A study of auditory responses to transitions of signal frequencies

In the study of detecting sonar signals with complex time frequency compositions under a noise-background by human.auditory system, the problem of auditory responses to the transitions of signal frequencies has been examined through a number of testes. According to the results from measurements within a frequency region of 850-1130 Hz, an equation (τ.ΔF = 1 - 2) defining the ambiguous region of responding to frequency transitions by human auditory system is found, where ΔF and τ are the difference and duration of the transition between two frequencies, respectively. When τ·ΔF≤1, the human auditory system can hardly sense the transition between two frequencies. However man can clearly sense not only the transition but the different tonalities of two freqencies when τ·ΔF≥2.

40 Hz Auditory Steady State Response to Linguistic Features of Stimuli during Auditory Hallucinations

The auditory steady state response （ASSR） may reflect activity from different regions of the brain, depending on the modulation frequency used. In general, responses induced by low rates （_〈40 Hz） emanate mostly from central structures of the brain, and responses from high rates （〉80 Hz） emanate mostly from the peripheral auditory nerve or brainstem structures. Besides, it was reported that the gamma band ASSR （30-90 Hz） played an important role in working memory, speech understanding and recognition. This paper investigated the 40 Hz ASSR evoked by modulated speech and reversed speech. The speech was Chinese phrase voice, and the noise-like reversed speech was obtained by temporally reversing the speech. Both auditory stimuli were modulated with a frequency of 40 Hz. Ten healthy subjects and 5 patients with hallucination symptom participated in the experiment. Results showed re- duction in left auditory cortex response when healthy subjects listened to the reversed speech compared with the speech. In contrast, when the patients who experienced auditory hallucinations listened to the reversed speech, the auditory cortex of left hemispheric responded more actively. The ASSR results were consistent with the behavior results of patients. Therefore, the gamma band ASSR is expected to be helpful for rapid and objective diagnosis of hallucination in clinic.

AUDITORY BRAINSTEM RESPONSES IN SENILE PRESBYCUSIS PATIENTS OVER 90 YEARS

Objective To analyze the characteristics of auditory brainstem response (ABR) in presbycusis patients el-der than 90 years. Methods Fourteen presbycusis patients elder than 90 years (presbycusis group, 91.1.4 ± 1.3 years, 26 ears) and 9 normal-hearing young adults (control group, 22.7 ± 1.2 years, 18 ears) participated in the study. Alternative click-evoked ABRs were recorded in both groups. The peak latency (PL) of peak I,Ⅲ, and V, and the inter-peak latency (IPI) of I-Ⅲ,Ⅲ-V, and I-V were compared between groups. Results In elder presbycusis patients, the occurrence rate of peak I andⅢwere both 76.9%, and that of peak V was 84.6%. In presbycusis group, the peak latencies of I, Ⅲ, V were significantly longer than that of control group (P<0.001). There was no significant difference between groups in the IPI of peak I-IⅢ (P=0.298, peakⅢ-V (P=0.254) and peak I-V (P=0.364). Conclusions Auditory brainstem responses in presbycusis pa-tients elder than 90 years showed worse wave differentiation.

Effects of glutamate on distortion-product otoacoustic emissions and auditory brainstem responses in guinea pigs

Objectives To investigate changes in evoked potentials and structure of the guinea pig cochleae during whole cochlear perfusion with glutamate. Methods CM, CAP, DPOAE, and ABR were recorded as indicators of cochlear functions during whole cochlear perfusion. The morphology of the cochlea was studied via transmission electron microscopy. Results There were no significant changes in DPOAE amplitude before and after glutamate perfusion. CM I/O function remained nonlinear during perfusion. ABR latencies were delayed following glutamate perfusion. The average CAP threshold was elevated 35 dB SPL following glutamate perfusion.. The OHCs appeared normal, but the IHCs and afferent dendrites showed cytoplasmic blebs after glutamate perfusion. Conclusions While being a primary amino acid neurotransmitter at the synapses between hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons, excessive glutamate is neurotoxic and can destroy IHCs and spiral ganglion neurons. The technique used in this study can also be used to build an animal model of auditory neuropathy.

