Evaluation of ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in a conductive hearing loss model

Objective:To investigate the effects of conductive hearing loss (CHL) on vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) using a simulated CHL model, and to provide the basis for future studies. Methods:Twenty-one healthy subjects were recruited in this study. We measured ocular VEMPs (oVEMPs) and cervical VEMPs (cVEMPs) in these subjects by air-conduction sound (ACS) stimulation. CHL was simulated later by blocking the right external auditory canal with a soundproof earplug to evaluate its impacts on VEMPs. Subjects' responses before simulated CHL served as the control, and were compared to their responses following simulated CHL. Results: oVEMPs following simulated CHL showed decreased response rate, elevated thresholds, attenuated amplitudes and prolonged N1 latencies compared with those before simulated CHL, and the differences were statistically significant. Similarly, cVEMPs following simulated CHL also showed decreased response rate, elevated thresholds and attenuated amplitudes, with prolonged P1 latencies compared with those before simulated CHL, although only differences in response rate, threshold and amplitude were significant. Conclusions:Conductive hearing loss affects the response rate and other response parameters in oVEMPs and cVEMPs.

Value of section plane,MPR,and 3D-CTVR techniques in the fine differential diagnosis of ossicular chain in the case of conductive hearing loss with intact tympanic membrane

Aim: To assess the quality of high-resolution CT section planes(HRCT), multi-planar reformation(MPR) and 3-dimensional volume rendered computer tomography(3D-CTVR) were here used in the fine differential diagnosis of ossicular chain in the case of conductive hearing loss with intact tympanic membrane.Methods: Here, 17 cases of otosclerosis and 22 cases of ossicular chain deformity were selected. All patients had normal external ear canals,intact tympanic membranes, conductive hearing loss, type A tympanograms, and negative Gelle's tests. The respective radiological reports of the status of the ossicles via 3 protocols were compared to surgical findings. The quantitative assessments of the representation of different segments of the ossicular chain were based on a 3-point scoring system.Results: MPR and CTVR imaging both showed the integrity of whole ossicular chain well. MPR and CTVR imaging were found to be superior to section planes with respect to showing the superstructure of the stapes and malformations(P > 0.05).Conclusion: CTVR and MPR imaging were found to be better able to show the whole ossicular chain in the conductive hearing loss with normal tympanic membranes. Furthermore, the use of these techniques can have profound contributive value in the differential diagnosis of otosclerosis and ossicular chain absence or malformation.

The anatomic determinants of conductive hearing loss secondary to tympanic membrane perforation

Objectives: Recent studies have introduced middle ear volume(MEV) as a novel determinant of perforation-induced conductive hearing loss(CHL) in a mechanism driven by trans-tympanic membrane pressure differences. The primary aims of this preliminary report are to: 1) correlate CHL with perforation size; 2) describe the relationship between CHL and MEV; and 3) compare CHL across a range of cholesteatoma involvement.Design: A retrospective pilot study was performed in 31 subjects with audiometry indicative of conductive hearing loss, temporal bone CT scans,and no prior middle ear surgery. Perforation size and MEV were analyzed with respect to CHL in a cohort of 10 perforated ears with no cholesteatoma. CHLs were compared in 3 groups defined by extent of cholesteatoma involvement.Results: Ears with large and small perforations showed mean ABG values of 32.0 ± 15.7 dB and 16.0 ± 16.4 dB, respectively. A direct relationship was observed between MEV and CHL for ears with large perforations across all frequencies, whereas this relationship for small perforations was frequency-dependent. Finally, a statistically significant increase in CHL was found across ears with increasing cholesteatoma involvement at 1000 Hz(X^2(2) = 9.786, p = 0.008),2000 Hz(x^2(2) = 8.455, p = 0.015),and 4000 Hz(x^2(2)= 8.253, p = 0.016).Conclusions: These pilot data suggest that greater perforation-induced conductive hearing losses may be associated with larger perforation sizes and cholesteatoma. The correlation between MEV and CHL may require additional study.

