Study on gene therapy for DPOAE and ABR threshold changes in adult Otof-/- mice / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:This study aims to analyze the threshold changes in distortion product otoacoustic emissions（DPOAE） and auditory brainstem response（ABR） in adult Otof-/- mice before and after gene therapy, evaluating its effectiveness and exploring methods for assessing hearing recovery post-treatment. Methods:At the age of 4 weeks, adult Otof-/- mice received an inner ear injection of a therapeutic agent containing intein-mediated recombination of the OTOF gene, delivered via dual AAV vectors through the round window membrane（RWM）. Immunofluorescence staining assessed the proportion of inner ear hair cells with restored otoferlin expression and the number of synapses.Statistical analysis was performed to compare the DPOAE and ABR thresholds before and after the treatment. Results:AAV-PHP. eB demonstrates high transduction efficiency in inner ear hair cells. The therapeutic regimen corrected hearing loss in adult Otof-/- mice without impacting auditory function in wild-type mice. The changes in DPOAE and ABR thresholds after gene therapy are significantly correlated at 16 kHz. Post-treatment,a slight increase in DPOAE was observeds,followed by a recovery trend at 2 months post-treatment. Conclusion:Gene therapy significantly restored hearing in adult Otof-/- mice, though the surgical delivery may cause transient hearing damage. Precise and gentle surgical techniques are essential to maximize gene therapy's efficacy.

Application Progress of Objective Audiological Detection Techniques in Forensic Clinical Medicine / 法医学杂志

The qualitative, quantitative, and localization analysis of hearing loss is one of the important contents of forensic clinical research and identification. Pure-tone audiometry is the "gold standard" for hearing loss assessment, but it is affected by the subjective cooperation of the assessed person. Due to the complexity of the auditory pathway and the diversity of hearing loss, the assessment of hearing loss requires the combination of various subjective and objective audiometric techniques, along with comprehensive evaluation based on the case situation, clinical symptoms, and other examinations to ensure the scientificity, accuracy and reliability of forensic hearing impairment assessment. Objective audiometry includes acoustic impedance, otoacoustic emission, and various auditory evoked potentials. The frequency-specific auditory brainstem response (ABR), 40 Hz auditory event related potential, and auditory steady-state response are commonly used for objective hearing threshold assessment. The combined application of acoustic impedance, otoacoustic emission and ABR can be used to locate hearing loss and determine whether it is located in the middle ear, cochlea, or posterior cochlea. This article reviews the application value of objective audiometry techniques in hearing threshold assessment and hearing loss localization, aiming to provide reference for forensic identification of hearing loss.

Preliminary observation on the differential expression of metformin in preventing noise-induced hearing loss in inner ear protein group of rats / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To study the protective effects of metformin on noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and its differential protein omics expression profile. Methods: In January 2021, 39 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, noise exposure group and metformin+noise exposure group, with 13 rats in each group. Rats in the noise exposure group and metformin+noise exposure group were continuously exposed to octave noise with sound pressure level of 120 dB (A) and center frequency of 8 kHz for 4 h. Rats in the metformin+noise exposure group were treated with 200 mg/kg/d metformin 3 d before noise exposure for a total of 7 d. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) was used to test the changes of hearing thresholds before noise exposure and 1, 4, 7 d after noise exposure in the right ear of rats in each group. Tandem mass tag (TMT) quantitative proteomics was used to identify and analyze the differentially expressed protein in the inner ear of rats in each group, and it was verified by immunofluorescence staining with frozen sections. Results: The click-ABR thresholds of right ear in the noise exposure group and metformin+noise exposure group were significantly higher than those in the control group 1, 4, 7 d after noise exposure (P<0.05) . The click-ABR threshold of right ear in the metformin+noise exposure group were significantly lower than that in the noise exposure group (P<0.05) . Compared with the noise exposure group, 1035 up-regulated proteins and 1145 down-regulated proteins were differentially expressed in the metformin+noise exposure group. GO enrichment analysis showed that the significantly differentially expressed proteins were mainly involved in binding, molecular function regulation, signal transduction, and other functions. Enrichment analysis of KEGG pathway revealed that the pathways for significant enrichment of differentially expressed proteins included phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway, focal adhesion, diabetic cardiomyopathy, mitogen, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Immunofluorescence experiments showed that compared with the noise exposure group, the fluorescence intensity of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) in the metformin+noise exposure group was increased, and the fluorescence intensity of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (eIF4EBP1) was decreased. Conclusion: Noise exposure can lead to an increase in rat hearing threshold, and metformin can improve noise-induced hearing threshold abnormalities through multiple pathways and biological processes.

Emissões otoacústicas evocadas na doença de Ménière / Otoacoustic emissions evoked in Ménière's disease

