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Mishra S, Laplante-Lévesque A, Barbareschi G, Witte LD, Abdi S, Spann A, Khasnabis C, Allen M. Assistive technology needs, access and coverage, and related barriers and facilitators in the WHO European region: a scoping review. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2024; 19:474-485. [PMID: 35906719 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2022.2099021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Globally, assistive technology (AT) is used by over 1 billion people, but the prevalence of needs and access to AT in specific countries or regions is largely unknown. This scoping review summarises the evidence available on the prevalence of needs, access and coverage of AT in the World Health Organisation European Region and the barriers and facilitators to its use. METHODS Relevant publications were identified using a combination of two strategies: 1) a systematic search for AT publications in five scientific literature databases; and 2) consultations with 76 of the Region's AT experts. RESULT The search strategies yielded 103 publications, 62 of them identified by the systematic search. The included publications were predominantly from six countries, and 18 countries were unrepresented. Information on AT use for specific functional impairments was present in 57 publications: AT for hearing impairment in 14 publications; vision in 12; mobility, 12; communication, 11; self-care, 6; and cognition, 2. AT needs for vision and hearing impairment were more likely to be met (1-87% and 5-90%, respectively) compared with communication and cognition impairments (10-60% and 58%, respectively). The barriers and facilitators to AT access described were linked to accessibility, affordability and acceptability. CONCLUSION Data on AT prevalence and coverage are limited in both quantity and quality. Agreed-upon definitions of functional impairment and assistive product categories and standards for data collection are needed to facilitate data comparisons and to build a more representative picture of AT needs and coverage.Implications for rehabilitationComprehensive and disaggregated data concerning the prevalence of needs and coverage of AT is needed to enable the development of responsive policies and actions.The literature available on the prevalence of needs and coverage of AT in the WHO European Region is primarily focussed on a small subset of countries and comparisons between studies are limited due to the use of different data collection strategies.Evidence concerning barriers and facilitators to AT access across countries is more consistent and can be organised across the key themes of accessibility, affordability and acceptability of AT.There is a need for consensus among multiple AT actors on standardised definitions for functional impairment and assistive product categories and standards for data collection to enable a more representative picture to be built of AT needs and coverage across the WHO European Region and globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish Mishra
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Luc De Witte
- Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Abdi
- Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Alice Spann
- Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | | | - Michael Allen
- United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, United States of America
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Turunen-Taheri S, Carlsson PI, Ternevall E, Hellström S. Mental Fatigue in Patients with Hearing Loss and/or Tinnitus Undergoing Audiological Rehabilitation-A Pilot Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6756. [PMID: 37959220 PMCID: PMC10648212 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both tinnitus and hearing loss are multidimensional. The purpose of this study was to identify and determine the degree of mental fatigue in patients with hearing loss and/or tinnitus participating in audiological rehabilitation, and to examine the self-reported mental fatigue scale (MFS) in this patient group. METHODS Patients undergoing audiological rehabilitation at the Department of Audiology and Neurotology, Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden, between 2011 and 2017 who completed a self-reported MFS questionnaire were investigated. Data on 76 patients were analysed in this pilot study. Patients were also assessed using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). RESULTS The study population had an age range of 38-65 years, and most had normal hearing (37%) or mild to moderate hearing loss (46%). Only 17% had severe to profound hearing loss. A total of 56.5% had tinnitus, of whom 39.5% scored ≥57 on the THI, indicating severe tinnitus, whereas 43.5% reported no tinnitus. The MFS scores, ranging from 13 to 42.5 points, were divided into three severity levels for analysis: 10.5-15, 15.5-20, and ≥20.5. In total, 67% of the patients had MFS scores ≥ 20.5. Importantly, most of the participants (90%) with a THI score ≥ 57 belonged to that group. A significant positive correlation between a high MFS score and severe tinnitus was found. CONCLUSIONS The study reveals that severe mental fatigue is more common in patients with severe tinnitus than sole hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satu Turunen-Taheri
- Department of CLINTEC, Division of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Department of Audiology and Neurotology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-118 95 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Department of CLINTEC, Division of Audiology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Per-Inge Carlsson
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Central Hospital, SE-652 30 Karlstad, Sweden;
