Clinical applicability of insert earphones for audiometry.

Insert transducers for audiometry are available which may offer significant advantages over older 'standard' headphones. Clinicians have remained cautious in using such devices due to the paucity of experimental data demonstrating their comparability with more widely used devices. The purpose of this investigation was to compare and contrast pure-tone audiometric thresholds obtained using insert earphones with those measured utilizing conventional supra-aural transducers in normal and hearing-impaired subjects. A second purpose was to examine the differential effects on the hearing threshold level of two coupling systems for the insert device. There were no clinically significant differences among pure-tone thresholds measured with the three earphone/coupler arrangements for subjects with normal and impaired hearing. Advantages and limitations of insert earphones are discussed.

Audiological investigation of palatal myoclonus.

Palatal myoclonus, the rapid rhythmic contraction of palatal muscles, is a rare neurological disorder with many etiologies. Although most disease processes associated with this disorder affect the cerebellum, the auditory symptoms are often the first clue to diagnosis. Existing literature was reviewed in terms of auditory symptoms, pathophysiology, audiologic diagnostic procedures and rehabilitative strategies. In addition, a case study of a 34-yr-old woman who has had this highly peculiar degenerative disorder for over 20 yrs was described. Implications for appropriate rehabilitation strategies were addressed and the importance of comprehensive management was stressed.