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Biomedical subjects

M Stecker

Publications and source records attributed to M Stecker.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

[Screening program for selection of hearing loss in newborn infants instituted by the European Community].

Early identification of hearing impairment in children poses a major problem for clinical research and development. In the last two years we determined the hearing sensitivity of 1202 newborns, small infants and children. 52.4% of the children exhibited risk factors for hearing impairment in their medical history. The majority of children was referred to our department by pediatricians (52%), who first suspected hearing impairment, 40% by parents, 3.5% by otolaryngologists, 3% by educators, and 1.5% by general practitioners. The following examinations were performed: transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE), impedance audiometry, auropalpebralreflex, behavioral observation audiometry, and, if necessary, auditory brain stem response (ABR) with air and bone-conducted clicks as well as frequency-following responses at 500 Hz tone burst. In 378 children TEOAE were recorded on both sides, in 151 at least on one side. These results were confirmed by the other techniques. Only three children presented false negative results of TEOAE on one side. Two of these children had a middle ear effusion and a threshold of 35 dB, one had retrocochlear hearing loss. The absence of TEOAE in both ears in 155 children as well as in one ear in 16 children was detected by ABR. Seventy-seven patients showed no response on both sides, 25 on one side, although a hearing impairment more than 25 dB could not be verified by ABR. This high number of false positive results is explained in 77 cases (76%) by a middle ear dysfunction during the recording of TEOAE, when ABR was performed following adenotomy and paracentesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

[In situ measurements for determining the effect of additional boring of the earmold].

To investigate the effect of earmould venting on the insertion gain of hearing aids in patients' ear canal, the authors sealed 35 earmould ventings with soft silicone after measurement under normal conditions and repeated the measurement. The size of the ventings varied from 0.8 mm to 3.5 mm in diameter. The results show the expected SPL-reducing effect of the ventings between 500 Hz and 1,000 Hz. Below 500 Hz the effect found was only slight, because of the low amplification in this frequency range. Above 1 kHz an increasing sound pressure level was measured as a result of resonance effects. This study illustrates the effect of earmould venting on insertion gain. To improve the hearing aid fitting the earmould venting should be used, deliberately and specifically, far more often than at present. The resulting effects of earmould modifications of real ear gain can only be determined by in situ measurements on the patient's eardrum. This method also enables resonance to be compensationed for in a controlled manner.

Audiometry, Pure-Tone↗
PubMed1988

[Evoked response audiometry in pediatric audiology].

Since we know that maturation of the hearing system occurs within the first few weeks after birth, audiologic testing should be performed as soon as possible whenever there is the slightest suspicion of a hearing disorder. The only reliable test method in this early period of life is the electric response audiometry. To use the advantages of this objective test method, several criteria must be observed. The most important of these are: 1. good sedation, 2. sufficient test routine comprising not only clicks but also 500 Hz pulses and bone-conducted stimuli, and 3. sufficient experience in the interpretation of the various recorded response patterns. Comparing subjective and objective results in 533 children, the ERA proves to be the more reliable and effective method giving extensive information on the hearing threshold and the dynamic response of audition and allowing an exact control and correction of the hearing aid adjustment.

Audiometry, Evoked Response↗
PubMed1986

[Preliminary studies of deaf patients assessed for cochlear implantation].

Two techniques were employed to assess the suitability of deaf patients for cochlear implantation: electrical stimulation by means of ear canal electrode and promontorium electrode. The results of the ear canal tests indicate that the patients may be divided into three groups: I. non-usable dynamics, II. usable dynamics in low-frequency range, and III. usable dynamics over a wider frequency range. Comparable results were obtained via the promontory tests. Since the promontory tests showed a more accurate description of the subjective sensations, it is recommended that this test be performed with those patients who have been preselected on the basis of ear canal stimulation.

Auditory Pathways↗
PubMed1983

[Problems of electric response audiometry in practice].

In recent years Electric Response Audiometry (ERA) has become a valuable method in the clinical audiology. However, there are two specific problems that make Electric Response Audiometry more complicated than other hearing tests. First, the evaluation of the averaged signals is subjective, and in some cases the distinction between response signals and remaining electrical background noise or artifacts may be rather difficult. The second problem concerns the interpretation of response signals. As there is no simple but only an ambiguous relation between response parameters and the different types of hearing disorders, again, it depends on clinical experience and knowledge to avoid misinterpretations and to arrive at a reliable diagnosis.

Audiometry↗
PubMed1982

[Objective hearing aid fitting].

In many cases speech and pure tone audiometry are not practicable. Therefore, the hearing aid fitting is based on objective techniques, like the measurement of the stapedius-reflex threshold or acoustically evoked neural responses. In particular, brain stem responses are very helpful for an objective hearing-aid fitting. They represent the full scale of hearing dynamics and supply direct information for selection and adjustment of the hearing aid. Control of the fitting can also be effected directly by measuring brain stem responses.

Acoustic Stimulation↗