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PubMed2005

Validity and reliability study of three tinnitus self-assessment scales: loudness, annoyance and change.

CONCLUSIONS: The three tinnitus self-rating scales described herein can be employed as part of "minimal datasets" to reflect the patient's current tinnitus status. These tests are simple and easy to use and can be completed by the patient alone. The results are easy to interpret and provide a good foundation for an effective doctor-patient dialogue. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the reliability and validity of three tinnitus self-rating scales: a six-point response scale for tinnitus loudness; an eight-point response scale for tinnitus annoyance; and a six-point response scale for tinnitus change. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data for 273 patients participating in 2 separate studies were assessed in terms of their validity and reliability. We used criterion validity to determine whether the scales had empirical associations with external criteria, in this case an already firmly established tinnitus questionnaire. In addition we examined construct validity, i.e. its subcategories convergent and discriminant validity, in order to find out how related or unrelated items or scales were. We tested the reliability and repeatability of the scales using patients on our waiting list for tinnitus desensitization. RESULTS: The test-retest reliability was 0.72 for tinnitus loudness and 0.62 for tinnitus annoyance. Calculations showed that all three scales correlated positively with validated complex scales and thus we considered convergent validity to be adequate.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Comparisons between neural response imaging thresholds, electrically evoked auditory reflex thresholds and most comfortable loudness levels in CII bionic ear users with HiResolution sound processing strategies.

CONCLUSIONS: The data collected in this study indicated that first Neural Response Imaging (NRI) thresholds had a better correlation with HiResolution most comfortable loudness (M) levels than tNRI thresholds. Electrically evoked auditory reflex thresholds (EARTs) had a higher correlation with HiResolution M levels than tNRI thresholds and a lower correlation than first NRI thresholds. NRI is a very useful method for programming the cochlear implants of young children who cannot demonstrate a reliable judgment of loudness. OBJECTIVE: To investigate how HiResolution sound processing, designed to deliver high-rate stimuli, relates to EARTs and electrically evoked compound action potential measurements produced by low-rate stimuli. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nine profoundly hearing-impaired children and adults aged 6-29 years participated in the study. NRI responses were elicited using pulse trains consisting of biphasic pulses at a pulse width per phase of 32 micros delivered at a frequency of 30 Hz using SoundWave programming software. Stimuli were delivered to the odd electrodes (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15) along the array. tNRI (NRI threshold) and first NRI thresholds were recorded for each stimulating electrode. "Speech bursts" stimuli used in EARTs recording were delivered to four electrodes at a time and stapedial reflexes were recorded from the impedance bridge. The M levels used were those used by each patient in their everyday HiResolution programs. RESULTS: For 8 patients (53 stimulating electrodes) the correlation between tNRI threshold and M level was r=0.675 (p=0.000) and that between first NRI thresholds and M level was r=0.741 (p=0.000). On average the M-level value was 20 CU (Current Unit) lower than the first NRI threshold value and 12 CU higher than the tNRI threshold value. The M-level patterns across the electrode array overall were similar to the tNRI or first NRI threshold patterns. For 7 patients (112 stimulating electrodes) the correlation between EART and M levels was r=0.710 (p=0.000). On average the EART value was 14 CU higher than the M-level value.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Sound-evoked myogenic potentials on the sternocleidomastoid muscle in monkeys.

CONCLUSION: We recorded sound-evoked myogenic potentials of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle using awake monkeys. The characteristics of these potentials are similar to those of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) in humans, suggesting that the sound-evoked myogenic potentials of the SCM muscle in monkeys may be utilized as an animal model of VEMPs. OBJECTIVE: The pathway of the VEMPs remains uncertain as no animal model has yet been used to record sound-evoked myogenic potentials in the SCM muscle. Therefore, the present study aimed to establish an animal model of VEMPs using macaque monkeys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four macaque monkeys were used. A pair of electrodes was attached on the SCM muscle ipsilateral side to the intense sound stimulation. RESULTS: The sound-evoked myogenic potentials of the SCM muscle exhibited a biphasic waveform. When a click at 125 dBSPL was applied, the peak latency of the first positive wave was 12.5 ms and was not delayed when the stimulating sound intensity was reduced. The thresholds of the myogenic potentials were 103 dBSPL, which were 43 dB higher than those of the auditory brainstem response (ABR). When a short tone burst was applied, the reactive optimal frequency of the myogenic potentials was relatively low (500-1000 Hz).

Acoustic Stimulation↗
PubMed1992

Tonotopic organization of human auditory cortex revealed by multi-channel SQUID system.

