Audiology Praxis 5343
Name the condition associated with bony growth surrounding the bones of the middle ear and describe the type of hearing loss that accompanies it.
Otosclerosis. CHL. Can be congenital or acquired (through perf or constant negative pressure) NO CONSISTENT TYMP PATTERNS, DEPENDS ON DEGREE OF OSSICULAR CHAIN INVOLVEMENT Bacteria often associated with the mass!
How are aural atresia and cholesteotoma associated?
Pinpoint (very small opening of the canal) can lead to an external canal cholesteatoma (inflammation, pain, discharge)
Surgery may be warranted for...
Posterior BPPV, SSCD, perilymph fistula
How does a pediatric case history differ from adults?
Pre-natal history, birth history (born full term? complications?) and NICU stay, passed HBHS?, general health/ear infections, family history of childhood hearing loss, S/L development, global development, educational concerns, hearing concerns??
For what suspected condition would you obtain reflex decay?
Present activator continuously for 10 seconds and if the reflex rapidly decreases in strength, this is "fatigue" and it is often associated with retrocochlear pathology (e.g., 8th-nerve tumor)
Alport syndrome characteristics
Progressive loss of kidney function, SNHL, and eye abnormalities. Progressive SNHL (at first affects high frequencies). Usually occurs in LATE childhood
Hallmark of glomus tumor?
Pulsitile tinnitus, affects cranial nerves. Browns sign: when ear canal pressure is raised, tumor will pulsate vigorously and then turn white.
What is the difference between reliability and validity for an assessment?
Reliability refers to the consistency of a measure (whether the results can be reproduced under the same conditions). Validity refers to the accuracy of a measure (whether the results really do represent what they are supposed to measure).
Define threshold
"Threshold is defined as the lowest decibel hearing level at which responses occur in at least one half of a series of ascending trials. The minimum number of responses needed to determine the threshold of hearing is two responses out of three presentations at a single level ."
What steps need to be taken to verify the different kinds of assessment equipment?
#1: Annual electroacoustic calibration #2: Biological checks... self-listening check & hearing threshold check (audiogram on someone with "known and stable" thresholds.
Discuss the pros and cons of MLV vs. recorded
*MLV can be personalized. Recorded is more consistent and more standardized. MLV can be paced however is needed. Accents are a barrier (could be different than local dialect with either presentation). Recorded voice presents normative data (helpful when fitting).
Example of psychophysical (behavioral) tests
+Dichotic listening tests--corpus collosum +Temporal processing (gap detection, pattern perception) +Low-redundancy speech (distorted speech) +Binaural interaction +Auditory discrimination tests
Interventions to help alleviate tinnitus?
--Biofeedback, relaxation techniques, CBT, hearing aids, ■Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): utilizes both sound therapy and counseling to achieve habituation of tinnitus. Intent is to remove the negative association attached to tinnitus and to help the patient habituate so that it becomes less adverse. Takes 12-18 months where you present a low level broadband noise to help the patient habituate to their own tinnitus. ■Neuromonics Oasis/music therapy: patient wears a small device that plays music that has been tailored to the patients loudness tolerance and thresholds. Takes 6-9 months. Sound generators and maskers can help in the moment, but don't make lasting affect
What are the key precautions used to achieve infection control?
-appropriate personal barriers (gloves, masks, etc) worn when performing procedures that may expose you to infectious agents -hand hygiene performed before and after patient contact and after glove removal, before and after eating -touch and splash surfaces must be pre cleaned and disinfected-critical instruments sterilized -infectious waste disposed of appropriately -dispose of speculums -disinfect equipment
Make a list of age-appropriate testing methods used for infants to age 6. Behavioral & speech.
0-6 months: BOA (or ABR) 6 months-2.5 years: VRA 2.5-5 years: CPA <2 years: Early speech perception test 2-5 years: NU CHIPS 4-6: WIPI 6+: PBK-50
Steps for biological check
1) Phone check... play a continuous pure tone, reduce and increase (check for noise). 2) Bone oscillator check... across frequencies at 30 dB and 50 dB for distortion 3) Audiometer check (are dials loose? Listen for background noise in between signals) 4) Threshold check (on chair in booth) 5) Tymp: 2cc on volume measures on tymp. should easily obtain a seal
What do the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing recommendations require in terms of timing and screening requirements?
