Comparing Loudness Tolerance and Acceptable Noise Level in Listeners With Hearing Loss.

The present study was a follow-up investigation to a previous study exploring the relationship between listeners' loudness tolerance and listeners' acceptable noise level among normally hearing adults. The present study compared the same two measures, but data were obtained from listeners with hearing loss; 12 adults with sensorineural hearing loss participated in a loudness tolerance measure using a scaling technique initially established for setting hearing aid output limits, in addition to an acceptable noise level measure. The acceptable noise level procedure used in this study quantified the listeners' acceptance of background noise while listening to speech.

Long-term heavy marijuana users make costly decisions on a gambling task.

Rationale: Chronic marijuana use has been associated with impairments of learning, memory, and executive functions. Little is known, however, about the effects of marijuana use on other cognitive domains, such as decision-making, which are thought to play an important role in addiction and drug abuse.

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to determine if long-term heavy marijuana users employ different decision-making strategies than individuals with minimal marijuana exposure.

Occupational soft tissue disorders of the hand and forearm.

Upper extremity work-related diagnoses are becoming more frequent as a source of chronic pain and lost work time for the injured worker. Early directed care toward diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation is needed to prevent a protracted course. A review of common regional problems of the upper extremity is presented.

Local hypothermia to prolong safe tourniquet time.

Local hypothermia was studied as a method to safely prolong tourniquet time for reconstructive procedures of the upper extremity. An ice blanket constructed of flannel cloth and cold gel packs was applied to the limb for 45 minutes preoperatively. Seventy-eight patients were evaluated for complications resulting from hypothermia and prolonged tourniquet application.