Auditory Prostheses

Cochlear implants are currently the standard treatment for profound sensorineural hearing loss. In the last decade, advances in auditory science and technology have not only greatly expanded the utility of electric stimulation to other parts of the auditory nervous system in addition to the cochlea, but have also demonstrated drastic changes in the brain in responses to electric stimulation, including changes in language development and music perception. Volume 20 of SHAR focused on basic science and technology underlying the cochlear implant. However, due to the newness of the ideas and technology, the volume did not cover any emerging applications such as bilateral cochlear implants, combined acoustic-electric stimulation, and other types of auditory prostheses, nor did it review brain plasticity in responses to electric stimulation and its perceptual and language consequences. This proposed volume takes off from Volume 20, and expands the examination of implants into new and highly exciting areas. This edited book starts with an overview and introduction by Dr. Fan-Gang Zeng. Chapters 2-9 cover technological development and the advances in treating the full spectrum of ear disorders in the last ten years. Chapters 10-15 discuss brain responses to electric stimulation and their perceptual impact. This volume is particularly exciting because there have been quantum leap from the traditional technology discussed in Volume 20. Thus, this volume is timely and will be of real importance to the SHAR audience.

Cochlear implants have instigated a popular but controversial revolution in the treatment of deafness. This book discusses the physiological bases of using artificial devices to electrically stimulate the brain to interpret sounds. As the first successful device to restore neural function, the cochlear implant serves as a model for research in neuroscience and biomedical engineering. These and other auditory prostheses are discussed in the context of historical treatments, engineering, psychophysics and clinical issues as well as implications for speech, behavior, cognition and long-term effects on people.

Natural and Artificial Control of Hearing and Balance

This volume describes a new direction in technological and biomedical developments for profoundly deaf individuals. The first section covers topics of tissue characteristics, such as responses to electrical stimulation and computer modelling of cochlea currents. Perception of acoustic signals, responses and behavioral pattern as well as psychophysical aspects are treated in the second part. Part III is addressed to perspectives and challenges of encoding schemes. Reports on studies of acoustic and electrical encoding of temporal information, speech features with cochlear implants as well as psychophysical and speech perceptual studies will allow further strategies for cochlea implants.

Millions of Americans experience some degree of hearing loss. The Social Security Administration (SSA) operates programs that provide cash disability benefits to people with permanent impairments like hearing loss, if they can show that their impairments meet stringent SSA criteria and their earnings are below an SSA threshold. The National Research Council convened an expert committee at the request of the SSA to study the issues related to disability determination for people with hearing loss. This volume is the product of that study. Hearing Loss: Determining Eligibility for Social Security Benefits reviews current knowledge about hearing loss and its measurement and treatment, and provides an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the current processes and criteria. It recommends changes to strengthen the disability determination process and ensure its reliability and fairness. The book addresses criteria for selection of pure tone and speech tests, guidelines for test administration, testing of hearing in noise, special issues related to testing children, and the difficulty of predicting work capacity from clinical hearing test results. It should be useful to audiologists, otolaryngologists, disability advocates, and others who are concerned with people who have hearing loss.

Unique textbook explores current and future applications of auditory brain implants Research on the auditory brainstem implant (ABI) has evolved from a highly specialized, narrow field to one involving a wide spectrum of disciplines. Neurotologists, audiologists, otolaryngologists, and neurosurgeons are on the front lines of treatment, while many other specialists play active roles. Auditory Brainstem Implants by renowned ABI experts Eric P. Wilkinson and Marc S. Schwartz is the first dedicated book on ABIs published to date. The state-of-the-art monograph brings together a rich array of materials and resources from an impressive group of pioneering clinicians from around the world. The text starts with introductory chapters encompassing the history and development of ABIs; relevant neuroanatomy and physiology; imaging of the cochlea, cochlear nerve, brainstem, and auditory system; and clinical indications for ABIs. Surgical chapters detail translabyrinthine, retrosigmoid, and retrolabyrinthine approaches, pediatric applications, auditory midbrain implants, device-specific engineering, and intraoperative monitoring. Auditory testing, performance variables, and results are also reviewed. The final chapters focus on innovative future directions, such as penetrating multisite microelectrodes and the use of optogenetics. Key Highlights In-depth analyses and overviews enable clinicians from different disciplines to expand their armamentarium and solidify current areas of expertise Unique material on the relevant neuroanatomy of brainstem implants improves understanding of ABI challenges and outcomes Description of ABI results in tone languages demonstrates applications in special populations Pediatric topics including evaluation and surgery and implant outcomes from the Hacettepe University team provide invaluable treatment pearls Insightful perspectives on programming, rehabilitation, and outcome assessment in adults enhance knowledge Trainee and practicing otolaryngologists, neurosurgeons, neurologists, audiologists, and speech pathologists will benefit from reading this comprehensive ABI resource, either cover-to-cover or by consulting specific chapters.