1-3-6 screen, diagnose, intervention
A patient in the early stages of Ménière's disease will have an increase in the amount of endolymph in the inner ear. Audiometric assessment is likely to show sensorineural hearing loss that primarily affects which of the following frequency ranges?
250-2000 Hz. The increase in the amount of endolymph in the inner ear expands the apical end of the cochlea because of a decreasing stiffness gradient of the basilar membrane. Since it is the low frequencies that are sensed in this location, it is the low frequencies that are diminished when there is too much endolymph.
What are the etiologies of hearing loss present at birth?
50% Genetic (syndromic & Non-syndromic) 25% Environmental 25% Idiopathic
For someone sitting 20 meters from a concert stage, the average intensity is 65 dB65 decibels SPL. Which of the following best indicates the average sound-pressure level at a seat 10 meters from the stage?
71 dB SPL. According to the inverse square law, the sound intensity decreases by 6 dB6 decibels when the distance from a sound source doubles. Conversely, the sound intensity increases by 6 dB6 decibels when the distance to the sound source is halved.
Review acoustic reflex pathway
:)
Define standard threshold shift.
A change in hearing threshold, relative to the baseline audiogram for that employee, of an average of 10 decibels (dB) or more at 2000, 3000, and 4000 hertz (Hz) in one or both ears.
What is dB-A and dB-C and when are they used?
A dBA is a weighted scale for judging loudness that corresponds to the hearing threshold of the human ear. Although dB is commonly used when referring to measuring sound, humans do not hear all frequencies equally. For this reason, sound levels in the low frequency end of the spectrum are reduced as the human ear is less sensitive at low audio frequencies than at high audio frequencies. This is used in most hearing conservation measurements/programs. dB-C assesses the contribution of low frequency nosies, which may be of interest when assessing the efficacy of a hearing protection device.
What is peak admittance?
A measure of the of ability of the middle ear system to accept acoustic energy. The tympanic membrane is in its position of rest; it is not forced medially or laterally. The pressure in the canal is equal to the pressure in the middle ear. The peak tends to be large with "loosening" pathologies: ossicular discontinuities, atrophic TMs. Admittance is small with stiffening pathologies: middle ear effusion, otosclerosis
While performing tympanometry on a patient, an audiologist obtains a seal on the patient's test ear, which has a large external canal, but the seal is lost intermittently whenever the patient swallows. Which of the following is the most likely cause of the problem?
A perforated tympanic membrane
What is the warble tone? Why is the warble tone used when testing in the sound field?
A tone whose frequency varies periodically several times per second over a small range; used to prevent standing-wave patterns from forming in reverberation chambers: when the vibrational frequency of the source causes reflected waves from one end of the medium to interfere with incident waves from the source.
Which THREE of the following must be included in the written report of an audiologic assessment for a patient with Medicare?
A.Referral source key B.Reason for referral key C.Relevant medical history key
Describe follow-up procedure for a person who has not passed a hearing screening?
ABR babies get re-screened once only. Never OAE screen after ABR because you'd miss ANSD. OAE babies get one re-screen in hospital and one outpatient re-screen
Characteristics of Goldenhar syndrome?
Abnormal development of the eye, ear and spine. Usually ONE SIDED atresia (missing ear canal) and MISFORMED OSSICLES! Usually normal inner ear.
Why does fluid accumulate behind the TM in the middle ear space during otitis media?
An ear infection is caused by a bacterium or virus in the middle ear. This infection often results from another illness — cold, flu or allergy — that causes congestion and swelling of the nasal passages, throat and eustachian tubes. Swollen eustachian tubes can become blocked (eustachian tube dysfunction), causing fluids to build up in the middle ear (effusion). This fluid can become infected and cause the symptoms of an ear infection.
Vestibular suppression meds
Antihistamines, benzos, antidepressents
Purpose of caloric testing
Assessment of horizontal SCC. The only test to assess right and left individual peripheral systems. When endolymph is heated, it will rise. When it's cooler, it will sink.
