Auditory perceptual discomfort and low-hearing tolerance in the first episode psychosis

Awareness of perceptual and sensory changes that might occur in visual, auditory, proprioception, and other senses, in the early stages towards the First Episode Psychosis (FEP), and their subsequent sensorial evolution as the disturb progresses deeper into an acute episode, might be a key element for interrupting the process. In the present study, we investigated hearing discomfort/tolerance to 16 given sound streams. Sixteen people diagnosed with FEP, participated in the experiment. Sixteen frequency sweeps varying in modulation envelopes (sawtooth, sine), order (ascending, descending), duration (4s, 8s), and range (50­8000 Hz, 2­8 kHz) were presented randomly, but always in the same sequence, to FEP and healthy controls (HC). The level of discomfort was estimated by the participant by making a mark across a continuous line whose extremes read "nothing bad" (left) and "too bad" (right). Results showed that ascending sine pure frequency sweeps (p < 0.01) and descending sine pure frequencies sweeps (p < 0.01) caused the maximum discomfort in FEP. Other variables also showed differences between FEP and HC, and FEP were always more intolerant to such pure frequency sweeps than HC. We conclude that this might be useful for very early assessment of people at risk, people with FEP, and people with schizophrenia. (AU)

Auditory attention in individuals with tinnitus / Auditory attention in individuals with tinnitus

Abstract Introduction Tinnitus is characterized by the presence of a sound in the absence of external sound stimulus. In individuals with normal audiometry, it may be associated with auditory attention difficulty, especially in those who report high tinnitus annoyance. Objective To investigate auditory attention ability in individuals with tinnitus complaint. Methods Cross-sectional analytical observational study. We evaluated 30 volunteers with normal hearing (up to 25 dBHL): 15 with tinnitus (test group) and 15 with no complaints (control group), aged between 18-40 years. The volunteers answered the tinnitus handicap inventory questionnaire and a visual analogue scale. Subsequently, a basic audiological evaluation (meatoscopy, tonal and vocal audiometry, and imittanciometry) and psychoacoustic measures of tinnitus (loudness and pitch) were performed. To evaluate auditory attention, the following tests were performed: auditory cognitive evoked potential (P300), central auditory processing tests (dichotic digits test and speech-in-noise test) and sustained auditory attention ability test. Results In the tinnitus handicap inventory, individuals with tinnitus had a mean score of 37.78 (±27.05), characterized as moderate degree. In the dichotic digits test (binaural separation), a difference was observed between the groups in both ears. Moreover, there was a difference in the speech-in-noise test in both ears (RE: p = 0.044; LE: p = 0.019), in P300 (p = 0.049) and in total sustained auditory attention ability test (p = 0.032). Also, there is a negative correlation between sustained auditory attention ability test, decrease in attentiveness and binaural integration (RE: p = 0.044; LE: p = 0.048). Conclusions Individuals with tinnitus had a poorer performance compared to the control group regarding auditory attention ability. Therefore, it is inferred that tinnitus is associated with poor performance in selective and sustained auditory attention in the assessed volunteers. These aspects should be considered for the management of patients with tinnitus.

Resumo Introdução O zumbido caracteriza-se pela presença de som na ausência de estímulo sonoro externo. Em indivíduos com audiometria normal pode estar associado à dificuldade na atenção auditiva, principalmente naqueles que referem alto incômodo do zumbido. Objetivo Investigar a habilidade de atenção auditiva em indivíduos com queixa de zumbido. Método Pesquisa do tipo observacional analítica de caráter transversal. Foram avaliados 30 voluntários com audição normal (até 25 dBNA): 15 com zumbido (grupo teste) e 15 sem a queixa (grupo controle), entre 18 e 40 anos. Os voluntários responderam o questionário do handicap do zumbido - Tinnitus Handicap Inventory - e a escala visual analógica. Em seguida, fez-se a avaliação audiológica básica (meatoscopia, audiometria tonal, vocal e imitanciometria) e medidas psicoacústicas do zumbido (loudness e pitch). Para avaliar a atenção auditiva, foram usados os testes: potencial evocado auditivo cognitivo (P300), processamento auditivo central (dicótico de dígitos e de fala no ruído) e o de atenção auditiva sustentada. Resultados No Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, indivíduos com zumbido apresentaram escore médio de 37,78 (± 27,05); caracterizado por grau moderado. No teste dicótico de dígitos (separação binaural) percebeu-se diferença entre os grupos, nas duas orelhas. Além disso, houve diferença no teste de fala no ruído, em ambas as orelhas (OD: p = 0,044; OE: p = 0,019), no P300 (p = 0,049) e no teste de atenção auditiva sustentada total (p = 0,032). Além de correlação negativa entre o teste de atenção auditiva sustentada, decréscimo de vigilância e integração binaural (OD: p = 0,044; OE: p = 0,048). Conclusão Os indivíduos com zumbido apresentaram desempenho inferior ao grupo controle na habilidade de atenção auditiva. Portanto, infere-se que o zumbido está associado ao baixo desempenho na atenção auditiva seletiva e sustentada nos voluntários pesquisados. Tais aspectos devem ser considerados para o manejo do paciente com zumbido.

