Audiology Research

10 pages, 1181 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Apogeotropic Horizontal Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: Zuma e Maia Maneuver versus Appiani Variant of Gufoni

by Marta Alvarez de Linera-Alperi, Octavio Garaycochea, Diego Calavia, David Terrasa, Nicolas Pérez-Fernández and Raquel Manrique-Huarte

Audiol. Res. 2022, 12(3), 337-346; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres12030035 - 19 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4469

Abstract

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common disorders that causes dizziness. The incidence of horizontal semicircular canal (HSC) BPPV ranges from 5% to 40.5% of the total number of BPPV cases diagnosed. Several studies have focused on establishing methods [...] Read more.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common disorders that causes dizziness. The incidence of horizontal semicircular canal (HSC) BPPV ranges from 5% to 40.5% of the total number of BPPV cases diagnosed. Several studies have focused on establishing methods to treat BPPV caused by the apogeotropic variant of the HSC, namely, the Appiani maneuver (App). In 2016, a new maneuver was proposed: the Zuma e Maia maneuver (ZeM), based on inertia and gravity. The aim of this study is to analyze the efficacy of App versus ZeM in the resolution of episodes of BPPV produced by an affectation of the horizontal semicircular canal with apogeotropic nystagmus (Apo-HSC). A retrospective, quasi-experimental study was conducted. Patients attended in office (November 2014–February 2019) at a third-level hospital and underwent a vestibular otoneurology assessment. Those who were diagnosed with Apo-HSC, treated with App or ZeM, were included. To consider the efficacy of the maneuvers, the presence of symptoms and/or nystagmus at the first follow up was studied. Patients classified as “A” were those with no symptoms, no nystagmus; “A/N+”: no symptoms, nystagmus present during supine roll test; “S”: symptoms present. Previous history of BPPV and/or otic pathology and calcium levels were also compiled. From the 54 patients included, 74% were women. The average age was 69. Mean follow-up: 52.51 days. In those patients without previous history of BPPV (n = 35), the probability of being group “A” was 63% and 56% (p = 0.687) when treated with App and ZeM, respectively, while being “A/N+” was 79% and 87% for App and ZeM (p = 0.508). Of the 19 patients who had previous history of BPPV, 13% and 64% were group “A” when treated with App and ZeM (p = 0.043), and 25% and 82% were “A/N+” after App and ZeM, respectively (p = 0.021). In conclusion, for HSC cupulolithiasis, ZeM is more effective than App in those cases in which there is a history of previous episodes of BPPV (“A”: 64% (p = 0.043); “A/N+”: 82% (p = 0.021)). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Positional Vertigo)

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10 pages, 525 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Patients with Chronic Tinnitus—Preliminary Results

by Alessandra Fioretti, Eleonora Natalini, Gianluigi Triggianese, Rebecca Eibenstein, Anna Maria Angelone, Maria Lauriello and Alberto Eibenstein

Audiol. Res. 2022, 12(3), 327-336; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres12030034 - 15 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3193

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown measures are both causes of psychological distress. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the psychological effects of lockdown measures on patients with subjective chronic tinnitus diagnosed before the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of n [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown measures are both causes of psychological distress. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the psychological effects of lockdown measures on patients with subjective chronic tinnitus diagnosed before the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of n = 77 patients with chronic tinnitus was contacted by mail/phone for a survey between June 2021 and September 2021. All patients filled out questionnaires on tinnitus distress (Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, THI), anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory, BAI) and depression (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI) and eight items of the Tinnitus Sample Case History (TSCH) about tinnitus history (i.e., loudness, pitch, perception, tinnitus location), stress, and related conditions (noise annoyance, vertigo/dizziness, headache). Forty patients with chronic tinnitus filled out the survey. No significant differences of total THI mean scores (p > 0.05) were found compared to the results obtained before the COVID-19 pandemic and after lockdown. Regarding depression and anxiety, the female population showed a significant increase in scores obtained from the BDI (p < 0.0170) and the BAI (p < 0.049). Only two patients (0.5%) were infected by COVID-19 (positive RT-PCR), and they did not report any worsening of tinnitus. According to the data of the literature, our patients experienced a heterogeneous course of tinnitus, and the severity of tinnitus was not significantly affected by lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Audio-Vestibular Disorders in the COVID-19 Pandemics)