Auditory steady-state evoked response in diagnosing and evaluating hearing in infants

BACKGROUND: Auditory steady-state evoked response (ASSR) is one of the new objective electrophysiological methods to test hearing in infants. It can provide a reliable and complete audiogram with specific frequency to help the hearing diagnosis and rehabilitation of hearing and languaging following auditory screening. OBJECTIVE: To compare the response threshold of ASSR with auditory threshold of visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) in infants failed in the hearing screening for investigating their hearing loss. DESIGN: A comparative observation. SETTINGS: Maternal and child health care hospitals of Guangdong province, Shunde city, Nanhai city and Huadu district. PARTICIPANTS: Totally 321 infants of 0-3 years undergoing ASSR test were selected from the Hearing Center of Guangdong Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from January 2002 to December 2004. Informed consents were obtained from their guardians. There were 193 cases (60.2%) of 0-6 months, 31 cases (9.7%) of 7-12 months, 17 cases (5.3%) of 13-18 months, 14 cases (4.4%) of 19-24 months, 33 cases of 25-30 months, and 33 cases (10.2%) of 31-36 months. METHODS: ① The 321 infants failed in the hearing screening were tested under sleeping status, the ranges of response threshold distribution in ASSR of different frequencies were analyzed in each age group. ② The infants above 2 years old were also tested with VRA, and their response thresholds were compared between VRA and ASSR. ③ Evaluative standards: The response threshold was < 30 dB for normal hearing, 31-50 dB for mild hearing loss, 51-70 dB for moderate hearing loss, 71-90 dB for severe hearing loss, and > 91 dB for extremely severe hearing loss. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ① ASSR results of the infants failed in the screening; ② Proportion of cases of each response threshold in each age group; ③ Comparison of ASSR response thresholds and VRA auditory thresholds in the infants of 2-3 years old. RESULTS: ①The response threshold was < 30 dB in 47.4% of the 321 infants failed in the initial hearing screening and secondary screening after 42 days. ② Severe to extremely severe hearing loss was detected in only 16 cases (8.3%) of the 193 infants of 0-6 months, in 9 cases (27.3%) of the 33 infants of 25-30 months, and 13 cases (39.4%) of the 33 infants of 31-36 months. Of the 193 infants of 0-6 months old who failed in the initial screening and the second screening after 42 days, the ASSR auditory threshold was < 30 dB in 97 cases (50.26%), 31-50 dB in 63 cases (32.6%), 51-70 dB in 17 cases (8.8%), 71-90 dB in 7 cases (3.6%), and > 91 dB in 9 cases (4.7%). ③ Among the 321 infants failed in the screening, the auditory threshold in the 6 age groups was < 30 dB in 47.4%, 31-50 dB in 27.1%, 51-70 dB in 8.4%, 71-90 dB in 6.2%, and > 91 dB in 10.9%. ④ The difference between ASSR response threshold and VRA auditory thresholds was 6-18 dB in the normal hearing group, mild and moderate hearing loss groups, and there was high correlation between them. The difference of ASSR and VRA thresholds was less than 5 dB between extremely severe and severe hearing loss groups, 5-13 dB between extremely severe and moderate-to-severe hearing loss groups (P < 0.05), and there was no significant differences between severe and moderate-to-severe hearing loss groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: ① The hearing was normal in about half of the infants, although they failed in the primary screening and secondary screening. ② The proportion of the severity of hearing loss was increased along with aging. ③ Mild and moderate hearing losses are dominant in infants. ④ ASSR is reliable to evaluate the hearing of infants.

Universal newborn hearing screening program in Saudi Arabia: Current insight

Newborn hearing screening(NHS) programs are essential to identify hearing loss early in life and to improve outcomes in children. In Saudi Arabia, the national NHS program has been operational since 2016;however, few studies have evaluated its status, and none have covered all provinces across the country. This cross-sectional retrospective study provides an overview of the program's status across all provinces, focusing on screening coverage rates, referral/fail rates, and follow-up procedures. In 2021, 199,034 newborns were screened, with a coverage rate of 92.6% and an overall referral/fail rate of 1.87%. These performance measures provide a foundation for future progress and improvements. This study highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance the program's effectiveness and sustainability.