Perfil clínico e implicações do zumbido em indivíduos com e sem perda auditiva / Clinical profile and implications of tinnitus in individuals with and without hearing loss

RESUMO Objetivo comparar as características clínicas do zumbido e interferência na qualidade de vida em indivíduos com e sem perda auditiva associada, bem como discutir a associação de mensurações quantitativas e instrumentos qualitativos de avaliação. Método estudo quantitativo, descritivo e de corte transversal aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em pesquisa (nº 973.314/2016 CAEE: 41634815.3.0000.0106). Foram comparadas as respostas da avaliação psicoacústica do zumbido (pesquisa de intensidade, frequência, nível mínimo de mascaramento e limiar de desconforto para tom puro e fala), bem como questionário Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) e escala visual analógica (EVA) de 15 sujeitos portadores de zumbido e perda auditiva periférica (grupo GI) e 16 indivíduos normo-ouvintes (grupo GII). Resultados O escore médio na EVA e THI no GI foi, respectivamente, de 5,1(+1,5) e 42,3(+18) e no GII de 5,7(+2.6) e 32,7(+25), sugerindo incômodo moderado no GI e moderado/leve no GII (p>0,005). Verificou-se correlação moderada entre o THI e EVA apenas no GII. Na avaliação psicoacústica, observaram-se diferenças significantes entre os grupos referentes à medida da loudness (*p=0,013) e ao nível mínimo de mascaramento (*p=0,001). Conclusão a perda auditiva parece não se constituir em um fator determinante para o maior ou menor impacto do zumbido na qualidade de vida do sujeito. Já as diferenças encontradas entre os grupos, referentes às medidas psicoacústicas, podem ser justificadas pela presença do dano coclear em si. A mensuração objetiva do zumbido, independentemente da presença ou não da perda auditiva periférica, caracteriza-se como um importante instrumento complementar às medidas de auto avaliação.

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare clinical characteristics of tinnitus and interference in quality of life in individuals with and without associated hearing loss, as well as to discuss the association of quantitative measurements and qualitative instruments. Methods A quantitative, cross-sectional and comparative study approved by the Research Ethics Committee (No. 973.314/CAEE: 41634815.3.0000.0106) was carried out. The responses of the psychoacoustic assessment of tinnitus (intensity, frequency, minimum masking level and loudness discomfort level for pure tone and speech), as well as the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) questionnaire, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) were compared between 15 patients with tinnitus and peripheral hearing loss (group I) and 16 adults with normal hearing (group II). Results The mean VAS and THI scores obtained in GI were 5.1 (+1.5) and 42.3 (+18), and in GII, 5.7 (+2.6) and 32.7 (+25), respectively. This result suggests moderate GI annoyance and moderate/mild GII annoyance (p>0.005). There was a positive and moderate correlation between THI and VAS only in GII. In the psychoacoustic evaluation, significant differences were observed between the groups regarding the measurement of loudness (*p=0.013) and the minimum masking level (*p=0.001). Conclusion There was no direct influence of the presence of hearing loss in relation to the impact of tinnitus. The differences found between the groups regarding the psychoacoustics measures can be justified by the presence of cochlear damage. The objective measurement of tinnitus, regardless of the presence or absence of peripheral hearing loss, is an important instrument to be used along with self-evaluation measures.

