Binaural Interference A Guide For Audiologists

Binaural interference occurs when the speech input to one ear interferes with the input to the other ear during binaural stimulation. The first published study on binaural interference twenty-five years ago demonstrated that some individuals, particularly older individuals, perform more poorly with two hearing aids than with one and/or more poorly with binaural than monaural stimulation on electrophysiologic as well as behavioral measures. Binaural interference is relevant to every audiologist because it impacts the successful use of binaural hearing aids and may explain communicative difficulty in noise or other challenging listening situations in persons with normal-hearing sensitivity as well as persons with hearing loss. This exciting new book written by two highly respected audiologists first traces the history of its study by researchers, then reviews the evidence, both direct and indirect, supporting its reality. This is followed by a discussion of the possible causes of the phenomenon and in-depth analysis of illustrative cases. The authors outline a systematic approach to the clinical detection, evaluation and amelioration of individuals who exhibit binaural interference. Suggestions are furnished on improved techniques for evaluation of the binaural advantage in general and on sensitized detection of the disorder in particular. The book ends with recommendations for future directions. Given the adverse impact of binaural interference on auditory function and its occurrence in a significant subset of the population with hearing loss, as well as in some individuals with normal-hearing sensitivity, research on binaural interference only recently has begun to flourish, and adaptation of audiologic clinical practice to identify, assess, and manage individuals with binaural interference has yet to become widespread. The authors intend for the book to provide impetus for pursuing further research and to encourage audiologists to explore the possibility of binaural interference when patient complaints suggest it and when performing audiologic evaluations. The book is intended for practicing clinical audiologists, audiology students, and hearing scientists.

The field of Binaural Hearing involves studies of auditory perception, physiology, and modeling, including normal and abnormal aspects of the system. Binaural processes involved in both sound localization and speech unmasking have gained a broader interest and have received growing attention in the published literature. The field has undergone some significant changes. There is now a much richer understanding of the many aspects that comprising binaural processing, its role in development, and in success and limitations of hearing-aid and cochlear-implant users. The goal of this volume is to provide an up-to-date reference on the developments and novel ideas in the field of binaural hearing. The primary readership for the volume is expected to be academic specialists in the diverse fields that connect with psychoacoustics, neuroscience, engineering, psychology, audiology, and cochlear implants. This volume will serve as an important resource by way of introduction to the field, in particular for graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, the faculty who train them and clinicians.

Understanding the array and complexity of instrumentation available to audiologists and hearing scientists is important to students, beginning clinicians, and even seasoned professionals. The second edition of Instrumentation for Audiology and Hearing Science: Theory and Practice is a comprehensive and accessible look at instrumentation used in these fields for research and clinical purposes. The expert authors introduce the laws of physics as they relate to audiology and hearing science and explain a range of concepts in electronics directly related to instrumentation used in audiology and hearing science, such as filtering and immittance (involving admittance and impedance), explain the fundamental instrumentation concepts in mathematics, physics, and electronics in a systematic manner including only the necessary formulae and basic scientific principles. This unique professional text presents the fundamentals of the evolution of communication systems from analog to digital, including such concepts as digital signals, sound resolution, sampling, quantization and their applications to current technology such as video calls and noise canceling head phones. In addition, the authors comprehensively cover calibration of test and research equipment and stimuli used in audiology and hearing science. They also clearly describe elements of electronics and digital technology as they apply to our everyday lives and experiences, as well as to the fields of audiology and hearing sciences. New to the Second Edition * New chapters on amplification, assistive listening devices, and vestibular assessment (electronystagmography and videonystagmography), geared toward audiology and hearing science students and professionals * Extensive reorganization for a smoother flow of information * Expanded focus on evidence-based practice * Informed by the authors’ teaching, research, and clinical experiences, the original chapters have either been eliminated or completely updated to reflect current scientific and clinical theories * Accompanying videos for the construction of direct- and alternating-current electrical circuits, as well as the construction of high-pass, low-pass, and band-pass filters

Written in an engaging, easy-to-read format by three of the industry's leading experts, Speech Mapping and Probe Microphone Measurements is an essential clinical companion for all practitioners fitting and dispensing hearing aids. The key to successful hearing aid fittings is the patient-specific programming of gain and output. As outlined in all Best Practices Guidelines, the cornerstone of this process is the real-ear verification. Although speech mapping and probe-microphone measures have been used clinically for decades, new techniques and procedures continue to emerge. This is the first handbook to be published in 25 years that is dedicated to this critical clinical measure. Starting with an emphasis on evidenced-based practice, and the need to develop a well-researched gold standard, Speech Mapping and Probe Microphone Measurements takes you through the process of conducting valid and reliable speech mapping testing. Following a review of the basics of signal types, presentation levels, and patient and probe positioning, the chapters flow to the patient-centered real-ear verification process. In addition to extensive step-by-step guidelines regarding the routine testing and adjustment of gain and output, protocols for the evaluation of special features and fittings also are outlined. As a bonus, the authors provide a review of how speech mapping findings can be used with other measures that are part of the overall hearing aid fitting protocol.