Circadian Rhythm and Intersexual Differences in Auditory Frequency Sensitivity in Emei Music Frogs

In anurans, calling behaviour is strongly seasonal and circadian. Previous studies have revealed that a uditory sensitivity in frogs exhibits seasonal plasticity, and electroencephalographic signals exhibit highly correlated circadian patterns;of which, the circadian rhythm remains unknown. In this study,the circadian rhythm and intersexual differences of auditory sensitivity were tested in the Emei music frog(Nidirana daunchina). This was achieved by comparing thresholds and latencies of auditory brainstem responses(ABRs) evoked by tones and clicks stimuli between male and female frogs during the day and at night,respectively. Our results revealed that both auditory thresholds and latencies had no differences between day and night except the la tencies in 3.5–4.0 kHz frequencies. However, the thresholds of tone pip evoked ABRs differed significantly between male and female frogs from 2.5 to 5.0 kHz. This demonstrated that the auditory sensitivity of Emei music frogs exhibits sexual dimorphism at high frequencies, with female frogs exhibiting greater auditory sensitivity than that of male frogs. Simultaneously, the power spectra of male advertisement calls are matched well with the frequency range of auditory sensitivity in male and female frogs,which supports the matched filter hypothesis. Our study enhances the understanding of circadian plasticity and sexual dimorphism of auditory sensitivity in frogs.

THE EFFECTS OF SALICYLATE ON AUDITORY EVOKED POTENTIAL AMPLITWDE FROM THE AUDITORY CORTEX AND AUDITORY BRAINSTEM

Tinnitus has often been studied using salicylate in animal models as they are capable of inducing tempo-rary hearing loss and tinnitus. Studies have recently observed enhancement of auditory evoked responses of the auditory cortex (AC) post salicylate treatment which is also shown to be related to tinnitus like behavior in rats. The aim of this study was to observe if enhancements of the AC post salicylate treatment are also present at structures in the brainstem. Four male Sprague Dawley rats with AC implanted electrodes were tested for both AC and auditory brainstem response (ABR) recordings pre and post 250 mg/kg intraperitone-al injections of salicylate. The responses were recorded as the peak to trough amplitudes of P1-N1 (AC), ABR wave V, and ABR waveⅡ. AC responses resulted in statistically significant enhancement of ampli-tude at 2 hours post salicylate with 90 dB stimuli tone bursts of 4, 8, 12, and 20 kHz. Wave V of ABR re-sponses at 90 dB resulted in a statistically significant reduction of amplitude 2 hours post salicylate and a mean decrease of amplitude of 31%for 16 kHz. WaveⅡamplitudes at 2 hours post treatment were signifi-cantly reduced for 4, 12, and 20 kHz stimuli at 90 dB SPL. Our results suggest that the enhancement chang-es of the AC related to salicylate induced tinnitus are generated superior to the level of the inferior colliculus and may originate in the AC.

Neurophysiological characteristics in infants and young children with auditory neuropathy

Objective:To analyze neurophysiological characteristics in infants and young children with auditory neuropathy(AN) and explore their clinical significance.Methods: Audiological measurements(acoustic immittance, EOAEs, ABR, CM, MLR and ERPs) and peripheral neurological tests were conducted and evaluated in 13 infants and young children with AN. Six of them received high-resolution temporal bone CT scans and/or cerebral MRI examinations.Results: All of the children showed type “A” tympanograms with abseatation of stapedial reflexes. EOAEs were normal in 12 of 13 subjects. In one child who had a history of anoxia during the birth,the EOAEs were not elicited. Click-evoked ABRs were absent in 12 of 13 subjects when maximum output of the instrument was reached. The CM potentials were presented bilaterally in all individuals,which were independent of the EOAEs and ABR. Of eight cases tested,all had clear MLR and six showed normal ERPs(P300 and MMN). Peripheral neurological tests and radiological findings were within the normal ranges. Conclusion: The diagnosis of AN in infants and young children should focus on analyzing their neurophysiological characteristics,especially on CM,MLR and ERPs. Combined use of EOAEs, ABR and CM was recommended for hearing screening on newborns with high risk factors.