What is the major difference between behavior observation audiometry (BOA) and visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA)
BOA: birth-4 mo; reflexive behaviors VRA: 5 mo-2yrs, involves conditioning to stimuli (reinforce with video/items)
When I go out to a restaurant, I can hear conversations several tables away, but I can't hear very well at my own table. Speech is clear and easy to understand in quieter environments, but it sounds muffled in noisier environments. The sound of paper rustling is too loud. What will help??
COMPRESSION!
What different kinds of self-report measures can be used with patients and what patient factors should be taken into account in selection and interpretation?
COSI: open ended, choose listening situations APHAB: disability by HL and reduction of disability with HAsHAPI: assesses effectiveness of amp in everyday listening situations SADL: 4 sub scales of cost, positive effects, negative features, and personal image IOIHA: satisfaction and QOL changes with HA use SSQ: several domains of auditory disability and handicap
What should caloric responses be?
COWS (Cool stimulation should beat eyes in the opposite direction of stimulated ear. Warm---same direction)
Why use ice water in calorics?
Can determine if there is any residual function in the ear.
List the key components of a case history including information about family history, accidents, and medications
Chief complaint/reason for coming Concerns with hearing: degree, onset, cause, length of time with HL, which ear, fluctuations/progression? Dizziness & ringing? Previous hearing tests? Noise exposure Family history of HL Medical history: surgery on ears, pain, drainage, fullness, visual disturbances HA history
What patient factors determine appropriate assessment for... Physiologic measures rather than behavioral assessment? Use of different kinds of behavioral assessment? Use of different kinds of stimuli?
Children who can not give reliable behavioral results CPA, VRA, BOA. Children or adults with developmental disabilities Tinnitus, bored children, people with CI need broadband noise
OM classifications
Chronic OM: Presence of fluid for more than 30 days Recurrent Acute OM: 3 or more bouts within 6 months Chronic Suppurative OM: Persistent inflammation and disease of the middle ear Honey colored TM= chronic OM with effusion Red & Bulging= acute OM
Autoimmune disorders related to autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED)
Cogans syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, hashimotos, wegeners granulomatosis
Characteristics of CHARGE syndrome
Colomba of the eyes Heart defects Atresia or stenosis of the Chonae (nasal passage) Retardation of growth/development Genital abnormalities Ear abnormalities/deafness Stable, mixed severe-profound unilateral loss
A patient reports that hearing loss in both ears has slowly worsened and that hearing is better under noisy conditions than under quiet conditions. The patient's hearing loss is most likely to be...
Conductive. People speak more loudly in noisy conditions and doing so provides a higher-amplitude speech signal. This improves the signal-to-noise ratio and the sensorineural input for individuals with conductive hearing loss.
Pendred syndrome characteristics
Congenital bilateral SNHL and Goiter: a swelling of the thyroid gland which causes a lump in the neck. Mondini dysplasia: 1.5 cochlear turns (instead of 2.5 - 2.75) . Enlarged vestibular aqueduct, variable VESTIBULAR function. Gets worse with head injury so be careful!
Which of the following lists examples of technical safeguard options outlined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act?
De-identification of data, firewalls, mobile device management
A 60-year-old man has bilateral, moderate-to-severe, precipitously sloping sensorineural hearing impairment. During the hearing-aid trial period, he is extremely dissatisfied because he constantly reports that /s/forward slash, s, forward slash, /f/forward slash, f, forward slash, and /sh/forward slash, sh, forward slash sounds are not clear. Which of the following is the best method of addressing his concern?
Deactivating frequency lowering and performing probe microphone verification by measuring REAR. The best option is to deactivate frequency lowering in the hearing-aid settings and perform Real-Ear Aided Response (REAR). This process will allow the audiologist to rapidly identify maximum audible output across the frequency range and determine whether high-frequency sounds are inaudible or appropriate per the prescription targets.
What impacts can hearing loss cause for learning in children?
Delay in speech and language, reduced academic achievement and vocabulary, lessened literacy skills, social isolation and poor self-concept, vocational choices
Reduced visual function, which can complicate planning for aural rehabilitation, is most likely to be found in patients with hearing loss who present with....
Diabetes
Describe different types of hearing protection and the importance of their fit for effectiveness.
