A novel, user-operated test of suprathreshold acuity in noise for use in adult hearing screening (AHS) was developed. The Speech Understanding in Noise test (SUN) is a speech-in-noise test that makes use of a list of vowel-consonant-vowel (VCV) stimuli in background noise presented in a three-alternative forced choice (3AFC) paradigm by means of a touch sensitive screen. The test is automated, easy-to-use, and provides self-explanatory results (i.e., 'no hearing difficulties', or 'a hearing check would be advisable', or 'a hearing check is recommended'). The test was developed from its building blocks (VCVs and speech-shaped noise) through two main steps: (i) development of the test list through equalization of the intelligibility of test stimuli across the set and (ii) optimization of the test results through maximization of the test sensitivity and specificity. The test had 82.9% sensitivity and 85.9% specificity compared to conventional pure-tone screening, and 83.8% sensitivity and 83.9% specificity to identify individuals with disabling hearing impairment. Results obtained so far showed that the test could be easily performed by adults and older adults in less than one minute per ear and that its results were not influenced by ambient noise (up to 65dBA), suggesting that the test might be a viable method for AHS in clinical as well as non-clinical settings.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compbiomed.2014.06.012 | DOI Listing |
Chem Soc Rev
January 2025
National-local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomass Refining and High-quality Utilization, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China.
Multiple oxygenate groups in biomass-based feedstocks are open to multiple catalytic pathways and products, typically resulting in low selectivity for the desired products. In this context, strategies for rational catalyst design are critical to obtain high selectivity for the desired products in biomass upgrading. The Sabatier principle provides a conceptual framework for designing optimal catalysts by following the volcanic relationship between catalyst activity for a reaction and the binding strength of a substrate on a catalyst.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEcol Lett
January 2025
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA.
Experiments have long been the gold standard for causal inference in Ecology. As Ecology tackles progressively larger problems, however, we are moving beyond the scales at which randomised controlled experiments are feasible. To answer causal questions at scale, we need to also use observational data -something Ecologists tend to view with great scepticism.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAm J Sports Med
January 2025
Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Background: Elbow injuries are prevalent among professional baseball pitchers as nearly 25% undergo ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction. Pitch type, ball velocity, and spin rate have been previously hypothesized to influence elbow varus torque and subsequent risk of injury, but existing research is inconclusive.
Purpose: To examine elbow varus torque, cumulative torque, and loading rate within professional pitchers throwing fastball, curveball, change-up, and slider pitches, as well as to identify potential influences of ball spin on the elbow.
Phys Ther
January 2025
IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy.
Importance: Rotator cuff tendinopathy represents the most prevalent cause of shoulder pain, the third most common musculoskeletal disorder after low back pain and knee pain.
Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of corticosteroid injection(s), alone or in combination with anesthetic injection or any other physical therapist interventions, compared to physical therapist interventions alone in adults with rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Design: This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
JAMA Netw Open
January 2025
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Importance: Using albumin-adjusted calcium is commonly recommended for for measuring calcium, but with little empirical evidence to support the practice.
Objective: To assess the correlation between total calcium measurements (with or without adjustment) vs the ionized calcium level as a reference standard.
Design, Setting, And Participants: This was a population-based cross-sectional study in the province of Alberta, Canada, including adults tested for serum total calcium and ionized calcium simultaneously between January 1, 2013, and October 31, 2019.
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!