Psychoacoustic classification of persistent tinnitus / Classificação psicoacústica do zumbido persistente

Abstract Introduction: Tinnitus is a difficult to treat symptom, with different responses in patients. It is classified in different ways, according to its origin and associated diseases. Objective: to propose a single and measurable classification of persistent tinnitus, through its perception as sounds of nature or of daily life and its comparison with pure tone or noise, of high or low pitch, presented to the patient by audiometer sound. Methods: A total of 110 adult patients, of both genders, treated at the Tinnitus Outpatient Clinic, were enrolled according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Otorhinolaryngologic and Audiological, Pitch Matching and Loudness, Visual Analog Scale, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Minimum Masking Level assessments were performed. Results: In these 110 patients, 181 tinnitus complaints were identified accordingly to type and ear, with 93 (51%) Pure Tone, and 88 (49%) Noise type; 19 at low and 162 at high frequency; with a mean in the Pure Tone of 5.4.07 in the Visual Analog Scale and 12.31 decibel in the Loudness and a mean in the Noise of 6.66 and 10.51 decibel. For Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Minimum Masking Level, the 110 patients were separated into three groups with tinnitus, Pure Tone, Noise and multiple. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory higher in the group with multiple tinnitus, of 61.38. Masking noises such as White Noise and Narrow Band were used for the Minimum Masking Level at the frequencies of 500 and 6000 Hz. There was a similarity between the Pure Tone and Multiple groups. In the Noise group, different responses were found when Narrow Band was used at low frequency. Conclusion: Classifying persistent tinnitus as pure tone or noise, present in high or low frequency and establishing its different characteristics allow us to know its peculiarities and the effects of this symptom in patients' lives.

Resumo Introdução: O zumbido é um sintoma de difícil tratamento, com respostas diferentes nos pacientes. É classificado de formas diversas, de acordo com a origem ou doenças associadas. Objetivo: Propor uma classificação única e mensurável do zumbido persistente, por meio da sua percepção como sons da natureza ou da vida cotidiana e da sua comparação com o tom puro ou o ruído, de pitch alto ou baixo, apresentado ao paciente pelos sons do audiômetro. Método: Participaram 110 pacientes adultos, de ambos os sexos, atendidos no Ambulatório de Zumbido, tendo sido observados os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Realizada avaliação otorrinolaringológica, audiológica, Pitch Matching e Loudness, Visual Analog Scale, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory e Minimum Masking Level. Resultados: Nesses 110 pacientes foram identificadas 181 queixas de zumbido separadas por tipo e orelha, 93 (51%) tipo tom puro e 88 (49%) tipo ruído 19 de baixa frequência e 162 de alta frequência; com média do Visual Analog Scale no tom puro de 5,47 e ruído de 6,66; média do Loudness do tom puro de 12,31 dBNS e ruído de 10,51 dBNS. Para o Tinnitus Handicap Inventory e o Minimum Masking Level os 110 pacientes foram separados em três grupos com zumbido, tom puro, ruído e múltiplo, com a média do Tinnitus Handicap Inventory maior no grupo com zumbido múltiplo com 61,38. Para o Minimum Masking Level foram usados os ruídos mascaradores tipo White Noise e Narrow Band nas frequências de 500 Hz e 6000 Hz. Houve semelhança entre os grupos com tom puro e múltiplo. No grupo de ruído foram encontradas respostas diferentes quando usado o Narrow Band em frequência baixa. Conclusão: Classificar o zumbido persistente em tom puro ou ruído, presentes em frequência alta ou baixa e estabelecer suas diferentes características nos permitem conhecer suas particularidades e a repercussão desse sintoma na vida dos pacientes.

Resposta auditiva de estado estável e avaliação comportamental em crianças de 6 a 48 meses / Auditory steady-state response and behavioral avaluation in children between 6 to 48 monhts of age

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar como os limiares obtidos pelas respostas auditivas de estado estável (RAEE) podem estimar os limiares obtidos pela audiometria com reforço visual (VRA), em crianças com audição normal e perda auditiva de diversos graus. Métodos Foram avaliadas 41 crianças de ambos os sexos (28 crianças do sexo masculino e 13 do sexo feminino), com faixa etária de 18 a 48 meses. Foram pesquisadas as frequências de 500, 1000, 2000 e 4000 Hz, em ambos os métodos de avaliação, e avaliadas as orelhas separadamente, totalizando 82 orelhas, sendo 20 com audição normal e 62 com perda auditiva. Os limiares foram analisados para calcular suas correlações e outras variáveis. Resultados Os limiares não variaram significativamente, nem com a idade, nem com o sexo. Em média, foram observados limiares eletrofisiológicos maiores que os limiares comportamentais. Conclusão A técnica da RAEE possibilita a determinação dos limiares auditivos objetivamente, com uma considerável correlação com os limiares psicoacústicos, concordando com a literatura. Recomenda-se, entretanto, a realização de novos estudos brasileiros, que visem ao estabelecimento de critérios mínimos necessários para o planejamento e aplicação de protocolos, com fins de padronização, contribuindo com a validação diagnóstica.