Disposable foam earplug: provides the most attenuation, but attenuation depends highly on fit. Premolded, disposable earplug: attenuation depends on fit, correct size, can fall out when chewing/talking. Banded earplugs: lower attenuation than most earplugs. Convenient to put around neck. Custom earplug: lower attenuation. Can attach to radio. Passive earmuff: Good for intermittent noise Earmuffs with radio or amplification: Better compliance, allow communication, better for low levels of noise, manage impulse noise level dependent devices: Communication and situational awareness in certain situations Combined hearing protection and communication systems: allows for communication in loud environments
Difference between exostoses and osteoma?
Exostoses; bony growth in bony portion of ear canal (related to cold water exposure), osteoma in the more lateral portion, same symptoms as exostoses
What is the relationship between fundamental frequencies and harmonics?
F0= lowest freq component of a complex periodic sound; harmonic is a regular and repeating multiple of the f0
A stimulus-response table is being maintained to record results of a hearing screening. The trials in which a listener reports hearing a stimulus when a stimulus is not present are recorded in the table as
False alarms. Experts in childhood hearing screenings found that frequent and thorough screener training, control of instrument calibration, and rigid ambient-noise control reduced false‐positive rates from a range of 40%-90%40 percent to 90 percent down to a more acceptable level of 20%-30%20 percent to 30 percent.
Symptoms of AIED
Fluctuating SNHL, tinnitus, vertigo!!
Describe the screening protocols recommended for screening adults and children. How do they differ?
For those children who can be conditioned for visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA), screen using earphones (conventional or insert), with 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz tones at 30 dB HL. For those children who can be conditioned for play audiometry (CPA)--up to age 18--, screen using earphones (conventional or insert), with 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz tones at 20 dB HL. Adults: Position conventional earphones (or insert earphones) and present pure tones at 25 dB HL at the frequencies of 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz.
_________ is in a class of antibiotics (aminoglycosides) that are known to cause bilateral vestibular loss due to ototoxicity. A sign of bilateral vestibular loss is unsteadiness (ataxia) when standing and walking.
Gentamicin
What is the value of a baseline audiogram?
Having a reference for future audiograms and can determine if the patient experiences a change in hearing sensitivity. Should be obtained within 30 days of starting work in a noisy area. Must be after 14 hours after a noise-free-period.
Three foot rule
If you're 3 feet away from someone and can't be heard, the noise is probably 85 dB A+
What is calibration and what function does it serve?
It's required by law (OSHA) for instruments to be calibrated, but it's important for professionals to calibrate instruments to ensure safety and accuracy in threshold testing-no calibration standards currently for ABRs or OAEs **check
What is a perilymph fistula?
Leaks of perilymph around the oval or round window. Caused by trauma or congenital conditions. Allows pressure changes to affect the inner ear.
Characteristics of Marfan syndrome?
Long arms, legs, fingers & toes. Heart defects. CHL & recurrent ear infections. Hypertention can also cause SNHL.
Typically, Meniere's affects _____ frequencies first
Low
Menieres treatment
Low salt, diuretics if that does not work, oral steroids during flare ups, meniett device: provides pressure to improve symptoms
Characteristics of Noonan syndrome?
Low-set ears. SNHL in up to 50% of patients. Short stature, heart defects.
At what level is a word recognition test administered?
MCL/ 50-60 dB for normal hearing patients, for patient with hearing loss-- 20-30 dB SL the poorest air conduction threshold in the test ear from 1000-4000 Hz OR 20-30 dB SL the SRT
What is Tympanometric peak pressure?
Middle ear air pressure. TPP is negative when middle ear pressure is below ambient. TPP is associated with eustachian tube malfunction. TPP varies widely in children's ears that are normal
What are the most common medical conditions associated with pediatric balance disorders that may require further vestibular assessment and medical referral for treatment?
Migraine and benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood (BPVC) are the most common medical conditions associated with pediatric balance disorders and may require further vestibular assessment and medical referral for treatment.
Stiffness vs. mass in tymps.
More than normal energy reflected back and recorded at the mic, suggests stiff ME system (ossicular fixation, OM, cholesteatoma) Less energy than normal reflected, back and recorded at the mic suggested flaccid ME system (discontinuity of ME ossicles, monomeric TM)
What is burnout phenomenon associated with menieres?
