Audiol. Res., Volume 15, Issue 5 (October 2025) – 21 articles

Background/Objectives: Spanish-speaking patients face persistent barriers in accessing equitable audiological care, particularly when standardized language-appropriate tools are lacking. Two Spanish-language sentence recognition tests, the Spanish AzBio Sentence (SAzB) and the Latin American Hearing in Noise Test (LAH), are commonly used to evaluate speech perception in adults with hearing loss. However, performance differences between these measures may influence referral decisions for hearing intervention, such as cochlear implantation. This study compared test performance under varying noise and spatial conditions to guide appropriate test selection and reduce the risk of misclassification that may contribute to healthcare disparities. Methods: Twenty-one bilingual Spanish/English speaking adults with normal bilateral hearing completed speech perception testing using both the SAzB and LAH. Testing was conducted under two spatial configurations: (1) speech and noise presented from the front (0° azimuth) and (2) speech to the simulated poorer ear and noise to the better ear (90°/270° azimuth). Conditions included quiet and three signal-to-noise ratios (+10, +5, and 0 dB). Analyses included paired t-tests and one-way ANOVAs. Results: Participants scored significantly higher on the LAH than on the SAzB across all SNR conditions and configurations, with ceiling effects observed for the LAH. SAzB scores varied by language dominance, while LAH scores did not. No other differences were observed based on any further demographic information. Conclusions: The SAzB provides a more challenging and informative assessment of speech perception in noise. Relying on easier tests like the LAH may obscure real-world difficulties and delay appropriate referrals for hearing loss intervention, including cochlear implant evaluation. Selecting the most appropriate test is critical to avoiding under-referral and ensuring Spanish-speaking patients receive equitable and accurate care. Full article

Background/Objectives: Previous research has demonstrated that the perception of self-motion, as signaled by cervical proprioception, is significantly altered during neck muscle fatigue, while no similar effects are observed when self-motion is signaled by the vestibular system. Given that in typical natural movements, both proprioceptive and vestibular signals are activated simultaneously, this study sought to investigate whether the misperception of motion persists during neck muscle fatigue when both proprioceptive and vestibular stimulation are present. Methods: The study evaluated the gain of the perceptual responses to symmetric yaw sinusoidal head rotations on a stationary trunk during visual target localization tasks across different rotational frequencies. In addition, the final localization error of the visual target was assessed following asymmetric sinusoidal head rotations with differing half-cycle velocities. Results: The findings indicated that even with combined proprioceptive and vestibular stimulation, self-motion perceptual responses under neck muscle fatigue showed a pronounced reduction in the gain at low-frequency stimuli and a notable increase in localization error following asymmetric rotations. Notably, spatial localization error was observed to persist after asymmetric stimulation conditioning in the light. Additionally, even moderate levels of muscle fatigue were found to result in increased self-motion misperception. Conclusions: This study suggests that neck muscle fatigue can disrupt spatial orientation, even when the vestibular system is activated, so that slow movements are inaccurately perceived. This highlights the potential risks associated with neck muscle fatigue in daily activities that demand precise spatial perception. Full article