ABSTRACT Purpose The objective of the following study was to verify how the thresholds obtained by ASSR can estimate the thresholds obtained by the VRA in children with normal hearing and hearing loss of different degrees. Methods Were evaluated 41 children of both sex (28 boys and 13 girls), on ages between 18 and 48 months. The thresholds were obtained with ASSR with multiple and simultaneous stimulation on frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000Hz. The thresholds were obtained with VRA on each ear separately on frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000Hz. Were evaluated 82 ears, 20 with normal hearing and 62 with hearing loss. The correlation between the thresholds was calculated. Results The findings of this study demonstrate that the thresholds didn't have a statistic relevant relation with variables of age and sex. Considering the mean, the eletrophysiological thresholds were higher than the behavioral. These findings suggest ASSR can determinate hearing thresholds objectively and with a high correlation with psychoacoustic thresholds obtained by the behavioral method. Conclusion We recommend, however that another Brazilian studies be made, so it can be established a minimum criteria necessary for the planning and application of pattern protocols, contributing with diagnostic validation of ASSR technique.

Sound generator associated with the counseling in the treatment of tinnitus: evaluation of the effectiveness / Gerador de som associado a aconselhamento no tratamento de zumbido: avaliação da eficácia

Abstract Introduction: The relations between the tinnitus and the hearing loss are due to the sensory deprivation caused by hearing loss, since this is followed by the functional and structural alteration of the auditory system as a whole. The cochlear lesions are accompanied by a reduction in the activity of the cochlear nerve, and the neural activity keeps increased in mainly all the central auditory nervous system to compensate this deficit. Objective: This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of the sound generator (SG) associated with the counseling in the treatment of the tinnitus in individuals with and without hearing loss regarding the improvement of the nuisance through Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Methods: The sample consisted of 30 individuals of both genders divided into two groups: Group 1 (G1) was comprised of 15 individuals with tinnitus and normal hearing, adapted to SG; Group 2 (G2) was comprised of 15 individuals with complaints of hearing acuity and tinnitus, adapted with SG and an individual hearing aid device (HA). Both groups underwent the following procedures: anamnesis and history of complaint, high frequency audiometry (HFA), imitanciometry, acuphenometry with the survey of psychoacoustic pitch and loudness thresholds and application of the tools THI and VAS. All of them were adapted with HA and Siemens SG and participated in a session of counseling. The individuals were assessed in three situations: initial assessment (before the adaptation of the HA and SG), monitoring and final assessment (6 months after adaptation). Results: The comparison of the tinnitus nuisance and handicap in the three stages of assessment showed a significant improvement for both groups. Conclusion: The use of the SG was similarly effective in the treatment of the tinnitus in individuals with and without hearing loss, causing an improvement of the nuisance and handicap.

Resumo Introdução: As relações entre o zumbido e a perda de audição advêm da privação sensorial causada pela perda auditiva, uma vez que essa é seguida pela alteração estrutural e funcional do sistema auditivo no seu conjunto. As lesões cocleares são acompanhadas por uma redução da atividade do nervo coclear e a atividade neuronal mantém-se aumentada em principalmente todo o Sistema Nervoso Auditivo Central para compensar esse déficit. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a eficácia do Gerador de Som (GS) associado ao aconselhamento no tratamento do zumbido em indivíduos com e sem perda auditiva em relação à melhoria do incômodo por meio do Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) e da Escala Analógica Visual (VAS). Método: A amostra consistiu em 30 indivíduos de ambos os sexos, divididos em dois grupos: Grupo 1 (G1) foi composto por 15 indivíduos com zumbido e audição normal, adaptados ao GS; o Grupo 2 (G2) consistiu em 15 indivíduos com queixas de acuidade auditiva e zumbido, adaptado com GS e um aparelho auditivo individual (AA). Ambos os grupos foram submetidos aos seguintes procedimentos: anamnese e história da queixa, Audiometria de Alta Frequência (AAF), imitanciometria, acufenometria com o levantamento de limiares psicoacústicos de Frequência e Altura e aplicação das ferramentas THI e VAS. Todos eles receberam adaptação de AA e GS Siemens e participaram de uma sessão de aconselhamento. Os indivíduos foram avaliados em três situações: Avaliação Inicial (antes da adaptação do AA e GS), Monitoramento e Avaliação Final (seis meses após a adaptação). Resultados: A comparação do incômodo do zumbido e deficiência nas três fases de avaliação mostrou uma melhoria significativa nos dois grupos. Conclusão: O uso de GS foi igualmente eficaz no tratamento do zumbido nos indivíduos com e sem a perda de audição, causando uma melhoria da perturbação e da deficiência.

