A Sound Therapy-Based Intervention to Expand the Auditory Dynamic Range for Loudness among Persons with Sensorineural Hearing Losses: Case Evidence Showcasing Treatment Efficacy
Semin Hear 2017; 38: 130-150 DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1598069Case evidence is presented that highlights the clinical relevance and significance of a novel sound therapy-based treatment. This intervention has been shown to be efficacious in a randomized controlled trial for promoting expansion of the dynamic range for loudness and increased sound tolerance among persons with sensorineural hearing losses. Prior to treatment, these individuals were unable to use aided sound effectively because of their limited dynamic ranges. These promising treatment effects are shown in this article to be functionally significant, giving rise to...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - March 8, 2017 Category: Audiology Authors: Formby, Craig Sherlock, LaGuinn P. Hawley, Monica L. Gold, Susan L. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Structured Counseling for Auditory Dynamic Range Expansion
Semin Hear 2017; 38: 115-129 DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1598068A structured counseling protocol is described that, when combined with low-level broadband sound therapy from bilateral sound generators, offers audiologists a new tool for facilitating the expansion of the auditory dynamic range (DR) for loudness. The protocol and its content are specifically designed to address and treat problems that impact hearing-impaired persons who, due to their reduced DRs, may be limited in the use and benefit of amplified sound from hearing aids. The reduced DRs may result from elevated audiometric thresholds and/or reduced sound tolerance a...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - March 8, 2017 Category: Audiology Authors: Gold, Susan L. Formby, Craig Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Relations among Auditory Brainstem and Middle Latency Response Measures, Categorical Loudness Judgments, and Their Associated Physical Intensities
This study characterizes changes in response properties of toneburst-evoked auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) and/or middle latency responses (MLRs) as a function of perceived loudness and physical intensity of these stimuli and delineates the range of levels corresponding to categorical loudness judgments for these stimuli. ABRs/MLRs were recorded simultaneously to 500- and 2,000-Hz tonebursts in 10 normal-hearing adults at levels corresponding to each listener's loudness judgments for four categories on Contour Test of Loudness. Group mean ABR wave V and MLR wave Pa latency values increased significantly as loudness ju...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - March 8, 2017 Category: Audiology Authors: Korczak, Peggy A. Sherlock, LaGuinn P. Hawley, Monica L. Formby, Craig Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Auditory Brainstem and Middle Latency Responses Measured Pre- and Posttreatment for Hyperacusic Hearing-Impaired Persons Successfully Treated to Improve Sound Tolerance and to Expand the Dynamic Range for Loudness: Case Evidence
In this report of three cases, we consider electrophysiologic measures from three hyperacusic hearing-impaired individuals who, prior to treatment to expand their dynamic ranges for loudness, were problematic hearing aid candidates because of their diminished sound tolerance and reduced dynamic ranges. Two of these individuals were treated with structured counseling combined with low-level broadband sound therapy from bilateral sound generators and the third case received structured counseling in combination with a short-acting placebo sound therapy. Each individual was highly responsive to his or her assigned treatment as...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - March 8, 2017 Category: Audiology Authors: Formby, Craig Korczak, Peggy Sherlock, LaGuinn P. Hawley, Monica L. Gold, Susan Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Considerations in the Development of a Sound Tolerance Interview and Questionnaire Instrument
We describe a 36-item tool, the Sound Tolerance Questionnaire (STQ), consisting of six sections, including experience with hearing aids, sound sensitivity/intolerance, medical and noise exposure histories, coexisting tinnitus problems, and a final question to differentiate the primary and secondary problems related to sound intolerance, tinnitus, and hearing loss. In its current format as a research tool, the STQ was sensitive in pinpointing vague sound tolerance complaints not reported by the study participants in eligibility screening by Formby et al. A refined version of the STQ, the Sound Tolerance Interview and Questi...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - March 8, 2017 Category: Audiology Authors: Sherlock, LaGuinn P. Formby, Craig Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Repeated Measurement of Absolute and Relative Judgments of Loudness: Clinical Relevance for Prescriptive Fitting of Aided Target Gains for soft, Comfortable, and Loud, But Ok Sound Levels
This study was undertaken with the purpose of streamlining clinical measures of loudness growth to facilitate and enhance prescriptive fitting of nonlinear hearing aids. Repeated measures of loudness at 500 and 3,000 Hz were obtained bilaterally at monthly intervals over a 6-month period from three groups of young adult listeners. All volunteers had normal audiometric hearing sensitivity and middle ear function, and all denied problems related to sound tolerance. Group 1 performed judgments of soft and loud, but OK for presentation of ascending sound levels. We defined these judgments operationally as absolute judgments ...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - March 8, 2017 Category: Audiology Authors: Formby, Craig Payne, JoAnne Yang, Xin Wu, Delphanie Parton, Jason M. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Intra- and Intersubject Variability in Audiometric Measures and Loudness Judgments in Older Listeners with Normal Hearing