Research progress on the application of transcranial electrical stimulation in auditory disorders

Transcranial electrical stimulation(tES)is a non-invasive nerve stimulation technique that modulates changes in neural activities in cerebral cortex through a weak current of specific intensity(and frequency).It has become a valuable tool for the study of human behavior and cognitive neurophysiological processes.As a brain stimulation technology with broad development prospects,it is not mature enough in the field of human auditory research.However,the research on tES has obtained preliminary results in regulating motor ability.This article mainly introduces the effects of tES and auditory steady state response on auditory,and the applications of tES in auditory diseases.By summarizing and discussing tES during auditory processing as comprehensively as possible,the potential application value of tES in the treatment of auditory diseases could be illustrated.

The effect of acupuncture at “Jǐng Jiājǐ”(颈夹脊) on auditory brainstem response threshold of guinea pigs with sensorineural hearing loss

Objective To explore the effect of acupuncture at ＂Jing Jiaji＂ （颈夹背） on sudden hearing loss by observing the changes of the threshold of auditory brainstem response （ABR） of deaf guinea pigs. Methods Sixty healthy guinea pigs were selected, with computer randomization, 20 were randomly divided into a normal control group （group A）, while the rest were randomly and equally divided into a model group （group B） and an acupuncture group （group C） when turned deaf after gentamycin sulfate and furosemide were administered. No treatment was administered for either the group A or the group B, while acupuncture at ＂Jing Jiaji＂ was given for the group C for 30 days. The ABR thresholds of each group were observed and recorded separately after the treatment for 15 days and 30 days. Results The ABR threshold in the group C was lower than that in the group B after the treatment of 15 days （P〈O.05）. After the treatment of 30 days, the ABR threshold in the group C was obviously lower than that in the group B （P〈0.01）, and was obviously lower than that before acupuncture （P〈0.01）. Conclusion Acupuncture at ＂Jing Jiaji＂ has definite effect on improving the hearing of deaf guinea pigs.

用AP-N_1(或ABR波I)潜伏期检测响度重振

本文对50例平坦型感音神经性聋病人用声反射阈以及AP-N_1潜伏期检查响度重振进行了分析,结果显示:声反射阈重振阳性率为76％,纯音听阈与声反射阈阳性率的关系为:随着听阈的增高声反射阈阳性率下降;耳蜗电图在高声强时AP-N_1潜伏期完全在正常范围的占56％,若以患耳与正常耳在同一阈上dB数比较,则100％小于正常耳,显示重振阳性。如果两指标结合检测,响度重振阳性率也明显提高。我们认为用AP-N_1潜伏期检测响度重振方法可行、理论依据充分,且用它检测响度重振的阳性率明显高于声反射阈。

Calpain mediated cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in mice

Ototoxic drug-induced apoptosis of inner ear cells has been shown to be associated with calpain expression. Cisplatin has severe ototoxicity, and can induce cochlear cell apoptosis. This study assumed that cisplatin activated calpain expression in apoptotic cochlear cells. A mouse model of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity was established by intraperitoneal injection with cisplatin （2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 5.5 mg/kg）. Immunofluorescence staining, image analysis and western blotting were used to detect the expression of calpain 1 and calpain 2 in the mouse cochlea. At the same time, the auditory brainstem response was measured to observe the change in hearing. Results revealed that after intraperitoneal injection with cisplatin for 5 days, the auditory brainstem response threshold shifts increased in mice. Calpain 1 and calpain 2 expression significantly increased in outer hair cells, the spiral ganglion and stria vascularis. Calpain 2 protein expression markedly increased with an increased dose of cisplatin. Results suggested that calpain 1 and calpain 2 mediated cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in BALB/c mice. During this process, calpain 2 plays a leading role.

