1
|
Zuriekat M, Alqudah S, Semeraro H, Watson V, Rowan D, Kirby S, Ferguson M. The audiological rehabilitation of workers with hearing loss in the UK: a qualitative study of workers' perspectives. Disabil Rehabil 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37800442 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2261375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Unaddressed hearing loss can adversely affect employment and day-to-day work-life. Efficient and effective audiology support can help optimise hearing in the workplace. This study explores the audiological rehabilitation experiences of workers with hearing loss (WHL). MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-four WHL with experience of a wide range of audiology services across the UK participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Three main themes were generated: Theme 1: mixed experiences with audiology services (subdivided into two subthemes and four sub-subthemes). Theme 2: audiology role in work support (subdivided into three subthemes). Theme 3: "I think support could be improved if…" (subdivided into two subthemes). CONCLUSION The audiological rehabilitation for working-age adults with hearing loss needs improvements to deliver sufficient support and quality care. Some of the barriers to having better-functioning hearing healthcare require fundamental standards in healthcare quality, such as access to services, staff (including audiologists) deaf awareness, information and technology support, and personalised care that considers work-life needs. Further research is required to evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of improvements, such as support that extends beyond hearing aid care, whether from audiology or non-audiology services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Zuriekat
- Department of Special Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Jordan & Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
- Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Safa Alqudah
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | | | - Victoria Watson
- Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Daniel Rowan
- Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sarah Kirby
- Academic Unit of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Melanie Ferguson
- School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Haanes GG. Multidisciplinary Approaches and Community-Based Interventions: Adaptable Strategies for Managing Sensory Impairments in Older Adults. J Multidiscip Healthc 2023; 16:2701-2705. [PMID: 37724317 PMCID: PMC10505404 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s416762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory impairments including hearing and vision loss are becoming increasingly prevalent among older adults worldwide, and are adversely affecting their quality of life, independence and cognitive health. This article focuses on the global rise of sensory impairments in the ageing population and evaluates the efficacy of multidisciplinary interventions for management and prevention, including assistive-technology-based medicine, exercise programs and cognitive strategies. Drawing from a wide range of studies, we emphasize the importance of developing globally adaptable, community-based solutions that not only address the direct challenges posed by sensory impairments but also their broader implications for cognitive decline. Additionally, we highlight the need for continuous international research to fine-tune these interventions, to ensure they are holistic and responsive to the diverse needs of older adults across different regions worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gro Gade Haanes
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Department of Social and Welfare Studies, Institute for Nursing and Health Science, University of South-Eastern Norway, Campus Vestfold, Horten, Norway
- USN Research Group of Older Peoples’ Health, University of South-Eastern Norway Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang Y, Liu L, Huang Y. Effect of antenatal dexamethasone therapy on hearing screening in premature infants: A retrospective case-control study. Am J Otolaryngol 2023; 44:103734. [PMID: 36577171 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2022.103734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hearing impairment has a great impact on children's auditory language development, which causes serious socio-economic burden. Existing data showed the effect of antenatal dexamethasone treatment on hearing of premature infants is controversial, which may be caused by different treatment courses. Therefore, this study explored the effects of different courses of antenatal dexamethasone treatment on hearing of premature infants. METHOD All premature infants born in West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University from 2018 to 2020 with abnormal hearing screening were included. We matched premature infants who passed the hearing screening according to the gestational age (±1 week) at a ratio of 1:1. Antenatal dexamethasone information, hearing screening results, and postnatal diagnosis related to hearing were available. RESULTS A total of 299 premature infants failed hearing screening. In the final logistic model, antenatal use of 4 doses of dexamethasone reduced the hearing screening failure rate of premature infants (OR 0.39; 95 % CI: 0.22-0.69). Excessive exposure (OR 1.01; 95 % CI: 0.45-2.23) and incomplete exposure (OR 1.03; 95 % CI: 0.59-1.80) had no effect on the hearing screening of premature infants. CONCLUSION Antenatal dexamethasone therapy has a dose-dependent protective effect on hearing loss in premature infants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Wang
- Department of Nursing, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, China; West China School Of Nursing, Sichuan University, China
| | - Lei Liu
- National Office for Maternal and Child Health Surveillance of China, National Center for Birth Defect Surveillance of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Nursing, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Burg EA, Thakkar TD, Litovsky RY. Interaural speech asymmetry predicts bilateral speech intelligibility but not listening effort in adults with bilateral cochlear implants. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1038856. [PMID: 36570844 PMCID: PMC9768552 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1038856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bilateral cochlear implants (BiCIs) can facilitate improved speech intelligibility in noise and sound localization abilities compared to a unilateral implant in individuals with bilateral severe to profound hearing loss. Still, many individuals with BiCIs do not benefit from binaural hearing to the same extent that normal hearing (NH) listeners do. For example, binaural redundancy, a speech intelligibility benefit derived from having access to duplicate copies of a signal, is highly variable among BiCI users. Additionally, patients with hearing loss commonly report elevated listening effort compared to NH listeners. There is some evidence to suggest that BiCIs may reduce listening effort compared to a unilateral CI, but the limited existing literature has not shown this consistently. Critically, no studies to date have investigated this question using pupillometry to quantify listening effort, where large pupil sizes indicate high effort and small pupil