Objective: The present study was carried out to estimate one year prevalence and risk factors of tinnitus in the older individuals (60 years and above) who reported with the ear and/or hearing related complaint to All India Institute of Speech and hearing, Mysore. Methods: The case files of those who visited the institute during the above said period were reviewed retrospectively. Results: The results of the study revealed that the prevalence of tinnitus was 16.81%.It was also found that 60.9% of the individuals with tinnitus were males. Further, 97.5% of the individuals with tinnitus had hearing loss. In addition, 28.53% of the individuals with tinnitus had moderate degree of hearing loss followed by moderately severe degree of hearing loss. Most of these individuals had sensorineural impairment. Conclusion: It can be concluded that prevalence of tinnitus is quite high in the older individuals with otological problems. The hearing loss, gender, giddiness, headache, hypertension, and diabetes were found to be major risk factors.

RESULTS:The results revealed that the conditions where both the wireless synchronization and directionality were activated resulted in a significantly better performance in both localization and speech perception in noise tasks. CONCLUSION:It can be concluded that the directionality in the wireless synchronization hearing aids coordinates with each other binaurally for better preservation of binaural cues, thus reducing the localization errors and improving speech perception in noise. The results of this study could be used to counsel and justify the selection of the directional wireless synchronization hearing aids.

Background: The present study aimed to develop and standardise the sentence identification test in the Kannada language. This study used a normative research design that included development and standardisation of sentence tests. Material and methods:A total of 700 sentences in the Kannada language, selected from various sources, were evaluated for naturalness, predictability, and equivalency by 33 participants. Sentences considered to be natural, low in predictability, and equivalent were used to construct 30 lists of 10 sentences each. Standardisation of the material and list equivalency were assessed on 100 listeners with normal hearing ability.Results: Based on ratings of naturalness and predictability, 564 sentences were considered as highly natural and of low predictability. Of these, 316 were found to have equal difficulty based on a performance-SNR function and were used to construct 30 lists. Repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests revealed Lists 1, 3, 15, 16, and 30 to be significantly different from at least one of the other lists. After removing these lists, the mean identification score for the final 25 lists at -5 dB SNR was 54%. Conclusions:The sentence identification test in Kannada for adults consists of 25 homogenous lists. The normative for the same is also given in the study. Its application is being assessed for hearing evaluation in the clinical population.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of the envelope difference index (EDI) and log-likelihood ratio (LLR) to quantify the independent and interactive effects of wide dynamic range compression, digital noise reduction and directionality, and to carry out self-rated quality measures. A recorded sentence embedded in speech spectrum noise at +5 dB signal to noise ratio was presented to a four channel digital hearing aid and the output was recorded with different combinations of algorithms at 30, 45 and 70 dB HL levels of presentation through a 2 cc coupler. EDI and LLR were obtained in comparison with the original signal using MATLAB software. In addition, thirty participants with normal hearing sensitivity rated the output on the loudness and clarity parameters of quality. The results revealed that the temporal changes happening at the output is independent of the number of algorithms activated together in a hearing aid. However, at a higher level of presentation, temporal cues are better preserved if all of these algorithms are deactivated. The spectral components speech tend to get affected by the presentation level. The results also indicate the importance of quality rating as this helps in considering whether the spectral and/or temporal deviations created in the hearing aid are desirable or not.

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Some paired digital hearing aids use wireless technology to communicate with each other and generate improved binaural information. Coordination between the two ears makes it easier for the brain to identify sound sources and understand speech even in complex environments. How well does this technology work. This article gives an evidence-based review.

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Background and Aim: Cognitive and auditory processing deficits are seen in older individuals with normal hearing sensitivity. Studies on older individuals with hearing impairment have assessed the cognitive function and correlated with hearing devices benefit. Since auditory processing can also affect speech perception abilities, and there is a possible relationship between cognition and some of the  auditory  processing  abilities,  it is essential  to assess  the relationship between auditory processing abilities and hearing aid benefit in naïve and experienced hearing aid users in older adults. Methods: Fifty individuals in the age range of 51 to 70 years with mild to moderate hearing loss participated in the study. There were 30 participants without any hearing aid experience and 20 participants with hearing aid experience for at least six weeks. Their auditory processing abilities were tested using gap detection test, duration pattern test, speech perception in noise, dichotic consonant-vowel test, masking level difference, forward and backward span tests. The hearing aid benefit was assessed using aided speech perception in noise measures and International Outcome Inventory-Hearing Aids questionnaire in Kannada. Results: Spearman’s correlation showed only correlation between auditory closure ability  and binaural integration abilities with hearing aid benefit in experienced users. There was no correlation between any other auditory processing abilities and hearing aid benefit. Conclusion: There is a correlation between a few auditory processes and hearing aid use in elderly individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. Keywords: Auditory processing abilities; hearing aid benefit; hearing aid users; working memory