Conductive hearing loss in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy(CIDP):A case report

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy(CIDP) is a progressive autoimmune disorder that targets peripheral nerves. It commonly presents with motor-predominant dysfunction and enlargement of cranial nerves. With regards to hearing loss, a few cases of sensorineural loss have been described. We present a novel case of conductive hearing loss caused by a mass on the tympanic segment of the facial nerve in the setting of CIDP.

Conductive Hearing Loss with Present Acoustic Reflex: A Case Report

Acoustic reflex is a sensitive indicator of middle ear lesions when the tympanic membrane is in-tact and tympanometry is normal. Acoustic reflex is not usually observed in conductive hearing loss caused by disruption of the ossicular chain including ossicular discontinuity and fixation. Ossicular disruption can show at least partially intact acoustic reflex under a certain condition. Moreover, ossicular discontinuity with a nearly intact acoustic reflex is quite rare and there have been few reports published to date. We here present a rare case of conductive hearing loss with a nearly intact acoustic reflex, and the patient was surgically confirmed to have ossicular discontinuity.

Complete restoration of congenital conductive hearing loss by staged surgery: A case report

BACKGROUND Stapedial tendon ossification is a rare disease,with only a few reports.The stapedial tendon originates from the apex of the pyramidal eminence and is attached to the neck of the stapes.In stapedial tendon ossification,the stapes is fixed,causing conductive hearing loss.In most cases,complete hearing restoration is achieved by dividing the stapedial tendon after exploratory tympanotomy.CASE SUMMARY A 28-year-old woman presented to our hospital with the major complaint of bilateral hearing loss that started during childhood.Exploratory tympanotomy was performed due to suspicion of otosclerosis or middle ear anomalies.We found bilateral conductive hearing loss due to stapedial tendon ossification with a middle ear anomaly during surgery.There have been several reports of complete recovery of hearing after resection of the stapedial tendon.However,in this case,recovery of hearing was insufficient,even with the division of the stapedial tendon.In the second surgery,the stapes anomaly and footplate fixation were confirmed,and hearing was completely recovered after stapedotomy.Therefore,we report this case with a review of the relevant literature.CONCLUSION This is the first case of stapedial tendon ossification and fixation of the footplate surgically diagnosed on both sides.With surgical treatment,successful results are expected.

Social Effects of Hearing Loss on Patients in Jos, North Central Nigeria

Hearing loss has caused serious social effects among people living with it. Those who relate to patients with hearing loss (PHL) also share some part of the negative effects. Some specifics are communication disability, which impacts speech and language development, academic performance, and social or work life. In previous years, the problem was predicted to be aggravated as the expected life span of the population increased. The study was conducted among PHL and their family members in JUTH and Kazahyet Audiology Service in Jos. 150 PHL were purposively sampled. The study was guided by a Cross-sectional Survey Research Design, and the specific objectives were to (1) identify the social effects of hearing loss on the PHL, (2) determine the implication of social effects on PHL, and (3) determine the extent at which these social effects affect PHL. The outcome of the study shows that the social effects faced by PHL are poor relationships, no secrets, dependence on sign language, frustration, depression, and dependence on lip reading. Some stop schooling, and others feel laughed at and therefore choose the path of isolation. The implication is that hearing loss is expensive to manage. PHL always feel they are not contributing their quarter in life as usual;they feel stigmatized and are not easy to relate with. The study recommends that the government should come up with policies that will check man-made behaviors that exert negative social effects on PHL in our society, subsidize the cost of hearing aids and cochlear implants to be affordable for PHL, formulate a policy on mandatory newborn hearing screening before the infant is discharged from the hospital to help in the early identification of hearing loss. Finally, the early creation of awareness of the dangers or consequences of hearing loss will go a long way in preventing our society from involvement in high-risk behaviors that will cause hearing loss.