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar as respostas das emissões otoacústicas (EOA) evocadas por estímulo transiente e produto de distorção em indivíduos com doença de Ménière. Métodos Estudo transversal com casuística composta por 60 indivíduos de 19 a 75 anos de idade, distribuídos em dois grupos: grupo estudo, com 32 indivíduos com diagnóstico médico de doença de Ménière, sem outros riscos, e grupo controle formado por 28 indivíduos com perda coclear, sem doença de Ménière, pareado por idade e gênero ao grupo estudo. Critério de elegibilidade: curva tipo A, sem perda condutiva ou mista ou suspeita de alteração retrococlear. A avaliação audiológica foi composta por anamnese, inspeção do meato acústico externo, audiometria tonal limiar, logoaudiometria, medidas de imitância acústica e emissões otoacústicas evocadas por estímulo transiente e produto de distorção. Resultados Os indivíduos com Ménière apresentaram maior ocorrência de perda unilateral, zumbido pitch grave, vertigem e plenitude auricular em relação ao controle. Nesses indivíduos, houve maior incompatibilidade entre os resultados das EOA e da audiometria tonal: nas perdas unilaterais, observaram-se alterações nas EOA nas orelhas com limiares auditivos normais do lado contralateral, caracterizando disfunções cocleares. Nas orelhas com perda coclear, houve presença de EOAT (por estímulo transiente) e ausência de EOAPD (produto de distorção), contrapondo-se ao grupo controle, que apresentou ausência de EOAT e de EOAPD, como o esperado em perdas cocleares de outras etiologias. Conclusão A pesquisa das emissões na doença de Ménière identificou disfunção coclear na orelha contralateral nos casos unilaterais e presença de EOAT com ausência de EOAPD nas orelhas com perda auditiva, diferenciando-se das perdas cocleares de outras etiologias.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the responses of Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions by transient stimulus and distortion product in individuals with Ménière's Disease. Methods Cross-sectional study with a sample composed of 60 individuals, aged 19 to 75 years, divided into two groups: study group, with 32 individuals with a medical diagnosis of Ménière's disease, without other risks and a control group formed by 28 individuals with cochlear loss without Meniere's disease, age and sex matched to the study group. Eligibility criteria: type A curve, without conductive or mixed loss or suspected retrocochlear alteration. The audiological evaluation consisted of anamnesis, inspection of the external acoustic meatus, pure tone audiometry, logoaudiometry, measures of acoustic immittance and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions and distortion product. Results Individuals with Ménière's disease had a higher occurrence of unilateral hearing loss, low pitch tinnitus, vertigo and ear fullness in relation to the control. In these individuals, there was greater incompatibility between the results of OAE and pure tone audiometry: in unilateral hearing loss, alterations in OAE were observed in ears with normal hearing thresholds on the contralateral side, characterizing cochlear dysfunctions. In the ears with cochlear loss, there was the presence of TEOAE and absence of DPOAE, in contrast to the control group, which showed the absence of TEOAE and DPOAE, as expected in cochlear losses of other etiologies. Conclusion The investigation of emissions in Ménière's disease identified cochlear dysfunction in the contralateral ear in unilateral cases and the presence of TOAE with absence of DPOAE in ears with hearing loss, differentiating from cochlear losses of other etiologies.

Zumbido crônico: análise das contribuições clínicas de diferentes avaliações audiológicas / Chronic tinnitus: analysis of clinical contributions from different audiological evalutions

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar se há diferenças nos achados audiológicos periféricos e centrais entre indivíduos com limiares auditivos normais com e sem zumbido crônico e, com isso, entender quais exames auditivos são importantes nessa população. Métodos A amostra foi composta por conveniência, incluindo indivíduos de 18 a 59 anos, divididos em dois grupos: grupo 1 (G1), formado por sujeitos sem queixa de zumbido crônico e grupo 2 (G2), por indivíduos com zumbido crônico. A avaliação consistiu nos seguintes procedimentos: anamnese, audiometria de altas frequências (AAF), emissões otoacústicas transientes (EOAT), potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico (PEATE)-clique, frequency following response (FFR) e o potencial evocado auditivo de longa latência (PEALL)-fala. Resultados O G2 apresentou valores aumentados para a AFF, com diferenças significativas. Para ambos os grupos, a EOAT mostrou predominância de presença de respostas. No PEATE, não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas. No FFR, o G1 obteve maior amplitude de onda V e houve maior ocorrência de ausências no PEALL dos potenciais P1, N2 e P300, no G2. Conclusão A AAF, a análise da relação da onda V/I do PEATE, o FFR e o PEALL identificaram alterações nos indivíduos com zumbido crônico, demonstrando que tais procedimentos são promissores na avaliação dessa população.

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate whether there are differences in peripheral and central audiological findings between individuals with normal hearing thresholds with and without chronic tinnitus, and thereby understand which hearing tests are most important in this population. Methods The sample was composed of convenience, including individuals from 18 to 59 years old, divided into two groups: Group 1 (G1) composed of subjects without complaints of chronic tinnitus, and Group 2 (G2) composed of individuals with chronic tinnitus. The evaluation consisted of the following procedures: Anamnesis, High-frequency audiometry (HFA), Transient Otoacoustic emissions (TOAEs), Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)-click, Frequency Following Response (FFR), and Long Latency Auditory Evoked Potential (LLAEP)-speak. Results G2 showed increased values for HFA, with significant differences. For both groups, TOAEs showed a predominance of responses. In ABR there were no statistically significant differences. In FFR, G1 obtained a greater amplitude of wave V and there was a greater absence in LLAEP of P1, N2, and P300 in G2. Conclusion The HFA, the analysis of the wave V/I ratio in ABR, the FFR, and the LLAEP identified alterations in individuals with chronic tinnitus, demonstrating that such procedures are promising in the evaluation of this population.