Purpose: The present study aimed to describe the adaptation and validation process of the MuRQoL (Music Related Quality of Life questionnaire) from English to Hebrew and to describe normative data from a cohort of adults with normal hearing versus those with hearing aids or cochlear implants. Methods: After thoroughly translating and adapting to Hebrew, the participants completed the questionnaire online. We calculated the Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega scores for all scales and subscales. The construct validity of the questionnaire was evaluated using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and the “known group” method. A total of 310 adults participated in this study. Fifty-four participants were deaf or hard of hearing, and 256 had normal hearing. Results: Internal consistency of the MuRQoL-He scales and subscales demonstrated good-to-excellent reliability. The goodness-of-fit indices for the frequency and importance scales were within acceptable standards. We found a significant difference in the frequency scale, where the normal-hearing group scores were significantly higher than those of the deaf and hard-of-hearing groups. Conclusions: The validity and reliability of the MuRQoL-He have been confirmed, indicating that it is suitable for guiding music rehabilitation for Hebrew-speaking deaf and hard-of-hearing adults. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) most commonly involves the posterior semicircular canal (PSC), whereas anterior semicircular canal BPPV (ASC-BPPV) is rare, accounting for only 1–3% of cases. Most ASC-BPPV cases respond well to particle repositioning maneuvers (PRMs), with refractory presentations being exceptional and diagnostically challenging, particularly when differential diagnoses such as apogeotropic posterior semicircular canal BPPV (PSC-BPPV) or central causes must be excluded. Case Presentation: A 43-year-old woman presented with vertigo triggered by head extension and rolling in bed. Initial neurological and otoneurological examinations were unremarkable. During the left Dix–Hallpike maneuver, a vertical down-beating nystagmus with subtle leftward torsion appeared after a 5 s latency and lasted 15 s. The supine head-hanging maneuver provoked a stronger and longer 30 s response, while the right Dix–Hallpike was negative. Despite repeated PRMs, including Yacovino (Deep Head-hanging), reverse Epley, Epley, and modified Semont maneuvers, the patient remained symptomatic over three years. Intermittently, conversion to PSC-BPPV was suspected, and temporary resolution was achieved after left-sided Epley and Semont maneuvers, but recurrence followed. Treatment with a mechanical rotational chair (TRV) initially resolved symptoms, but vertigo recurred several months later following two syncopal episodes with minor trauma. Extensive neurological evaluation, including MRI, CT, EEG, and vascular ultrasound, excluded central causes. Conclusions: This case illustrates the diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties posed by refractory ASC-BPPV, particularly in differentiating it from apogeotropic PSC-BPPV and central etiologies. It underscores the importance of latency, torsional characteristics, and supine head-hanging testing in diagnosis and demonstrates the potential role of mechanical rotational chairs in management. Personalized approaches incorporating anatomical imaging and maneuver adaptation are essential in such complex cases. Full article

Background/Objectives: Skull vibration-induced nystagmus (SVIN) is a rapid bedside test that reveals vestibular asymmetry. Its clinical utility in Ménière’s disease (MD) remains controversial, particularly regarding its association with radiological endolymphatic hydrops (EH). This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between SVIN, audiovestibular parameters, and EH severity in patients with unilateral definite MD. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary academic referral center and included patients with unilateral MD who underwent SVIN testing (SVT), audiovestibular evaluation (PTA, cVEMP, oVEMP, vHIT, and caloric testing), and 3T MRI with gadolinium-enhanced 3D-FLAIR sequences to quantify EH. Results: In total, 84 patients were included in the study. SVIN was present in 57.14% of patients (n = 48), with ipsilesional nystagmus being the most frequent subtype (64.58%). Patients with SVIN had significantly higher vestibular EH (p = 0.017) and vestibular endolymphatic ratio (REL) in the affected ear (p = 0.019). Disease duration (p = 0.026) and shorter time since last vertigo spell (p = 0.018) were also associated with SVIN presence. REL correlated moderately with disease duration (r = 0.390, p < 0.001), PTA (r = 0.576, p < 0.001), and number of vertigo spells (r = 0.236, p = 0.031), but not with time since last crisis (r = −0.127, p = 0.252). ROC analysis yielded an AUC of 0.735 for REL in predicting SVIN. Conclusions: SVIN correlates with the severity of vestibular EH. This finding indicates a stimulus-locked response of a vestibular asymmetry rather than a purely structural alteration. Full article