sizes indicate low effort. Thus, the present study aimed to build on existing literature by investigating the potential benefits of BiCIs for both speech intelligibility and listening effort. Methods Twelve BiCI adults were tested in three listening conditions: Better Ear, Poorer Ear, and Bilateral. Stimuli were IEEE sentences presented from a loudspeaker at 0° azimuth in quiet. Participants were asked to repeat back the sentences, and responses were scored by an experimenter while changes in pupil dilation were measured. Results On average, participants demonstrated similar speech intelligibility in the Better Ear and Bilateral conditions, and significantly worse speech intelligibility in the Poorer Ear condition. Despite similar speech intelligibility in the Better Ear and Bilateral conditions, pupil dilation was significantly larger in the Bilateral condition. Discussion These results suggest that the BiCI users tested in this study did not demonstrate binaural redundancy in quiet. The large interaural speech asymmetries demonstrated by participants may have precluded them from obtaining binaural redundancy, as shown by the inverse relationship between the two variables. Further, participants did not obtain a release from effort when listening with two ears versus their better ear only. Instead, results indicate that bilateral listening elicited increased effort compared to better ear listening, which may be due to poor integration of asymmetric inputs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Burg
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States,Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States,*Correspondence: Emily A. Burg,
| | - Tanvi D. Thakkar
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, WI, United States
| | - Ruth Y. Litovsky
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States,Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States,Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zuriekat M, Semeraro H, Watson V, Rowan D, Kirby S. Hearing healthcare for workers with hearing loss: audiologists' experiences and views. Disabil Rehabil 2022; 44:7861-7871. [PMID: 34817312 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.2001053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study explored audiologists' perspectives regarding their interactions with workers with hearing loss (WHL). MATERIALS AND METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-five audiologists working in the National Health Service (NHS) and independent companies (IC) in the UK and were thematically analysed. RESULTS The developed themes and sub-themes (shown in parenthesis) are (1) Current practices and routines (Same approach for most patients; Variations between hearing care services; Audiologists' personal experience of hearing loss) (2) Perceived challenges (Non-routine and challenging cases; The role of hearing technology; Concerns about lack of awareness and knowledge; Communication difficulties between services, Limited funding and resources) (3) Scope for better support (Would like to be informed; Other potential service improvements). CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that audiologists' perceived deficiencies in the hearing rehabilitation for WHL and identified ways to improve it. Key priorities for improvement were found to include addressing audiologists' informational and training needs, facilitating WHLs' access to appointments, improving communication between services, raising awareness in the workplace, developing relevant resources and extending funding for provision of longer appointments and hearing technologies. This is the first time this information has been reported in the literature. Opportunities for conducting further research in this area are suggested.Implications for rehabilitationWorkers with hearing loss face many challenges in work life and have the option of audiologic rehabilitation to alleviate their difficulties and improve their wellbeing; however, this study suggests that workers' audiological care needs improvements.Audiologists should assess and consider patients' work needs and psychosocial concerns in consultations to provide personalised care.Audiology educational programmes, services, and the healthcare system can assist audiologists in helping workers with hearing loss by providing updated knowledge, continuous training and improved interprofessional communication and patients' access to useful resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Zuriekat
- Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Hannah Semeraro
- Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Victoria Watson
- Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Daniel Rowan
- Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sarah Kirby
- Academic Unit of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chelius S, Jonker BE, Brouwers M. Exploring the job demands experienced by employees with hearing impairment in South Africa. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.4102/sajhrm.v20i0.1998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
|
7
|
Lüders D, Lopes FC, Gonçalves CGDO, de Lacerda ABM, José MR, Marques JM. Hearing impairment among workers and satisfaction with the use of hearing aids. Work 2022; 71:661-669. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-205263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hearing problems can have adverse effects on an individual’s job performance, as well as on unemployment or underemployment and increased risk of stress-related sick leave. OBJECTIVE: To investigate hearing impairment among workers and satisfaction with the use of hearing aids. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with workers who are hearing aid users. Subjects underwent pure tone audiometry and answered the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults and the Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life questionnaires. RESULTS: Participants were 36 workers between 36 and 75 years old, with an average age of 53.47 years, 52.7% male and 47.3% female. There was a mild to moderate hearing handicap perception, with worse results for women in the emotional domain. As hearing loss increased, workers’ frustration increased when talking to coworkers. Everyone was satisfied with the use of their hearing aids. Satisfaction increased with increasing age and decreased with increasing hearing loss. The greater the frustration when talking to co-workers, the lower the overall satisfaction with hearing aid use; the lower the satisfaction with the competence of the professional who assisted in adapting the hearing aid; the lower the satisfaction in environments with background noise and overall worse personal image. The worse the attitudes and emotional responses of workers regarding their hearing impairment, the lower the overall satisfaction with the hearing aid. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the use of hearing aids, workers perceive having a hearing impairment, especially women. As hearing loss and frustration in talking with co-workers increased, satisfaction decreased.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Débora Lüders
- Communication Disorders Program, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | - Adriana Bender Moreira de Lacerda
- Communication Disorders Program, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- School of Speech Therapy and Audiology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Maria Renata José
