Different Audiologic Outcomes in Twins with Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection.

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is a major cause of hearing loss in children. A few cases of cCMV twin pregnancies are reported in the literature. Twins can react differently to maternal infection, but hearing loss is rarely evaluated. Two couples of twins with cCMV infection and different audiologic outcomes are reported. The first couple of twins was composed by two male twins, both affected by cCMV infection. The first born had normal hearing function, and the second born had sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). In the second couple, a male and a female twin, only the male twin was affected by cCMV infection, and both had normal hearing function. In this case series, an interesting finding was the association between the presence of viral DNA in liquor and hearing loss in one newborn. Further research is needed to better understand the pathophysiology of SNHL caused by cCMV infection.

Common Audiological Functional Parameters (CAFPAs) for single patient cases: deriving statistical models from an expert-labelled data set.

Objective: Statistical knowledge about many patients could be exploited using machine learning to provide supporting information to otolaryngologists and other hearing health care professionals, but needs to be made accessible. The Common Audiological Functional Parameters (CAFPAs) were recently introduced for the purpose of integrating data from different databases by providing an abstract representation of audiological measurements. This paper aims at collecting expert labels for a sample database and to determine statistical models from the labelled data set.Design: By an expert survey, CAFPAs as well as labels for audiological findings and treatment recommendations were collected for patients from the database of Hörzentrum Oldenburg.Study sample: A total of 287 single patient cases were assessed by twelve highly experienced audiological experts.Results: The labelled data set was used to derive probability density functions for categories given by the expert labels. The collected data set is suitable for estimating training distributions due to realistic variability contained in data for different, distinct categories. Suitable distribution functions were determined. The derived training distributions were compared regarding different audiological questions.Conclusions: The method-expert survey, sorting data into categories, and determining training distributions - could be extended to other data sets, which could then be integrated via the CAFPAs and used in a classification task.

An Analysis of Nonsignificant Results in Audiology Using Bayes Factors.

Purpose Null hypothesis significance testing is commonly used in audiology research to determine the presence of an effect. Knowledge of study outcomes, including nonsignificant findings, is important for evidence-based practice. Nonsignificant p values obtained from null hypothesis significance testing cannot differentiate between true null effects or underpowered studies. Bayes factors (BFs) are a statistical technique that can distinguish between conclusive and inconclusive nonsignificant results, and quantify the strength of evidence in favor of 1 hypothesis over another. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of BFs in nonsignificant results in audiology research and the strength of evidence in favor of the null hypothesis in these results. Method Nonsignificant results mentioned in abstracts of articles published in 2018 volumes of 4 prominent audiology journals were extracted (N = 108) and categorized based on whether BFs were calculated. BFs were calculated from nonsignificant t tests within this sample to determine how frequently the null hypothesis was strongly supported. Results Nonsignificant results were not directly tested with BFs in any study. Bayesian re-analysis of 93 nonsignificant t tests found that only 40.86% of findings provided moderate evidence in favor of the null hypothesis, and none provided strong evidence. Conclusion BFs are underutilized in audiology research, and a large proportion of null findings were deemed inconclusive when re-analyzed with BFs. Researchers are encouraged to use BFs to test the validity and strength of evidence of nonsignificant results and ensure that sufficient sample sizes are used so that conclusive findings (significant or not) are observed more frequently. Supplemental Material https://osf.io/b4kc7/.

Improving transition outcomes in adolescents with permanent hearing loss.