Validation of a Korean Version of the Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire

OBJECTIVES: The goal of the present study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the tinnitus handicap questionnaire (THQ-K). METHODS: A total of 60 patients were included in this study. Patients responded to the THQ-K, the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI), Beck's depression index (BDI), and the visual analogue scale (VAS) for loudness and pitch, loudness match, and minimum masking level (MML) test were performed. RESULTS: Internal consistency of the THQ-K was examined using Cronbach coefficient alpha. Cronbach alpha was 0.96. The THQ-K showed a significant correlation with THI, BDI, VAS for distress, and VAS for loudness, but no significant correlation with psychoacoustic measurement of tinnitus, such as loudness match, pitch match, and MML. CONCLUSION: The THQ-K is a reliable and valid test for evaluating the degree of handicap due to tinnitus for both research and clinical use.

Effect of early scream sound stress on learning and memory in female rats / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of early scream sound stress on the ability of spatial learning and memory, the levels of norepinephrine (NE) and corticosterone (CORT) in serum, and the morphology of adrenal gland.
@*METHODS@#Female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were treated daily with scream sound from postnatal day 1(P1) for 21 d. Morris water maze was used to measure the spatial learning and memory ability. The levels of serum NE and CORT were determined by radioimmunoassay. Adrenal gland of SD rats was collected and fixed in formalin, and then embedded with paraffin. The morphology of adrenal gland was observed by HE staining.
@*RESULTS@#Exposure to early scream sound decreased latency of escape and increased times to cross the platform in Morris water maze test (P<0.05). The levels of serum NE was significantly elevated, with an obvious tendency in the increase of CORT level (P<0.05). The morphology of adrenal gland was also influenced. 
@*CONCLUSION@#Newborn female rats subjected to scream sound stress can enhance spatial learning and memory ability in adulthood, which is related to activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis and sympathetic nervous system.

Analysis of psychoacoustic characteristics and audiology tests of tinnitus patients with sensorineural hearing loss / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#Tried to find the relationship between tinnitus and each testing method, provided information for objective diagnosis and treatment for tinnitus patients with sensorineural hearing loss.@*METHOD@#The characteristics of audiology tests, including pure tone audiometric, acoustic immittance, middle ear muscle reflexes, matching test, distortion products otoacoustic emission(DPOAE) were compared in 79 ears of 69 tinnitus patients with sensorineural hearing loss.@*RESULT@#The RI positive rate was higher in Convergence curve in tinnitus patients of sensorineural hearing loss, with the rate being 51.3%. The detection rates of DPOAE were 15.2% in patients of sensorineural hearing loss tinnitus groups, which were significant lower than those in control group.@*CONCLUSION@#Psychoacoustic techniques can produce a useful amount of clinical data regarding tinnitus in different aspects, these data can help clinicians design needed based managements. DPOAE test is helpful for the diagnosis of lesions in some tinnitus patients.

Acoustic and psychoacoustic analysis of the noise produced by the police force firearms / Análise acústica e psicoacústica do ruído de armas utilizadas pela Polícia Militar

Police officers are exposed to impact noise coming from firearms, which may cause irreversible injuries to the hearing system. AIM: To evaluate the noise exposure in shooting stands during gunfire exercises, to analyze the acoustic impact of the noise produced by the firearms and to associate it with tonal audiometry results. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To measure noise intensity we used a digital sound level meter, and the acoustic analysis was carried out by means of the oscillations and cochlear response curves provided by the praat software. 30 police officers were selected (27 males and 3 females). RESULTS: The peak level measured was 113.1 dB(C) from a .40 pistol and 116.8 dB(C) for a .38 revolver. The values obtained for oscillation and praat was 17.9±0.3 Barks, corresponding to the rate of 4,120 and 4,580 Hz. Audiometry indicated greater hearing loss at 4,000Hz in 86.7 percent of the cases. CONCLUSION: With the acoustic analysis it was possible to show cause and effect between the main areas of energy excitation of the cochlea (praat cochlear response curve) and the frequencies of low hearing acuity.

