BACKGROUND: Recently, an adhesive bone conduction hearing system has been developed for conductive hearing loss or single-sided deafness (SSD). In SSD cases, this device may be a good solution for patients who are unsuitable for, or who do not wish to undergo, bone conduction implant or cochlear implant surgery. The study aimed to investigate the hearing outcomes with the adhesive hearing system in SSD. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to investigate the hearing outcomes with the adhesive hearing system in SSD. METHODS: A randomized crossover study was conducted in 17 SSD participants, using CROS (contralateral routing of signals) hearing aid as a control. Following outcome measurements were administered after a two-week trial: 1) Speech, Spatial and Qualities scale, Audio Processor Satisfaction Questionnaire, and a custom-made questionnaire about the use of the system, 2) sound localization, 3) speech perception in noise. RESULTS: 70% of the SSD subjects reported that the adhesive hearing system was partially useful or better. Using the APSQ, the adhesive test device was evaluated equally as the control device. Sound localization improved with the adhesive test device and deteriorated with the control device. There was no improvement in speech perception in noise measured with the adhesive test device. Speech perception in noise (SSSDNNH) with the control device improved significantly. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report on the outcomes of the new adhesive system. Users' satisfaction of the adhesive hearing system was found to be comparable to the control device. Since the hearing outcomes vary highly between patients, trials with applicable hearing systems are recommended in SSD patients.

BoneBridge implantation in patients with single-sided deafness resulting from vestibular schwannoma resection: objective and subjective benefit evaluations.

BACKGROUND: The BoneBridge could rehabilitate hearing for patients with single-sided deafness (SSD). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the objective and subjective benefits of BoneBridge implantation in patients after vestibular Schwannoma resection and to explore the factors affecting the benefits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We prospectively enrolled all 15 patients implanted with BoneBridge after VS resection from January to June 2017. The primary outcome was the ability to hear in noisy conditions. The secondary outcomes were the soft-band BoneBridge try-on rate, the frequency of BB use, the sound source localization test result, and questionnaire measures of quality of life (QoL). RESULTS: Patients showed better speech recognition ability in the presence of noise with the BoneBridge. The BoneBridge provided no help in sound localization, although most patients reported subjective sound localization benefits. The results of QoL questionnaires showed significant satisfaction with BoneBridge implantation. The unilateral hearing deprivation duration and high education levels had significant impacts on the subjective benefits of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The BoneBridge could improve speech recognition performance in complex auditory backgrounds, as well as QoL, especially in patients with short unilateral hearing deprivation durations and high education levels. SIGNIFICANCE: The BoneBridge is an effective hearing aid for single-sided deafness patients after VS removal.

[Hearing rehabilitation with the cochlea implant following translabyrinthine CPA tumor removal ?] / Hörrehabilitation durch Cochlea-Implantation nach Vestibularisschwannom-Entfernung?

We present a quality analysis of 10 patients with an individual treatment trial for a simultaneous or consecutive cochlea implantation after translabyrinthine removal of a neurinoma at the cerebellopontine angle. The results show that most of the patients benefit from the cochlea implantation after unilateral deafness. Through a careful surgical preparation technique at the inner ear canal and its surroundings the morphological and functional integrity of the neurovascular structures can be guaranteed.