Background: Hearing and cognition decline with age. Hearing is now considered an independent risk factor for later cognitive impairment. Computerized cognitive auditory training is being discussed as a possible adjunctive therapy approach. Objectives: The aim of this exploratory study is to investigate how the success of a computer-based cognitive auditory training (CCAT) can be measured. For this purpose, the influence of a CCAT on different dimensions of hearing and cognition was determined. Materials and Methods: 23 subjects between 52 and 77 years old were recruited with normacusis to moderate hearing loss. They underwent 40 digital training lessons at home. Before, during, and after completion, concentration ability with the d2-R, memory (VLMT), subjective hearing impairment (HHI), hearing quality (SSQ12), listening effort in noise (ACALES), and speech understanding in noise (GÖSA) were measured. Results and Discussion: In this uncontrolled, non-randomized study, one of the main findings was that cognitive dimensions, namely processing speed, improved by 12.11 ± 16.40 points (p = 0.006), and concentration performance improved by 12.56 ± 13.50 points (p = 0.001), which were not directly trained in CCAT. Learning performance also improved slightly by 4.00 ± 7.00 (p = 0.019). Subjective hearing handicap significantly reduced by 10.70 ± 12.38 (p = 0.001). There were no significant changes in the SSQ-12 (p = 0.979). Hearing effort improved by 1.79 ± 2.13 dB SPL (p = 0.001), 1.75 ± 2.09 (p = 0.001), and 3.32 ± 3.27 dB (p < 0.001), respectively. Speech understanding in noise did not improve significantly. CCAT is likely to improve several dimensions of hearing and cognition. Controlled future studies are needed to investigate its efficacy. Full article

Background/Objectives: A.BA.CO. is a speech-to-text captioning system developed for school classrooms. The system uses remote microphones to capture the teacher’s speech without background noise. Under this setup, an issue of signal latency arises for students wearing hearing aids (HAs) or cochlear implants (CIs), whose latency is different from that of the remote microphones and may require the development of a temporal coupling solution. This study establishes the foundation for such a solution by determining the latency of two RMs (Remote Microphones) compatible with both HA and CI systems. The frequency response of the systems is analyzed independently and combined. Methods: The RMs combined with two Behind-The-Ear HAs, for which transparency was verified, were tested with two different compression ratios in a laboratory specializing in electroacoustic measurements using the comparison method to assess performance. Results: The time measurements revealed that the RMs differ by 10–12 ms (23–24 ms and 33–35 ms) and that the two HAs have time delays that differ by 1–2 ms (6–7 ms and 5–7 ms). The frequency responses showed that when HA and RM have similar gains, they exhibit comb-filter distortions. This effect could alter the acoustic output of devices in the ear canal and vary according to the mix ratio and mutual positions of HA and RM, potentially necessitating greater commitment from the wearer. Conclusions: The communication system will have to foresee different delays based on the model and brand of RM because similar transmission systems do not have the same time delays. RMs were originally designed for HA and are most effective if they represent the only or major acoustic stimulation that reaches the eardrum. These limits must be considered when estimating the effectiveness of A.BA.CO. with RM. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although research has demonstrated the positive impacts of hearing aid (HA) digital noise reduction (DNR), limited research is available on the impacts of the strength of DNR on listening effort. This study evaluated the effects of changes in the strength of HA DNR on listening effort, measured, behaviorally, using a self-report rating scale, and, physiologically, using pupillometry. The agreement between both measures was also examined. Methods: Eleven young adults with normal hearing completed a sentence-in-noise recognition task. Stimuli were processed through four noise reduction conditions (off, minimum, medium, maximum) using DNR algorithms found in conventional digital HAs. After sentence presentation, participants subjectively rated their perceived listening effort. Pupillometry was recorded during the task to assess changes in pupil size (a proxy of listening effort) during sentence recognition. Results: Participants’ perceived listening effort reduced as the noise reduction strength increased from off to medium DNR and then plateaued for the maximum DNR condition. Pupil dilation increased from off to medium DNR and then reduced for the maximum condition. Correlation analyses suggested no agreement between self-report and pupillometry measures of listening effort. Conclusions: Both self-report and pupillometry measures demonstrated changes in listening effort, with changes in the DNR strength indicating that noise reduction systems do provide benefit in reducing listening effort to a certain extent. Lack of agreement between the measures suggests that both methods might be assessing different constructs of listening effort and care should be taken while making methodological decisions to assess listening effort in individuals wearing HAs. Full article