No more dizziness attacks but still have aura fullness, tinnitus, and hearing loss
Genetic causes of HL? Non-syndromic and syndromic
Non-syndromic: Connexin mutation related BFN B4 Mitochondrial Syndromic: Alport syndrome Branchio-oto-rental syndrome CHARGE Jervel and Lange-Nielson Syndrome Pendred syndrome Treacher Collins syndrome Stickler syndrome Ushers syndrome Waardenburg syndrome Down syndrome, Neurofibromatosis type 2
Degree of HL classifications
Normal: -10 to 15 Slight: 16 to 25 Mild: 26 to 40 Moderate: 41 to 55 Moderately severe: 56 to 70 Severe: 71 to 90 Profound: 91+
What is the most significant limitation in audiologic findings when soundfield is used?
Not ear specific!
What are the most common screening tools in newborn screenings? List pros and cons
OAE: Quick, Placement of probe prone to be failed compare to ABR. ABR: Testing retrocochlear area. Neural function and more informations on hearing loss. Not recommended for NICU bc ANSD risk factor.
Describe the differences in results from OAEs versus ABRs in newborn screenings.
OAE: frequency specific >1k. ABR: stimulus= clicks or chirps. click is 1-4k. Level is 35 dB (would not detect LF hearing loss.)
What are the guidelines for acceptable noise levels?
OSHA requires employers to implement a hearing conservation program when noise exposure is at or above 85 decibels averaged over 8 working hours, or an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA), which is a combination of all the sound intensities throughout the work shift. At 90 dB for 8 hours, the noise has reached the PEL (permissible exposure level), and hearing protection is warranted.
Function of outer and inner hair cells?
OUTER: Amplification of displacement on the traveling wave & frequency selectivity (active processes are here) INNER: Nerve excitation= send signals to auditory nerve
Describe the function of each of the three major parts of the hearing mechanism
OUTER: Pinna-- Funneling of sound & localization. Ear canal-- Amplifies sounds & protects TM MIDDLE: Reduces impedance mismatch & Protects from loud sounds (also, Eustachian tube equalizes pressure BC for the TM to vibrate, the air pressure needs to be equal on each side of the TM.) INNER: amplify sounds, frequency selectivity, converts sound to electrical signal, maintain balance
Where can you find the guidelines for acceptable noise levels?
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Define speech awareness threshold (SAT), speech recognition threshold (SRT), most comfortable level (MCL), and uncomfortable level (UCL). Describe the procedure for obtaining UCL.
SAT: The lowest level at which the listener can just detect speech (but not understand it). To compare with the best pure tone threshold (i.e., cross-check with audiogram). Use with young children or developmentally delayed patients who cannot point to pictures or repeat words for the SRT. SRT: Reliability check on pure-tone thresholds. Baseline for presentation level of suprathreshold speech tests. Suspected pseudohypacusis (e.g., poor agreement with pure tone thresholds) MCL: Some tests may be given at MCL. May use MCL and UCL in hearing aid selection and fitting. Present words at different levels, and have the listener rate the loudness from 1 (extremely soft) to 9 (intolerably loud) •Level that produces rating of "4" = MCL •Level that produces rating of "7" = UCL typically 100-110 dB HL for normal hearing listeners-cold running speech, or specific frequencies (ex: 500 and 4000 Hz)-level of speech is raised from below UCL by audiologist-patient indicates when speech becomes uncomfortable or intolerable
Describe testing instrumentation that can be taken into the workplace.
SLM: used for particularly noisy areas, near a machine. Type 2 can be used for most HCPs. Can be used to make a "noise map." Do not necessarily measure an individual's noise exposure. Noise dosimeter: SLM that is worn on the body; log an employee's noise exposure.
Characteristics of Jervell and Lange-Nielson Syndrome
SNHL and heart condition. Classic patient presentation: deaf child who experiences fainting episodes during stress, exercise, or fright. Can also have VESTIBULAR dysfunction.
Characteristics of Usher's Syndrome
SNHL. Vision loss!! Type I in particular causes problems with VESTIBULAR system. Development & motor skills slow.