Genetically modified pigs:Emerging animal models for hereditary hearing loss

Hereditary hearing loss(HHL),a genetic disorder that impairs auditory function,significantly affects quality of life and incurs substantial economic losses for society.To investigate the underlying causes of HHL and evaluate therapeutic outcomes,appropriate animal models are necessary.Pigs have been extensively used as valuable large animal models in biomedical research.In this review,we highlight the advantages of pig models in terms of ear anatomy,inner ear morphology,and electrophysiological characteristics,as well as recent advancements in the development of distinct genetically modified porcine models of hearing loss.Additionally,we discuss the prospects,challenges,and recommendations regarding the use pig models in HHL research.Overall,this review provides insights and perspectives for future studies on HHL using porcine models.

Ionically Imprinting-Based Copper(Ⅱ)Label-Free Detection for Preventing Hearing Loss

Copper is a microelement with important physiological functions in the body.However,the excess copper ion(Cu^(2+))may cause severe health problems,such as hair cell apoptosis and the resultant hearing loss.Therefore,the assay of Cu^(2+)is important.We integrate ionic imprinting technology(IIT)and structurally colored hydrogel beads to prepare chitosan-based ionically imprinted hydrogel beads(IIHBs)as a low-cost and high-specificity platform for Cu^(2+)detection.The IIHBs have a macroporous microstructure,uniform size,vivid structural color,and magnetic responsiveness.When incubated in solution,IIHBs recognize Cu^(2+)and exhibit a reflective peak change,thereby achieving label-free detection.In addition,benefiting from the IIT,the IIHBs display good specificity and selectivity and have an imprinting factor of 19.14 at 100μmol·L^(-1).These features indicated that the developed IIHBs are promising candidates for Cu^(2+)detection,particularly for the prevention of hearing loss.

Modified intratympanic steroid therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss via tympanic tube and gelfoam as a salvage treatment

Background: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSNHL) is a prevalent emergency in ear, nose, and throat practice. Previous studies have demonstrated that intratympanic steroid therapy(IST) can serve as a salvage treatment for SSNHL after the failure of systemic steroid therapy(SST).Objective: This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of modified IST involving the insertion of a tympanic tube and gelfoam as a salvage treatment for patients with SSNHL, and to explore its associated factors.Methods: Totally, 74 patients who were aged 22–81 years with SSNHL were enrolled and allocated to either the control group(n = 25) or the treatment group(n = 49) based on their treatment modalities. All patients received SST lasting for at least 7 days. Subsequently, patients in the treatment group, after SST failure, underwent IST twice a week for 2–6 weeks, while the control group did not. Efficacy was assessed by the improvement in pure tone average at the affected frequency at the beginning and end of IST.Results: Hearing improvement in all patients after IST in the treatment group was 9.71 ± 14.84 dB, with significant improvement at affected frequencies(250-8000 Hz) compared with the control group(P < 0.05). The findings indicated the duration from the onset of SSNHL to the beginning of IST as an independent factor for pure tone average improvement after treatment(P = 0.002), whereas age, duration of SST, and time of IST were not(P > 0.05).Conclusion: The modified IST was demonstrated to be a safe and effective method as a salvage treatment for SSNHL. This study explored the efficacy of a modified IST approach, incorporating the utilization of tympanic tubes and gelfoam as key components. The findings underscore the advantages of gelfoam as a strategic drug carrier placed in the round window niche. By minimizing drug loss, extending action time, and increasing perilymph concentration, gelfoam enhances the therapeutic impact of IST, contributing to improved hearing outcomes in patients with SSNHL.