Background/Objectives: The primary objective of the present study was to investigate early global development in children after one year of cochlear implant (CI) use. The secondary objective was to investigate the role of variables such as age at CI activation, gender, and parental schooling in early global development in children with a CI. Methods: The study sample included 24 subjects. All children were affected by severe-to-profound congenital bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (HL). The HL was diagnosed between 1 and 23 months of age (median 3 months) and participants underwent cochlear implant activation at 9–25 months (median 14 months). Participants were evaluated before CI surgery and after one year of CI use using the Italian version of the Griffiths III scales. Results: The general developmental quotient remained stable, as did the developmental quotients on scales A, C, D, and E. However, the development quotients on scale B, corresponding to the domain of “language and communication,” underwent a significant increase (p value < 0.05). There was a statistically significant negative effect of “age at CI activation” on both DQ at scale B (t − 3.457) and GDQ (t − 42.069). Maternal schooling had a significant positive effect on GDQ and DQ for scales A to D (p. value < 0.05). Conclusions: After one year of CI use, a significant improvement in the early global development of children was found in the language and communication domain. The age at CI activation and the level of the mother’s education were found to be related to early global development. Full article

Parenting stress significantly affects caregivers of deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children, influenced by unique challenges and stressors. Background/Objectives: This study aims to develop the Chinese Family Stress Scale (CFSS) and to identify the stressors and contributing factors to elevated stress levels. Methods: The study involved 257 caregivers of DHH children aged 0–12 years old. The CFSS was used to assess parenting stress in caregivers of DHH children, with its reliability and validity evaluated. Factors such as speech intelligibility, oral language use, self-compassion, and social support were examined for their impact on parenting stress. Results: Key stressors included financial issues, discipline, education concerns, medical care, and safety. Elevated parenting stress was significantly associated with poor speech intelligibility of the child, inadequate oral language use, negative aspects of self-compassion, and insufficient social support. The CFSS showed good reliability and validity in measuring parenting stress among caregivers of DHH children. Conclusions: The CFSS is an effective tool for assessing parenting stress in caregivers of DHH children. Interventions to reduce parenting stress can focus on improving children’s communication skills, enhancing caregiver self-compassion, and bolstering social support networks. Full article

Background: Children diagnosed with Speech Sound Disorders (SSDs) encounter difficulties in speech perception, especially when listening in the presence of background noise. Recommended protocols for auditory processing evaluation include behavioral linguistic and speech processing tests, as well as objective electrophysiological measures. The present study compared the auditory processing profiles of children with SSD and typically developing (TD) children using a battery of behavioral language and auditory tests combined with auditory evoked responses. Methods: Forty (40) parents of 7–10 years old Greek Cypriot children completed parent questionnaires related to their children’s listening; their children completed an assessment comprising language, phonology, auditory processing, and auditory evoked responses. The experimental group included 24 children with a history of SSDs; the control group consisted of 16 TD children. Results: Three factors significantly differentiated SSD from TD children: Factor 1 (auditory processing screening), Factor 5 (phonological awareness), and Factor 13 (Auditory Brainstem Response—ABR wave V latency). Among these, Factor 1 consistently predicted SSD classification both independently and in combined models, indicating strong ecological and diagnostic relevance. This predictive power suggests real-world listening behaviors are central to SSD differentiation. The significant correlation between Factor 5 and Factor 13 may suggest an interaction between auditory processing at the brainstem level and higher-order phonological manipulation. Conclusions: This research underscores the diagnostic significance of integrating behavioral and physiological metrics through dimensional and predictive methodologies. Factor 1, which focuses on authentic listening environments, was identified as the strongest predictor. These results advocate for the inclusion of ecologically valid listening items in the screening for APD. Poor discrimination of speech in noise imposes discrepancies between incoming auditory information and retained phonological representations, which disrupts the implicit processing mechanisms that align auditory input with phonological representations stored in memory. Speech and language pathologists can incorporate pertinent auditory processing assessment findings to identify potential language-processing challenges and formulate more effective therapeutic intervention strategies. Full article