Os policiais militares estão expostos a ruídos de impacto provenientes de armas de fogo, os quais são capazes de causar lesões irreversíveis ao sistema auditivo. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a exposição ao ruído no estande de tiros durante os exercícios de tiro, analisar acusticamente o ruído de impacto e relacioná-lo com os resultados de audiometria tonal. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Transversal. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: A medição do ruído foi feita por meio de decibelímetro digital e a análise acústica foi feita no software Praat, levantando as curvas de oscilograma e cocleograma. Foi selecionada uma amostra de 30 policiais militares (27 masculinos e 3 femininos). RESULTADOS: Os picos máximos medidos no estante de tiros foram de 113,1 dB(C) para pistola .40 e 116,8 dB(C) para revólver .38. Os valores obtidos por meio da relação entre o oscilograma temporal e cocleograma Praat ficaram entre 17,9±0,3 Barks, correspondendo à faixa entre 4120 e 4580 Hz. As medidas da audiometria indicaram maior perda auditiva na faixa de 4000Hz em 86,7 por cento dos casos. CONCLUSÃO: A partir da análise acústica dos tiros, foi possível demonstrar causa e efeito entre as principais áreas de excitação de energia na cóclea (cocleograma Praat) e as frequências com diminuição de acuidade auditiva.

Manipulating Greek musical modes and tempo affects perceived musical emotion in musicians and nonmusicians

The combined influence of tempo and mode on emotional responses to music was studied by crossing 7 changes in mode with 3 changes in tempo. Twenty-four musicians aged 19 to 25 years (12 males and 12 females) and 24 nonmusicians aged 17 to 25 years (12 males and 12 females) were required to perform two tasks: 1) listening to different musical excerpts, and 2) associating an emotion to them such as happiness, serenity, fear, anger, or sadness. ANOVA showed that increasing the tempo strongly affected the arousal (F(2,116) = 268.62, mean square error (MSE) = 0.6676, P < 0.001) and, to a lesser extent, the valence of emotional responses (F(6,348) = 8.71, MSE = 0.6196, P < 0.001). Changes in modes modulated the affective valence of the perceived emotions (F(6,348) = 4.24, MSE = 0.6764, P < 0.001). Some interactive effects were found between tempo and mode (F (1,58) = 115.6, MSE = 0.6428, P < 0.001), but, in most cases, the two parameters had additive effects. This finding demonstrates that small changes in the pitch structures of modes modulate the emotions associated with the pieces, confirming the cognitive foundation of emotional responses to music.

Psychoacoustic Characteristics of Prepulse Gap in Tinnitus Patients: A Preliminary Study to Develop an Objective Test Detecting Tinnitus / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to observe whether there are differences in detecting ability of pre-pulse gaps between tinnitus patients and normal subjects. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Ten tinnitus patients and eight normal subjects were recruited. Fifty stimuli composed of a background noise and a pulse noise were presented to the subjects. For certain stimuli, a short gap preceding the pulse noise was inserted but for others, no gaps were inserted. The two groups were subjected to a gap lasting 300 and 200 msec. The subjects were then asked if they detected the gap during the stimulus and the number of correct answers were counted. RESULTS: In the tinnitus patient group, the number of correct answers for gap-stimuli detection was significantly smaller when the gap was shortened to 200 msec. In the control group, however, there was only a slight difference in the score. When the length of the gap was shortened to 200 msec, the score significantly decreased in 50% of the tinnitus patients whereas the score increased in only 12% of the control group. CONCLUSION: The ability to detect pre-pulse gaps is affected by tinnitus in humans just as in the animal models.

Incidence and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Tinnitus According to Diagnostic Classification / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Knowledge about the incidence and clinical characteristics of tinnitus can be useful for diagnostic approach and treatment plan. We analyzed the incidence and clinical characteristics of each case of tinnitus according to the classification of tinnitus. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The study recruited 211 tinnitus patients who visited tinnitus clinic from March 2009 to August 2009. First, patients were diagnosed and classified as sensorineural tinnitus and somatosounds. Somatosounds were subdivided to vascular tinnitus, muscle origin tinnitus and patulous Eustachian tube. Patients were evaluated by history taking by means of having them fill out tinnitus questionnaires and psychoacoustic questionnaires. Audiologic findings of each type of tinnitus have also been analyzed. RESULTS: Incidences of sensorineural tinnitus and somatosounds were 82.9% and 17.1% respectively. Among somatosounds, vascular tinnitus occupied 7.6%, muscle origin tinnitus, 4.3% and patulous Eustachian tube, 5.2%. The mean age of the patients with sensorineural tinnitus was older than somatosounds. Patients with muscle origin tinnitus had higher scores of tinnitus loudness, effect on life, tinnitus handicap inventory, stress and depression than those with other types of tinnitus. Overall compliance of the treatment was 66.7% and their tinnitus had been significantly improved after treatment. CONCLUSION: With the knowledge of incidence, clinical characteristics and treatment approach for each tinnitus, clinicians can be more confident in providing proper diagnosis and management of patients with tinnitus. Somatosounds, which showed relatively high incidence in this study, should not be neglected but properly treated with early diagnosis.

