1,720,965 research outputs found
Validation of proposed electroacoustic verification protocols for design-integrated radio aid receivers coupled to cochlear implant sound processors
No full textThe University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service radio aid study considers the validation of proposed electroacoustic verification protocols for design-integrated radio aid receivers coupled to cochlear implant sound processors. The United Kingdom (UK) Children's Radio Aid Working Group (formerly the FM Working Group) in collaboration with the UK National Deaf Children’s Society have published standards and guidance on amplification systems used with hearing aids and auditory implant sound processors (UKFMWG, 2017). In the United States (US) adaptations of the American Academy of Audiology guidelines for hearing aids have been proposed for implant sound processors in peer-reviewed research (Nair, Sousa, & Wannagot, 2017; Schafer, Musgrave, Momin, Sandrock, & Romine, 2013).Changes in the gain of the radio aid receiver resulted in corresponding changes in implant output at the electrode level. This was found to be similar in the electroacoustic output of the processor shown by the test box response curves. To avoid compression effects in the SONNET, CP1000 (N7) and CP910 (N6) processors 55dB signal levels were used as a maximum and a maximum of 65dB for Naida CI.Although the test box curves only indicate the microphone output, this has been shown to correspond at the implant electrode level. Initial results show that suitable signals of equal intensity presented to the sound processor and the radio aid transmitter are appropriate for design-integrated receivers coupled to CI sound processors, a modification of the US approach
Why good listening environments are essential for development and learning
No full textIntroductionExternal and internal background noise and the prolongation of reflected sound (reverberation) give rise to auditory processing challenges and greater cognitive effort. Reverberation is known to have a negative impact on speech intelligibility, particularly for children with hearing or communication needs, and adversely affects word and sentence recognition.BackgroundWithin the room there is a point where the sound source and the reflected sounds are equal in intensity, but beyond this ‘critical distance’ reflected sound dominates and without amplification, audible information is limited.MethodSearches were conducted to elicit all articles with relevant content related to deaf children, speech, auditory, perception, recognition, noise and reverberation across four databases (ERIC, MedLine, PubMed and Web of Science Core Collection). The initial search captured some studies with adults and only those of direct relevance to children were included. The articles were further reduced by focusing on studies relevant to (re)habilitation.ResultsThe acoustic quality of a learning space is crucial for children’s listening and development and cognitive development is a key predictor of outcomes following cochlear implantation (Bavin et al., 2018; Datta et al., 2020). Adverse listening conditions challenge children’s speech perception (Schiller et al., 2020).ConclusionCochlear implantation at a younger age has a significant impact on auditory perception in deaf children. Good acoustic environments supports the listening, learning and development of children. Timely intervention, appropriate amplification and the quantity and quality of talk all influence outcomes. Simple acoustic treatment of a learning space can support good listening experiences and the use of remote microphone technology is beneficial. Ashori (2020, p. 65) concluded that “speech intelligibility and auditory perception are two complex and multidimensional phenomena that require a unique rehabilitation program to further develop speaking skills.
Changes in the fitting, verification and validation of radio aids in a cochlear implant service.
No full textThe University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service (USAIS), formerly the South of England Cochlear Implant Centre, advocates the use of radio aid systems coupled with cochlear implants. With the UK Children's Radio Aid Working Group, staff from USAIS have supported the development of protocols to ensure that the combined systems provide an appropriate advantage (UKCRAWG, 2018; Whyte, 2019; E.J. Wood and Flynn, 2006; E. J. Wood, Flynn, & Eyles, 2000).
The Radio Aid Working Group has published standards and guidance on amplification systems used with hearing aids and auditory implant sound processors (UKCRAWG, 2017). Previously published peer-reviewed research (Nair, Sousa, & Wannagot, 2017; Schafer, Musgrave, Momin, Sandrock, & Romine, 2013) has used an adaptation of verification guidelines with hearing aids from the American Academy of Audiology.
This study looks at the changes in the provision of radio aids over time and their validation with speech in noise tests
Validating fitting protocols for design-integrated radio aid receivers and cochlear implants
No full textThe University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service radio aid study considers the validation of proposed electroacoustic verification protocols for design-integrated radio aid receivers coupled to cochlear implant sound processors. The United Kingdom (UK) Children's Radio Aid Working Group (formerly the FM Working Group) in collaboration with the UK National Deaf Children’s Society have published standards and guidance on amplification systems used with hearing aids and auditory implant sound processors (UKFMWG, 2017). In the United States (US) adaptations of the American Academy of Audiology guidelines for hearing aids have been proposed for implant sound processors in peer-reviewed research (Nair, Sousa, & Wannagot, 2017; Schafer, Musgrave, Momin, Sandrock, & Romine, 2013).Changes in the gain of the radio aid receiver resulted in corresponding changes in implant output at the electrode level. This was found to be similar in the electroacoustic output of the processor shown by the test box response curves. To avoid compression effects in the SONNET, CP1000 (N7) and CP910 (N6) processors 55dB signal levels were used as a maximum and a maximum of 65dB for Naida CI.Although the test box curves only indicate the microphone output, this has been shown to correspond at the implant electrode level. Initial results show that suitable signals of equal intensity presented to the sound processor and the radio aid transmitter are appropriate for design-integrated receivers coupled to CI sound processors, a modification of the US approach
Are electroacoustic output measures of cochlear implant (CI) speech processors and dynamic modulation (DM) receivers necessary?