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Elisabeth Ternevall
- Department of Audiology and Neurotology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-118 95 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Sten Hellström
- Department of CLINTEC, Division of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Department of Audiology and Neurotology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-118 95 Stockholm, Sweden;
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Turunen-Taheri S, Hagerman Sirelius A, Hellström S, Skjönsberg Å, Backenroth G. Combined severe-to-profound hearing and vision impairment-Experiences of daily life and need of support, an interview study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280709. [PMID: 37319135 PMCID: PMC10270357 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of the present study was to describe experiences of disabilities and factors affecting daily life from the perspective of adult persons with severe-to-profound hearing impairment in combination with severe vision impairment. Furthermore, the study also investigated which kind of support individuals with dual sensory loss received, and their experiences as citizens in the society. METHODS Semi-structured qualitative interviews were performed, analyzed, and categorized using content analysis. RESULTS Fourteen interviews were performed, with equal number of both sexes. Mean age was 70.1 years (47-81 years). Analysis of the data resulted in 22 categories, six sub-themes and two main themes. Two main themes emerged as Isolation and The Ability to control one's own daily life. Surprisingly, most of the participants did not think of their vision and hearing impairment as a combined disability. The interviews showed various kind of strategies to handle daily life. The Deafblind-team unit was reported to offer excellent health care. Companion services for persons with disabilities proved to have become more difficult to get support from and created lack of independence and control over their own lives. However, it was also obvious that the participants felt a positive outlook on life and were more solution-oriented in order to adjust their everyday life to their life-situation. CONCLUSIONS The combination of vision and hearing impairment demonstrated isolation, and the respondents in the study have a need of support in everyday lives. At the same time, they struggle to have the ability to control their own lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satu Turunen-Taheri
- Division of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Department of CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Audiology and Neurotology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Audiology, Department of CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, Flemmingsberg, Sweden
| | | | - Sten Hellström
- Division of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Department of CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Audiology and Neurotology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Åsa Skjönsberg
- Department of Audiology and Neurotology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Audiology, Department of CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, Flemmingsberg, Sweden
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Ott J, Champagne SN, Bachani AM, Morgan R. Scoping 'sex' and 'gender' in rehabilitation: (mis)representations and effects. Int J Equity Health 2022; 21:179. [PMID: 36527089 PMCID: PMC9756604 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-022-01787-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Researchers have highlighted a large-scale global unmet need for rehabilitation. While sex and gender have been shown to interact with each other and with other social and structural factors to influence health and wellbeing, less is known about how sex and gender shape rehabilitation participation and outcomes within health systems. METHODS Using an intersectional approach, we examine literature that explores the relationship between sex and/or gender and rehabilitation access, use, adherence, outcomes, and caregiving. Following a comprehensive search, 65 documents met the inclusion criteria for this scoping review of published literature. Articles were coded for rehabilitation-related themes and categorized by type of rehabilitation, setting, and age of participants, to explore how existing literature aligned with documented global rehabilitation needs. Responding to a common conflation of sex and gender in the existing literature and a frequent misrepresentation of sex and gender as binary, the researchers also developed a schema to determine whether existing literature accurately represented sex and gender. RESULTS The literature generally described worse rehabilitation access, use, adherence, and outcomes and a higher caregiving burden for conditions with rehabilitation needs among women than men. It also highlighted the interacting effects of social and structural factors like socioeconomic status, racial or ethnic identity, lack of referral, and inadequate insurance on rehabilitation participation and outcomes. However, existing literature on gender and rehabilitation has focused disproportionately on a few types of rehabilitation among adults in high-income country contexts and does not correspond with global geographic or condition-based rehabilitation needs. Furthermore, no articles were determined to have provided an apt depiction of sex and gender. CONCLUSION This review highlights a gap in global knowledge about the relationship between sex and/or gender and rehabilitation participation and outcomes within health systems. Future research should rely on social science and intersectional approaches to elucidate how gender and other social norms, roles, and structures influence a gender disparity in rehabilitation participation and outcomes. Health systems should prioritize person-centered, gender-responsive care, which involves delivering services that are responsive to the complex social norms, roles, and structures that intersect to shape gender inequitable rehabilitation participation and outcomes in diverse contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Ott