Comparison of ASSR, ABR and 40 Hz AERP Response Thresholds at Different Frequencies and Their Forensic Applications / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To explore the relationship between the frequency characteristics and response threshold of auditory steady-state response (ASSR), auditory brainstem response (ABR) and 40 Hz auditory event related potential (40 Hz AERP), and their application values in forensic medicine.@*METHODS@#Thirty volunteers with normal hearing (60 ears) were selected to perform pure tone audiometry (PTA) threshold and ASSR, ABR and 40 Hz AERP response threshold tests in the standard sound insulation shielding room, and the results were statistically analyzed by SPSS 22.0 software.@*RESULTS@#At 0.5 kHz and 1.0 kHz frequencies, the correlation between 40 Hz AERP response threshold and PTA threshold was good, which was better than that of ASSR and ABR response threshold. At 2.0 kHz and 4.0 kHz frequencies, the correlation between ASSR and ABR response thresholds and PTA threshold was good, which was better than that of 40 Hz AERP response threshold.@*CONCLUSIONS@#To evaluate the hearing at 0.5 kHz and 1.0 kHz frequencies, it is recommended to use 40 Hz AERP and ASSR to comprehensively assess the PTA threshold of the subjects. To evaluate the hearing at 2.0 kHz and 4.0 kHz frequencies, ABR and ASSR are recommended to assess the PTA threshold of subjects comprehensively. The combination of ASSR, ABR and 40 Hz AERP can improve the accuracy of hearing function evaluation.

Relative contributions of auditory and cognitive functions on speech recognition in quiet and in noise among older adults / Contribuições relativas das funções auditivas e cognitivas no reconhecimento da fala no silêncio e no ruído entre idosos

Abstract Introduction: Hearing acuity, central auditory processing and cognition contribute to the speech recognition difficulty experienced by older adults. Therefore, quantifying the contribution of these factors on speech recognition problem is important in order to formulate a holistic and effective rehabilitation. Objective: To examine the relative contributions of auditory functioning and cognition status to speech recognition in quiet and in noise. Methods: We measured speech recognition in quiet and in composite noise using the Malay Hearing in noise test on 72 native Malay speakers (60-82 years) older adults with normal to mild hearing loss. Auditory function included pure tone audiogram, gaps-in-noise, and dichotic digit tests. Cognitive function was assessed using the Malay Montreal cognitive assessment. Results: Linear regression analyses using backward elimination technique revealed that had the better ear four frequency average (0.5-4 kHz) (4FA), high frequency average and Malay Montreal cognitive assessment attributed to speech perception in quiet (total r2 = 0.499). On the other hand, high frequency average, Malay Montreal cognitive assessment and dichotic digit tests contributed significantly to speech recognition in noise (total r2 = 0.307). Whereas the better ear high frequency average primarily measured the speech recognition in quiet, the speech recognition in noise was mainly measured by cognitive function. Conclusions: These findings highlight the fact that besides hearing sensitivity, cognition plays an important role in speech recognition ability among older adults, especially in noisy environments. Therefore, in addition to hearing aids, rehabilitation, which trains cognition, may have a role in improving speech recognition in noise ability of older adults.

Resumo Introdução: A alteração da acuidade auditiva, do processamento auditivo central e da cognição são fatores que contribuem para a dificuldade de reconhecimento da fala em idosos. Portanto, quantificar a contribuição desses fatores no problema de reconhecimento da fala é importante para a formulação de uma reabilitação holística e efetiva. Objetivo: Examinar as contribuições relativas do funcionamento auditivo e do estado cognitivo para o reconhecimento da fala no silêncio e no ruído. Método: Nós medimos o reconhecimento de fala no silêncio e no ruído composto com o teste Malay hearing in noise test em 72 idosos malaios nativos falantes (60-82 anos) com audição normal a perda auditiva de grau leve. A avaliação da função auditiva incluiu audiograma de tons puros, teste gaps-in-noise e testes dicótico de dígitos. A função cognitiva foi avaliada pelo teste Malay Montreal cognitive assessment. Resultados: Análises de regressão linear com técnicas de eliminação backward na orelha melhor revelaram média de quatro frequências (0,5-4 kHz) (4AF), média de alta frequência e teste Malay Montreal cognitive assessment na orelha melhor, mensurada pela percepção da fala no silêncio (r2 total = 0,499). Por outro lado, a média de alta frequência, Malay Montreal cognitive assessment e o teste dicótico de dígitos contribuíram significativamente para o reconhecimento da fala no ruído (r2 total = 0,307). Enquanto a média de alta frequência da melhor orelha mediu principalmente o reconhecimento da fala no silêncio, o reconhecimento da fala no ruído foi mensurado principalmente pela função cognitiva. Conclusões: Esses achados destacam o fato de que, além da sensibilidade auditiva, a cognição desempenha um papel importante na capacidade de reconhecimento da fala em idosos, principalmente em ambientes ruidosos. Portanto, além de aparelhos auditivos, a reabilitação, que treina a cognição, pode ter um papel na melhoria da capacidade do reconhecimento da fala no ruído entre os idosos.

Pure-Tone Hearing Thresholds and Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials in Sporadic Ataxia

Abstract Introduction Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is part of a genetic and clinical heteroge- neous group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia. Objective To describe the results of audiological and electrophysiological hearing evaluations in patients with sporadic ataxia (SA). Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out with 11 patients submitted to the following procedures: anamnesis, otorhinolaryngological evaluation, tonal and vocal audiometry, acoustic immittance and brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) tests. Results The patients presented with a prevalence of gait imbalance, of dysarthria, and of dysphagia; in the audiometric and BAEPs, four patients presented with alterations; in the acoustic immittance test, five patients presented with alterations, predominantly bilateral. Conclusion The most evident alterations in the audiological evaluation were the prevalence of the descending audiometric configuration between the frequencies of 2 and 4 kHz and the absence of the acoustic reflex between the frequencies of 3 and 4 kHz bilaterally. In the electrophysiological evaluation, the patients presented changes with a prevalence of increased I, III and V wave latencies and the interval in the interpeak I-III, I-V and III-V. In the present study, it was observed that auditory complaints did not have a significant prevalence in this type of ataxia, which does not occur in some types of autosomal recessive and dominant ataxia.