No full textBackground: the UK Assistive Listening Technology Working Group and the National Deaf Children’s Society have published standards for amplification systems for ensuring similar output from the CI speech processor and the CI with the DM system for the same inputs. (ALTWG 2024; NDCS 2017).Do these standards remain necessary with the new technology? If so, which frequencies should be included when seeking transparency?Methods: electroacoustic responses of CI speech processors and DM radio aid receivers taken according to UKALTWG and NDCS standards were analysed for transparency using two methods with the default receiver setting of EasyGain 0:· Method 1: Averages of 750, 1000, and 2000 Hz frequencies, as per Schafer et al. (2013), reported transparency at ±3dB.· Method 2: Averages of six frequencies (750, 1000, 1500, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz), as proposed by ALTWG (2024), also achieved transparency at ±3dB.A total of 41 CI processors and 41 DM receivers were analysed, including 13 N7, 16 N8 with Roger 20 receivers, 9 Sky CI M with Roger Direct, and 3 SONNET 2 with Roger 21 receivers.Results:· 73% of processors achieved transparency at EasyGain 0, with method 1 (Schafer et al.).· 78% of processors achieved transparency at EasyGain 0, with method 2 (ALTWG).Conclusion: there is no significant difference between methods. Electroacoustic measures remain essential for identifying processor and receiver combinations that do not achieve transparency at default settings
‘Acoustic Accessibility’ MESH guide: Translational research and evidence base for improving signal to noise ratio
No full textKnowledge mobilisation is a growth industry though still emergent for educational audiology. This poster investigates the use of MESH (Mapping Educational Specialist knowHow) Guides to support evidence-based audiology both in clinic and in education. MESHGuides are ‘a sustainable system using resources already available in education’ (MESH, 2015). Findings from the literature revealed an evidence base for educational audiology, but without yet having significant knowledge management vehicles available such as exist in other disciplines. Focus group findings were generally positive though cautious in their view toward engaging MESHGuides. The case study presents the development of one MESHGuide (Acoustics, Listening and Learning). A significant opportunity exists for educational audiology as a discipline to move forward in access to evidence-based practice in the vehicle of MESH (www.meshguides.org)
MESH guides - translational research in deaf education practice
No full textKnowledge management is a growth industry though still emergent for education of the deaf. This paper investigates use of MESH (Mapping Educational Specialist knowHow) Guides to support evidence-based teaching practice. MESH Guides are ‘a sustainable system using resources already available in education’ (MESH, 2015). Literature review revealed a very current knowledge and research base underpins education of the deaf and is currently managed through a few main peer-review journals and websites. Focus group findings were generally positive though cautious in their view toward engaging with MESH Guides as a postgraduate learning and teaching activity. Findings from the literature revealed a significant evidence base for education of the deaf, but without yet having significant knowledge management vehicles available such as exist in other disciplines. A case study presents the development of one MESH Guide in particular (Acoustics Accessibility). A significant opportunity exists for education of the deaf as a discipline to move forward in access to evidence-based practice in the vehicle of MESH Guides
An assistive listening device improves hearing following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
No full textBACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hearing impairment is common following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH). Previous studies have demonstrated that auditory processing disorder (APD) is the primary underlying pathology. Assistive listening devices (ALDs) can be used to manage APD but have not been explored in aSAH. The aim of this study was to assess the benefit of an ALD for patients reporting hearing difficulty after aSAH.METHODS: This was a prospective pilot single-arm intervention study of an ALD for APD following aSAH. Patients who reported subjective hearing difficulty following aSAH were identified from the Wessex Neurological Centre aSAH database. Speech-in-noise was evaluated using the Bamford-Kowal-Bench (BKB) test under 60 and 65 dB noise conditions. BKB performance was compared with and without an ALD. Cognition was assessed using the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-III.RESULTS: Fourteen aSAH patients with self-reported hearing loss were included in the analysis. Under both noise conditions the ALD significantly improved BKB performance (60 dB, Z = -3.30, p < 0.001; 65 dB, Z = -3.33, p < 0.001). There was no relationship between cognition and response to the ALD.CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the marked benefit of ALDs to manage APD following aSAH, regardless of cognitive status. This finding has implications for the management of this common yet disabling deficit which impacts quality of life and employment. A further trial of ALDs in this patient group is needed to test whether these large, short-term benefits can be practically translated to the community for long-term benefit when used at home.</p
Auditory processing disorder following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage and the benefit of an assistive listening device
No full textBackground: the benefits of Assistive Listening Devices (ALD) with deaf individuals and those with auditory processing disorder (APD) are known. People surviving an aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) often report hearing difficulties. Previous studies have demonstrated that APD, rather than peripheral hearing loss, is the primary underlying pathology. ALD can be used to manage APD but has not been explored following aSAH. The aim of this study was to assess the benefit of ALD.Methods: this was a pilot single-arm intervention study of an ALD for APD following aSAH. Patients who reported subjective hearing difficulty following aSAH were identified from the Wessex Neurological Centre aSAH database. Cognition and hearing-related quality of life were assessed. Baseline peripheral hearing was assessed using PTA and individuals with peripheral hearing deficits were excluded. Speech-in-Noise was evaluated with a new test rig using the Bamford-Kowal-Bench (BKB) test at 60dB, with 60dB and 65dB noise conditions. BKB performance was compared with and without ALD.Results: fourteen aSAH patients with self-reported hearing loss were included in the analysis. In the 60 dB noise condition, the mean BKB words correctly repeated without the ALD was 25%, which increased to 99% with the ALD. In the 65 dB noise condition the mean BKB words correctly repeated without the ALD was 1%, which increased to 97% with the ALD.Conclusions: this study demonstrates that the test rig is an effective way of assessing benefit of ALD and the marked benefit of ALD to manage APD following aSAH, regardless of cognitive status. Future studies are required to confirm the benefit of this technology in a free-living environment in the long-term following aSAH
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