Young people with permanent hearing loss need to transition into adult services and engagement with the transition process is required to achieve this. Although there are clear national recommendations about the transition process and transfer to the adult services limited evidence has been published about the implementation and efficacy of transition programmes in young adults with permanent hearing loss. The primary aim of this quality improvement project was to significantly increase the number of teenagers with a clear transition protocol documented in their notes. The secondary aims were to ensure good medical and audiological outcomes based on all completing their medical investigations prior to transfer to the adult services and also based on a survey regarding attitudes to hearing aids use. A multiphase intervention programme was developed; (1) staff update with national transition protocols, (2) development of a clear transition protocol, (3) allocated key worker (4) access and (5) engagement. Through these interventions we increased the number of teenagers who had a clear transition protocol documented in their notes from 11% to 91%. 84% of our teenagers had completed their medical investigations, although documented discussion about the investigations had been done with 100% of the cohort. 9.2 % of adolescents felt pressurised to use hearing aids compared to 35% prior to the interventions. This project resulted in clear, measurable conclusions and we have shown that we better understand the needs of our patients and the improvement is sustainable.

The Circle of Care for Older Adults With Hearing Loss and Comorbidities: A Case Study of a Geriatric Audiology Clinic.

Purpose Older adults seeking audiologic rehabilitation often present with medical comorbidities, yet these realities of practice are poorly understood. Study aims were to examine (a) the frequency of identification of selected comorbidities in clients of a geriatric audiology clinic, (b) the influence of comorbidities on audiology practice, and (c) the effect of comorbidities on rehabilitation outcomes. Method The records of 135 clients ( M age = 86 years) were examined. Information about comorbidities came from audiology charts (physical paper files) and hospital electronic health records (EHRs). Data about rehabilitation recommendations and outcomes came from the charts. Focus groups with audiologists probed their views of how comorbidities influenced their practice. Results The frequency of identification was 68% for visual, 50% for cognitive, and 42% for manual dexterity issues; 84% had more than one comorbidity. Also noted were hypertension (43%), falls (33%), diabetes (13%), and depression (16%). Integrating information from the audiology chart and EHR provided a more complete understanding of comorbidities. Information about hearing in the EHR included logs of outpatient audiology visits (75% of 135 cases), audiologists' care notes for inpatients and long-term care residents (25%), and entries by other health professionals (60%). Modifications to audiology practice were common and varied depending on comorbidity. High rates of success were achieved regardless of comorbidities. Conclusions In this clinic, successful outcomes were achieved by modifying audiology practice for clients with comorbidities. Increased interprofessional communication among clinicians in the circle of care could improve care planning and outcomes for older adults with hearing loss.

Common Audiological Functional Parameters (CAFPAs): statistical and compact representation of rehabilitative audiological classification based on expert knowledge.

OBJECTIVE: As a step towards objectifying audiological rehabilitation and providing comparability between different test batteries and clinics, the Common Audiological Functional Parameters (CAFPAs) were introduced as a common and abstract representation of audiological knowledge obtained from diagnostic tests. DESIGN: Relationships between CAFPAs as an intermediate representation between diagnostic tests and audiological findings, diagnoses and treatment recommendations (summarised as "diagnostic cases") were established by means of an expert survey. Expert knowledge was collected for 14 given categories covering different diagnostic cases. For each case, the experts were asked to indicate expected ranges of diagnostic test outcomes, as well as traffic light-encoded CAFPAs. STUDY SAMPLE: Eleven German experts in the field of audiological rehabilitation from Hanover and Oldenburg participated in the survey. RESULTS: Audiological findings or treatment recommendations could be distinguished by a statistical model derived from the experts' answers for CAFPAs as well as audiological tests. CONCLUSIONS: The CAFPAs serve as an abstract, comprehensive representation of audiological knowledge. If more detailed information on certain functional aspects of the auditory system is required, the CAFPAs indicate which information is missing. The statistical graphical representations for CAFPAs and audiological tests are suitable for audiological teaching material; they are universally applicable for real clinical databases.

Hearing loss and access to audiology services in rural victoria: Findings from the crossroads study.