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, Health Systems Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Sarah N. Champagne
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, Health Systems Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Abdulgafoor M. Bachani
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, Health Systems Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Rosemary Morgan
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, Health Systems Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
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Rehabilitation of Severe-to-Profound Hearing Loss in Adults in Sweden. Audiol Res 2022; 12:433-444. [PMID: 36004952 PMCID: PMC9405405 DOI: 10.3390/audiolres12040044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe-to-profound hearing loss (STPHL) can affect a person negatively in many ways. Audiological rehabilitation is important for these patients. Patients receiving cochlear implants make up less than 10% of this group but have been studied extensively. In 2005, a national registry for adult patients with STPHL was introduced in Sweden. Its purpose was to evaluate and improve rehabilitation for all patients with STPHL. Data from the Swedish registry for adult patients with STPHL were used to evaluate variables affecting the audiological rehabilitation. Previous published data from the registry were reviewed, and new data from the follow-up questionnaire were presented. More than 90% of patients rehabilitated with hearing aids experienced a good or very good benefit of audiological rehabilitation. Tinnitus and vertigo affected quality of life negatively and were reported by many patients with STPHL (41% and 31%) at follow-up. To maintain the high number of patients who find audiological rehabilitation beneficial, individualized treatment plans and timely re-evaluations are crucial. Tinnitus and vertigo need to be addressed repeatedly in the rehabilitation process.
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Stuttard L, Boyle P, Fairhurst C, Hewitt C, Longo F, Walker S, Weatherly H, Mayhew E, Beresford B. Hearing dogs for people with severe and profound hearing loss: a wait-list design randomised controlled trial investigating their effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Trials 2021; 22:700. [PMID: 34649618 PMCID: PMC8515662 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05607-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hearing loss increases the risk of poor outcomes across a range of life domains. Where hearing loss is severe or profound, audiological interventions and rehabilitation have limited impact. Hearing dogs offer an alternative, or additional, intervention. They live permanently with recipients, providing sound support and companionship. Methods A single-centre, randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluated the impacts of a hearing dog on mental well-being, anxiety, depression, problems associated with hearing loss (responding to sounds, fearfulness/social isolation), and perceived dependency on others. Participants were applicants to the UK charity ‘Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’. Eligibility criteria were as follows: first-time applicant; applying for a hearing dog (as opposed to other support provided by the charity). Participants were randomised 1:1 to the following: receive a hearing dog sooner than usual [HD], or within the usual application timeframe (wait-list [WL] comparator). The primary outcome was mental well-being (Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale) 6 months (T1) after HD received a hearing dog. The cost-effectiveness analysis took a health and social care perspective. Results In total, 165 participants were randomised (HD n = 83, WL n = 82). A total of 112 (67.9%) were included in the primary analysis (HD n = 55, WL n = 57). At T1, mental well-being was significantly higher in the HD arm (adjusted mean difference 2.53, 95% CI 1.27 to 3.79, p < 0.001). Significant improvements in anxiety, depression, functioning, fearfulness/social isolation, and perceived dependency, favouring the HD arm, were also observed. On average, HD participants had used fewer statutory health and social care resources. In a scenario whereby costs of provision were borne by the public sector, hearing dogs do not appear to be value for money. If the public sector made a partial contribution, it is possible that hearing dogs would be cost-effective from a public sector perspective. Conclusions Hearing dogs appear to benefit recipients across a number of life domains, at least in the short term. Within the current funding model (costs entirely borne by the charity), hearing dogs are cost-effective from the public sector perspective. Whilst it would not be cost-effective to fully fund the provision of hearing dogs by the public sector, a partial contribution could be explored. Trial registration The trial was retrospectively registered with the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) registry on 28.1.2019: ISRCTN36452009. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05607-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Stuttard
- Social Policy Research Unit, Department of Social Policy and Social Work, Church Lane Building, York Science Park, University of York, Heslington, YO10 5DF, UK.