Effect of foot reflexology on an infant with sensorineural hearing loss:A case report

BACKGROUND Our study contributes to the further understanding of the mechanism of foot reflexology.Foot reflexology has been reported to affect hearing recovery,but no physiological evidence has been provided.This lack of evidence hampers the acceptance of the technique in clinical practice.CASE SUMMARY A girl was taken to North Sichuan Medical University Affiliated Hospital for a hearing screen by her parents.Her parents reported that her hearing level was the same as when she was born.The girl was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss(SNHL)by a doctor in the otolaryngology department.After we introduced the foot reflexology project,the parents agreed to participate in the experiment.After 6 months of foot reflexology treatment,the hearing threshold of the girl recovered to a normal level,below 30 dB.CONCLUSION Foot reflexology should be encouraged in clinical practice and for families of infants with SNHL.

Navigating Silence: A Comprehensive Review of Parental Roles in the Rehabilitation of Children with Hearing Loss

This narrative literature review delves into the multifaceted realm of parental involvement in the rehabilitation of children with permanent hearing loss. While existing research has made strides in elucidating parental roles in this context, critical gaps persist, necessitating a comprehensive exploration to inform future endeavors. Our review synthesizes a wide array of studies, identifying these gaps and emphasizing the significance of addressing them. Themes emerging from the literature include the varying degrees of parental engagement, the impact of cultural and socio-economic factors, and the challenges faced by families navigating rehabilitation processes. The synthesis of this literature not only highlights the current state of knowledge but also provides a roadmap for future research efforts. By addressing these gaps, we aim to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of parental involvement in the rehabilitation of children with permanent hearing loss, ultimately fostering improved support systems and holistic care for affected families.

Tranylcypromine upregulates Sestrin 2 expression to ameliorate NLRP3-related noise-induced hearing loss

Noise-induced hearing loss is the primary non-genetic factor contributing to auditory dysfunction.However,there are currently no effective pharmacological interventions for patients with noise-induced hearing loss.Here,we present evidence suggesting that the lysine-specific demethylase 1 inhibitor–tranylcypromine is an otoprotective agent that could be used to treat noise-induced hearing loss,and elucidate its underlying regulatory mechanisms.We established a mouse model of permanent threshold shift hearing loss by exposing the mice to white broadband noise at a sound pressure level of 120 d B for 4 hours.We found that tranylcypromine treatment led to the upregulation of Sestrin2(SESN2)and activation of the autophagy markers light chain 3B and lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein 1 in the cochleae of mice treated with tranylcypromine.The noise exposure group treated with tranylcypromine showed significantly lower average auditory brainstem response hearing thresholds at click,4,8,and 16 k Hz frequencies compared with the noise exposure group treated with saline.These findings indicate that tranylcypromine treatment resulted in increased SESN2,light chain 3B,and lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein 1 expression after noise exposure,leading to a reduction in levels of 4-hydroxynonenal and cleaved caspase-3,thereby reducing noise-induced hair cell loss.Additionally,immunoblot analysis demonstrated that treatment with tranylcypromine upregulated SESN2 expression via the autophagy pathway.Tranylcypromine treatment also reduced the production of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domaincontaining 3(NLRP3)production.In conclusion,our results showed that tranylcypromine treatment ameliorated cochlear inflammation by promoting the expression of SESN2,which induced autophagy,thereby restricting NLRP3-related inflammasome signaling,alleviating cochlear hair cell loss,and protecting hearing function.These findings suggest that inhibiting lysine-specific demethylase 1 is a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing hair cell loss and noise-induced hearing loss.

Clinical characteristics and analysis of vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss in different ages