CONTEXT: Rural residents can be exposed to high levels of agricultural machinery noise and are at risk of hearing loss. AIMS: This study aimed to determine audiology service use and rates of hearing loss in a regional area of Australia, using both self-report and audiology testing. SETTING AND DESIGN: A survey of randomly selected households was undertaken and 6432 participants were interviewed face to face about their health, hearing, and use of audiology services. A total of 1454 participants were randomly selected to undertake standard audiology testing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Material Hearing was evaluated using conventional audiometry. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Independent t-tests, cChi-squared tests, and logistic regression were used to examine the association amongbetween hearing loss, use of audiology services, and demographic factors. RESULTS: Hearing issues were present in 12.5% of the survey participants. The rate of hearing loss increased significantly with age. Males were significantly more likely to have hearing loss than females (9.5% vs. 5.2%, pP << 0.01). The majority of people who reported accessing audiology services in the past 12 months were satisfied with the care they received (85.2%), and experienced short waiting times for these services (68.2% waited ≤≤ 7 days). CONCLUSIONS: Males had higher rates of hearing issues than females in this rural area. Audiology services in the region were accessible within short waiting times, and clients were satisfied with the service.

Prevalence of Publication Bias Tests in Speech, Language, and Hearing Research.

Purpose: The purpose of this research note is to systematically document the extent that researchers who publish in American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) journals search for and include unpublished literature in their meta-analyses and test for publication bias. Method: This research note searched all ASHA peer-reviewed journals for published meta-analyses and reviewed all qualifying articles for characteristics related to the acknowledgment and assessment of publication bias. Results: Of meta-analyses published in ASHA journals, 75% discuss publication in some form; however, less than 50% test for publication bias. Further, only 38% (n = 11) interpreted the findings of these tests. Conclusion: Findings reveal that more attention is needed to the presence and impact of publication bias. This research note concludes with 5 recommendations for addressing publication bias. Supplemental Material: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.7268648.

Irish School Entry Screening referral trends and cohort comparison with preschool specialist referrals.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse referral cohorts from School Entry Screening, Hearing (SHS) and Vision Screening (SVS) before and after documented changes. To compare referrals to pre-school specialists with subsequent group SHS outcomes. DESIGN: Randomized cohort, audit analysis of Community Nursing Developmental and SES records (CHRs), plus Audiology file review for SHS referrals. STUDY SAMPLE: Six hundred and sixty-eight mainstream pupils' CHRs were analysed in four birth cohorts, post-SES, using coded anonymized records. RESULTS: Significant referral rate differences existed between SHS and SVS. SHS, not SVS, referrals were impacted by nursing staff changes but not by SHS protocol changes. Preschool Audiology referrals outnumbered SHS referrals. All PCHI children with amplification were detected prior to SHS. SHS program yielded conductive hearing loss only. Similar SHS referral rates occurred for pre-school Speech Language Therapy referrals compared to children not referred; just 16% of pre-school Speech Language Therapy primary referrals were referred on to Audiology. CONCLUSIONS: SHS referral percentage fell slightly; SVS referral percentage remained unchanged. Low referral rates and low SHS hearing loss yield has modest impact upon Audiology services, but audiometrically screened referrals deserve higher priority. UNHS children born after 2011 create bigger Audiology service impact. International comparisons and European SHS research collaboration are encouraged.

Análisis bibliométrico de la Revista de Logopedia, Foniatría y Audiología: 2000-2016 / Bibliometric analysis of the Revista de Logopedia, Foniatría y Audiología: 2000-2016

Introducción. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar la producción científica de la Revista de Logopedia, Foniatría y Audiología (RLFA). Metodología. Se desarrolla un estudio descriptivo-retrospectivo de la RLFA a partir de los 344 artículos recogidos en los 108 números publicados en el período comprendido entre los años 2000 y 2016, ambos incluidos. Resultados. Siguiendo el criterio del índice de colaboración, la RLFA se encuentra en vías de madurez científica. Además, se observa un buen patrón de ajuste a la ley de Lotka. En los 344 artículos analizados se han citado 961 revistas diferentes, destacándose Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders como la primera, seguida de Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research y de Brain and Language. Además, se han producido 43 artículos con colaboración internacional entre diferentes instituciones. Discusión y conclusiones. Se proponen una serie de sugerencias que la RLFA puede considerar con el propósito de alcanzar una mayor difusión y reconocimiento en el ámbito internacional (AU)