- Communication Disorders Program, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Jair Mendes Marques
- Communication Disorders Program, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
The Longitudinal Relationship Between Speech Recognition in Noise, Need for Recovery After Work, Job Demand, and Job Control Over a Period of 5 Years. Ear Hear 2021; 43:659-668. [PMID: 34619688 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hearing impairment may lead to an increased need to recover from fatigue and distress after a day of work. Also, hearing impairment may negatively affect the balance between workload and control over it (job demand and job control). The uptake of hearing solutions may have a positive effect on these outcomes. We aimed to assess the longitudinal relationship between change in speech recognition in noise and changes in need for recovery after work and job demand and job control, and the influence of hearing solutions on these relationships over a period of 5 years. Research questions (RQs) were as follows: (1) Is a 5-year change in speech recognition in noise associated with a change in need for recovery after work over that same 5-year period?; (2) Is a 5-year change in speech recognition in noise associated with a change in job demand and job control over that same 5-year period?; (3) What is the effect of hearing solution uptake in the 5-year period on the change in these outcomes in that same 5-year period? METHOD Data of the Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing, collected between 2006 and January 2019, were divided into two 5-year follow-up intervals: T0 (baseline) to T1 (5-year follow-up) and T1 (5-year follow-up) to T2 (10-year follow-up). An online digit-triplet in noise test was used to assess speech recognition in noise. Online questionnaires on demographic, socioeconomic, and work-related characteristics were administered. For RQ1-RQ2, the study sample included adults working ≥12 hours per week, with at least two consecutive measurements (n = 783). For RQ3, employees who had not yet obtained hearing solutions at baseline, but who would be eligible based on a speech reception threshold in noise ≥ -5.5 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), were included (n = 147). Longitudinal linear regression analyses using mixed models were performed to assess RQ1-RQ3. RESULTS After adjusting for baseline values, 5-year change in speech recognition in noise showed a statistically significant association with 5-year change in need for recovery. A worsening of 1 dB SNR in speech recognition in noise in an individual was associated with an increase of 0.72 units in need for recovery (scale range 0 to 100). A 5-year change in speech recognition in noise was not significantly associated with a 5-year change in job demand or job control. The uptake of hearing solutions in the 5-year period did not have a significant effect on change in need for recovery in that same 5-year period. CONCLUSION The significant longitudinal association between 5-year worsening in speech recognition in noise and increase in need for recovery over the same time period strengthens the evidence for the importance of early detection of a worsening in speech recognition in noise to identify employees with an increase in need for recovery. The absence of an effect of the uptake of a hearing solution on need for recovery indicates that additional alternative interventions may be needed to foster beneficial use of hearing solutions as well as to mitigate the increased need for recovery in case of worsening speech recognition in noise.
Collapse
|
9
|
van Leeuwen LM, Goderie TPM, van Wier MF, Lissenberg-Witte BI, Lemke U, Kramer SE. Uptake of Hearing Aids and Hearing Assistive Technology in a Working Population: Longitudinal Analyses of The Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing. Ear Hear 2021; 42:793-802. [PMID: 33974788 PMCID: PMC8221723 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000000983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify predictors of the 5-year uptake of hearing aids (HAs) and hearing assistive technology (HAT) in a sample of Dutch employees eligible for HAs and/or HAT. The potential predictors included demographic factors (age, sex, marital status, and living situation), education, hearing factors (ability to recognize speech in noise and self-reported hearing disability), distress, self-efficacy, and work-related factors (job demand, job control, and need for recovery). DESIGN Five-year follow-up data of the Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing (NL-SH) collected until January 2019 were included. An online digit-triplet in noise test, the National Hearing Test (NHT), was used to assess speech-recognition-in-noise ability. In addition, online questionnaires on demographic, socioeconomic, self-reported hearing disability, health, and work-related characteristics were administered. Adults who worked over 12 hours per week, who had not yet taken up HAs or HAT, but who would be eligible for HAs/HAT based on their NHT score (insufficient or poor hearing ability), were included in the study. The 5-year uptake of HAs/HAT was defined as a dichotomous variable of self-reported HA/HAT use reported 5 years later. Generalized Estimating Equations analyses were performed to analyze the associations between potential predicting factors and the 5-year uptake of HAs/HAT, taking into account the repeated measurements of the predicting factors and the 5-year uptake of HAs/HAT. RESULTS Data of 218 participants were included. The cumulative incidence of the 5-year uptake of HAs/HAT was 15 to 33%, of which 52 employees took up HAs and 11 employees took up HAT. Married participants had increased odds for 5-year uptake of HAs/HAT compared with unmarried participants (odds ratio [OR] = 2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05 to 4.35). Higher self-reported hearing disability (per one unit, scale range 0 to 74) was associated with increased odds for 5-year uptake of HAs/HAT (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.07). Job demand showed a significant interaction with sex (p = 0.002), and therefore, stratified analyses were performed. In male participants, participants with higher job demand scores (per one unit, scale range 12 to 48) had increased odds for 5-year uptake of HAs/HAT (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.35). No difference was seen in females. CONCLUSION This study confirms that factors predicting the uptake of HAs/HAT in the general or older populations, including marital status and self-reported hearing disability, also extend to the working population. The identification of job demand as a predictor of the uptake of HAs/HAT (in males only) was a novel finding. It demonstrates the importance of considering work-related factors in aural rehabilitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisette M. van Leeuwen
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ear & Hearing, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thadé P. M. Goderie
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ear & Hearing, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke F. van Wier
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ear & Hearing, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit I. Lissenberg-Witte
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrike Lemke
- Research & Development, Sonova AG, Stäfa, Switzerland
| | - Sophia E. Kramer