4 oculomotor assessments
Saccades: ability to refixate on a moving target. Measures velocity, accuracy, latency. Abnormalities indicate CENTRAL lesion. Smooth pursuit: Track image on the fovea with smooth continuous eye movements. Different frequencies. Tests velocity gain, asymmetry, and phase. CENTRAL lesion if abnormal. Optokinetic: Moving left and right at the same speed. OPK reflex response. Measures gain and symmetry. Really should be whole visual field-more than a light bar. Gaze
What are the fluids found in the labyrinths of the inner ear?
Scala vestibuli: Perilymph Scala media: Endolymph Scala tympani: Perilymph
What are the types of presbycusis? What parts of the hearing system are implicated in the different types and what are the effects on hearing?
Schuknecht's four types of presbycusis: 1. Sensory: hair cells. Initially affects the outer row of OHC in the basal turn. Secondary degeneration of auditory nerve fibers occurs.Lipofuscin (age pigment) accumulates in cochlea cells. 2. Neural: auditory nerve. Histology shows loss of >50% of cochlear nerve fibers, with greatest loss in the basal turn. Speech recognition performance is lower than expected from audiogram. 90% of fibers must be lost before threshold decreases 3. Metabolic (atrophy of stria vascularis): Stria generates energy and nutrients for the cochlea; stria loss reduces cochlear function. Flat audiometric configuration 4. Mechanical (stiffening BM): cochlear conductive HL. The assumption is that structural changes in the basilar membrane and/or spiral ligament occur with age. Hearing loss has a shallow slope and no histologic evidence of cochlear or neural damage.
Otoscopy characteristic of otosclerosis
Schwartze's sign: reddish hue observed from the promontory
A 76-year-old patient with a primary complaint of hearing loss reports experiencing an unsteady gait and needs assistance walking and climbing stairs. Which of the following would be the most appropriate course of action to take with this patient?
Screen the patient for risk of falls. Further information is needed to determine if a referral or assessment is needed.
Characteristics of Branchio-Oto-Renal Syndrome
Sensorineural, conductive, or mixed & can be progressive or permanent at birth. Can cause ossicular fixation or cochear hypoplasia. Kidney abnormalities!
Tinnitus pitch matching is most useful when the tinnitus assessed is described as...
Single or overlapping tones. Tinnitus pitch matching is useful with tonal tinnitus.
Which muscle do we measure in acoustic reflexes? What is the stimuli?
Stapedius 500, 1k, 2k, (not 4000Hz). Broadband noise. Should be 70-90 dB above threshold.
Which of the following speech-recognition materials should the audiologist use to obtain the steepest possible performance-intensity function?
Synthetic Sentence Identification (SSI) Test. Performance level rises most steeply with small increases in intensity when the speech sample is large and provides some context; this is true of synthetic sentences, even though they do not provide as much context as natural sentences. In addition, the SSI allows the subject to pick out a word from a list, which provides additional clues.
Difference between TEOAEs and DPOAEs?
TEOAE: Stimulus is a brief click - response nature = "echo". Measures stimulus waveform and response waveform. Reproducibility of 50% or more (can be obtained for each frequency). SNR >6 dB at most frequencies DPOAE: Stimulus: Two pure tones (f1, f2). Response: Tone (2f1-f2). DPOAE frequency: 2*3278 - 4000 =2557 Hz. Criteria: >6 dB SNR & At least > -10 dB SPL DPOAE amplitude.
Environmental causes of hearing loss (pre/perinatal= present at birth)
TORCH (toxoplasmosis, syphilis, HIV, herpes, rubella, CMV) Premature birth, low birth weight, asphyxia Maternal- pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, RH incompatibility Fetal alcohol syndrome
Which of the following best describes insertion loss?
The decrease in natural amplification when the external auditory canal is closed off. When the ear canal is closed off with an earmold or a hearing aid, there is a loss of natural resonance in the ear canal.
What is the compression threshold?
The input level above which the gain of the hearing aid starts reducing as the input level increases
What features of an assessment will affect its reliability?
The length of the assessment - a longer assessment generally produces more reliable results. The suitability of the questions or tasks for the students being assessed. The phrasing and terminology of the questions. The consistency in test administration - for example, the length of time given for the assessment, instructions given to students before the test. The design of the marking schedule and moderation of marking procedures. The readiness of a patient for the assessment.