Introduction. The aim of this paper is to present the scientific production of Revista de Logopedia, Foniatría y Audiología (RLFA). Methodology. A descriptive-retrospective study of the RLFA was developed based on the 344 articles collected in the 108 issues published between the years 2000 and 2016, inclusively. Results. Following the criterion of the Collaboration Index, RLFA is in the process of scientific maturity. In addition, a good pattern adjusted to Lotka's Law is observed. In the 344 articles analysed, 961 different journals have been cited, highlighting the Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders, followed by Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research, and Brain and Language. In addition, 43 articles have been written with international collaboration between different institutions. Discussion and conclusions. A series of suggestions are proposed for the RLFA to consider in order to achieve greater coverage and recognition at international level (AU)

Survey of ENT services in sub-Saharan Africa: little progress between 2009 and 2015.

BACKGROUND: A 2009 survey of ENT, audiology, and speech therapy services and training opportunities in 18 Sub-Saharan African countries reported that the availability of services was extremely poor, the distribution of services was very inequitable, and training opportunities were limited. ​​Objective: We conducted a new survey to determine the current status of ear, nose, and throat (ENT), audiology, and speech therapy services in sub-Saharan Africa. METHOD: This study is a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was distributed by email to an ad hoc group of ENT surgeons and audiologists in 30 sub-Saharan African countries. Data from the current survey were compared to those of a 2009 survey. The numbers of ENT surgeons, audiologists, and speech therapists/100,000 people were compared to the ratios in the United Kingdom. RESULTS: A total of 22 countries responded to the questionnaire. When data of the 15 countries that responded in both 2009 and 2015 are compared, the number of ENT surgeons had increased by 43%, audiologists had increased by 2.5%, and speech therapists by 30%. When the 23% population growth is taken into account, the numbers of ENT surgeons, audiologists, and speech therapists per 100,000 people had declined in four countries, and there remains a severe shortfall of ENT surgeons, audiologists, and speech therapists when compared to the UK Respondents cited lack of availability of basic equipment as the most frequent limitation in providing ENT services. Other important factors causing limitations in daily practice were: lack of ENT training facilities and audiological rehabilitation, low awareness of the burden of ENT pathology, as well as poor human resources management. CONCLUSIONS: There has been a lack of progress in ENT, audiology, and speech therapy services and training opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa between 2009 and 2015. There is a need to look at increased collaboration with developed countries and non-governmental organisations, establishing new and improving existing training centres in Africa, and task-shifting of some ENT services to primary health workers.

[Publication rates of audiology master and doctoral theses in peer-reviewed journals]. / Odyoloji alaninda yapilan yüksek lisans ve doktora tezlerinin bilimsel dergilerde yayinlanma oranlari.

OBJECTIVES: Theses are the prime indicators of the scientific productivity of a country and one of the main and strongest resources for the emergence of scientific articles. This study aims to examine, by using the survey method, how many of the audiology master and/or doctoral theses in Turkey were turned into a scientific work. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Individuals who received a master's degree in audiology were surveyed whether their theses had been reviewed as a paper or publication. RESULTS: Forty-five of the 230 audiology specialists and 22 audiologists with a doctorate degree working in Turkey participated in the study by answering the survey questions. In general, while 45.4% of master theses were presented orally or as a poster presentation in a national convention, 20.4% were presented orally or as a poster presentation in an international convention. While 18.1% of theses were published as an article in a national journal, 15.9% were published as an article in an international SCI or SCI-E journal. The distribution of the doctoral theses is 26.6%, 33.3%, 13.3% and 26.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: We found the rate of theses in audiology turning into a scientific article to be below the desired level, as in other fields. The reasons for this should be emphasized and efforts should be made to raise these rates to the desired level.