Análise da correlação entre limiares auditivos, questionários validados e medidas psicoacústicas em pacientes com zumbido / Correlation analysis of hearing thresholds, validated questionnaires and psychoacoustic measurements in tinnitus patients

Uma das principais dificuldades nos estudos clínicos sobre zumbido reside na falta de consenso sobre os métodos de mensuração. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a correlação entre os limiares audiométricos, pitch matching (PM), minimum masking level (MML), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) e o Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI) em pacientes com zumbido. MODELO DE ESTUDO: Prospectivo, coorte transversal. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: 48 pacientes com zumbido como queixa principal foram submetidos aos testes audiométricos e questionários acima descritos. Os dados foram comparados estatisticamente para as correlações entre os métodos. RESULTADOS: Não houve correlação estatisticamente significativa entre o THI e MML, tanto em pacientes com BDI acima e abaixo de 14 pontos, bem como entre a frequência de pior limiar auditivo e o Pitch matching e entre a frequência de "cut-off" e o PM nos pacientes com curvas descendentes em rampa. CONCLUSÕES: Não existe correlação estatisticamente significativa entre as medidas psicoacústicas do zumbido, os limiares audiométricos e os questionários de avaliação. O zumbido é um sintoma muito complexo e avaliações isoladas pelos métodos acima não são satisfatórias.

One of the most criticized points in tinnitus clinical studies arise from the lack of consensus about measurement methods. AIM: To evaluate the correlation between audiometric thresholds, pitch matching (PM), minimum masking level (MML), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in tinnitus patients. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects were submitted to tonal audiometry, PM and MML for tinnitus. They also filled out the THI and BDI. Data was statistically compared for correlation purposes between audiometric thresholds, psycho-acoustic measures and questionnaires. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant correlation between THI and MML, both in patients with BDI scores under and over 14 points. There was no statistically significant correlation between the worst hearing frequency and PM, as well as between the cut-off frequency and the PM in patients with descending hearing curves in their audiograms. CONCLUSIONS: There is no statistically significant correlation between psycho-acoustic measures (PM and MML), audiometric thresholds, THI and BDI. Tinnitus is a very complex symptom and isolated measures by psycho-acoustic methods; tinnitus and depression questionnaires are not satisfactory.

Construção de escalas de diferencial semântico: medida de avaliação de sons no interior de aeronaves / Construction of semantic differential scales: a measure for the evaluation of aircraft interior sound

Este estudo relata a construção de uma medida psicométrica, baseada na técnica do diferencial semântico, para avaliação de propriedades acústicas no interior de aeronaves. Dois estudos compuseram o trabalho: um primeiro estudo da semântica de descritores, e um segundo de construção da medida. Participaram da pesquisa 590 pessoas; o primeiro estudo contou com 298 participantes, sendo 175 do sexo masculino (58,7 por cento). A média de idade foi 23,2 anos (DP = 5,2 anos). No segundo estudo participaram 292 pessoas, 172 do sexo masculino (58,9 por cento); a média de idade foi de 24,2 anos (DP = 6,6 anos). Os resultados do primeiro estudo constituíram uma lista de descritores aptos para caracterização de fenômenos acústicos no interior de aeronaves. O segundo estudo, após análise fatorial, cálculo do coeficiente de confiabilidade alfa de Cronbach e MANOVA, apresentou parâmetros de validade e confiabilidade satisfatórios. A escala final mensurou quatro fatores: Avaliação, Adequação, Estabilidade e Intensidade.

This study reports the construction of a psychometrical measure, based on the semantic differential technique, for acoustic properties' evaluation in aircraft interiors. Two studies composed the research: a first study of semantic descriptors, and a second one for measure construction. Five hundred and ninety people took part on the research. The first study had 298 participants, 175 were male (58,7 percent). The mean age was 23,2 years old (SD = 5,2 years). On the second study 292 people participated, 172 of whom were male (58,9 percent), and the mean age was 24,2 years old (SD = 6,6 years). The results of the first study provided a list of descriptors able to describe acoustic phenomena in aircraft interiors. The second study, after factor analysis and determination of Cronbach's alpha reliability index and MANOVA, presented satisfactory validity and reliability parameters. The final scale measured four factors: Appreciation, Adequacy, Stability and Intensity.