Objectives: Tip fold-over (TFO) is a rare but critical occurrence in cochlear implant procedures where the electrode array folds back on itself within the cochlea, compromising programming and device performance. Timely intraoperative detection is essential for immediate correction and optimal placement. Electric field imaging (EFI) has shown promise for identifying TFO both intra- and post-operatively. This study evaluates the performance of a TFO detection algorithm implemented in Target CI (Version 1.6) using Advanced Bionics’ cochlear implant systems, validated through bench and patient datasets. Methods: Sample data included (1) bench testing with a plastic cochlea and human temporal bones with and without induced TFOs, confirmed visually or radiographically; (2) intraoperative EFI measurements recorded using the AIM™ system, with electrode placement confirmed through imaging; and (3) historical EFI recordings from the Target CI DataLake, which lacks imaging and programming metadata. The TFO algorithm’s performance was evaluated by assessing its sensitivity and specificity using these datasets. Results: The TFO algorithm achieved 100% sensitivity and specificity in bench models and intraoperative EFI with imaging-confirmed placements. Among 226 intra-op cases, four TFOs were confirmed by imaging, and all were correctly identified by the algorithm. In the large set of DataLake cases (14,734 implants), 0.80% were flagged as potential TFOs. TFO prevalence was higher with pre-curved arrays (1.22%) than straight lateral wall arrays (0.32%). Conclusions: The TFO algorithm showed high reliability with 100% sensitivity and specificity using routine clinical EFI data. While not a replacement for imaging, the TFO algorithm serves as a fast, accessible tool to alert clinicians to potential TFOs. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Matrix Sentence Test is an audiological evaluation that quantifies the signal-to-noise ratio, expressed in decibels, at which the patient comprehends 50% of the words of a random sentence heard in noise. It is an effective and reliable tool for cochlear implant fitting and follow-up in both adults and children, demonstrating reliability upon repeated administration. A simplified model of the Matrix Sentence Test can be used in children. This study had two main objectives: first, to evaluate the Simplified Matrix Sentence Test for objectively estimating post-fitting CI performance; and second, to assess the influence of various demographic and device-related variables on the results. The variables of interest included gender, manufacturer, placement, microphone position, array position, score in pre-fitting speech audiometry in quiet, age at first implantation, age at test administration, and the interval between the first implant and the test administration. Methods: A retrospective study of pediatric patients with cochlear implants was performed. The inclusion criteria were patients aged 7–18 years, with a minimum of two years of cochlear implantation, adequate Italian language proficiency, and regular follow-up attendance. The subjects were administered the Simplified Matrix Sentence Test prior to and following map fitting by an experienced audiologist. Results: The study’s sample population included 51 patients who met the established inclusion criteria, with an average age of 13 years. In the preliminary SiIMax test, the average SNR for 50% sentence comprehension in noise was −0.83 ± 1.86 dB. Map adjustments included reductions or increases in comfort and threshold levels, modifications to multiple electrodes, or minor secondary changes. Approximately two days later, the second Simplified Matrix Sentence Test was administered. The average signal-to-noise for sentence comprehension was −2.05 ± 1.73 dB. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that no variable had a statistically significant impact on the results. Conclusions: The Simplified Matrix Sentence Test demonstrated universal applicability in compliant patients. Post-implant improvement appeared independent of patient demographics and device variables. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to: (1) evaluate the effectiveness of the Croatian version of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly—Screening Version (HHIE-S-CRO) in screening for hearing loss greater than 20 dB HL in the better-hearing ear among adults aged ≥ 60 years; (2) assess its utility in identifying individuals with hearing loss ≥ 40 dB HL in the better-hearing ear, meeting current Croatian eligibility criteria for state-funded hearing aid rehabilitation; and (3) determine whether the emotional and social components of perceived hearing handicap can be meaningfully distinguished. Methods: Validity of the HHIE-S-CRO was analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient, the Mann–Whitney test and the factor analysis, while reliability was assessed via Cronbach’s alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was calculated to determine sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) at various cut-off scores of the HHIE-S-CRO total for specified audiometric criteria (better ear pure-tone average > 20 dB HL and ≥40 dB HL). The nonparametric Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Test was used to compare scores on the emotional and social subscales of the HHIE-S-CRO. Results: The HHIE-S-CRO demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.92) and high repeatability of the results (ICC = 0.92). Discriminant, convergent, construct and predictive validity were confirmed. The area under the curve (AUC) for detecting hearing loss > 20 dB HL in the better ear was 0.95, with a sensitivity of 90.67% and specificity of 94.65% at a cut-off score of 6. For the Croatian threshold for state-supported hearing aid rehabilitation (≥40 dB HL in the better-hearing ear), similarly favorable screening characteristics were found at a cut-off score of 10. Conclusions: Based on these findings, the HHIE-S-CRO appears to offer sufficient sensitivity and specificity to support two key clinical applications: (1) screening for hearing loss > 20 dB HL in individuals aged 60 and older, and (2) identifying individuals within this age group who may be eligible for state-supported hearing aid-based rehabilitation. Full article