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ear & Hearing, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kim J, Shin Y, Lee S, Lee E, Han W, Lee J. Occupational Performance of Hearing-Impaired and Normal-Hearing Workers in Korea. J Audiol Otol 2021; 25:189-198. [PMID: 34185976 PMCID: PMC8524117 DOI: 10.7874/jao.2021.00185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives This study aimed to investigate the occupational performance of Korean workers with and without hearing loss and analyze the hearing-related difficulties in the working environment. Subjects and Methods The Amsterdam checklist for hearing and work was used for the analyses and the occupational environments of the Korean workers were investigated. Out of 129 total participants, 86 workers experienced severe to profound hearing loss and 43 had the normal hearing ability. The hearing-impaired workers were recruited from two leading vocational centers and normal-hearing workers were their colleagues. Results The hearing-impaired workers were found to take fewer sick leaves and exhibited higher rates of permanent job statuses compared to the normal-hearing workers. Workers with hearing loss rarely detected background sound; however, they could perceive reverberation more frequently. They felt more satisfied with their careers than the normal hearing workers as they received social support and needed to put their effort into hearing for most hearing activities. Furthermore, the effort in hearing increased with the increase in job demand, job control, social support, and career satisfaction. The working hours per week increased with the increase in age, education level, job demand, job control, and social support. Different trends were observed in 9 out of 12 variables while comparing the data from the present study with that obtained from the hearing-impaired workers of the Netherlands, indicating a large difference between countries. Conclusions Although the hearing-impaired Korean workers operate diligently with good job positions, it is necessary to enhance their acoustic environment and provide them social support. Considering the cultural background of the hearing-impaired workers, the development of suitable vocational rehabilitation programs and specific questionnaires is strongly recommended worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinsook Kim
- Division of Speech Pathology and Audiology, College of Natural Sciences, Research Institute of Audiology and Speech Pathology, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea.,Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Yerim Shin
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Seungwan Lee
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Eunsung Lee
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Woojae Han
- Division of Speech Pathology and Audiology, College of Natural Sciences, Research Institute of Audiology and Speech Pathology, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea.,Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Jihyeon Lee
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Saunders GH, Vercammen C, Timmer BHB, Singh G, Pelosi A, Meis M, Launer S, Kramer SE, Gagné JP, Bott A. Changing the narrative for hearing health in the broader context of healthy living: a call to action. Int J Audiol 2021; 60:86-91. [PMID: 33794720 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2021.1905892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To discuss the steps necessary to facilitate hearing health care in the context of well-being and healthy living. DESIGN Common themes among the articles in this special supplement of the International Journal of Audiology were used to identify issues that must be addressed if audiology is to move from being hearing-focussed to taking a holistic perspective of hearing care in the context of healthy aging. These are discussed within the context of other published literature. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Three needs were identified: (i) Increased interdisciplinary education to raise awareness of the interplay between hearing and health. (ii) Increased emphasis on counselling education in audiology programs so that audiologists are equipped with the knowledge, competence and confidence to provide counselling and emotional support to their patients, beyond care. (iii) Redefinition of therapeutic goal setting and hearing outcomes to include aspects of well-being, so that audiologists can capture and patients realise that that good hearing outcomes can have a direct positive impact on a person's quality of life that extends beyond their improved ability to hear. It was emphasised that each of these needs to be considered within the context of the audiologists' scope of practice and audiologists' well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle H Saunders
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Barbra H B Timmer
- Sonova AG, Stafa, Switzerland.,School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Gurjit Singh
- Phonak Canada, Mississauga, Canada.,Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada.,University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Marcus Meis
- Hörzentrum Oldenburg gGmbH, Oldenburg, Germany.,Cluster of excellence Hearing4all, University of Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Launer
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Sonova AG, Stafa, Switzerland.,School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Sophia E Kramer
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Oldenburg, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jean-Pierre Gagné
- École d'orthophonie et d'audiologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.,Fondation Caroline Durand en audition et vieillissement de l'Universtié de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.,Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Anthea Bott
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia.,GN Hearing A/S, Ballerup, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Vreeken HL, van Nispen RMA, Kramer SE, van Rens GHMB. 'Dual Sensory Loss Protocol' for Communication and Wellbeing of Older Adults With Vision and Hearing Impairment - A Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Psychol 2020; 11:570339. [PMID: 33324283 PMCID: PMC7725686 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.570339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Many older adults with visual impairment also have significant hearing loss. The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of a newly developed Dual Sensory Loss (DSL) protocol on communication and wellbeing of older persons with DSL and their communication partners (e.g., spouse or child) in the Netherlands and Belgium. Methods Participants (N = 131) and their communication partners (n = 113) were randomized in the “DSL-protocol” intervention group or a waiting-list control group. The intervention took 3 to 5 weeks. Occupational therapists focused on optimal use of hearing aids, home-environment modifications and effective communication strategies. The primary outcome was the Communication Strategies domain of the Communication Profile for the Hearing Impaired (CPHI). Secondary outcomes measured in participants were the Low Vision Quality Of Life Adjustment subscale, the Center for Epidemiological Studies - Depression Scale, De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and the Fatigue Assessment Scale. The Hearing Handicap and Disability Inventory (HHDI) - Reaction of Others subscale and the Care-related Quality of Life - 7 Dimensions was measured in communication partners. Measurements were taken at baseline and 3-month follow-up. Linear mixed models (LMM) were used to analyze effects between groups over time for every outcome measure. Results Intention-to-treat analyses showed a significant effect of the DSL-protocol on the use of verbal strategies (effect size SMD = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.95) in favor of the control group, however, this effect was non-significant after adjustment for confounding. Effect sizes of other outcomes varied between −0.23 [−0.57, 0.12] and 0.30 [−0.05, 0.64]. The LMM showed a significant effect on the HHDI-Reaction of others scale in favor of communication partners in the treatment group, however, the effect did not remain significant at a 0.01 significance level and the effect size was very small and non-significant 0.12, 95% CI [−0.27 to 0.51]. Adjusted analyses did not reveal treatment effects. Conclusion The DSL-protocol did not clearly contribute to the enhancement of communication and wellbeing in DSL-patients. Possible reasons for the lack of effects are OTs not being comfortable giving advice on communication and psychosocial issues or the short-term treatment and follow-up period. Further study is warranted to find out how the protocol may be adapted or whether it is necessary to involve mental healthcare professionals. Clinical Trial Registration www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NTR2843.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hilde L Vreeken
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ruth M A van Nispen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sophia E Kramer
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Section Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ger H M B van Rens
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Ophthalmology, Elkerliek Hospital, Helmond, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
McKinney V, Amosun SL. Impact of lived experiences of people with disabilities in the built environment in South Africa. Afr J Disabil 2020; 9:518. [PMID: 32934916 PMCID: PMC7479410 DOI: 10.4102/ajod.v9i0.518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In spite of legislations and policies to ensure an inclusive society in South Africa for the accommodation of people with disabilities, there are reports that they still struggle to move freely within society. Objectives As part of a larger qualitative exploratory study on the preparation of undergraduate civil engineering students in a local university to contribute to the development of an inclusive society, this article seeks to understand the impact of the lived experiences of people with disabilities in their interaction with the built environment. Method Four persons with disabilities, considered to be knowledgeable about South African legislations relating to disability, were purposely selected to each share one specific experience whilst interacting with the built environment. The transcribed texts of the interviews were analysed by using the phenomenological-hermeneutic method. Results The participants exhibited strong desires to participate in society. However, the sense of loss of control and independence as they encountered challenges in the built environment changed the euphoria to disempowerment, rejection, anger and despondency. In spite of their experiences, participants expressed a commitment towards overcoming the challenges encountered in the broader interest of people with disabilities. Conclusion A deeper understanding of the impact of the experiences of people with disabilities when they participate within the built environment in South Africa revealed a broad spectrum of negative emotions, which may impact the quality of life and well-being of the participants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor McKinney
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Seyi L Amosun
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Winn MB, Moore AN. Pupillometry Reveals That Context Benefit in Speech Perception Can Be Disrupted by Later-Occurring Sounds, Especially in Listeners With Cochlear Implants. Trends Hear 2019; 22:2331216518808962. [PMID: 30375282 PMCID: PMC6207967 DOI: 10.1177/2331216518808962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Contextual cues can be used to improve speech recognition, especially for people with hearing impairment. However, previous work has suggested that when the auditory signal is degraded, context might be used more slowly than when the signal is clear. This potentially puts the hearing-impaired listener in a dilemma of continuing to process the last sentence when the next sentence has already begun. This study measured the time course of the benefit of context using pupillary responses to high- and low-context sentences that were followed by silence or various auditory distractors (babble noise, ignored digits, or attended digits). Participants were listeners with cochlear implants or normal hearing using a 12-channel noise vocoder. Context-related differences in pupil dilation were greater for normal hearing than for cochlear implant listeners, even when scaled for differences in pupil reactivity. The benefit of context was systematically reduced for both groups by the presence of the later-occurring sounds, including virtually complete negation when sentences were followed by another attended utterance. These results challenge how we interpret the benefit of context in experiments that present just one utterance at a time. If a listener uses context to “repair” part of a sentence, and later-occurring auditory stimuli interfere with that repair process, the benefit of context might not survive outside the idealized laboratory or clinical environment. Elevated listening effort in hearing-impaired listeners might therefore result not just from poor auditory encoding but also inefficient use of context and prolonged processing of misperceived utterances competing with perception of incoming speech.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Winn
- 1 Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ashley N Moore
- 1 Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Svinndal EV, Jensen C, Rise MB. Working life trajectories with hearing impairment. Disabil Rehabil 2018; 42:190-200. [DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2018.1495273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Vigrestad Svinndal
- National Centre for Occupational Rehabilitation, Rauland, Norway
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Chris Jensen
- National Centre for Occupational Rehabilitation, Rauland, Norway
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Marit By Rise
- Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Jelleberg C, Martz E. Vocational implications of tinnitus: Considerations for rehabilitation professionals. JOURNAL OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION 2018. [DOI: 10.3233/jvr-180969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chennettée Jelleberg
- Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
- Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Erin Martz
- Rehability Oregon and National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, VA, USA
- Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Gussenhoven AHM, Anema JR, Witte BI, Goverts ST, Kramer SE. The Effectiveness of a Vocational Enablement Protocol for Employees With Hearing Difficulties: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Trends Hear 2018; 21:2331216517692304. [PMID: 29298599 PMCID: PMC5308425 DOI: 10.1177/2331216517692304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a vocational enablement protocol (VEP) on need for recovery (NFR) after work as compared with usual care for employees with hearing difficulties. In a randomized controlled trial design, 136 employees with hearing impairment were randomly assigned to either the VEP or the control group. VEP is a multidisciplinary program integrating audiological and occupational care for individuals experiencing difficulties in the workplace due to hearing loss. The primary outcome measure was NFR. Secondary outcome measures were communication strategy subscales (e.g., self-acceptance and maladaptive behavior), distress, and self-efficacy. Data were collected using questionnaires at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months follow-up. No significant difference over the complete follow-up period was found between the intervention and control group for NFR. However, we observed a significant difference for one of the secondary outcomes after 12 months. “Self-acceptance” increased significantly in the VEP group, compared with the controls. The mean difference between the two groups was small, being only 0.24 (95% CI [0.04, 0.44]) on a scale of 1 to 5. The results do not support the use of VEP if the aim is to reduce NFR after work at 12 months follow-up. It may be that NFR does not adequately capture what is covered in the VEP. Although marginal, the effect on self-acceptance was significant. This is encouraging given that positive effects on self-acceptance have rarely been shown for audiological rehabilitation programs. Suggestions for further improvement of the VEP are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arjenne H M Gussenhoven
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Section Ear & Hearing and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,2 Department of Public and Occupational Health and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes R Anema
- 2 Department of Public and Occupational Health and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,3 Research Center for Insurance Medicine AMC-UWV-VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit I Witte
- 4 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Theo Goverts
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Section Ear & Hearing and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sophia E Kramer
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Section Ear & Hearing and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gopinath B, Liew G, Burlutsky G, McMahon CM, Mitchell P. Visual and hearing impairment and retirement in older adults: A population-based cohort study. Maturitas 2017; 100:77-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.03.318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
19
|
Davis A, McMahon CM, Pichora-Fuller KM, Russ S, Lin F, Olusanya BO, Chadha S, Tremblay KL. Aging and Hearing Health: The Life-course Approach. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2017; 56 Suppl 2:S256-67. [PMID: 26994265 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnw033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory abilities decline with age. More than 5% of the world's population, approximately 360 million people, have disabling hearing loss. In adults, disabling hearing loss is defined by thresholds greater than 40 dBHL in the better hearing ear.Hearing disability is an important issue in geriatric medicine because it is associated with numerous health issues, including accelerated cognitive decline, depression, increased risk of dementia, poorer balance, falls, hospitalizations, and early mortality. There are also social implications, such as reduced communication function, social isolation, loss of autonomy, impaired driving ability, and financial decline. Furthermore, the onset of hearing loss is gradual and subtle, first affecting the detection of high-pitched sounds and with difficulty understanding speech in noisy but not in quiet environments. Consequently, delays in recognizing and seeking help for hearing difficulties are common. Age-related hearing loss has no known cure, and technologies (hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistive devices) improve thresholds but do not restore hearing to normal. Therefore, health care for persons with hearing loss and people within their communication circles requires education and counseling (e.g., increasing knowledge, changing attitudes, and reducing stigma), behavior change (e.g., adapting communication strategies), and environmental modifications (e.g., reducing noise). In this article, we consider the causes, consequences, and magnitude of hearing loss from a life-course perspective. We examine the concept of "hearing health," how to achieve it, and implications for policy and practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine M McMahon
- Department of Linguistics, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Shirley Russ
- UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families and Communities, Los Angeles, California
| | - Frank Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | | | - Kelly L Tremblay
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Dilemmatic group memberships of hard-of-hearing employees during the process of acquiring and adapting to the use of hearing aids. Int J Rehabil Res 2016; 39:226-33. [DOI: 10.1097/mrr.0000000000000173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
21
|
Gussenhoven AH, Singh AS, Goverts ST, van Til M, Anema JR, Kramer SE. A process evaluation of implementing a vocational enablement protocol for employees with hearing difficulties in clinical practice. Int J Audiol 2015; 54:507-17. [DOI: 10.3109/14992027.2015.1009642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
22
|
Lucía Habanec O, Kelly-Campbell RJ. Outcomes of group audiological rehabilitation for unaided adults with hearing impairment and their significant others. Am J Audiol 2015; 24:40-52. [PMID: 25742614 DOI: 10.1044/2015_aja-14-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of a group audiological rehabilitation (GAR) program designed for working adults who do not use amplification and for their significant others. METHOD A quasirandomized control design was used to measure outcomes of the GAR program. Twenty-four couples participated in weekly GAR group sessions designed to address communication problems encountered in the workplace and at home. Twelve couples were placed on a waiting list as a control group. Assessments were completed at time frames prior to the sessions, post-waiting list, immediately after the sessions, and 12 weeks after. These included direct measures for the adults with hearing impairment, proxy measures from the significant others, and direct measures for the significant others. RESULTS Results indicated adults with hearing impairment and their significant others experienced significant improvements following participation in the GAR program. These improvements were maintained in the short term (12 weeks). CONCLUSIONS Working adults with hearing impairment who do not use amplification can benefit from GAR sessions. Significant others of working adults with hearing impairment experience third-party disability, which can also be alleviated through participation in GAR sessions.