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11 pages, 486 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Correlation of SVINT and Sensory Organization Test in Children with Hearing Loss

by Solara Sinno, Fadi Najem, Georges Dumas, Kim Smith Abouchacra, Art Mallinson and Philippe Perrin

Audiol. Res. 2022, 12(3), 316-326; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres12030033 - 6 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2244

Abstract

Objective: The skull vibration-induced-nystagmus test (SVINT) is a noninvasive and effective screening tool for the function of the otolith and canal structures in children. It can instantaneously assess vestibular asymmetry. This study aimed to analyze the SVINT results of healthy children vs. [...] Read more.

Objective: The skull vibration-induced-nystagmus test (SVINT) is a noninvasive and effective screening tool for the function of the otolith and canal structures in children. It can instantaneously assess vestibular asymmetry. This study aimed to analyze the SVINT results of healthy children vs. children with hearing loss (HL) and to correlate it with sensory organization test (SOT) results as a functional balance evaluation tool. Design: This case-controlled study compared the results of SVINT to the results of the SOT of the computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) in a control group of 120 healthy normal-hearing children (i.e., NH group) vs. hearing loss (HL) group of 60 children, including 30 children with hearing aids (HAs) and 30 children with a unilateral cochlear implant (CI). The SVINT results were compared to the caloric test (CaT) and video head impulse test (vHIT) and associated with SOT scores. Results: Thirty-one children in the HL group had normal SVINT and normal SOT results. A total of 21 children in the HL group had SVINT-negative and abnormal results in the SOT (possibly due to bilateral vestibular loss (BVL)). Eight children in the HL group had positive SVINT and abnormal SOT results. However, none of the children had only positive SVINT with normal SOT findings. Moreover, 52% of children had a normal result on both the SOT and CaT, whereas 27% had abnormal results on both tests (17% bilateral weakness and 10% unilateral), and 22% had the only result of the SOT suggesting a functional abnormality. Similarly, when associating the result to vHIT, 51% had normal results on both tests, and 25% had abnormal results (13% bilateral and 12% unilateral weakness). Conclusions: SVINT findings can be correlated with SOT findings in the case of the unilateral vestibular lesion (UVL), which adds a diagnostic value in these pediatric cases but may differ in the case of the bilateral vestibular lesion (BVL). However, SVINT findings need to be cautiously interpreted in light of other test findings such as the SOT, CaT, and vHIT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skull Vibration-Induced Nystagmus Test)

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9 pages, 1078 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sensorineural Hearing Loss Post-COVID-19 Infection: An Update

by Virginia Fancello, Giuseppe Fancello, Stavros Hatzopoulos, Chiara Bianchini, Francesco Stomeo, Stefano Pelucchi and Andrea Ciorba

Audiol. Res. 2022, 12(3), 307-315; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres12030032 - 1 Jun 2022

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5495

Abstract

The course of COVID-19 infection may be complicated by a variety of neurological manifestations. Since the inner ear is vulnerable to viruses, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) has been reported to occur following the SARS-CoV-2 infection, often resulting in long-term morbidity and worsening the [...] Read more.

The course of COVID-19 infection may be complicated by a variety of neurological manifestations. Since the inner ear is vulnerable to viruses, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) has been reported to occur following the SARS-CoV-2 infection, often resulting in long-term morbidity and worsening the quality of life. The interest in how the virus affects the inner ear has gradually increased since the pandemic’s spread, but little is still known about the SNHL potentially caused by SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the possible association between SNHL and COVID-19 infection, through a systematic literature review. Currently available data suggest that SARS-CoV-2 may hamper cochlear function; however, available reports are still limited. Large cohort and prospective studies are necessary to evaluate the long-term effects of this viral infection in the inner ear. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Audio-Vestibular Disorders in the COVID-19 Pandemics)

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10 pages, 924 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Adaptation and Validation Study of the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) in Italian Normal-Hearing Children

by Chiara Falzone, Letizia Guerzoni, Erica Pizzol, Enrico Fabrizi and Domenico Cuda

Audiol. Res. 2022, 12(3), 297-306; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres12030031 - 29 May 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2723

Abstract

This study aimed to translate and adapt the English version of the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) for children and for parents into the Italian language; validate SSQ for hearing children and their parents; and evaluate the discriminant validity of [...] Read more.