Introduction: Most audiometers have an in-built “Stenger test” setting. The test is sometimes applied in cases of single-sided deafness as an indicator of malingering. Although textbooks have been written about it, the underlying conditions remain enigmatic. The literature usually points to psychological problems, pointing to the patient as having “nonorganic hearing loss”, “malingering”, “false and exaggerated hearing loss”, “hysterical hearing loss”, or “pseudohypoacusis”. These are all non-objective features without a sound scientific base, and the test tends to blame the patient for providing non-repeatable hearing thresholds. Methods: This opinion piece looks at the literature surrounding the Stenger test and the factors that might cause hearing threshold variability and concludes that the test has a subjective basis that makes it unscientific. In our opinion, we also think it is ethically questionable to blame the patient for malingering when there are non-repeatable findings. In order to make the test scientifically valid, we frame a testable hypothesis: that the Stenger effect could be due to unrecognised contraction of the middle ear muscles in response to stimulation of the contralateral (worse-hearing) ear. That is, we suppose that bilateral contraction impairs thresholds in both the good and poor ear, so the subject can no longer hear a tone in their good ear which they previously could when their audiogram was established monaurally. Thus, we make the case that the subject is not malingering—they genuinely cannot hear the test tones in either ear. Discussion and Conclusions: We believe it is incorrect to blame the patient when the problem may lie with incomplete understanding of how the auditory system functions bilaterally. The test needs to be objectively investigated and perhaps reinterpreted in terms of hearing sensitivity in one ear being reduced by sound levels in the contralateral ear. If this is not possible, we suggest it would be better if the Stenger test were abolished. Full article