A 14-channel SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) system has been used to record the magnetic signal from the human brain in response to an auditory stimuli (750, 1,000, 1,250 and 1,500 Hz, 70, 76 and 82 dB SPL, 500 ms duration). Three individuals with normal hearing were studied. The locations of magnetic response at the latency of 70 ms (P70), 100 ms (N100) and 160 ms (P160) from the onset of the auditory stimulus were identified. The location for N100 response corresponded to the primary auditory cortex (area 41), where a clear tonotopic organization was demonstrated. The amplitopic organization was less evident. These results suggest a flow of auditory signals in the temporal lobe and tonotopic organization in the auditory cortex.

Auditory Cortex↗
PubMed1992

Cochlear microphonics and recruitment.

In this study, bilateral cochlear microphonics (CM) were evoked by tone burst simultaneously. A speaker was put in head-food axis 2 m from the mid-point of a given line connecting the bilateral external meatus. Five normal persons and 68 cases (34 cases of Meniere's disease, 27 cases of sudden hearing loss, and 7 cases of low-tone sensory hearing loss without vertigo) with unilateral sensory hearing loss and recruitment, in addition to 2 cases of bilateral Meniere's disease with recruitment were examined. CM shifted in normal and hearing loss ears and was absent in profound and totally deaf ears. When recruitment was present, CM at corresponding frequencies were enlarged and prolongated in 60 cases. Some of the enlarged and prolongated CM decayed slowly, others quickly. Meanwhile the CM of the opposite normal ear decreased obviously. The presence of enlarged and prolongated CM may indicate an increase of abnormal excitability of the hair cells caused by some pathological stimulations. This would cause excitability of the hair cells in the opposite cochlea to be inhibited by the effect of the efferent system. In such a condition, the patients complained that the stimulating sound was heard louder in the disordered ear than that in the opposite normal ear. CM was slightly enlarged during sleep.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Loudness growth functions and EABR characteristics in Digisonic cochlear implantees.

Electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses (EABRs) and loudness functions were measured in 14 subjects equipped with an MXM Digisonic cochlear implant. EABRs were evoked by 75-Hz pulse trains presented on the apical electrode. Loudness functions at the same rate and at a rate more conventional for psychoacoustic measurements (300 Hz) were measured using a categorical loudness-scaling procedure. The results revealed a significant difference in the loudness functions measured at 75 and 300 Hz, loudness increasing more steeply with stimulus intensity for the latter rate. Significant correlations between EABR wave V thresholds and perceptual thresholds measured at both 75 and 300 Hz were observed. Furthermore, in 8 out of the 14 patients, EABR wave V saturated at a stimulus level corresponding precisely to the loudest bearable, i.e. "Too loud" level for the 300-Hz stimulation rate; this same level corresponded to the "Comfortable" loudness level for the 75-Hz stimulation rate. On average, an almost linear relationship was observed over the first half of the loudness range between the stimulus intensity, expressed as a pulse duration in log units, and wave V amplitude in dB. Although further investigation is required before maximum comfort levels can be predicted reliably from EABR measures in individual subjects, these results indicate new directions regarding the estimation of perceptual dynamic range limits on the basis of EABR measures in cochlear implantees.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

The effects of music tempo and loudness level on treadmill exercise.

This study examined the effects of loudness and tempo of background music on exercise performance. A total of 30 volunteers performed five 10-min exercise sessions on a treadmill. The music listened to whilst exercising was either fast/loud, fast/quiet, slow/loud, slow/quiet or absent. Measures of running speed, heart rate, perceived exertion and affect were taken. Significant effects and interactions were found for running speed and heart rate across the different music tempo and loudness levels. More positive affect was observed during the music condition in comparison to the 'no music' condition. No significant differences for perceived exertion were found across conditions. These results confirm that fast, loud music might be played to enhance optimal exercising, and show how loudness and tempo interact.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Ipsilateral loudness adaptation over multiple intensity levels.

Could monaural loudness adaptation be a simple artifact of psychophysical contrast? From adaptation data based on the Ipsilateral Comparison Paradigm (ICP), A. J. Dange, J. S. Warm, E. M. Weiler, and W. N. Dember (1993) concluded that loudness adaptation was not an artifact of psychophysical contrast, but their conclusion was dependent on results from one intensity. This study, involving multiple intensities, re-examined the issue of contrast versus adaptation and generally supported the conclusions of Dange et al. The results also showed an unexpected asymmetry of adaptation based on the direction of the referent modulation used with the ICP technique. Some implications are discussed.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2001

The spectrally dependent monotic component in the decreasing-loudness aftereffect: implications for dynamic auditory localization.