Collapse
|
23
|
Granberg S, Pronk M, Swanepoel DW, Kramer SE, Hagsten H, Hjaldahl J, Möller C, Danermark B. The ICF core sets for hearing loss project: Functioning and disability from the patient perspective. Int J Audiol 2014; 53:777-86. [DOI: 10.3109/14992027.2014.938370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
24
|
Abstract
Two experiments investigated deaf individuals' ability to discriminate between same-sex talkers based on vibrotactile stimulation alone. Nineteen participants made same/different judgments on pairs of utterances presented to the lower back through voice coils embedded in a conforming chair. Discrimination of stimuli matched for F0, duration, and perceived magnitude was successful for pairs of spoken sentences in Experiment 1 (median percent correct = 83%) and pairs of vowel utterances in Experiment 2 (median percent correct = 75%). Greater difference in spectral tilt between “different” pairs strongly predicted their discriminability in both experiments. The current findings support the hypothesis that discrimination of complex vibrotactile stimuli involves the cortical integration of spectral information filtered through frequency-tuned skin receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ammirante
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Frank A. Russo
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Arla Good
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Deborah I. Fels
- Centre for Learning Technologies, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Bevacizumab for progressive vestibular schwannoma in neurofibromatosis type 2: a retrospective review of 31 patients. Otol Neurotol 2012; 33:1046-52. [PMID: 22805104 DOI: 10.1097/mao.0b013e31825e73f5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Early studies suggest that bevacizumab treatment can result in tumor shrinkage and hearing improvement for some patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). The aim of this study was to report extended follow-up in a larger cohort of similarly treated patients. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Tertiary referral center PATIENTS Thirty-one consecutive NF2 patients who received bevacizumab for progressive vestibular schwannomas. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Hearing improvement, defined as an improvement in word recognition score above the 95% critical difference compared with baseline, and radiographic response, defined as a 20% or greater decrease in tumor volume compared with baseline. RESULTS The median age was 26 years (range, 12-73 yr). The median volumetric tumor growth rate before treatment was 64% per year. At the time of analysis, the median duration of treatment was 14 months (range, 6-41 mo) with a total of 47 patient-years of follow-up. A hearing response occurred in 57% (13/23) of evaluable patients and a radiographic response in 55% (17/31) of target vestibular schwannomas. The median time to response was 3 months for both end points. The only clinical or radiographic feature at baseline that correlated with change in tumor volume at 3 months was the mean apparent diffusion coefficient value, a radiologic marker of edema (p = 0.036). Ninety percent of patients had stable or improved hearing after 1 year of treatment and 61% at 3 years; 88% of patients had stable or decreased tumor size after 1 year of treatment and 54% at 3 years. Overall, treatment was well tolerated. CONCLUSION Bevacizumab treatment was followed by hearing improvement and tumor shrinkage in more than 50% of progressive vestibular schwannomas in NF2 patients. Stable or improved hearing was retained in the majority of patients.