This study aimed to translate and adapt the English version of the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) for children and for parents into the Italian language; validate SSQ for hearing children and their parents; and evaluate the discriminant validity of the instrument. A group of 102 normal-hearing Italian children, aged between 9 and 16 years, and their parents were included in this study. A group of 31 parents of normal-hearing Italian children aged between 6 and 8 years was also included. A group of 57 hearing-impaired Italian children aged between 9 and 16 years, and their parents were also included, as well as a group of 30 parents of hearing-impaired Italian children aged between 6 and 8 years. Cronbach’s alpha in the SSQ for parents was 0.92; it was 0.95 in the SSQ for children. Guttmann’s split-half coefficient in SSQ for children for both λ4 and λ6 was 0.98; in SSQ for parents in λ4 was 0.96 and λ6 was 0.95. These data provide evidence for the discriminant validity of the SSQ scale (p-value < 0.001). Italian SSQ scales for children and for parents are now available. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rehabilitation of Hearing Impairment)

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7 pages, 2324 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Long-Term Surgical Results of Cortical Mastoid Bone Osteomas

by Giulia Donati and Luca Oscar Redaelli de Zinis

Audiol. Res. 2022, 12(3), 290-296; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres12030030 - 23 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2719

Abstract

Background: Though osteomas can commonly arise in the cranial bones, an extra canalicular mastoid bone location is a rare entity with less than 200 cases described to date. We present three cases of cortical mastoid bone osteomas and compare them with cases presented [...] Read more.

Background: Though osteomas can commonly arise in the cranial bones, an extra canalicular mastoid bone location is a rare entity with less than 200 cases described to date. We present three cases of cortical mastoid bone osteomas and compare them with cases presented in the literature. Methods: In this study, we used a retrospective chart analysis. Results: All three patients presented after years of progressively increasing postauricular swelling without symptoms. Temporal bone non-contrast CT allowed accurate preoperative diagnosis. Surgical treatment was performed for cosmetic issues with minimal postoperative morbidity. Complete excision was achieved in all cases, and to date, there is no evidence of recurrence. Conclusions: Mastoid osteomas are rare benign slow-growing tumors. They usually present as a painless cosmetic disfigurement and are otherwise asymptomatic. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice when they cause esthetic discomfort or are symptomatic. Recurrences are infrequently reported. Full article

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9 pages, 490 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Definition of Tinnitus

by Aldo Messina, Alessandro Corvaia and Chiara Marino

Audiol. Res. 2022, 12(3), 281-289; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres12030029 - 23 May 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3063

Abstract

Tinnitus is generally defined as the perception of sound in the absence of vibration of an external elastic body. If this definition appears useful to differentiate tinnitus from somatosounds, it is not suitable for distinguishing it from psychiatric hallucinations. Nor does this solution [...] Read more.

Tinnitus is generally defined as the perception of sound in the absence of vibration of an external elastic body. If this definition appears useful to differentiate tinnitus from somatosounds, it is not suitable for distinguishing it from psychiatric hallucinations. Nor does this solution define a temporal limit of duration of the perception, which is important for distinguishing pathological tinnitus from those occasional noises that we all perceive from time to time. A complete definition appears necessary not only to achieve homogeneity in epidemiological studies but also to set up correct and personalized therapeutic schemes. An analogy with neuropsychiatric studies and, in particular, the concept of auditory hallucinosis are proposed by the authors to define tinnitus. According to the authors, tinnitus is auditory hallucinosis, and similarly, vertigo is spatial hallucinosis. Full article

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8 pages, 517 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

The Ethics of Translational Audiology

by Aleksandra Bendowska, Roksana Malak, Agnieszka Zok and Ewa Baum

Audiol. Res. 2022, 12(3), 273-280; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres12030028 - 13 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3201

Abstract

Translational research moves promising primary research results from the laboratory to practical application. The transition from basic science to clinical research and from clinical research to routine healthcare applications presents many challenges, including ethical. This paper addresses issues in the ethics of translational [...] Read more.

