Lau et al (2014) compared three hearing aid fitting options across 13 adults (5 male, 8 female) with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). The three fitting options included a bandwidth limited to 4000 Hz (LBW), an extended bandwidth to 9000 Hz (EBW), and linear frequency transposition that transposed signals above 4000 Hz (LFT).  

Tyler et al (2014) have developed a new questionnaire, the Tinnitus Primary Function Questionnaire (TPFQ,) for use with tinnitus patients. The TPFQ focuses on the primary handicaps related to tinnitus. Although each person manifests tinnitus uniquely, the primary activities impaired by tinnitus are (1) thoughts and emotions (including depression and anxiety), (2) sleep difficulties, (3) hearing difficulties, and (4) concentration.

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.

Fayad et al (2014) reported on 114 vestibular schwannoma (VS, aka acoustic neuroma) patients observed via serial gadolinium enhanced MRI, with regard to tumor size measurement. They report that 38 percent of tumors grew (on average) 3.1 mm annually and importantly, only approximately 31 percent of all patients had treatment beyond “watch and wait.”  Of note, for patients followed 5 to 10 years, approximately one-fifth had additional treatment (radio-therapy or surgical management). The authors report that of the 12 patients followed 10 years or more, only one had additional treatment.

Cima et al (2014) report that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most evidence-based treatment option (so far) with regard to managing the tinnitus patient. In their report, they note that 15-21 percent of the adult population perceives tinnitus and some 3 to 5 percent of the population reports their tinnitus is bothersome and incapacitating. Cima et al note that evidence suggests severe tinnitus distress may come from “cognitive misinterpretations, negative emotional reactivity, and dysfunctional attentional processes,” which may facilitate dysfunctional tinnitus habituation.