Objective: To analyze the effects of a somatosensory education intervention targeting temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and awake bruxism on subjective tinnitus. Methods: This study had a pre-post-design in a primary care practice for orofacial physical therapy. Twenty-eight participants with the presence of TMD and suffering from moderate to severe subjective tinnitus, for at least 3 months, received the following treatments: (a) comprehensive information about tinnitus and the factors influencing it; (b) bruxism reversal training via a smartphone application; and (c) treatment for TMD. The primary outcome was the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI). Secondary outcomes were awake bruxism frequency and the TMD pain screener. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Groningen, the Netherlands. Results: The mean (95% CI) reduction in TFI scores and awake bruxism frequency were 18.4 (13.2–23.5) and 16.6% (2.0–31.2%), respectively. A clinically relevant reduction of 13 points on the TFI was observed in 63% of the participants. Regression analysis revealed that factors associated with TFI change included the TFI initial score at T0 (0.3, 95% CI 0.0–0.6), the presence of daytime clenching (21.0, 95% CI 8.7–33.4), and stiffness or pain around the TMJ (10.6, 95% CI −1.9–23.0) at baseline. Conclusions: The findings suggest that tinnitus education, TMD treatment, combined with decreasing awake bruxism, can reduce tinnitus in a primary care setting. Full article

Background/Objectives: Potential correlations between the scores of self-report questionnaires and speech perception in noise abilities vary widely among studies and have been little explored in patients with conventional hearing aids (HAs). This study aimed to analyse the interrelations between (1) self-report auditory scales (the 15-item short-form of the Speech Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (15iSSQ) and the Extended Listening Effort Assessment Scale (EEAS); (2) speech perception in cocktail party noise, measured with and without HAs; and (3) a self-assessment of the listening effort perceived during the speech in a noise-perception task (TLE) in hearing-aid wearers. Material and Methods: –Thirty-two patients, aged of 77.5 years (SD = 12) with a mean HA experience of 5.6 years, completed the 15iSSQ and EEAS. Their speech-in-babble-noise perception thresholds (SPIN) were assessed with (HA_SPIN) and without their HAs (UA_SPIN), using a four-alternative forced-choice test in free field, with several fixed Signal to Noise ratios (SNR). They were asked to self-assess their listening effort at each of those SNRs, allowing us to define a task-related listening-effort threshold with (HA_TLE) and without HAs (UA_TLE), i.e., the SNR for which they self-evaluated their listening effort as 5 out of 10. Results: 15iSSQ decreased as both HA_SPIN (r = −0.47, p < 0.01) and HA_TLE increased (r = −0.36, p < 0.05). The relationship between 15iSSQSpeech and UA_SPIN (and UA_TLE) showed a strong moderating influence by HA experience and HA daily wear (HADW), explaining up to 31% of the variance. 15iSSQQuality depended on HA SPIN and HA_TLE (r = −0.50, p < 0.01), and the relationship between 15iSSQQuality and UA_TLE was moderated by HADW. EEAS scores depended on both HA experience and UA_SPIN, with a strong moderating influence by HADW. Conclusions: Relationships between auditory questionnaires and SPIN are strongly moderated by both HA experience and HADW, even in experienced HA users, showing the need to account for these variables when analysing relationships between questionnaires and hearing-in-noise tests in experienced HA wearers. Full article

Background/Objectives: During and after electric–acoustic stimulation (EAS) surgery (as well as regular cochlear implant surgery), the oral and/or intravenous administration of steroids is recommended to prevent acute inflammatory reactions and subsequent fibrosis. However, the effect does not last long. Therefore, with the hope of providing a sustained effect, a new dexamethasone (DEX)-eluting electrode (FLEX28 DEX) has recently been developed. Methods: A case study was performed at Shinshu University in February 2024 in which a DEX-eluting electrode array was utilized for a patient presenting with high-frequency hearing loss with a defined etiology (hearing loss due to a mitochondrial m.1555A > G variant). Results: Residual hearing was well preserved after EAS surgery, and post-operative impedance field telemetry was maintained at a very low level in contrast with a historical/retrospective control group (FLEX28 electrodes without DEX); therefore, it is expected that post-operative fibrosis will be minimized. Further, it was shown that the DEX-eluting electrode can also be applied to EAS. Conclusions: The DEX-eluting electrode was useful in maintaining post-operative impedance at a very low level, indicating that post-operative fibrosis could be minimized even after EAS surgery. Full article