Audiology patient fall statistics and risk factors compared to non-audiology patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare fall statistics (e.g. incidence, prevalence), fall risks, and characteristics of patients who seek hearing healthcare from an audiologist to individuals who have not sought such services. DESIGN: Case-control study. STUDY SAMPLE: Two groups of community-dwelling older adult patients: 25 audiology patients aged 60 years or older (M age: 69.2 years, SD: 4.5, range: 61-77) and a control group (gender- and age-matched ±2 years) of 25 non-audiology patients (M age: 69.6, SD: 4.7, range: 60-77). RESULTS: Annual incidence of falls (most recent 12 months) was higher in audiology patients (68.0%) than non-audiology patients (28.0%; p = .005). Audiology patients reported a higher incidence of multiple recent falls (p =.025) and more chronic health conditions (p = .028) than non-audiology patients. CONCLUSIONS: Significantly more audiology patients fall on an annual basis than non-audiology patients, suggesting that falls are a pervasive issue in general hearing clinics. Further action on the part of healthcare professionals providing audiologic services may be necessary to identify individuals at risk for falling.

Relación entre las pendientes del segundo formante y las alteraciones motoras del habla en la disartria / Relationship between second-formant slopes and the motor speech disorders in dysarthria

Las transiciones representan el movimiento del tracto vocal desde la configuración articulatoria de la consonante a la de la vocal. El análisis acústico de la velocidad de estas transiciones en el segundo formante es un procedimiento utilizado en la evaluación e investigación del habla disártrica, ya que aporta información sobre los movimientos de la lengua en la articulación. El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar los valores de la velocidad de las transiciones en diptongos a través de las pendientes del segundo formante y establecer su relación con la severidad de la disartria. Participaron 12 sujetos con disartria atáxica y 10 neurológicamente sanos. Se obtuvieron las características de las transiciones del segundo formante en los diptongos de las palabras causa, piojo y tierra, y se estudió la relación de las pendientes con los valores obtenidos en la escala de inteligibilidad para alteraciones motoras del habla. Los resultados muestran pendientes significativamente menores en el grupo disártrico en las transiciones de los diptongos de las 3 palabras estudiadas. En relación a la severidad de la disartria, se encontraron correlaciones altas con la escala de inteligibilidad utilizada. El análisis acústico de la velocidad de las transiciones del segundo formante ha demostrado ser una herramienta útil en la evaluación objetiva de la disartria. Proporciona información sobre la severidad de las alteraciones motoras del habla y aporta datos objetivos sobre la progresión de la terapia logopédica (AU)

Transitions represent the vocal tract movement of the articulatory configuration from the consonant to the vowel. The acoustic analysis of the velocity of these transitions in the second-formant is a procedure used in the evaluation and investigation of dysarthric speech, as it provides information on the movements of the tongue in the joint. The aim of this work is to study the values of the speed of the transitions in diphthongs through the second-formant slopes and establish their relationship with the severity of dysarthria. Twelve subjects with ataxic dysarthria and ten neurologically healthy subjects participated. The characteristics of the second-formant transitions were obtained in the diphthongs of the words causa, piojo and tierra, and a study was made of the relationship of the slopes with the values obtained in the scale of intelligibility for speech motor disorders. The results show slopes significantly lower in the dysarthric group in the transitions of the diphthongs of the three words studied. As regards the severity of dysarthria, high correlations were found with the intelligibility scale used. Acoustic analysis of the speed of the second formant transitions has proved a useful tool in the objective assessment of dysarthria. It provides information about the severity of motor speech disorders and gives objective data on the progression of speech therapy (AU)

Contralateral acoustic hearing aid use in adult unilateral cochlear implant recipients: Current provision, practice, and clinical experience in the UK.