The Effect of Digital Noise Reduction on Annoyance and Speech Perception in Low and High Acceptable Noise Level Groups

Introduction: Studies have reported that although speech perception in noise was unaltered with and without digital noise reduction (DNR), the annoyance toward noise measured by acceptable noise level (ANL) was significantly improved by DNR with the range between 2.5 and 4.5 dB. It is unclear whether a similar improvement would be observed in those individuals who have an ANL ≥ 14 dB (predictive of poor hearing aid user) often rejects their aid because of annoyance toward noise. Objectives: (a) To determine the effect of activation of DNR on the improvement in the aided ANL from low- and high-ANL groups; and (b) to predict the change in ANL when DNR was activated. Method: Ten bilateral mild to severe sloping sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) participants in each of the low- and high-ANL groups were involved. These participants were bilaterally fitted with receiver in canal (RIC) hearing aids (Oticon, Smorum, Egedal, Denmark) with a DNR processor. Both SNR-50% (Signal to noise ratio (in dB) required to achieve 50 % speech recognition) and ANL were assessed in DNR-on and DNR-off listening conditions. Results: Digital noise reduction has no effect on SNR-50 in each group. The annoyance level was significantly reduced in the DNR-on than DNR-off condition in the low-ANL group. In the high-ANL group, a strong negative correlation was observed between the ANL in DNR off and a change in ANL after DNR was employed in the hearing aid (benefit). The benefit of DNR on annoyance can be effectively predicted by baseline-aided ANL by linear regression. Conclusion: Digital noise reduction reduced the annoyance level in the high-ANL group, and the amount of improvement was related to the baseline-aided ANL value (AU)

Sound Localization Test in Presence of Noise (Sound Localization Test) in Adults without Hearing Alteration

Abstract Introduction Even people with normal hearing may have difficulties locating a sound source in unfavorable sound environments where competitive noise is intense. Objective To develop, describe, validate and establish the normality curve of the sound localization test. Method The sample consisted of 100 healthy subjects with normal hearing, > 18 years old,who agreed to participate in the study. The sound localization testwas applied after the subjects underwent a tonal audiometry exam. For this purpose, a calibrated free field test environment was set up. Then, 30 randompure tones were presented in 2 speakers placed at 45° (on the right and on the left sides of the subject), and the noise was presented froma 3rd speaker, placed at 180°. The noise was presented in 3 hearing situations: optimal listening condition (no noise), noise in relation to 0 dB, and noise in relation to - 10 dB. The subject was asked to point out the side where the pure tone was being perceived, even in the presence of noise. Results All of the 100 participants performed the test in an average time of 99 seconds. The average score was 21, the medium score was 23, and the standard deviation was 3.05. Conclusion The sound localization test proved to be easy to set-up and to apply. The results obtained in the validation of the test suggest that individuals with normal hearing should locate 70% of the presented stimuli. The test can constitute an important instrument in the measurement of noise interference in the ability to locate the sound.

Automated cortical auditory evoked potentials threshold estimation in neonates / Estimativa do limiar de potenciais evocados auditivos corticais automatizados em recém-nascidos

Abstract Introduction: The evaluation of cortical auditory evoked potential has been the focus of scientific studies in infants. Some authors have reported that automated response detection is effective in exploring these potentials in infants, but few have reported their efficacy in the search for thresholds. Objective: To analyze the latency, amplitude and thresholds of cortical auditory evoked potential using an automatic response detection device in a neonatal population. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational study. Cortical auditory evoked potentials were recorded in response to pure-tone stimuli of the frequencies 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz presented in an intensity range between 0 and 80 dB HL using a single channel recording. P1 was performed in an exclusively automated fashion, using Hotelling's T2 statistical test. The latency and amplitude were obtained manually by three examiners. The study comprised 39 neonates up to 28 days old of both sexes with presence of otoacoustic emissions and no risk factors for hearing loss. Results: With the protocol used, cortical auditory evoked potential responses were detected in all subjects at high intensity and thresholds. The mean thresholds were 24.8 ± 10.4 dB NA, 25 ± 9.0 dB NA, 28 ± 7.8 dB NA and 29.4 ± 6.6 dB HL for 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz, respectively. Conclusion: Reliable responses were obtained in the assessment of cortical auditory potentials in the neonates assessed with a device for automatic response detection.

Resumo Introdução: O potencial evocado auditivo cortical tem sido o foco de estudos científicos. Alguns autores observaram que a detecção automatizada de respostas é eficaz na exploração desses potenciais em lactentes, mas poucos relataram sua eficácia na busca de limiares. Objetivo: Analisar a latência, a amplitude e os limiares do potencial evocado auditivo cortical em recém-nascidos, com o uso de um dispositivo de detecção automática de resposta. Método: Estudo transversal, observacional. Os potenciais evocados auditivos corticais foram registrados em resposta a estímulos de tons puros nas frequências de 500, 1000, 2000 e 4000 Hz e apresentados em uma faixa de intensidade entre 0-80 dBNA, com o uso de gravação de canal único. O P1 foi feito de forma exclusivamente automática, com o uso do teste estatístico T2 de Hotelling. A latência e a amplitude foram obtidas manualmente por três examinadores. O estudo incluiu 39 recém-nascidos com até 28 dias de ambos os sexos, com presença de emissões otoacústicas e sem fatores de risco para perda auditiva. Resultados: Com o protocolo usado, as respostas dos PEAC foram detectadas em todos os indivíduos em alta intensidade e limiares. Os limiares médios foram 24,8 ± 10,4 dBNA, 25 ± 9,0 dBNA, 28 ± 7,8 dBNA e 29,4 ± 6,6 dBNA para 500, 1000, 2000 e 4000 Hz, respectivamente. Conclusão: Foram obtidas respostas confiáveis na avaliação dos potenciais auditivos corticais em recém-nascidos com um dispositivo para detecção de resposta automática.