| | - Philip Boyle
- Social Policy Research Unit, Department of Social Policy and Social Work, Church Lane Building, York Science Park, University of York, Heslington, YO10 5DF, UK
| | | | | | - Francesco Longo
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Simon Walker
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Helen Weatherly
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Emese Mayhew
- Social Policy Research Unit, Department of Social Policy and Social Work, Church Lane Building, York Science Park, University of York, Heslington, YO10 5DF, UK
| | - Bryony Beresford
- Social Policy Research Unit, Department of Social Policy and Social Work, Church Lane Building, York Science Park, University of York, Heslington, YO10 5DF, UK
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Knickerbocker A, Bourn S, Goldstein MR, Jacob A. Cochlear Implant Outcomes in Elderly Recipients During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Otol Neurotol 2021; 42:e1256-e1262. [PMID: 34267095 PMCID: PMC8443422 DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000003291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the potential significance of social distancing and quarantine precautions for COVID-19 on speech outcomes, missed appointments, wear time, and exposure to various sound environments in the first 6 months following activation for elderly cochlear implant (CI) recipients. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort. SETTING Tertiary private practice. PATIENTS Fifty cochlear implant recipients ≥65 years were evaluated. A Control Group consisted of 26 patients implanted between November 2, 2018 and February 18, 2019 while the Pandemic Group included 24 patients implanted between November 1, 2019 and February 17, 2020. INTERVENTION Rehabilitative. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Preoperative and 6-month postoperative AzBio sentence scores in quiet were compared between groups along with the number of missed appointments as well as datalogged information regarding average CI wear time and average hours in various sound environments such as quiet, speech, and speech-in-noise. RESULTS The Control Group averaged 36.5% improvement for AzBio in quiet scores while the Pandemic Group averaged only 17.2% improvement, a difference that was both statistically and clinically significant (p = 0.04; g = 0.64). Patients in the Pandemic Group were nearly twice as likely to miss CI programming appointments than the Control Group. The Pandemic Group wore their CI 1.2 less hours per day on average, and while the Pandemic Group spent similar times in quiet and speech environments to the Control Group, the Pandemic Group spent less time in speech with presence of background noise. CONCLUSIONS While social distancing and quarantine measures are crucial to limiting spread of COVID-19, these precautions may have negatively impacted early speech performance for elderly cochlear implant recipients. Missed CI programming appointments, decreased sound processor wear time, and reduced exposure to complex listening environments such as speech in the presence of background noise were more common in the Pandemic Group than in the Control Group operated the year prior.
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Turton L, Souza P, Thibodeau L, Hickson L, Gifford R, Bird J, Stropahl M, Gailey L, Fulton B, Scarinci N, Ekberg K, Timmer B. Guidelines for Best Practice in the Audiological Management of Adults with Severe and Profound Hearing Loss. Semin Hear 2020; 41:141-246. [PMID: 33364673 PMCID: PMC7744249 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1714744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with severe to profound hearing loss are likely to present with complex listening needs that require evidence-based solutions. This document is intended to inform the practice of hearing care professionals who are involved in the audiological management of adults with a severe to profound degree of hearing loss and will highlight the special considerations and practices required to optimize outcomes for these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Turton
- Department of Audiology, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, Warwick, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela Souza
- Communication Sciences and Disorders and Knowles Hearing Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
| | - Linda Thibodeau
- University of Texas at Dallas, Callier Center for Communication Disorders, Dallas, Texas
| | - Louise Hickson
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - René Gifford
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Judith Bird
- Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom
| | - Maren Stropahl
- Department of Science and Technology, Sonova AG, Stäfa, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Nerina Scarinci
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Katie Ekberg
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Barbra Timmer
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia
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Abstract