Translational research moves promising primary research results from the laboratory to practical application. The transition from basic science to clinical research and from clinical research to routine healthcare applications presents many challenges, including ethical. This paper addresses issues in the ethics of translational audiology and discusses the ethical principles that should guide research involving people with hearing loss. Four major ethical principles are defined and explained, which are as follows: beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice. In addition, the authors discuss issues of discrimination and equal access to medical services among people with hearing loss. Despite audiology’s broad field of interest, which includes evaluation and treatment of auditory disorders (e.g., deafness, tinnitus, misophonia, or hyperacusis) and balance disorders, this study focuses primarily on deafness and its therapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Translational Research in Audiology)

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13 pages, 1452 KiB

Open AccessReview

Otoacoustic Emissions in Non-Mammals

by Geoffrey A. Manley

Audiol. Res. 2022, 12(3), 260-272; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres12030027 - 11 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2745

Abstract

Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) that were sound-induced, current-induced, or spontaneous have been measured in non-mammalian land vertebrates, including in amphibians, reptiles, and birds. There are no forms of emissions known from mammals that have not also been observed in non-mammals. In each group and [...] Read more.

Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) that were sound-induced, current-induced, or spontaneous have been measured in non-mammalian land vertebrates, including in amphibians, reptiles, and birds. There are no forms of emissions known from mammals that have not also been observed in non-mammals. In each group and species, the emission frequencies clearly lie in the range known to be processed by the hair cells of the respective hearing organs. With some notable exceptions, the patterns underlying the measured spectra, input-output functions, suppression threshold curves, etc., show strong similarities to OAE measured in mammals. These profound similarities are presumably traceable to the fact that emissions are produced by active hair-cell mechanisms that are themselves dependent upon comparable nonlinear cellular processes. The differences observed—for example, in the width of spontaneous emission peaks and delay times in interactions between peaks—should provide insights into how hair-cell activity is coupled within the organ and thus partially routed out into the middle ear. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Otoacoustic Emissions - 45 Years Later)

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11 pages, 3009 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Navigation Ability Test (NAT 2.0): From Football Player Performance to Balance Rehabilitation in Chronic Unilateral Vestibular Loss

by Paolo Gamba, Riccardo Guidetti, Cristiano Balzanelli, Maurizio Bavazzano and Andrea Laborai

Audiol. Res. 2022, 12(3), 249-259; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres12030026 - 10 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2560

Abstract

Aim of the Study: in humans, spatial orientation consists of the ability to move around the environment through memorized and pre-programmed movements, according to the afferent sensory information of the body and environmental analysis of the Central Nervous System (CNS). The purpose of [...] Read more.

Aim of the Study: in humans, spatial orientation consists of the ability to move around the environment through memorized and pre-programmed movements, according to the afferent sensory information of the body and environmental analysis of the Central Nervous System (CNS). The purpose of this study is to analyze the abilities of professional athletes, such as footballers, to use mental navigation systems, cognitive maps, and memorized motor patterns in order to obtain better physical performance and to obtain useful information for training both non-sports subjects and vestibular patients for rehabilitation purposes. Materials and Methods: all the motor performances of sportsmen, healthy non-sporting subjects, or vestibular patients are based on the acquisition of visual–spatial and training information. In this study, we analyzed the visual–spatial performance of 60 trained sportsmen (professional footballers), 60 healthy non-sports subjects, and 48 patients affected by chronic unilateral vestibular loss by means of the Navigation Ability Test 2.0. A score based on the number of targets correctly reached in the various tests quantifies the degree of performance of the subjects. Results: NAT 2.0 scores progressively improve from vestibular subjects to healthy non-sporting subjects to footballers. NAT 2.0 scores improve in all three subject groups as the number of tasks performed in all patient groups increases, regardless of gender and age. Conclusions: the analysis of performance data through NAT 2.0 in athletes (footballers) opens new perspectives for rehabilitation purposes, regardless of age, sex, and training conditions, both in healthy non-sporting subjects to improve their sporting potential and in patients affected by chronic vestibular dysfunction, in order to optimize their motor skills and prevent falls. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Vestibular Rehabilitation—in Memory of Doctor Giorgio Guidetti)