Hearing loss is a genetically heterogeneous sensory defect for which biallelic pathogenic variants in the GJB2 gene are a frequent cause. Here, we report a novel intragenic large deletion in GJB2 in a Mayan family with several members affected by congenital non-syndromic hearing loss. The analysis of the GJB2 gene in the proband was performed through Sanger sequencing. A novel homozygous 1259 bp deletion in GJB2 was identified, starting at nucleotide 248 of the coding region and ending at nucleotide 825 of the 3′-UTR (g.20188077_20189335del). Bioinformatic tools were used to predict the structural impact of the variant. This deletion would result in a truncated protein of 86 amino acids, p.(Phe83Cysfs*5), disrupting several critical domains of the connexin-26 protein. We developed an endpoint-PCR assay to test for the deletion. It was present homozygously in all affected siblings and was absent in 153 ethnically matched controls with normal hearing. Both parents and two unaffected siblings were heterozygous carriers, consistent with an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. The identification of this novel large deletion expands the spectrum of GJB2 pathogenic variants causing non-syndromic hearing loss, and it is of concern to GJB2 screening methods that rely primarily on Sanger sequencing for its coding region. Full article

Background/Objectives: To evaluate the predictive role of anti-compensatory saccades in diagnosing mild acute unilateral vestibular loss. Methods: Consecutive patients with vertigo who underwent a bedside vestibular evaluation and video head impulse testing of the horizontal semicircular canal at the San Bernardino Outpatient Clinic in Salò, Italy, between 1 January and 30 June 2024 were examined (Group 1). Two control groups were considered: patients with severe unilateral acute vestibular loss (Group 2) and healthy subjects (Group 3). The video head impulse testing patterns of anti-compensatory saccades (amplitude, scattered pattern, and latency) using the suppression head impulse paradigm were analyzed to evaluate their predictive role in identifying horizontal canal dysfunction, even when borderline gain values of the canal’s vestibulo-ocular reflex were present. Results: Group 1 included 74 patients, Group 2 included 20 patients, and Group 3 included 20 healthy, voluntary subjects. The anti-compensatory saccades revealed significant differences in the amplitudes and scattered patterns between the two ears, exclusively in Groups 1 and 2. Conclusions: The anti-compensatory saccades alterations using the suppression head impulse paradigm can predict mild acute unilateral vestibular loss, even when the horizontal semicircular canal’s vestibulo-ocular reflex gain values are mild (lower borderline). Conversely, a borderline asymmetry of the horizontal semicircular canal’s vestibulo-ocular reflex using the classic head impulse paradigm should not be considered a marker of mild acute unilateral vestibular loss when the saccadic pattern is symmetrical using the suppression head impulse paradigm. Further meticulous differential diagnostic investigations are necessary in such cases to effectively diagnose horizontal semicircular canal dysfunction. Full article

Background/Objectives: This research focuses on the increasing presence of older workers in the labor market, a group particularly vulnerable to hearing problems due to age-related changes and prolonged noise exposure. Methods: The research combines theoretical and empirical approaches to investigate the impact of noise on the workplaces of older employees. The empirical component is based on two primary methods: a survey and audiometric testing to assess participants’ hearing abilities. The study included a sample of 50 older workers, all with diagnosed hearing loss. Results: The results of the survey showed that most older workers are regularly exposed to noise at work, which has long-term negative effects on their hearing. This highlights the need to introduce appropriate protective measures such as personal protective equipment, insulation of noise sources, and raising awareness about the dangers of noise. In addition to the questionnaire survey, the analysis of hearing measurements revealed that all respondents had significant bilateral hearing loss, with sensorineural hearing loss being the most prevalent type. Conclusions: This study highlights the negative impact of chronic noise exposure in the workplace on the hearing, communication and productivity of older workers and emphasizes the importance of combining preventive measures, hearing protection and workplace adaptations to promote their well-being and performance. Full article