Analysis of the Effect of Musical Stimulation on Cortical Auditory Evoked Potentials

Abstract Introduction Cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) are bioelectric responses that occur from acoustic stimulations, and they assess the functionality of the central auditory system. Objective The objective of the present study was to analyze the effect of musical stimulation on CAEPs. Methods The sample consisted of 42 healthy female subjects, aged between 18 and 24 years, divided into two groups - G1: without musical stimulation prior to the CAEP examination; and G2: with stimulation prior to the examination. In both groups, as a pre-collection procedure, the complete basic audiological evaluation was performed. For the musical stimulation performed in G2, we used an MP4 player programmed to play Pachelbel's "Canon in D Major" for five minutes prior to the CAEP examination. To analyze the effect on the groups, the ear side and the ide-group interaction , a mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) of repeated measures was performed. Box M test and Mauchly sphericity test were also performed. Results Test differences were considered statistically significant when the p-value was < 0.05 (5%). Thus, it was possible to observe that there was a statistically significant difference of the P2 component characterized by the decrease in the amplitude of response in the left ear in G2 when comparing the responses of CAEP with and without prior musical stimulation. Conclusion The result of the present study enabled us to conclude that there was a change in the response of CAEPs with musical stimulation. (AU)

Effect of Blood Group on Ultrahigh Frequency Auditory Sensitivity

Abstract Introduction Individuals with blood group O are reported to have reduced otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) compared with individuals with different blood groups. Objective The present study attempted to determine if the blood group has any effect on high-frequency auditory sensitivity using ultrahigh-frequency audiometry and ultrahigh-frequency distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). Methods High-frequency thresholds and high-frequency DPOAEs were measured in 60 individuals with normal hearing and different blood groups. Results The results of the study showed that there was a significant reduction in DPOAE amplitude for individuals with blood group O compared with individuals with other blood groups. However, there was no significant difference in ultrahigh-frequency thresholds across the blood groups. Conclusion This reduction in OAE amplitude may be attributed to a lower number of healthy outer hair cells in individuals with blood group O. Further studies on larger groups of individuals are essential for a better generalization of the results.

Audiological and electrophysiological alterations in HIV-infected individuals subjected or not to antiretroviral therapy / Alterações audiológicas e eletrofisiológicas em indivíduos infectados pelo HIV submetidos ou não à terapia antirretroviral

Abstract Introduction: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and infections related to it can affect multiple sites in the hearing system. The use of High Activity Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) can cause side effects such as ototoxicity. Thus, no consistent patterns of hearing impairment in adults with Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome have been established, and the problems that affect the hearing system of this population warrant further research. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the audiological and electrophysiological data of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-positive patients with and without Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, who were receiving High Activity Anti-Retroviral Therapy, to healthy individuals. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted with 71 subjects (30-48 years old), divided into groups: Research Group I: 16 Human Immunodeficiency Virus-positive individuals without Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (not receiving antiretroviral treatment); Research Group II: 25 Human Immunodeficiency Virus-positive individuals with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (receiving antiretroviral treatment); Control Group: 30 healthy subjects. All individuals were tested by pure-tone air conduction thresholds at 0.25-8 kHz, extended high frequencies at 9-20 kHz, electrophysiological tests (Auditory Brainstem Response, Middle Latency Responses, Cognitive Potential). Results: Research Group I and Research Group II had higher hearing thresholds in both conventional and high frequency audiometry when compared to the control group, prolonged latency of waves I, III, V and interpeak I-V in Auditory Brainstem Response and prolonged latency of P300 Cognitive Potential. Regarding Middle Latency Responses, there was a decrease in the amplitude of the Pa wave of Research Group II compared to the Research Group I. Conclusions: Both groups with Human Immunodeficiency Virus had higher hearing thresholds when compared to healthy individuals (group exposed to antiretroviral treatment showed the worst hearing threshold) and seemed to have lower neuroelectric transmission speed along the auditory pathway in the brainstem, subcortical and cortical regions.