Mechanism of alpha-lipoic acid in attenuating kanamycin-induced ototoxicity

In view of the theory that alpha-lipoic acid effectively prevents cochlear cells from injury caused by various factors such as cisplatin and noise, this study examined whether alpha-lipoic acid can prevent kanamycin-induced ototoxicity. To this end, healthy BALB/c mice were injected subcutaneously with alpha-lipoic acid and kanamycin for 14 days. Auditory brainstem response test showed that increased auditory brainstem response threshold shifts caused by kanamycin were significantly inhibited. Immunohistochemical staining and western blot analysis showed that the expression of phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase in mouse cochlea was significantly decreased. The experimental findings suggest that phosphorylated p38 and phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase mediated kanamycin-induced ototoxic injury in BALB/c mice. AIpha-lipoic acid effectively attenuated kanamycin ototoxicity by inhibiting the kanamycin-induced high expression of phosphorylated p38 and phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase.

A Model of Spontaneous Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion in Mice with ENU Induced Mutations

Background Chronic otitis media(COM) is a significant clinical problem.Understanding the mechanisms of COM is critical for its control and treatment.However,little is known of the processes leading to COM as a result of lack of animal models of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea(ENU) induced mutations in otitis media with effusion(OME).Methods Otoscopy and auditory brain response(ABR) evaluation were carried out under sedation in Nmf391nmf/nmf mice of 2,4,6 and 8 months of age.The mice were killed for study of middle and inner ear pathology.Results Tympanic membrane visualization and ABR thresholds in 1-to 8-month-old Nmf391nmf/nmf mice showed spontaneous OME and inner ear diseases in approximately 100% of the animals.The significant elevation of ABR thresholds suggested a sensorineural component in hearing loss in addition to the conductive loss.Middle and inner ear histology showed various degrees of outer hair cells loss and middle ear inflammation in all the mice,but no inflammation cells in the inner ear.The ABR threshold at 32 kHz was significantly elevated.Conclusions This study shows histopathologic changes in the Nmf391nmf/nmf mouse model of COM with effusion that have not been reported in human COM.This ENU induced mutation model of COM will be valuable for the characterization of middle ear inflammation and inner ear disease processes that are induced by middle ear infections.We propose that COM with effusion in this ENU induced mutation model is the cause of the cochlea hair cells damage.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Ssyndrome and Hearing in Children

Objective To explore the relationship between hypoxemia and hearing in children with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. Methods Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were recorded in 68 ears and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in 60 ears in children with OSAHS and type "A" tym-panograms, and in 30 ears in normal children. Results ABR latencies of waves I, III and V, and I-III, III-V and I-V intervals were not statistically different between OSAHS and normal children. Wave I latency was delayed in children with OSAHS compared to normal children3 (P < 0.05). DPOAE amplitudes in children with mild OSAHS were lower than normal children at 8 kHz (P < 0.05). DPOAEs were lower at 6 kHz and 8 kHz in children with moderate/severe OSAHS than normal children (P < 0.05). Conclusion Cochlear function was affected when AHI was at or greater than 10/hour. ABR and DPOAE can be used to detect early changes in auditory function in children with OSAHS.

Response characteristics of an ascending auditory neuron AN3 and its projections in the brain of the bushcricket Gampsocleis grationsa

The phonotaxis of bushcrickets demonstrates that they have goodcapability of recognizing conspecific songs and locating the sound source,which bases on complicated auditory mechanisms of the central nervoussystem(CNS).This article describes the response characteristics of AN3,an auditory ascending neuron in the prothoracic ganglion,and its projec-tions within the brain.The AN3,with a quasi-tonic discharge pattern,has high sensitivity,directionality and ability to encode sound intensity.Therefore,it plays an important role in auditory information processingof CNS.Its projections in the brain are mainly concentrated in the lateralzone of the deutencephalon,where synaptically connecting local auditoryinterneurons in the brain.

