Psychology

Spoken Language and Bilateral Cochlear Implants

Sarant et al (2014) compared the spoken language outcomes of children with unilateral and bilateral cochlear implants (CIs). The authors report that “bilateral cochlear implantation is becoming the standard of care….” They note that bilateral CIs offer binaural redundancy through the involvement of two ears. The brain has two opportunities to process sound: (1) binaural summation (the increased loudness availed via 2 ears) and (2) the head-shadow effect (the head acting as a barrier and therefore reducing the loudness at the ear farther from the sound source).

APD as a Clinical Entity?

Vermiglio (2014) reports auditory processing disorder (APD) remains highly controversial, in part fueled by “multiple ambiguous descriptions of” of APD. Indeed, he reports referring to APD as a clinical entity is questionable with consideration of Sydenham and Guttentag’s (S&G) work in nosography (i.e., the systematic description of diseases). That is, to be a clinical entity, S&G state the clinical entity must have an unambiguous definition, must represent a homogenous group with a perceived limitation and the clinical entity must facilitate a diagnosis and intervention.

Socio-Demographics and Tinnitus

Previous studies have addressed issues and variables that correlate with tinnitus. However, Hoekstra, Wesdrop, and van Zanten (2014) report that previous studies have used univariate analysis, which potentially included (or perhaps were secondary to) unknown confounding effects. Therefore, in their retrospective study they used a multivariate analysis to evaluate the interdependencies between multiple variables.

Amplification: Spectral Resolution, Working Memory, Audibility, and More

Davies-Venn and Souza (2014) report hearing thresholds (in isolation) do not provide enough information to predict an individual’s success with amplification. Spectral resolution, audibility, and working memory appear to be significant factors, too. Previous studies have shown individual differences in susceptibility to distortions secondary to non-linear amplification are likely to impact outcomes. Although a multitude of previous publications have shown compression systems are superior to linear systems when the compression system provides substantial improvements in audibility.

Patients and their Psychosocial Concerns

Poost-Foroosh, Jennings, and colleagues (2011) reported eight key factors occurring between the patient and clinician that influence the decision to purchase hearing aids:

Counseling, Hearing Screenings, and Child-Parent Bonding: Interview with David Luterman, DEd

David Luterman, DEd (left) with Douglas L. Beck, AuD

David Luterman, DEd (left) with Douglas L. Beck, AuD

Family Counseling and Support and Children with Hearing Loss: Interview with Johnnie Sexton, AuD

Douglas L. Beck, AuD, spoke with Dr. Sexton, executive director of the Care Project, about family counseling and support and the Care Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing hope to families who have children and/or adults with hearing challenges through counseling experiences aimed at the processing of the emotional stages of grief.

Academy: Good morning, Johnnie. Always a delight to speak with you!

Sexton: Hi, Doug. Thanks for your interest in the Care Project.