Resumo Introdução: O HIV e as infecções relacionadas a ele podem afetar vários locais do sistema auditivo. O uso de terapia antirretroviral altamente ativa pode causar efeitos colaterais, como ototoxicidade. Assim, não foram estabelecidos padrões consistentes de deficiência auditiva em adultos com HIV/Aids e os problemas que afetam o sistema auditivo dessa população justificam pesquisas futuras. Objetivos: Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar os dados audiológicos e eletrofisiológicos de pacientes HIV positivos com e sem Aids que recebiam terapia antirretroviral altamente ativa com os de indivíduos saudáveis. Método: Estudo transversal com 71 indivíduos (30-48 anos), divididos em grupos: Grupo de Pesquisa I: 16 indivíduos HIV-positivos sem Aids (não recebiam tratamento antirretroviral); Grupo de Pesquisa II: 25 indivíduos HIV-positivos com Aids (recebiam tratamento antirretroviral); Grupo Controle: 30 indivíduos saudáveis. Todos os indivíduos foram testados para limiares de condução aérea de tons puros a 0,25-8 kHz, altas frequências de 9-20 kHz, testes eletrofisiológicos (potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico, potencial evocado auditivo de média latência, potencial cognitivo). Resultados: Os grupos de pesquisa I e II apresentaram limiares auditivos mais elevados em audiometria convencional e nas frequências altas quando comparados com o grupo controle, latência prolongada das ondas I, III, V e interpico I-V em resposta auditiva de tronco encefálico e latência prolongada de P300. Em relação às respostas de latência média, houve uma diminuição na amplitude da onda Pa do Grupo de pesquisa II em comparação com o grupo de pesquisa I. Conclusões: Ambos os grupos com HIV apresentaram limiares auditivos mais elevados quando comparados aos indivíduos saudáveis (o grupo exposto ao tratamento antirretroviral apresentou o pior limiar auditivo) e parecem ter menor velocidade de transmissão neuroelétrica ao longo da via auditiva nas regiões do tronco encefálico, subcortical e cortical.

Effect of antioxidant supplementation on the auditory threshold in sensorineural hearing loss: a meta-analysis / Efeito da suplementação de antioxidantes sobre o limiar auditivo na perda auditiva neurosensorial: uma metanálise

Abstract Introduction: Hearing loss is conceptualized as any impairment of the ability to hear and/or detect speech or environment sounds, regardless of cause, type, or degree. It may occur at different stages of life; during pregnancy or childbirth, in childhood, adulthood or old age. It should be noted that aging is the most common cause of sensorineural hearing loss followed by noise-induced hearing loss, and both are closely related to the formation of reactive oxygen species. Dietary antioxidant supplementation has been employed as a therapeutic strategy to prevent and/or delay the risks of major human diseases. Objective: To assess randomized clinical trials to determine the effect of antioxidant supplementation on the auditory thresholds in patients of different age groups with sensorineural hearing loss. Methods: This systematic review consisted of a search in the following databases: MEDLINE, CENTRAL, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO and ClinicalTrials.gov. Additionally, the gray literature was also searched. The search strategy included terms related to the intervention (antioxidant supplementation), primary outcome (sensorineural hearing loss), as well as terms related to randomized clinical trials to improve search sensitivity. Results: Based on 977 potentially relevant records identified through the search in the databases, ten full-text publications were retrieved for further evaluation. The increase in threshold at the 4 kHz frequency was statistically higher in the control group (1.89 [1.01-2.78], p < 0.0001) when compared to the NAC group and the ginseng group, whereas at 6 kHz, the threshold increase was higher in the control group (1.42 [−1.14-3.97], p = 0.28), but no statistically significant differences were found between groups. Conclusion: Ginseng was the antioxidant agent that showed the best effect in preventing auditory threshold worsening at the frequency of 4 kHz, but not at 6 kHz in patients with sensorineural hearing loss caused by exposure to high sound pressure levels. There was no improvement in the thresholds with vitamin E supplementation.

Resumo Introdução: A perda auditiva é conceituada como qualquer diminuição da capacidade de ouvir e/ou detectar sons da fala ou do ambiente, independentemente da causa, tipo ou grau e pode ocorrer em diversos estágios da vida, durante a gestação ou parto, na infância, vida adulta ou na terceira idade. Convém destacar que o envelhecimento é a primeira causa de perda auditiva do tipo sensorioneural e em segundo lugar a perda auditiva induzida pelo ruído, ambas estão intimamente relacionadas com a formação de espécies reativas de oxigênio. Evidências têm sido acumuladas indicando que a suplementação com antioxidantes via alimentação tornou-se estratégia terapêutica para prevenir e/ou retardar os riscos das principais doenças humanas. Objetivo: Avaliar ensaios clínicos aleatórios para determinar qual o efeito da suplementação com antioxidantes sobre o limiar auditivo na perda auditiva sensorioneural em pacientes de diversas faixas etárias. Método: A formulação desta revisão sistemática consistiu na busca dos estudos nas seguintes bases de dados: MEDLINE, CENTRAL, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO e ClinicalTrials.gov. Adicionalmente, a literatura cinzenta também foi pesquisada. A estratégia de busca incluiu termos relacionados à intervenção (suplementação de antioxidantes), o desfecho primário (perda auditiva sensorioneural), bem como termos relacionados aos ensaios clínicos randomizados para melhorar e a sensibilidade da busca. Resultados: A partir de 977 registros potencialmente relevantes identificados através da busca nas bases de dados, dez publicações em texto completo foram recuperadas para avaliação mais aprofundada. O aumento no limiar na frequência de 4 kHz foi estatisticamente maior no Grupo Controle (1,89 [1,01-2,78], p < 0,0001) quando comparados com o Grupo NAC e o Grupo Ginseng, já na frequência de 6 kHz o aumento no limiar foi maior no Grupo Controle (1,42 [-1,14-3,97], p = 0,28), porém, não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre grupos. Conclusão: O Ginseng foi o antioxidante que evitou a piora do limiar auditivo na frequência de 4 kHz, mas não em 6 kHz, em pacientes com perda auditiva sensorioneural causada por exposição a elevados níveis de pressão sonora. Não foi observada melhora nos limiares com a suplementação com Vitamina E.