BACKGROUND Numerous studies have found that patients experiencing sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSHL),with or without accompanying vertigo,often show impaired vestibular function.However,there is a dearth of studies analyzing vestibularevoked myogenic potentials(VEMPs)in SSHL patients across various age groups.AIM To investigate vestibular condition in SSHL patients across various age demographics.METHODS Clinical data of 84 SSHL patients were investigated retrospectively.Audiometry,cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials(c-VEMPs),and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials(o-VEMPs)were conducted on these patients.Parameters assessed included the latencies of P1 and N1 waves,as well as the amplitudes of P1–N1 waves.Moreover,the study evaluated the influence of factors such as sex,affected side,configuration of hearing loss,and presence of accompanying vertigo.RESULTS Among the 84 SSHL patients,no significant differences were observed among the three groups in terms of gender,affected side,and the presence or absence of vertigo.Group II(aged 41–60 years)had the highest number of SSHL cases.The rates of absent o-VEMPs in the affected ears were 20.83%,31.58%,and 22.72%for the three age groups,respectively,with no statistically significant difference among them.The rates of absent c-VEMPs in the affected ears were 8.3%,34.21%,and 18.18%for the three age groups,respectively,with significant differences.In the unaffected ears,there were differences observed in the extraction rates of o-VEMPs in the unaffected ears among the age groups.In the three age groups,no significant differences were noted in the three age groups in the latencies of P1 and N1 waves or in the amplitude of N1–P1 waves for c-VEMPs and o-VEMPs,either on the affected side or on the unaffected side,across the three age groups.CONCLUSION The extraction rate of VEMPs is more valuable than parameters.Regardless of the presence of vertigo,vestibular organs are involved in SSHL.Notably,SSHL patients aged 41–60 appear more susceptible to damage to the inferior vestibular nerve and saccule.

Prevalence of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Related to the Mills in the Markets of the Municipality of Parakou in 2021

Introduction: Noise is the second leading cause of hearing loss in adults after presbycusis. The objective of this work was to study hearing loss induced by the noise of mills in the markets of Parakou. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, conducted from February 3 to June 3, 2021 in the markets of Parakou. It concerned millers and sellers located within a 5 meter radius around the mills and among whom pure-tone audiometry was performed to detect a hearing loss. Subjects with no particular medical health history, under 55 years of age and having been working in these markets since more than 12 months, were included. Results: In this study, 103 subjects were selected, including 43 millers and 61 sellers. Their average age was 29 ± 13 years. The sex ratio was 0.49. The average length of service in the profession was 8 years with the extremes of 3 months and 47 years. They were exposed to noise on average 10 hours per day and 6 days a week. The average duration of weekly noise exposure was 23 h 28 min ± 13 h 32 min with the extremes of 5 h 00 min and 52 h 30 min. The average level of noise exposure was 90 dB with the extremes of 72 and 110 dB. 24 subjects reported symptoms related to noise such as headache, tinnitus, and hearing loss, with respective proportions of 22.33%, 20.39% and 06.80%. The prevalence of noise-related hearing loss was 26.21% (n = 27/103). Subjects with a notch at 4000 Hz and normal Average Hearing Loss (AHL) (20.39%) had a seven-time greater risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss (OR = 6.58;95% CI [2.54 - 18.8], p Conclusion: Hearing loss related to the noise of mills affected both millers and sellers near the mills in markets, hence the importance of regulating mills.

Evaluation of Digits-in-Noise Test and Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults Screening in Patients with Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Objective:To explore the clinical evaluation role of the Digits-in-Noise(DIN)test and Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults Screening(HHIA-S)for patients with occupational noise-induced hearing loss and to observe and analyze their application values.Methods:Fifty patients with suspected occupational noise-induced hearing loss were randomly selected from the Department of Otolaryngology at the hospital as the research target.The collection period for the research cases spanned from January 2022 to November 2023,and all patients had a history of noise exposure.The DIN test and HHIA-S were used for hearing examinations,with clinical,comprehensive diagnosis serving as the gold standard to study their diagnostic performance.Results:The compliance rate of the DIN test was 88.00%,the HHIA-S’s compliance rate was 80.00%,and the combined compliance rate was 94.00%.The compliance rate of the DIN test and the combined compliance rates of the patients were statistically significant compared to the clinical gold standard data(P<0.05),while there was no difference between the compliance rate of the HHIA-S and the gold standard(P>0.05).The data shows that the sensitivity of the combined diagnosis is significantly higher than the sensitivity data of the DIN test and HHIA-S examination alone(P<0.05).Its specificity is 100.00%,and the accuracy data of the joint diagnosis in the degree were higher than those of the DIN test alone(P>0.05)and the HHIA-S alone(P<0.05).Conclusion:For patients with occupational noise-induced hearing loss,the joint evaluation of the DIN test and HHIA-S can significantly improve their diagnostic value with high sensitivity and accuracy.