Listeners exposed to a tone increasing in intensity report an aftereffect of decreasing loudness in a steady tone heard afterward. In the present study, the spectral dependence of the monotic decreasing-loudness aftereffect (adapting and testing 1 ear) was compared with (a) the spectral dependence of the interotic decreasing-loudness aftereffect (adapting 1 ear and testing the other ear) and (b) a non-adaptation control condition. The purpose was to test the hypothesis that the decreasing-loudness aftereffect may concern the sensory processing associated with dynamic localization. The hypothesis is based on two premises: (a) dynamic localization requires monaural sensory processing, and (b) sensory processing is reflected in spectral selectivity. Hence, the hypothesis would be supported if the monotic aftereffect were more spectrally dependent and stronger than the interotic aftereffect; A. H. Reinhardt-Rutland (1998) showed that the hypothesis is supported with regard to the related increasing-loudness aftereffect. Two listeners were exposed to a 1-kHz adapting stimulus. From responses of "growing softer" or "growing louder" to test stimuli changing in intensity, nulls were calculated; test carrier frequencies ranged from 0.5 kHz to 2 kHz. Confirming the hypothesis, the monotic aftereffect peaked at around the 1-kHz test carrier frequency. In contrast, the interotic aftereffect showed little evidence of spectrally dependent peaking. Except when test and adaptation carrier frequencies differed markedly, the interotic aftereffect was smaller than the monotic aftereffect.

Female↗
PubMed2001

Monaural loudness adaptation for middle-intensity middle-frequency signals: the importance of measurement technique.

Using the Simple Adaptation technique (SA) and the Ipsilateral Comparison Paradigm (ICP), the authors studied monaural loudness adaptation to a middle-intensity [60 dB(A)] tone at signal frequencies of 250, 1000, and 4000 Hz in the left and right ears. Adaptation effects were absent when the SA procedure was used. However, they were observed uniformly across all frequency values with the ICP, a result that challenges the assertion in the literature, on the basis of SA measures, that loudness adaptation for middle-intensity signals occurs only at frequencies above 4000 Hz. The ICP features periodic intensity modulations (+/-10 dB relative to the base signal) to accommodate listeners' needs for referents by which they can gauge subtle changes in the loudness of the adapting tone, a key component that is missing in the SA method. Adaptation effects in this investigation were similar in both ears, supporting the equal susceptibility assumption common in loudness adaptation studies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Loudness adaptation: fact or artifact?

In the present study, the authors tested the hypothesis that contrast effects confound the Ipsilateral Comparison Paradigm (ICP). Bidirectional referents were used in which base tones of 50 or 70 dB alternated with referents of greater or lesser intensity in a 3.5-min listening period. The contrast hypothesis leads to the expectation that the bidirectional referents would produce opposing effects that should nullify time-based loudness changes in the common base tone. Contrary to that expectation, base-tone loudness declined significantly over time in the context of the bidirectional referents, and the loudness of the referents also declined significantly over time. Thus, the results of the study testified to the validity of the ICP as a contrast-free measure of broad-based loudness adaptation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Changing-loudness aftereffect following simulated movement: implications for channel hypotheses concerning sound level change and movement.

Listening to a tone changing unidirectionally in sound level causes an illusion of changing loudness in a steady tone afterward. This aftereffect may indicate channels for detecting the feature of change in sound level, which would primarily concern dynamic sound localization. Three subjects, one of whom was the author, participated in this study. The author predicted that opposite adaptation of the ears (the adapting stimulus is heard to move from one ear to the other) should lead to a movement aftereffect. This was not reported by the subjects. However, the subjects did report a changing-loudness aftereffect in a monaural test stimulus, and the characteristics of the changing-loudness aftereffect (such as its magnitude) were consistent with previous data, suggesting a two-stage channel hypothesis: Output from channels for several features, including sound-level change, simultaneously stimulate movement channels.

Attention↗
PubMed1992

Four triggering factors in loudness adaptation.

A factor analysis was used to determine whether induced loudness adaptation (Botte, Canevet, & Scharf, 1982; Scharf, 1983) and adaptation measured by Hood's (1950) classic Simultaneous Dichotic Loudness Balance technique (SDLB) would cluster on the same factors. The two phenomena did not cluster on the same factors; thus, induced adaptation cannot replace SDLB adaptation. Four independent factors that trigger auditory adaptation were identified in the factor analysis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Loudness adaptation: resolution of a psychophysical enigma.