Which commonly used pharmaceuticals are ototoxic?
There are currently over 200 drugs that are ototoxic, tinnitus-inducing, or vertigo inducing that are available by prescription or over-the-counter. ototoxic: 1. Antibiotic aka saminoglycosides (-mycin) 2. Analgesics: Salicylates AKA aspirin & Quinine 3. Antimalarial 4. Antineoplastic: Chemo drugs aka Cisplatin 5. Diuretics: Used to treat things such as pulmonary edema and hypertension AKA high blood pressure
Diagnostic audiometers generally provide one-third-octave noise bands for use in masking pure tones. Which of the following best explains why one-third-octave noise bands are used?
They are wider than critical bands. Narrow bands of masking noise on audiometers should be wider than a critical band because they provide more effective masking for the frequency being tested without requiring higher overall intensity.
What is superior semi-circular Canal dehiscence?
Thinning of bone over SSC
SSSC symptoms?
Tulio's phenomenon: vertigo elicited by loud noise. Auditory sensitivity to their own voice, heartbeat. Unstable visual field, vertigo. Dehiscence acting as a third window causing inner ear conductive loss!!
Elevated acoustic reflex levels in the presence of normal hearing might lead you to think what?
Tumor/other retrocochlear pathology
What's the surgery for cholesteotoma?
Tympanoplasty: removes disease from the middle ear and then perforated TM is repaired OR Mastoidectomy: remove disease out of mastoid air cells and sometimes do tympanoplasty as well --Canal wall up mastoidectomy (CWU): Very careful removal of cholesteatoma and disease of ME but posterior wall is left intact. Can only have this if they have an aerated mastoid and reasonable eustachian tube function Advantage: anatomy of ear canal and TM remain intact
What are the different types of tympanograms and what do they indicate?
Type A= Normal Type A(S)= Shallow (small peak). Thick, scarred TM; otosclerosis; cholesteatoma; fluid. Type A(D)= Deep (high peak). Ossicular disarticulation; monomeric TM Type B= Flat (no peak). Large ECV= TM perf or patent PE tube. Normal ECV= ME effusion, blocked PE tube, cerumen occlusion. Small ECV= Blocked probe, cerumen occlusion. Type C= Negative (normal peak, negative pressure). Fluid, ET dysfunction, beginning or resolution of ear infection.
Characteristics of Neurofibromatosis type 2
Unilateral/bilateral vestibular schwannomas!!!! meningiomas, ependymomas, and peripheral neuropathy
How would you achieve SAT with a very young child who does not talk?
VRA, identify objects, point to body parts
Medicine for vertigo is either used for....
Vestibular suppression, or treating a specific vertiginous condition (ie menieres)
Patulous ET?
When ET is always open -associated with massive weight loss and pregnancy (after birth) -stroke or degenerative neurological disorders that lead to muscle atrophy -medical referral Patients report: Hearing their own breathing, heart rate, speech tends to be very loud
In which frequencies and at what intensities are most speech sounds produced?
When applied to speech, the human voice spans a range from about 125Hz to 8kHz. 55-65 dB
What is crisis of tumarkin? Associated with menieres
When lifting someone up from dix hallpike they are dizzy and disoriented
Daily biological/listening checks.... when should you do this? why should you?
When? Before using new equipments, daily or some other regular interval Why? To detect problems prior to obtaining clinical data & monitor the status of your equipment
Compression is applied more gradually over a wide range of input levels. The gradual reduction applies over such a wide range of input levels that there are no input levels for which the corresponding output levels are squashed closely together. Equivalently, the slope of the I-O curve is never close to horizontal.
Wide dynamic range compression (WDRC). 1:5 and 3:1 are common compresison ratios for WDRC.
Characteristics of Treacher Collins Syndrome?
Wonder movie. No cognitive delays! Poor speech articulation. Moderate-severe CONDUCTIVE loss onlt (anotia/microtia, atresia)
What are the phonetically balanced word lists used for?