A Comparative Study on Efficacy of Fludrocortisones versus Glucocorticoids and Vasodilators in the Treatment of Idiopathic Sensorineural Cochlear Hearing Loss

Introduction and Objectives: The idiopathic sensorineural cochlear hearing loss is one of the most frequent human sensory deficits and there is no specific drug therapy for it. The possible hearing recovery is related with the reestablishment of normal ionic homeostasis of the endolymph controlled by the mineralocorticoid as could be demonstrate experimentally. The purpose of this clinical trial was to confirm the efficacy of mineralocorticoids to the recovery of hearing level in patients suffering idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) against the glucocorticoids and vasodilator drugs. Material and Methods: The research lasted three months and involved 90 patients allocated into four different groups: Placebo group, consisted of 20 patients (10 men and 10 women);the group consisting of 22 patients treated with glucocorticoid therapy (12 men and 10 female);the group treated with mineralocorticoid therapy encompassed 26 patients (13 males and 13 females) and the group of vasodilators formed by 22 patients (12 men and 10 women). The level of hearing loss was estimated by the tests Liminal Tone Audiometry (LTA) and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR). Results: The main features in this research were overall better response in improving the hearing level with the mineralocorticoid therapy. This improvement in hearing levels was greater in women than in men, and a higher response was found in the left ear regardless of patient’s gender. Conclusions: The hearing gain was significantly superior in the mineralocorticoids group followed by the glucocorticoids group whereas the response to vasodilators was lesser and with no statistical significance.

Acoustic Trauma of Guinea Pigs Caused by ^(60) Cobalt γ-Ray

Auditory cortical cvokod rcsponse(ACER) and auditory brainstom cvoked response (ABR) were recorded in guinea pigs before and after irradiation of ^(60)Co γ-ray. A single dose of irradiation on head was 90Gy and 70Gy in two groups, respectively. Two h after irradiation. the threshold shift was 12. 5 dB and 9 dB, and the ACER post-irradiation amplitude ex- ceeded the maximum pre-irradiation value by 20% and 37%. Six h after irradiation, the threshold shift increased to 37 dB and the maximum amplitnde decreased to the level of pre-irradiation in 70Gy-group. In another group, right auditory bulla arca was irradiated with a total dose of 45Gy in a course of six fractions/two weeks. Fourteen d after irradiation, the threshold shift of ABR was 118 dB and the latency of wave I was longer. The amplitude-intensity curve was after irradiation. Histological observation using scanning showed that only outer hair- cells in the basal coil of the cochlea were 6 h after irrdiation 50Gy-group. Bul 16 h later, outer, hair cells in all coils of the cochlea were found to be destroyed extensively and inner cells were destroyed slightly. In 45Gy-group, 14 d after irradiation, outer hair cells in all coils of the cochlea were damaged and no inmer hair cell was injured severely.

A METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING AN ANIMAL MODEL OF LIKE-AUDITARY NEUROPATHY

Objective: To establish an animal model of like-auditory neuropathy in neonatal rat. Methods The ani-mals were injected with phenylhydrazine hydrochloride or saline at 7-day of age. ABR and DPOAE were performed to assess the auditory function. The cochlea basilar membrane stretched preparation and cochlear frozen sections were prepared for immunohistochemical staining to examine the morphological change of hair cells and spiral ganglion cells (SGNs). Results At 7-day age the ABR waveI, III, V, latencies andI-III,I-V IWIs in the experimental group were significantly prolonged compared with those in the control group. The ABR thresholds were also elevated in the experimental group. We found there is no significant differ-ence in DPOAE in phenylhydrazine hydrochloride exposure group compare to control group. The cochlear hair cells showed no signs of loss in both group, but the total number of neurofilaments positive cells in SGNs were significantly reduced in the phenylhydrazine treated animals. Conclusion Our study suggests that phenylhydrazine hydrochloride can change the auditory function and induce peripheral nerve pathology by targeted mainly the SGNs in neonatal rat.