Hearing in Noise Test, HINT-Brazil, in normal-hearing children / Teste de Reconhecimento de Fala no Ruído, HINT-Brasil, em crianças normo-ouvintes

Abstract Introduction: The auditory processing is related to certain skills such as speech recognition in noise. The HINT-Brazil test allows the measurement of the Speech/Noise ratio however there are no studies in the national literature that establish parameters for the child population. Objective: To analyze the performance of normal-hearing subjects aged 8-10 years old in tasks for speech recognition in noise using HINT test. Methods: Sixty schoolchildren were evaluated. They were between 8 and 10 years of age, of both genders, and had no auditory and school complaints, with results ranking within normality for the Basic Audiological Assessment and the Dichotic Digits Test. HINT-Brazil test was applied with headphones, with the Speech/Noise ratio in conditions of frontal noise, noise to the right, and noise to the left being investigated. The software calculated the Composite Noise, which corresponds to the weighted mean of the tested conditions. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the ears, nor between the genders. There was a statistically significant difference for age ranges of 8 and 10 years, in situations with noise, and for Composite Noise. The age group of 10 years showed better performance than the age group of 8; the age group of 9 years did not show statistically significant difference regarding the other age ranges. We suggest the values of mean and standard deviation of the Speech/Noise ratio, considering the age ranges of: 8 years - Frontal Noise: −2.09 (±1.09); Right Noise: −7.64 (±1.72); Left Noise: −7.53 (±2.80); Composite Noise: −4.86 (±1.31); 9 years - Frontal Noise: −2.82 (±0.74); Right Noise: −8.49 (±2.24); Left Noise: −8.41 (±1.75); Composite Noise: −5.63 (±1.02); 10 years - Frontal Noise: −3.01 (±0.95); Right Noise: −9.47 (±1.43); Left Noise: −9.16 (±1.65); Composite Noise: −6.16 (±0.91). Conclusion: HINT-Brazil test is a simple and fast test, and is not difficult to performed with normal-hearing children. The results confirm that it is an efficient test to be used with the age range evaluated.

Resumo Introdução: O processamento auditivo está relacionado a determinadas habilidades, como o reconhecimento de fala no ruído. O teste HINT-Brasil permite a mensuração da relação Fala/Ruído, porém, não há na literatura nacional estudos que estabeleçam parâmetros para a população infantil. Objetivo: Analisar o desempenho de normo-ouvintes, de 8 a 10 anos, nas tarefas de reconhecimento de fala no ruído, por meio do teste HINT. Método: Avaliados 60 escolares, entre 8 e 10 anos, de ambos os gêneros, sem queixas auditivas e escolares, e com resultados dentro da normalidade para a Avaliação Audiológica Básica e o Teste Dicótico de Dígitos. O teste HINT-Brasil foi aplicado com fones de ouvido, sendo pesquisada a relação Fala/Ruído nas condições Ruído Frontal, Ruído à Direita e Ruído à Esquerda. O software calculou o Ruído Composto, que corresponde à média ponderada das condições testadas. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre as orelhas, nem entre os gêneros. Houve diferença estatisticamente significante para as faixas de 8 e 10 anos, nas situações com ruído e para o Ruído Composto. A faixa etária de 10 anos apresentou desempenho melhor do que a faixa etária de 8; a faixa etária de 9 anos não apresentou diferença estatisticamente significante com relação as outras faixas etárias. Sugerimos os valores de Média e Desvio Padrão da relação F/R, considerando as faixas: 8 anos - RF: -2,09 (± 1,09); RD: -7,64 (± 1,72); RE: -7,53 (± 2,80); RC: -4,86 (± 1,31); 9 anos - RF: -2,82 (± 0,74); RD: -8,49 (± 2,24); RE: -8,41 (± 1,75); RC: -5,63 (± 1,02); 10 anos - RF: -3,01 (± 0,95); RD: -9,47 (± 1,43); RE: -9,16 (± 1,65); RC: -6,16 (± 0,91). Conclusão: O teste HINT-Brasil é um teste simples e rápido e não oferece dificuldades em seu uso com crianças normo-ouvintes; os resultados mostram se tratar de um teste eficaz para ser utilizado com a faixa etária avaliada.

Audiometric evaluation in individuals with mucopolysaccharidosis

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the audiometric evaluation and acoustic immittance measures in different types of mucopolysaccharidosis. METHOD: Fifty-three mucopolysaccharidosis patients were evaluated. The classification consisted of type I (Hurler syndrome, Hurler-Scheie and Scheie syndrome), type II (Hunter syndrome), type III (Sanfilippo syndrome), type IV (Morquio syndrome), and type VI (Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome). Immittance audiometry and play or conventional threshold tone audiometry were used to obtain auditory thresholds and were chosen according to the patient's chronological age and ability to understand/respond to the procedure. The findings were analyzed using descriptive statistics and considering the recommendations for research involving human beings contained in Resolution CNE N° 466/2012. RESULTS: Fifty-one subjects (96.2%) had hearing loss, and the conductive type was the most frequent. Only two (3.8%) patients presented bilateral thresholds within normal limits, one with type IV mucopolysaccharidosis and the other with type VI. There were 11 individuals (20.8%) with mucopolysaccharidosis type I with mixed hearing loss, 9 (16.9%) individuals with type I with conductive hearing loss and 9 (16.9%) with type VI with conductive hearing loss. Mild hearing loss was most common (37.3%), followed by moderately severe hearing loss (36.3%). The type B tympanometric curve (80.4%) was the most frequent. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the individuals with mucopolysaccharidosis types I, II, III, IV and VI presented mixed or conductive hearing losses of mild to moderately severe degree, type B tympanograms and an absence of contralateral acoustic reflexes.