Autosomal dominant non-syndromic hearing loss caused by a novel mutation in MYO7A:A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Variants in the MYO7A gene commonly result in Usher syndrome,and in rare cases lead to autosomal dominant non-syndromic deafness(DFNA11).Currently,only nine variants have been reported to be responsible for DFNA11 and their clinical phenotypes are not identical.Here we present a novel variant causing DFNA11 identified in a three-generation Chinese family.CASE SUMMARY The proband was a 53-year-old Han male who presented with post-lingual bilateral symmetrical moderate sensorineural hearing loss.We learned from the patient’s medical history collection that multiple family members also had similar hearing loss,generally occurring around the age of 40.Subsequent investigation by high-throughput sequencing identified a novel MYO7A variant.To provide evidence supporting that this variant is responsible for the hearing loss in the studied family,we performed Sanger sequencing on 11 family members and found that the variant co-segregated with the deafness phenotype.In addition,the clinical manifestation of the 11 affected family members was found to be lateonset bilateral slowly progressive hearing loss,inherited in this family in an autosomal dominant manner.None of the affected family members had visual impairment or vestibular symptoms;therefore,we believe that this novel MYO7A variant is responsible for the rare DFNA11 in this family.CONCLUSION We report a novel variant leading to DFNA11 which further enriches the collection of MYO7A variants,and our review of the nine previous variants that have been identified to cause DFNA11 provides a reference for clinical genetic counseling.

Therapeutic efficacy of methylprednisolone sodium succinate via diverse administration routes for mid-to high-frequency sudden sensorineural hearing loss

BACKGROUND Sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSNHL),characterized by a rapid and unexplained loss of hearing,particularly at moderate to high frequencies,presents a significant clinical challenge.The therapeutic use of methylprednisolone sodium succinate(MPSS)via different administration routes,in combination with conventional medications,remains a topic of interest.AIM To compare the therapeutic efficacy of MPSS administered via different routes in combination with conventional drugs for the treatment of mid-to high-frequency SSNHL.METHODS The medical records of 109 patients with mid-to high-frequency SSNHL were analyzed.The patients were divided into three groups based on the route of administration:Group A[intratympanic(IT)injection of MPSS combined with mecobalamin and Ginkgo biloba leaf extract injection],Group B(intravenous injection of MPSS combined with mecobalamin and Ginkgo biloba leaf extract injection),and Group C(single IT injection of MPSS).The intervention effects were compared and analyzed.RESULTS The posttreatment auditory thresholds in Group A(21.23±3.34)were significantly lower than those in Groups B(28.52±3.36)and C(30.23±4.21;P<0.05).Group A also exhibited a significantly greater speech recognition rate(92.23±5.34)than Groups B and C.The disappearance time of tinnitus,time to hearing recovery,and disappearance time of vertigo in Group A were significantly shorter than those in Groups B and C(P<0.05).The total effective rate in Group A(97.56%)was significantly greater than that in Groups B and C(77.14%and 78.79%,χ^(2)=7.898,P=0.019).Moreover,the incidence of adverse reactions in Groups A and C was significantly lower than that in Group B(4.88%,3.03%vs 2.57%,χ^(2)=11.443,P=0.003),and the recurrence rate in Group A was significantly lower than that in Groups B and C(2.44%vs 20.00%vs 21.21%,χ^(2)=7.120,P=0.028).CONCLUSION IT injection of MPSS combined with conventional treatment demonstrates superior efficacy and safety compared to systemic administration via intravenous infusion and a single IT injection of MPSS.This approach effectively improves patients'hearing and reduces the risk of disease recurrence.