Word recognition testing. Single-syllable words (CVC) that are phonetically balanced, meaning the beginning and ending phonemes are chosen according to their frequency of use in conversational speech
The psychoacoustic evaluation may include, but is not limited to...
a full case history, audiological evaluation, tinnitus pitch matching, tinnitus loudness masking, minimum masking level evaluation, residual inhibition assessment, and subjective patient questionnaires.
What pathologies are associated with reports of dizziness?
acoustic neuroma, cholesteatoma, AIED, BPPV, concussion, PLF, SCD, meniere's, otosclerosis **Check
Which commonly used pharmaceuticals can affect balance?
antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure, pain relievers, dizziness ***check
What do rotational tests indicate about the patient?
bilateral weakness-- loss of function on both sides
The cochlear implant signal-processing strategy in which brief pulses are presented to each electrode in a nonoverlapping sequence is known as...
continuous interleaved sampling (CIS)
What is the relationship between sound pressure level (SPL) and hearing level (HL)?
dB HL normalizes SPL scale to 0 because we do not hear the same at all frequencies. Our ears do not perceive low- and high-frequency sounds as well as they do sounds between 500 and 4,000 Hz. Thus, normal hearing, if plotted on an audiogram using the SPL scale, would be a curved, wavy line.
The major role of compression is to....
decrease the dynamic range of signals in the environment so that all signals of interest can fit within the restricted dynamic range of a hearing-impaired person. This means that intense sounds have to be amplified less than weak sounds.
What is the difference between disinfection and sterilization? When is sterilization required?
disinfection= eliminating/reducing harmful microorganisms (decontaminate surface and air) sterilization= eliminating all microorganisms (food, medicine, surgical instruments)
What impacts can hearing loss cause for adults (ex: social isolation)?
fatigue, depression, social withdraw, impaired memory, reduced quality of life, headaches, increased stress and blood pressure
All high-level inputs are squashed into an extremely small range of outputs. The output is not allowed to exceed a set limit.
high-level compression/ compression limiting
What is gradient /tympanometric width (TW) is a measure of?
how "sharply peaked" vs. "flattened" the tympanogram is. Flattened tympanograms are associated with effusion. Gradient / TW are mainly an attempt to quantify this qualitative observation
A primarily hereditary, progressive disorder where the stapes footplate becomes partially fixed to the oval window... what pathology is this and what is the audiogram like? whats the treatment?
otosclerosis carhart's notch: normal bone... air is worse at lower frequencies, rises to meet bone at 2k, and then get's worse again. Unilateral. stapendectomy
Characteristics of waardenburg syndrome
pigmentation abnormalities (gray spots in hair or different color eyes) and wide-set eyes, congenital SNHL, *can be progressive
Describe the differences in speech and language development between pre- and post lingually deafened children.
pre lingual- deafened before they learn speech post lingual- deafened after they learn speech (about age 6)-effects are not as severe for post lingually deafened children; need to implant/amplify immediately for prelingual
What equipment is needed to measure noise in a classroom?
sound level meter, measure SNR and dBA **check
Discuss headphone options and list the pros and cons of each
supraaural headphones: easy to calibrate, could cause collapsing ear canals. lower inter-aural attenuation (easier for sound to travel from one ear to the other). Worse for high frequencies. Better for lows. Insert earphones: greater interaural attenuation (reduces risk of masking dilemma), greater ambient noise attenuation, no headband that may be uncomfortable and cause collapsed ear canals. Wider frequency response (better in high frequencies, which means better speech representation)!! Cons: replacement tips, max. output is lower. circumaural earphones: approximates canal volume with coupler, can be erroneous for surgical/small ears Soundfield: must use warbled tones to avoid stannding waves. Patient must sit in calibrated location in booth (look for "X" on ceiling). Does NOT provide individual ear thresholds.
Goal of tinnitus treatment?
to change negative thoughts and behaviors by applying strategies designed to change the unproductive thoughts.
Having obtained a reliable SRT, how would you estimate MCL?
typically 50-55 dB above SRT
What is current steering?
Current steering involves the simultaneous delivery of current to adjacent electrodes, where stimulation can be steered to sites between the contacts by varying the proportion of current delivered to each electrode in an electrode pair. Current steering may increase the number of spectral channels beyond the number of fixed electrode contacts.