Semin Hear 2017; 38: 003-025 DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1598063This research was to document intra- and intersubject variability in measures of pure tone thresholds, loudness discomfort levels, and the Contour test of loudness for tonal and speech stimuli across 8 to 10 repeated test sessions over a period of almost 1 year in a group of 11 normal-hearing, older middle-aged adults (39 to 73 years, mean of 56 years). The measured pure tone thresholds and loudness discomfort levels were determined to be stable across sessions, with variability on the order of 5 dB. The categorical judgments for the Contour test for both warbled to...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - March 8, 2017 Category: Audiology Authors: Hawley, Monica L. Sherlock, LaGuinn P. Formby, Craig Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Consideration of Methodology and Measures of Loudness
Semin Hear 2017; 38: 001-002 DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1599079 Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.Article in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents | Full text (Source: Seminars in Hearing)
Source: Seminars in Hearing - March 8, 2017 Category: Audiology Authors: Formby, Craig Tags: Foreword Source Type: research
Self-Assessment Questions
Semin Hear 2017; 38: C1-C10 DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1598117 Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.Article in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents | Full text (Source: Seminars in Hearing)
Source: Seminars in Hearing - March 8, 2017 Category: Audiology Tags: Continuing Education Self-Study Program Source Type: research
The Importance of Facts and the Role of Academic Publishers in Today's World —A Publisher's View
Semin Hear 2017; 38: vii-vii DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1600102 Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.Article in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents | Full text (Source: Seminars in Hearing)
Source: Seminars in Hearing - March 8, 2017 Category: Audiology Authors: Schiff, Daniel Tags: publisher's note Source Type: research
The Future of Private Practice in Audiology
This article will discuss present and future trends for the next 40 years, including parallels to other professions and the need to innovate beyond technology. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.Article in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: Seminars in Hearing)
Source: Seminars in Hearing - December 21, 2016 Category: Audiology Authors: Fabry, David A. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Tools for Success in Private Practice
Semin Hear 2016; 37: 359-368 DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1593995When it comes to business, there is no one thing that ensures success. However, focusing on helping as many patients as possible and tracking those results, creating a program to gather referrals from your own patients, setting a goal each month, and having a key employee to guide operations at the front desk to ensure that every patient is treated well and has an awesome experience at your office will go a long way to steering a practice to success. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.Article in Thieme eJournals: Table of conte...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - December 21, 2016 Category: Audiology Authors: Kasewurm, Gyl Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Audiology Assistants in Private Practice
Semin Hear 2016; 37: 348-358 DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1593996Using audiology assistants allows a practice to meet the expected increase in patient demand in a cost-effective manner, without compromise to quality of patient care. Assistants are particularly valuable in private practice settings that have an emphasis in amplification, as many of the tasks involved do not require the unique skills of the doctor of audiology. Regulatory considerations, methods of training, and scope of practice of the assistant are discussed. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.Article in Thieme eJournals: Ta...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - December 21, 2016 Category: Audiology Authors: Hamill, Teri A. Andrews, Julia P. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Practice Management: The Game Changer
Semin Hear 2016; 37: 340-347 DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1593997The reimbursement landscape is undergoing significant changes. Practice management, which encompasses reimbursement, is becoming increasingly more important in securing business success. Each practitioner within a facility is responsible for fortifying the practice through thoughtful business protocols. Knowing legislation that impacts health care along with understanding the foundational components of reimbursement is key for keeping a practice financially healthy. Change is good, but making the changes is what counts! Legislation such as the Medicare Access and Chip...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - December 21, 2016 Category: Audiology Authors: Pessis, Paul Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Can You Hear Me Now? Marketing Essentials for Audiologists in a Noisy Health Care World
Semin Hear 2016; 37: 325-339 DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1593998Audiologists, even those with a strong acumen for business, are not traditionally taught the basics of creating a robust practice identity and dynamic marketing plan. This activity will teach learners how to create a distinct brand that separates them from others in a competitive and distracted marketplace. Additionally, learners will gain an understanding for how to blend traditional marketing tools with more modern online options and social media. Upon completion, learners will be familiar with the skills necessary to actively create, implement, and track the effect...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - December 21, 2016 Category: Audiology Authors: Rudden, DAnne Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