Processamento auditivo, resolução temporal e teste de detecção de gap: revisão da literatura: [revisão] / Auditory processing, temporal resolution and gap detection test: literature review: [review]

TEMA: processamento auditivo temporal e resolução temporal. OBJETIVO: realizar revisão teórica sobre processamento auditivo e resolução temporal, bem como sobre os diferentes parâmetros de marcadores utilizados em testes de detecção de gap e como eles podem interferir na determinação dos limiares. CONCLUSÃO: o processamento auditivo e a resolução temporal são fundamentais para o desenvolvimento da linguagem. Em virtude dos diferentes parâmetros que podem ser utilizados no teste em questão, os limiares de detecção de gap podem variar consideravelmente.

BACKGROUND: temporal auditory processing and temporal resolution. PURPOSE: promote a theoretical approach on auditory processing, temporal resolution, and different parameters of markers used at various gap detection tests and how they can interfere in threshold determination. CONCLUSION: auditory processing and temporal resolution are key-factors for language development. The diverse parameters that can be used in the study of gap detection thresholds can result in quite discrepant thresholds.

Effects of irrelevant speech and traffic noise on speech perception and cognitive performance in elementary school children.

The effects of background noise of moderate intensity on short-term storage and processing of verbal information were analyzed in 6 to 8 year old children. In line with adult studies on "irrelevant sound effect" (ISE), serial recall of visually presented digits was severely disrupted by background speech that the children did not understand. Train noises of equal Intensity however, had no effect. Similar results were demonstrated with tasks requiring storage and processing of heard information. Memory for nonwords, execution of oral instructions and categorizing speech sounds were significantly disrupted by irrelevant speech. The affected functions play a fundamental role in the acquisition of spoken and written language. Implications concerning current models of the ISE and the acoustic conditions in schools and kindergardens are discussed.

An estimation of annoyance due to various public modes of transport in Delhi.

Measurements of noise levels associated with different types of vehicles plying the roads in Delhi were made. From the data, noise level indices L(10) , L(90) and Leq were determined. In addition, spectra of noise for different vehicles at 1- octave band frequencies were also obtained. The time-averaged noise spectra reveal that the noise intensities are significantly higher in the frequency range of 0.5 kHz to 2 kHz for all types of vehicles. Perceived noise levels (PNdB) and the total noisiness measured on NOY scale indicate that rural transport vehicles (RTVs) are most annoying, followed by buses, auto-rickshaws and taxis.

Salivary chromogranin A as a measure of stress response to noise.

Effects of noise on the secretion of salivary chromogranin A (CgA), which is considered to be a substitute measure of catecholamines, were investigated in a laboratory experiment. This study included 20 male subjects with normal hearing; their ages ranged from 21 to 24 years. Prior to the experiment, the subjects were asked to answer a questionnaire containing the 28-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and Weinstein's noise sensitivity scale. White noise at 90 dB was presented to the subjects for 15 min with 15-minute-rest periods before and after noise exposure. It was shown that salivary CgA levels increased significantly during noise exposure and decreased immediately after it (Friedman's test, p = 0.001, two tailed). This result suggests that salivary CgA can be used to measure the stress response to noise. Furthermore, individual differences in the change in salivary CgA levels were discussed in relation to the subjective responses of the participants to the questionnaire. Some subjects showed prolonged elevation in the salivary CgA levels and the others showed immediate recovery or no effects. These individual differences correlated with the score on the somatic symptoms in GHQ-28; this implies that the score on the somatic symptoms in GHQ-28 could be a measure of physiological sensitivity to noise.

Effects of d-amphetamine and haloperidol on modulation of the human acoustic startle response

This study aimed to examine the effects of haloperidol and amphetamine on human startle response modulated by emotionally-toned film clips. Sixty participants, in two groups [one receiving haloperidol and the other receiving amphetamine] were tested using electromyography [EMG] to measure eye-blink muscle [orbicular oculi] while different emotions were induced by six 2-minute film clips. An, affective rating shows the negative and positive effects of the two drugs on emotional reactivity, neither amphetamine nor haloperidol had any impact on the modulation of the startle response. The methodological and theoretical aspects of the study and findings will be discussed