Schairer et al. [J Acoust Soc Am 133, 1560–1573 (2003)] demonstrated that cochlear nonlinearity is reflected in psychometric function (PF) slopes for 4-kHz forward-masked tones. The goals of the current study were to use PF slopes to compare the degree of compression between signal frequencies of 0.25 and 4 kHz in listeners with normal hearing (LNH), and between LNH and listeners with cochlear hearing loss (LHL). Forward-masked thresholds were estimated in LNH and LHL using on- and off-frequency maskers and 0.25- and 4-kHz signals in three experiments. PFs were reconstructed from adaptive-procedure data for each subject in each condition. Trends in PF slopes across conditions suggest comparable compression at 0.25 and 4 kHz, and potentially a wider bandwidth of compression in relative frequency at 0.25 kHz. This is consistent with other recent behavioral studies that revise earlier estimates of less compression at lower frequencies. The preliminary results in LHL demonstrate that PF slopes are abnormally steep at frequencies with hearing loss, but are similar to those for LNH at frequencies with normal hearing. Overall, results are consistent with the notion that PF slopes reflect degree of cochlear nonlinearity, and can be used as an additional measure of compression across frequency.

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Overall, the findings support other recent studies that suggest the development of CI guidelines that may standardize programming and follow-up practices of CI audiologists. This could prove valuable for the continual improvement of CI outcomes, particularly in the pediatric population.

Recent findings suggest that listeners primarily rely on envelope-modulation cues rather than energy cues in an increment detection task, where one of the two sounds contains a brief increment in intensity in a longer duration tone. The relative contributions of energy and envelope-modulation cues in increment detection were evaluated in six normal-hearing young adults. The detection thresholds for a 20 ms increment added in the middle of a 420 ms pedestal of either 500 or 4000 Hz were obtained as a function of pedestal level. On-frequency or off-frequency maskers were either 30- or 150-Hz wide random-phase Gaussian noise (RPN) or low-noise noise (LNN), centered either at 500 or 4000 Hz. The envelope fluctuation in LNN is minimal compared to that in RPN. The detection thresholds were greater in RPN than LNN in on-frequency, but not in off-frequency masking conditions. The detection thresholds increased at the wider masker bandwidth. Results suggest that listeners may rely on a decision process that is based on within-channel energy and envelope-modulation cues, where the within-channel envelope-modulation cues predominate. The relative weighting of these cues are pedestal and masker dependent. [Work supported by R01 DC006648 and T32 DC000013.]

Cochlear implants (CIs) have proven to be a useful treatment option for individuals with severe-to-profound hearing loss by providing improved access to one's surrounding auditory environment. CIs differ from traditional acoustic amplification by providing information to the auditory system via electrical stimulation. Both postlingually deafened adults and prelingually deafened children can benefit from a CI; however, outcomes with a CI can vary. Numerous factors can impact performance outcomes with a CI. It is important for the audiologist to understand what factors might play a role and impact performance outcomes with a CI so that they can effectively counsel the recipient and their family, as well as establish appropriate and realistic expectations with a CI. This review article will discuss the CI candidacy process, CI programming and postoperative follow-up care, as well as considerations across the lifespan that may affect performance outcomes with a CI.

The purpose of this systematic review was to determine what intervention programs may best help children with cochlear implants (CIs) to acquire critical emergent literacy skills, specifically, phonological awareness and oral language skills. This review offers a better understanding of directions for future research as well as how clinicians can provide children who are deaf or hard of hearing with the tools needed to be successful in reading and writing, thereby providing a solid foundation for future academic success. Method: A systematic review of the current literature was used to identify possible interventions for helping children with CIs attain the emergent literacy skills of phonological awareness and oral language. Few intervention programs designed for this specific population were found. Therefore, intervention programs designed for children with hearing loss in general were appraised and were applied to preschool-age I

Many factors go into appropriate recommendation and use of hearing assistive technology (HAT). The aging auditory system presents with its own complications and intricacies; there are many types of age-related hearing loss, and it is possible that the underlying cause of hearing loss can significantly impact the recommendations and performance with HATs. The audiologist should take into consideration peripheral and central auditory function when selecting HATs for the aging adult population as well as when selecting appropriate types of technology including personal sound amplification products, hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive technology. The cognitive ability of the patient plays a central role in the recommendations of HAT. It is possible that the use of HATs could mitigate some of the effects of cognitive decline and thus should be considered as early as possible. Assessment of ability and appropriate recommendations are crucial to consistent use of HAT devices.

Modifications to gains above 2000 Hz in the HA may improve performance for bimodal listeners who perform more poorly in the bimodal condition when the HA is fit to traditional targets.