Hidden Hearing Loss: Causes, Current Knowledge, and Future Directions

Introduction: Hidden hearing loss (HHL) is a type of auditory disorder that affects the auditory neural processing and hearing sensitivity in subjects with normal hearing thresholds. Unlike central auditory processing disorders, HHL happens when the cochlea (the peripheral auditory organ) is affected. There are several known risk factors to HHL which includes noise exposure, ototoxic drugs, and peripheral neuropathies, and age. Recent studies have shed light on this type of hearing loss, its etiology, prevalence, and how it can affect the auditory acuity in humans. Methods: This paper covers the current research regarding HHL, its causes, the different mechanisms involved in this disorder, and the diagnosis and potential treatments related to it. We will delve deeply into different researches concerning HHL. 4 articles from 285 were selected focusing on normal hearing individuals with bad speech intelligibility were discussed in this paper. In addition, articles discussing the effects of noise exposure on hearing impaired individuals were not considered as this study solely aims to focus on normal hearing sensitivity individuals with HHL, resulting in 4 articles from 285. Results: Numerous literatures over the decades have suggested that HHL is due to the degeneration of cochlear ribbon synapses, or hair cells synapses without hair cell damage. Their association with HHL was noted several times through this study, whether we were studying the effect of noise exposure, of age, or of ototoxicity. In all cases, no significant hair cell damage was observed, and normal thresholds were recovered. However, a decline in the amplitude of Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) peak I from auditory nerve (AN) responses in noise exposed subjects and a decline in compound action potential (CAP) was measured when certain drugs were applied to the round window of Guinea pigs. Conclusion: Most studies, have proven that cochlear synaptophysin is the major contributor to noise induced, age, and ototoxic related HHL. There are several audiometric tests that were used to help identify HHL including Puretone audiometry in background noise, ABR, CAP, Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission (DPOAE).

Age-related hearing loss accelerates the decline in fast speech comprehension and the decompensation of cortical network connections

Patients with age-related hearing loss face hearing difficulties in daily life.The causes of age-related hearing loss are complex and include changes in peripheral hearing,central processing,and cognitive-related abilities.Furthermore,the factors by which aging relates to hearing loss via changes in audito ry processing ability are still unclear.In this cross-sectional study,we evaluated 27 older adults(over 60 years old) with age-related hearing loss,21 older adults(over 60years old) with normal hearing,and 30 younger subjects(18-30 years old) with normal hearing.We used the outcome of the uppe r-threshold test,including the time-compressed thres h old and the speech recognition threshold in noisy conditions,as a behavioral indicator of auditory processing ability.We also used electroencephalogra p hy to identify presbycusis-related abnormalities in the brain while the participants were in a spontaneous resting state.The timecompressed threshold and speech recognition threshold data indicated significant diffe rences among the groups.In patients with age-related hearing loss,information masking(babble noise) had a greater effect than energy masking(speech-shaped noise) on processing difficulties.In terms of resting-state electroencephalography signals,we observed enhanced fro ntal lobe(Brodmann’s area,BA11) activation in the older adults with normal hearing compared with the younger participants with normal hearing,and greater activation in the parietal(BA7) and occipital(BA19) lobes in the individuals with age-related hearing loss compared with the younger adults.Our functional connection analysis suggested that compared with younger people,the older adults with normal hearing exhibited enhanced connections among networks,including the default mode network,sensorimotor network,cingulo-opercular network,occipital network,and frontoparietal network.These results suggest that both normal aging and the development of age-related hearing loss have a negative effect on advanced audito ry processing capabilities and that hearing loss accele rates the decline in speech comprehension,especially in speech competition situations.Older adults with normal hearing may have increased compensatory attentional resource recruitment represented by the to p-down active listening mechanism,while those with age-related hearing loss exhibit decompensation of network connections involving multisensory integration.