There are over 466 million people in the world with disabling hearing loss. People with severe-to-profound hearing impairment need to lipread or use sign language, even with hearing aids. Assistive Technologies play a vital role in helping these people interact efficiently with their environment. Deaf drivers are not currently able to take full advantage of voice-based navigation applications. In this paper, we describe research that is aimed at developing an assistive device that (1) recognizes voice-stream navigation instructions from GPS-based navigation applications, and (2) maps each voiced navigation instruction to a vibrotactile stimulus that can be perceived and understood by deaf drivers. A 13-element feature vector is extracted from each voice stream, and classified into one of six categories, where each category represents a unique navigation instruction. The classification of the feature vectors is done using a K-Nearest-Neighbor classifier (with an accuracy of 99.05%) which was found to outperform five other classifiers. Each category is then mapped to a unique vibration pattern, which drives vibration motors in real time. A usability study was conducted with ten participants. Three different alternatives were tested, to find the best body locations for mounting the vibration motors. The solution ultimately chosen was two sets of five vibrator motors, where each set was mounted on a bracelet. Ten drivers were asked to rate the proposed device (based on eight different factors) after they used the assistive device on 8 driving routes. The overall mean rating across all eight factors was 4.67 (out of 5) This indicates that the proposed assistive device was seen as useful and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mwaffaq Otoom
- Computer Engineering Department, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | | | - Rama Aloufee
- Computer Engineering Department, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
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Ciorba A, Guidi MP, Skarżyński PH, Bianchini C, Rosignoli M, Mazzoli M, Pelucchi S, Hatzopoulos S. Rehabilitation of Severe to Profound Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Adults: Audiological Outcomes. EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL 2019; 100:215S-219S. [PMID: 31838921 DOI: 10.1177/0145561319892461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this article is to describe the audiological patterns of 71 adult patients presenting severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss, who were rehabilitated by cochlear implants (CIs) and hearing aids. This is a retrospective study in a university setting, where the clinical records of 71 adult patients were reviewed and processed. Speech intelligibility was evaluated at one aided ear (CI) or at both aided ears (double CI or a combination of CI and hearing aid [HA]). Patients with a bilateral CI or with a bimodal hearing setup (CI and HA) performed better than those with a single CI; data from the phonetic matrices test showed that there was a statistically significant difference among patients aided by a single CI versus binaural setup (double CI or CI + HA). In particular, patients aided by a bilateral CI, or by a CI and HA, showed an improvement in the functional results of the speech tests, compared to patients using a single CI. Binaural hearing (either with a bilateral CI or bimodal) allows an improvement in the functional results at the speech tests, compared to the use of a CI only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ciorba
- ENT and Audiology Clinic, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Piotr H Skarżyński
- Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Heart Failure and Cardiac Rehabilitation, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Institute of Sensory Organs, Kajetany, Poland
| | | | | | - Manuela Mazzoli
- ENT and Audiology Clinic, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Turunen-Taheri SK, Edén M, Hellström S, Carlsson PI. Rehabilitation of adult patients with severe-to-profound hearing impairment - why not cochlear implants? Acta Otolaryngol 2019; 139:604-611. [PMID: 31107122 DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2019.1607976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: In Sweden, an estimated prevalence of adult patients with severe-to-profound hearing loss is 0.2%, which corresponds to roughly 20,000. We know little about the use of cochlear implants (CIs) in this population and why not most of them are not offered CI. Objectives: To investigate the reasons for no rehabilitation with CI among this patient group. Materials and methods: Data were collected from 1076 patients in the Swedish Quality Register of Otorhinolaryngology. A baseline questionnaire and the reason for no CI, was evaluated. Results: Only 14.5% of the patients started a CI investigation, and 8.5% were rehabilitated with CI. Significantly more women (56.5%) than men received CI. The most common reasons for not receiving CI, were hearing reason (30.5%), indicating satisfaction with technical equipment, and unknown reason (25%). The oldest patient group (81-100 years old) had the highest risk for unknown reasons. Patients receiving extended audiological rehabilitation (53.5%) had a significantly lower risk for unknown reasons. Conclusions: It is worrying that the oldest patient group (81-100 years old) seemed to have fewer chances to start a CI investigation. An extended audiological rehabilitation increased the chances that professionals would discuss CI. Significance: This study shows that surprisingly few patients are offered CI despite their severe-to-profound hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satu Kristiina Turunen-Taheri
- Department of CLINTEC, Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Audiology and Neurotology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Margareta Edén
- Habilitation and Health, Hearing Organization, Mölndal Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - S. Hellström
- Department of Clinical Sciences Intervention and Technology, Department of CLINTEC, Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Audiology and Neurotology, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per-Inge Carlsson
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, ENT, Central Hospital, Karlstad, Sweden
- Audiological Research Center, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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