OBJECTIVES: The study surveyed practising cochlear implant (CI) audiologists with the aim of: (1) characterizing UK clinical practice around the management and fitting of a contralateral hearing aid (HA) in adult unilateral CI users ('bimodal aiding'); (2) identifying factors that may limit the provision of bimodal aiding; and (3) ascertaining the views of audiologists on bimodal aiding. METHODS: An online survey was distributed to audiologists working at the 20 centres providing implantation services to adults in the UK. RESULTS: Responses were received from 19 of the 20 centres. The majority of centres reported evaluating HAs as part of the candidacy assessment for cochlear implantation. However, a majority also indicated that they do not take responsibility for the contralateral HA following implantation, despite identifying few practical limiting factors. Bimodal aiding was viewed as more beneficial than wearing the implant alone, with most respondents actively encouraging bimodal listening where possible. Respondents reported that fitting bimodal devices to take account of each other's settings was potentially more beneficial than independently fit devices, but such sympathetic fitting was not routine practice in any centre. DISCUSSION: The results highlight some potential inconsistencies in the provision of bimodal aiding across the UK as reported by practising audiologists. The views of audiologists about what is best practice appear to be at odds with the nature and structure of the services currently offered. CONCLUSION: Stronger evidence that bimodal aiding can be beneficial for UK patients would be required in order for service providers to justify the routine provision of bimodal aiding and to inform guidelines to shape routine clinical practice.

Narrowing Care Gaps for Early Language Delay: A Quality Improvement Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Poverty is a risk factor for both language delay and failure to access appropriate therapies. The objective of this study was to increase the percentage of children 0 to 3 years old referred from an urban primary care center who attended an initial appointment with speech pathology or audiology within 60 days from 40% to 60%. METHODS: The Model for Improvement was used to develop and test the intervention, which addressed potential logistical barriers faced by low-income families. Adherence was plotted on run charts in time series to assess overall improvement, and subgroups were analyzed to identify reduction in disparities. RESULTS: Median referral adherence improved from 40% to 60%. Families from lower income neighborhoods had lower preintervention adherence; these differences were eliminated postintervention. CONCLUSIONS: System-level changes improved access to evaluation and treatment for low-income children with language delay and narrowed the gap in access between families in lower versus higher income neighborhoods.

Factors affecting recruitment and retention of rehabilitation professionals in Northern Ontario, Canada: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Historically, Northern Ontario, Canada, has been an underserviced area for health care, including the rehabilitation professions of occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech-language pathology and audiology. The Rehabilitation Studies and Northern Studies Stream programs were created in the 1990s to improve the recruitment and retention of rehabilitation professionals to Northern Ontario. However, no recent research has been conducted examining the factors that lead to rehabilitation professionals relocating to and remaining in the region. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of rehabilitation professionals living and working in Northern Ontario was administered in 2009. Information collected included demographics and a rating of the personal and professional factors that had an impact on an individual's decision to continue living and working in Northern Ontario. RESULTS: A total of 345 individuals completed the survey (response rate 57%). Multiple personal and professional factors were closely linked to recruitment and retention with differences noted between those individuals originally from Northern Ontario and those who were not. Rural or remote education experiences and rural/remote origin were identified as important recruitment factors while job satisfaction and lifestyle options were important factors for retention of rehabilitation professionals to rural and remote areas of practice. CONCLUSIONS: This study has provided updated information specific to the recruitment and retention of rehabilitation professionals in Northern Ontario, Canada. These findings support previous work examining health professions worldwide and have clear implications for educational programs, funding agencies, and health human resource planning in underserviced areas.