Essentials of Modern Hearing Aids: Selection, Fitting, and Verification is a comprehensive textbook, ideal for graduate-level amplification courses in audiology programs. It also is the ultimate go-to reference for anyone fitting and dispensing hearing aids. This is truly an "A to Z" textbook, with topics including audiologic prefitting testing, needs assessment and treatment planning, hearing aid selection, verification, orientation and counseling, post-fitting follow-up, and real-world validation. Moreover, a substantial portion of the book reviews the underlying up-to-date design and function of digital hearing aid components, circuitry and processing, the wide assortment of hearing aid features, and the many algorithms that make these features work successfully. The world-renowned authors have included numerous prefitting and post-fitting tests that can be conducted along with step-by-step protocols for their administration and scoring. They also review the selection of hearing aid styles and fitting arrangements, explain the process of obtaining an ear impression, and making critical decisions regarding earmolds and hearing aid plumbing. Essentials of Modern Hearing Aidsprovides guidance for selecting prescriptive fitting approaches and detailed protocols for the use of behavioral measures and real-ear speech mapping to both verify the fitting and assess special hearing aid features. Follow-up care and validation options also are reviewed, with detailed guidelines for using a wide range of outcome measures. Key Features Included throughout the text are short paragraphs identified as "Technical Tips," "Key Concepts," "Things to Remember," "Points to Ponder," and "Soapbox" for quick reference.The text covers both foundation and direct clinical application.The veteran authors have over 100 years of combined experience in day-to-day patient care and clinical research.The book is infused with humor throughout! Written in an accessible and easy-to-read style, this text includes not only reference information, but also tools supported by research and clinical experience. The information is presented in a way that is both accessible to clinical students with little experience in the field and with enough depth for even the serious hearing aid researcher. The text is also appropriate as a handy companion for busy clinicians - a friendly resource where they can quickly find critical information needed for the next patient. *Disclaimer: Please note that ancillary content (such as documents, audio, and video, etc.) may not be included as published in the original print version of this book.

More than 31 million people in the United States alone suffer from hearing loss - that is one in every 10 people in the current population. Of those, only five to 10 percent can be treated medically, leaving the largest number in need of other solutions. It is for those people that veteran audiologist Susan Dalebout wrote this comprehensive guide. The book explains, with a simple overview of hearing anatomy and physiology, how we hear, and details hearing evaluation tests, the interpretation of those tests, and the conditions that most commonly cause hearing loss in adults. All things related to adult hearing loss are explained, as is a full menu of hearing rehabilitation services, devices, and technology. This text includes discussion of the importance of hearing in our lives, the psychological, social and emotional effects of untreated hearing loss, and the effects on family members and friends. Also included is a chapter on prevention, describing the dangers of exposure to hazardous noise and certain drugs, and how to protect against damage to hearing. Unique for its breadth and depth, this text also offers detail on hearing aids, care and maintenance as well as factors to consider when purchasing an aid, cochlear implants, hearing-assistance technology, and future trends in hearing restoration.

As a pioneer in the field of audiology, Dr. James Jerger has been involved in cutting-edge resource throughout the development of the field. In his new text, Audiological Research Over Six Decades, readers can experience the evolution of diagnostic audiology through his unique perspective. By detailing case studies from his own work over the years, Dr. Jerger gives his audience a chance to be a fly on the wall for major moments throughout the history of audiology. In the first section of the book, Dr. Jerger relates case studies and other stories from his early years in the field, including his time at both Northwestern University and the Houston Speech and Hearing Center. Then, he traces his years at Baylor College of Medicine. In the final section, he discusses his time researching auditory event-related potentials at the University of Texas. From the Foreword by Brad A. Stach, PhD: “This book is an adventure. It tells the story of the evolution of diagnostic audiology through the voice of one of its greatest contributors, Dr. James Jerger… Jerger’s lively narrative describes, in his wise and witty way, what he was thinking throughout six productive decades of game-changing audiological research. He provides us with a view, through case studies of his own work, of an unparalleled perspective, from the room where it happened."