Traditional measurement of loudness adaptation based on binaural matching has been challenged by Scharf (1983) and others as an artifact of binaural interaction due to contrast effects. Weiler, Sandman, and Pederson (1981) addressed this problem by developing a monaural technique called the ipsilateral comparison paradigm (ICP), which demonstrates strong adaptation effects within the auditory system. The two experiments described in this report support the meaningfulness of that procedure. They show that the ICP is not confounded by psychophysical contrast as suggested by Canevet, Scharf, and Botte (1983); they also demonstrate that the results obtained with the ICP are robust--adaptation effects were noted across a broad range of intensities and were similar when psychophysical reports were made by magnitude estimation and graphic rating means.

Acoustic Stimulation↗
PubMed1995

Evidence for frequency-dependent and frequency-independent components in increasing- and decreasing-loudness aftereffects.

Listening to a decreasingly intense tone leads to increasing loudness in a subsequent steady tone. Conversely, listening to an increasingly intense tone leads to decreasing loudness in a subsequent steady tone. Measurement entails a test stimulus changing in sound level to null any aftereffect, so that loudness is perceived as steady. Previous studies have shown that the aftereffects are frequency dependent: Carrier frequencies of adapting and test stimuli must be closely matched for the greatest aftereffects. In the present study, frequency-independent components were also indicated: Despite separation between adapting and test frequencies of up to two octaves, measurements always differed after decreasing and increasing sound-level adaptation, such that frequency functions for the two directions of adaptation never crossed. According to evidence from other negative adaptation effects in the auditory modality, explanation of the present aftereffects requires at least two mechanisms: Frequency-dependent components may reflect sensory processing, whereas frequency-independent components may be nonsensory in origin.

Attention↗
PubMed1995

Increasing- and decreasing-loudness aftereffects: asymmetrical functions for absolute rate of sound level change in adapting stimulus.

After exposure to a tone of decreasing sound level, participants report that a steady tone increases in loudness; after exposure to an increasing sound level, they perceive a steady tone to decrease in loudness. The increasing-loudness aftereffect is the more sensitive to a difference between adapting and test frequencies, its absolute size becoming greater than that for decreasing-loudness aftereffect as frequencies are made to match. Although this asymmetry may reflect processing differences for the two directions of sound level change, a more parsimonious hypothesis entails perceived increasing loudness of short steady tones, in conjunction with differing levels of tonal adaptation across test frequencies. The former explanation is supported by the present report of another aftereffect asymmetry: With frequency the same for both adapting and test stimuli, so that tonal adaptation was nearly asymptotic during testing, altering the absolute rate of sound level change of the adapting stimulus had a greater effect on the magnitude of the increasing-loudness aftereffect. The first hypothesis is consistent with the percussive nature of natural sounds, few of which are steady: most of their sound levels rise almost instantaneously and decrease slowly.

Humans↗
PubMed1995

The influence of onset sound level of test stimulus on reported magnitude of changing-loudness aftereffects.

An increasing-loudness aftereffect follows adaptation to a tone of decreasing sound level; a decreasing-loudness aftereffect follows adaptation to a tone of increasing sound level. Contrary to the belief that sensory processing contributes to these changing-loudness aftereffects, evidence suggests that onset sound level of test stimulus may have little influence on reported aftereffects. This was tested formally in the present study. Adapting stimuli and test stimuli all employed 1-kHz sinusoidal carriers: Three onset sound levels of test stimuli were well within the range of sound levels encompassed by adapting stimuli; a fourth was set at the highest value of this range. Consistent with previous evidence, substantial aftereffects were reported for all the midrange onset sound levels, with little difference across onset sound levels. However, for the high-range onset sound level, reported aftereffects were severely attenuated. Sensory processing can be invoked by supposing that aftereffect mechanisms "tap" neural activity that encodes adapting sound levels.

Humans↗
PubMed1996

The illusion of increasing loudness in brief steady tones: variation with carrier frequency.

A brief tone of steady intensity is heard as growing louder; to be heard as steady, intensity must be decreasing. The present report concerns the influence of carrier frequency on this illusion. Stimuli each lasted 1.5 s, during which time intensity was increasing, decreasing, or remaining steady; the initial intensity was 40 dB SPL (sound pressure level relative to 0.0002 dynes/cm2). Carrier frequencies were between 0.0625 and 8.0 kHz. Four listeners made forced binary responses of "growing louder" or "growing softer" to stimuli. Values of changing intensity that elicited equal numbers of each type of response were computed. As expected, these values were negative. The illusion was most pronounced for the lowest and highest frequencies. In contrast to the results of a recent study, the findings were that sensitivity to changing intensity did not vary systematically with the size of the illusion. The illusion might arise because many sounds slowly decay in intensity and because of the importance of detecting approaching sound sources, analogous to "looming" in the visual modality. Overall loudness of the sound source should assist in altering the listener; the increase in the illusion at the extremities of the frequency range might compensate for the reduced overall loudness at such frequencies.

Adult↗