Collapse
|
26
|
Helvik AS, Krokstad S, Tambs K. Hearing loss and risk of early retirement. The HUNT study. Eur J Public Health 2012; 23:617-22. [PMID: 22930741 PMCID: PMC3719475 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cks118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We explore the possible consequences of measured hearing impairment (HI) and perceived hearing difficulties for early retirement in a large population-based study. Furthermore, we study whether having a part-time position was associated with measured HI and perceived hearing difficulties in the same population. METHODS This study included 25,740 persons from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) aged 20-54 years at baseline in HUNT1 (1984-1986) who also participated in the follow up, HUNT2, including a hearing examination 11 years later. Logistic regression analysis was conducted for men and women separately and in two age strata. Effects of low-, middle- and high-frequency hearing levels were explored, adjusting for each other. Further adjustment was made for socio-economic class and general health in HUNT1. RESULTS The risk of early retirement increased with degree of loss of low-frequency hearing in young and middle-aged men and middle-aged women. The middle-aged men and women experiencing hearing disability had an increased risk of early retirement. Degree of hearing level was not associated with part-time work, but in middle-aged men, awareness of having a hearing loss was associated with part-time employment. CONCLUSIONS Degree of low-frequency hearing loss was associated with early retirement but not with part-time work. Perceived hearing disability increased the risk of early retirement in middle-aged men and women and also the risk of part-time work in middle-aged men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sofie Helvik
- Department of Public Health and General Practice, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Gussenhoven AHM, Anema JR, Goverts ST, Bosmans JE, Festen JM, Kramer SE. Cost-effectiveness of a vocational enablement protocol for employees with hearing impairment; design of a randomized controlled trial. BMC Public Health 2012; 12:151. [PMID: 22380920 PMCID: PMC3306742 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hearing impairment at the workplace, and the resulting psychosocial problems are a major health problem with substantial costs for employees, companies, and society. Therefore, it is important to develop interventions to support hearing impaired employees. The objective of this article is to describe the design of a randomized controlled trial evaluating the (cost-) effectiveness of a Vocational Enablement Protocol (VEP) compared with usual care. Methods/Design Participants will be selected with the 'Hearing and Distress Screener'. The study population will consist of 160 hearing impaired employees. The VEP intervention group will be compared with usual care. The VEP integrated care programme consists of a multidisciplinary assessment of auditory function, work demands, and personal characteristics. The goal of the intervention is to facilitate participation in work. The primary outcome measure of the study is 'need for recovery after work'. Secondary outcome measures are coping with hearing impairment, distress, self-efficacy, psychosocial workload, job control, general health status, sick leave, work productivity, and health care use. Outcome measures will be assessed by questionnaires at baseline, and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after baseline. The economic evaluation will be performed from both a societal and a company perspective. A process evaluation will also be performed. Discussion Interventions addressing occupational difficulties of hearing impaired employees are rare but highly needed. If the VEP integrated care programme proves to be (cost-) effective, the intervention can have an impact on the well-being of hearing impaired employees, and thereby, on the costs for the company as well for the society. Trial registration Netherlands Trial Register (NTR): NTR2782
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arjenne H M Gussenhoven
- Department ENT/Audiology and EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hearing Ability in Working Life and Its Relationship With Sick Leave and Self-Reported Work Productivity. Ear Hear 2012; 33:94-103. [DOI: 10.1097/aud.0b013e318228033e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
29
|
Southall K, Jennings MB, Gagné JP. Factors that influence disclosure of hearing loss in the workplace. Int J Audiol 2011; 50:699-707. [DOI: 10.3109/14992027.2011.588963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
30
|
Cognitive Load During Speech Perception in Noise: The Influence of Age, Hearing Loss, and Cognition on the Pupil Response. Ear Hear 2011; 32:498-510. [DOI: 10.1097/aud.0b013e31820512bb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
31
|
Nachtegaal J, Festen J, Kramer S. Hearing Ability and its Relationship with Psychosocial Health, Work-Related Variables, and Health Care Use: The National Longitudinal Study on Hearing. Audiol Res 2011; 1:e9. [PMID: 26557318 PMCID: PMC4627167 DOI: 10.4081/audiores.2011.e9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2011] [Revised: 12/30/2011] [Accepted: 01/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, more than 250 million people experience problems with hearing (Mathers et al. 2003)[...]
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. Nachtegaal
- Dept. of ENT/Audiology, EMCO Institute for health and care research, VU University medical center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J.M. Festen
- Dept. of ENT/Audiology, EMCO Institute for health and care research, VU University medical center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Rehabilitation Center Heliomare, Wijk aan Zee, The Netherlands
| | - S.E. Kramer
- Dept. of ENT/Audiology, EMCO Institute for health and care research, VU University medical center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Rehabilitation Center Heliomare, Wijk aan Zee, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Cerniauskaite M, Quintas R, Boldt C, Raggi A, Cieza A, Bickenbach JE, Leonardi M. Systematic literature review on ICF from 2001 to 2009: its use, implementation and operationalisation. Disabil Rehabil 2010; 33:281-309. [PMID: 21073361 DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2010.529235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To present a systematic literature review on the state of the art of the utilisation of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) since its release in 2001. METHOD The search was conducted through EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsychInfo covering the period between 2001 and December 2009. Papers were included if ICF was mentioned in title or abstract. Papers focussing on the ICF-CY and clinical research on children and youth only were excluded. Papers were assigned to six different groups covering the wide scenario of ICF application. RESULTS A total of 672 papers, coming from 34 countries and 211 different journals, were included in the analysis. The majority of publications (30.8%) were conceptual papers or papers reporting clinical and rehabilitation studies (25.9%). One-third of the papers were published in 2008 and 2009. CONCLUSIONS The ICF contributed to the development of research on functioning and on disability in clinical, rehabilitation as well as in several other contexts, such as disability eligibility and employment. Diffusion of ICF research and use in a great variety of fields and scientific journals is a proof that a cultural change and a new conceptualisation of functioning and disability is happening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milda Cerniauskaite
- Neurology, Public Health and Disability Unit-Scientific Directorate, Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Nachtegaal J, Kuik DJ, Anema JR, Goverts ST, Festen JM, Kramer SE. Hearing status, need for recovery after work, and psychosocial work characteristics: Results from an internet-based national survey on hearing. Int J Audiol 2009; 48:684-91. [DOI: 10.1080/14992020902962421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|