Elaboración de una versión reducida de las listas de frases en español (vr-LFE) para evaluar la percepción del habla con ruido / Desing of a short version of the ‘listas de frases en español’ (vr-LFE) (Spanish sentence lists) to evaluate speech perception in noise

En este trabajo se presenta una versión reducida de las listas de frases en español (vr-LFE) para evaluar la percepción del habla con ruido. La versión original es una adaptación del test SPIN (Speech Perception in Noise) en lengua inglesa. LFE consiste en 6 listas, cada una con 25 frases predecibles y 25 no predecibles. La comparación entre el porcentaje de reconocimiento correcto de las frases predecibles y no predecibles proporciona una estimación de en qué medida el oyente puede hacer uso del contexto lingüístico (información semántica, sintáctica y pragmática). En el presente trabajo se realizó una selección de 60 frases, del conjunto inicial de 300, agrupadas en 5 listas de 12 frases cada una (6 frases predecibles y 6 frases no predecibles). Esta versión mantiene las características de fiabilidad (equivalencia entre las listas) y validez (sensibilidad a los efectos del contexto lingüístico y de la intensidad del ruido de fondo) del test original, reduciendo considerablemente el tiempo necesario para su administración. Estas listas pueden ser utilizadas para evaluar las dificultades en la percepción de habla con ruido en oyentes mayores con pérdidas auditivas leves o moderadas (presbiacusia) con o sin deterioro cognitivo leve. También pueden utilizarse para evaluar estas dificultades en oyentes no nativos con diferentes grados de competencia lingüística en la segunda lengua (AU)

This article presents, a short version of the "listas de frases en español" (vr-LFE; "Lists of Phrases in Spanish") to evaluate speech perception in noise. The original version is an adaptation of the SPIN (Speech Perception in Noise) test for the English language. The original LFE consists of 6 lists, each of them including 25 high-predictability sentences and 25 low-predictability sentences. The difference between the correct recognition scores on the two types of sentences provides an estimation of the effective use of linguistic context (semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic information) by the listener in the speech perception process. In the present work, 60 sentences were selected from an initial pool of 300 sentences. These 60 sentences were arranged in 5 lists of 12 sentences each (6 high-predictability and 6 low-predictability sentences). This version preserves the same characteristics of reliability (equivalence among the lists) and validity (sensibility to the effects of sentence context and to the signal-to-noise ratio) as the original version, but considerably reduces the time needed for its administration. These lists can be used to evaluate speech perception difficulties in noise in older listeners with mild-to-moderate hearing loss (presbycusis), with or without mild cognitive impairment, and in non-native listeners with different degrees of linguistic competence (AU)

Quality and readability of information pamphlets on hearing and paediatric hearing loss in the Gauteng Province, South Africa.

OBJECTIVES: The implementation of early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) programmes is necessary in order to facilitate the early identification of hearing loss. An important component of EHDI is parental education. International and national guidelines stipulating that comprehensive, unbiased and appropriate information pamphlets should be provided to parents as part of EHDI programmes, however little is known about the availability and readability of such materials in South Africa. The objectives of this study were therefore to determine the availability of information pamphlets on hearing and hearing loss in children at public hospitals in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. In addition, the quality and readability levels of these pamphlets were determined. METHODS: A non-experimental, descriptive research design was employed for this study. Information on the availability of leaflets at public health hospitals was obtained through a telephonic survey. Twenty-one information pamphlets available at these hospitals were then evaluated to determine the quality and readability levels. RESULTS: It was found that 73% of audiology departments at public hospitals in Gauteng had information pamphlets available on hearing and hearing loss in children. Of the pamphlets evaluated, the majority were rated to 'present with serious problems' questioning the quality of the content included. In addition, it was found that on average the readability level of these pamphlets were at a sixth-grade level, much higher that the recommended fourth-grade reading level. CONCLUSIONS: The need for development of quality educational material focused on providing parents with unbiased, comprehensive and appropriate information on hearing and hearing loss in children has been highlighted. Proposed guidelines were recommended to assist audiologists in this endeavour. The importance of providing appropriate parental educational materials for the success of EHDI in South Africa should not be underestimated.