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25 pages, 2083 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adverse Audio-Vestibular Effects of Drugs and Vaccines Used in the Treatment and Prevention of COVID-19: A Review

by Magdalena B. Skarzynska, Monika Matusiak and Piotr H. Skarzynski

Audiol. Res. 2022, 12(3), 224-248; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres12030025 - 29 Apr 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4303

Abstract

(1) Background: The purpose of this article is to review pharmacological treatments for COVID-19 (currently approved by the EMA (European Medical Agency) and FDA (Food and Drug Administration)) and highlight their potential audio-vestibular side-effects as an ototoxic adverse reaction. (2) Methods: Review of [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The purpose of this article is to review pharmacological treatments for COVID-19 (currently approved by the EMA (European Medical Agency) and FDA (Food and Drug Administration)) and highlight their potential audio-vestibular side-effects as an ototoxic adverse reaction. (2) Methods: Review of the available literature in the scientific databases PubMed, ResearchGate, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, and in summaries of product data sheets. (3) Results: In accordance with EBM (evidence-based medicine) the treatment of COVID-19 by using lopinavir/ritonavir, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, favipiravir, amantadine, oseltamivir, and ivermectin is no longer recommended for patients suffering from COVID-19 due to a lack of clinical data, publications, and recommendations. There were 39 publications and 15 summaries of product characteristics (as other sources of data) which were also used in this analysis. Adverse events could be permanent or disappear over time. Following treatment for COVID-19, the most frequent adverse audio-vestibular reactions reported in clinical trials and publications in the area of audiology and otorhinolaryngology were: dizziness, blurry vision with dizziness, nasopharyngitis, dysgeusia, and tinnitus. As far as vaccines are concerned, dizziness as an ototoxic effect was uncommon and occurs only in hypersensitive people who experience anaphylactic shock. (4) Conclusions: The ototoxicity of the drugs discussed here does not have as severe symptoms as the drugs used in the treatment of COVID-19 in 2020 (e.g., hydroxychloroquine), and relates mainly to disorders of the vestibulocochlear system. However, there is still a need to monitor ototoxic side-effects because of potential interactions with other ototoxic drugs. Many of the drugs approved by EMA and FDA are new, and not every side-effect is known. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Audio-Vestibular Disorders in the COVID-19 Pandemics)

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12 pages, 299 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Audiovestibular Disorders after COVID-19 Vaccine: Is There an Association?

by Davide Pisani, Federico Maria Gioacchini, Pasquale Viola, Alfonso Scarpa, Alessia Astorina, Massimo Re, Gianmarco Marcianò, Francesco Manti, Roberta Anzivino and Giuseppe Chiarella

Audiol. Res. 2022, 12(3), 212-223; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres12030024 - 21 Apr 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5454

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaign is probably one of the most historic public hygiene measures in modern medicine. The drama of the pandemic has forced the scientific community to accelerate the development and commercialization of vaccines, thereby enhancing the phases of active surveillance. Among [...] Read more.

The SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaign is probably one of the most historic public hygiene measures in modern medicine. The drama of the pandemic has forced the scientific community to accelerate the development and commercialization of vaccines, thereby enhancing the phases of active surveillance. Among the adverse events following immunization (AEFI) reported, those of an audiovestibular interest, such as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), tinnitus, dizziness, and vertigo, constitute a very small percentage. There are many plausible etiological hypotheses, and scientific research needs to pay more attention to the correct collection of data, which up until now have often been inadequate and fragmented, on which to base future studies. SSNHL, new onset tinnitus, vertigo, and dizziness require a prompt evaluation, while the proposed treatment is the same as it is for events unrelated to vaccination. These are uncommon adverse events, and the risk rates for these diseases have not increased in conjunction with the COVID-19 vaccinations, therefore there is no justification of any hesitation towards the vaccination campaign. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Audio-Vestibular Disorders in the COVID-19 Pandemics)

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Audiol. Res., Volume 12, Issue 3 (June 2022) – 12 articles

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