Limiares de audibilidade de altas frequências em indivíduos adultos normo-ouvintes / High-frequency auditory thresholds in normal hearing adults

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar os limiares auditivos nas altas frequências, buscando comparar as respostas entre as orelhas, verificar a correlação do nível de audibilidade com o aumento da idade e analisar as respostas por frequência para adultos normo-ouvintes. Método Este estudo foi prospectivo, quantitativo e transversal, com amostra por conveniência. Fizeram parte da amostra 60 sujeitos, com idade entre 18 e 58 anos, média de idade de 25,8 anos, com limiares auditivos dentro dos padrões de normalidade de 250 a 8000 Hz e normalidade de resultados nas medidas de imitância acústica. Para a pesquisa das altas frequências foi utilizado o equipamento de modelo AS10 HF da marca Interacoustics com fones de ouvido do tipo KOSS R/80 e com limiares expressos em dBNPS. Resultados Quanto aos limiares de audibilidade há um aumento para a orelha direita, com significância estatística em 10, 11 e 14 kHz e uma tendência à significância em 13 kHz, assim como a partir da frequência de 14 kHz há um aumento progressivo diretamente proporcional à frequência bilateralmente e quanto maior for a idade dos indivíduos, maiores serão os limiares para todas as frequências. Conclusão Os limiares de audibilidade de altas frequências tornam-se maiores com um aumento progressivo proporcional ao avanço de frequência e idade de indivíduos normo-ouvintes com valores mais elevados para a orelha direita.

ABSTRACT Purpose Evaluate high-frequency auditory thresholds, seeking to compare responses between the ears, to verify the correlation between hearing level and aging and analyze frequency responses in normal hearing adults. Methods This is a prospective, quantitative, transversal study conducted with a convenience sample. Study participants were 60 individuals aged 18 to 58 years (mean=25.82) with auditory thresholds within normality standards (250-8000 Hz) and normal results in acoustic immittance measurements. High-frequency pure-tone hearing thresholds were determined using an Interacoustics AS10HF audiometer with electrodynamic high-fidelity KOSS R/80 headphones, with thresholds expressed in dBNPS. Results Hearing thresholds showed an increase for the right ear with statistical significance at the 10, 11 and 14 kHz frequencies and a tendency to significance at 13 kHz. As of the 14 kHz frequency, a progressive increase directly proportional to the frequency was observed bilaterally, with the thresholds increasing proportionally to age advancement for all frequencies. Conclusion High-frequency auditory thresholds progressively increase proportionally to frequency and age advancement in normal hearing individuals, with higher values ​​for the right ear.

Free Field Word recognition test in the presence of noise in normal hearing adults / Teste de reconhecimento de palavras em campo livre na presença de ruído em indivíduos adultos normo-ouvintes

Abstract Introduction: In ideal listening situations, subjects with normal hearing can easily understand speech, as can many subjects who have a hearing loss. Objective: To present the validation of the Word Recognition Test in a Free Field in the Presence of Noise in normal-hearing adults. Methods: Sample consisted of 100 healthy adults over 18 years of age with normal hearing. After pure tone audiometry, a speech recognition test was applied in free field condition with monosyllables and disyllables, with standardized material in three listening situations: optimal listening condition (no noise), with a signal to noise ratio of 0 dB and a signal to noise ratio of −10 dB. For these tests, an environment in calibrated free field was arranged where speech was presented to the subject being tested from two speakers located at 45°, and noise from a third speaker, located at 180°. Results: All participants had speech audiometry results in the free field between 88% and 100% in the three listening situations. Conclusion: Word Recognition Test in Free Field in the Presence of Noise proved to be easy to be organized and applied. The results of the test validation suggest that individuals with normal hearing should get between 88% and 100% of the stimuli correct. The test can be an important tool in measuring noise interference on the speech perception abilities.

Resumo Introdução: Em situações ideais de escuta, indivíduos com audição normal conseguem fazer e reconhecer a fala facilmente. Porém, na presença de ruído competitivo, é comum as pessoas sentirem dificuldades de compreensão, principalmente se tiverem perda auditiva. Objetivo: Apresentar a validação do teste de reconhecimento de palavras em campo livre na presença do ruído em indivíduos adultos normo-ouvintes. Método: A amostra foi composta por 100 sujeitos hígidos, com audição normal e maiores de 18 anos. Depois da audiometria tonal foi aplicado teste de reconhecimento da fala, com monossílabos e dissílabos, em campo livre, com material padronizado, em três situações de escuta: condição ótima de audição (sem ruído), com ruído em relação de 0 dB e com ruído em relação de −10 dB. Para tanto, montou-se um ambiente de teste em campo livre calibrado, no qual a fala foi apresentada ao indivíduo em teste com duas caixas acústicas a 45° e o ruído em uma terceira a 180°. Resultados: Todos os participantes tiveram resultados de logoaudiometria em campo livre entre 88 e 100% nas três situações de escuta. Conclusão: O teste de reconhecimento de palavras em campo livre na presença do ruído mostrou-se de fácil organização e aplicação. Os resultados obtidos na validação do teste sugerem que indivíduos com audição normal devem acertar entre 88 e 100% dos estímulos apresentados. O teste pode configurar um instrumento importante na mensuração da interferência do ruído sobre as habilidades de percepção de fala.