Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Investigation of the Impact of Probiotic Consumption on Gut Microbiota Diversity and the Faecal Metabolome in Seniors.

Aging has been associated with a changed composition and function of the gut microbiota (GM). Here, we investigate the effects of the multi-strain probiotic HOWARU Restore on GM composition and function in seniors. Ninety-eight healthy adult volunteers aged ≥75 years were enrolled in a randomised, double-blinded intervention (NCT02207140), where they received HOWARU Restore (10 CFU) or the placebo daily for 24 weeks, with 45 volunteers from each group completing the intervention.

Cortical potentials evoked by tone frequency changes can predict speech perception in noise.

Accurate and objective assessment of higher order auditory processing is challenging and mainly relies on evaluations that require a subjects' active participation in tests such as frequency discrimination or speech perception in noise. This study investigates the value of cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) evoked in response to auditory change stimuli, known as acoustic change complexes (ACCs), as an objective measurement of auditory performance in hearing impairment. Secondary objectives were to assess the effect of hearing loss and non-professional musical experience on the ACC, and compare the ACC to the 'conventional' CAEP evoked in response to stimulus onset.

Short-term outcomes of cochlear implantation for single-sided deafness compared to bone conduction devices and contralateral routing of sound hearing aids-Results of a Randomised controlled trial (CINGLE-trial).

Single-sided deafness (SSD) leads to difficulties with speech perception in noise, sound localisation, and sometimes tinnitus. Current treatments (Contralateral Routing of Sound hearing aids (CROS) and Bone Conduction Devices (BCD)) do not sufficiently overcome these problems. Cochlear implants (CIs) may help.

Cortical potentials evoked by tone frequency changes compared to frequency discrimination and speech perception: Thresholds in normal-hearing and hearing-impaired subjects.

Frequency discrimination ability varies within the normal hearing population, partially explained by factors such as musical training and age, and it deteriorates with hearing loss. Frequency discrimination, while essential for several auditory tasks, is not routinely measured in clinical setting. This study investigates cortical auditory evoked potentials in response to frequency changes, known as acoustic change complexes (ACCs), and explores their value as a clinically applicable objective measurement of frequency discrimination.

Cortical Auditory Evoked Potentials in Response to Frequency Changes with Varied Magnitude, Rate, and Direction.

Recent literature on cortical auditory evoked potentials has focused on correlations with hearing performance with the aim to develop an objective clinical tool. However, cortical responses depend on the type of stimulus and choice of stimulus parameters. This study investigates cortical auditory evoked potentials to sound changes, so-called acoustic change complexes (ACC), and the effects of varying three stimulus parameters.