Nowadays, several options are available to treat patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss. Whenever surgical intervention is not possible or contra-indicated, and amplification by a conventional hearing device (e.g., behind-the-ear device) is not feasible, then implantable hearing devices are an indispensable next option. Implantable bone-conduction devices and middle-ear implants have advantages but also limitations concerning complexity/invasiveness of the surgery, medical complications, and effectiveness. To counsel the patient, the clinician should have a good overview of the options with regard to safety and reliability as well as unequivocal technical performance data. The present consensus document is the outcome of an extensive iterative process including ENT specialists, audiologists, health-policy scientists, and representatives/technicians of the main companies in this field. This document should provide a first framework for procedures and technical characterization to enhance effective communication between these stakeholders, improving health care.
In recent years, methods for coupling active implants to the middle ear, round window or combinations of passive middle ear prostheses have progressed considerably. Patient selection criteria have expanded from purely sensorineural hearing losses to conductive and mixed hearing losses in difficult-to-treat ears. This book takes into consideration recently developed methods as well as devices in current use. It begins with a fascinating and authentic history of active middle ear implants, written by one of the main pioneers in the field. In the following chapters, leading scientists and clinicians discuss the relevant topics in otology and audiology. Treatments for sensorineural hearing loss, conductive and mixed hearing losses, and results on alternative coupling sites such as the stapes footplate and the oval window are also covered, as well as articles on candidacy and cost-effectiveness. This publication is a must for ENT professionals and surgeons seeking out the latest knowledge on current research and clinical applications of active middle ear implants for all types of hearing loss.
This book will explore a variety of timely and relevant topics related to health and hearing, including noise exposure at work and leisure, effects of acute and chronic illnesses on hearing, relationship between hearing and lifestyle choices such as smoking and physical activity, age-related hearing loss, global comparisons of hearing sensitivity, current knowledge based on longitudinal vs. cross-sectional studies and recent cohort analyses, and advances in hearing evaluation and treatment of hearing loss of various etiologies. The multidisciplinary nature of the book will appeal to a wide audience, with chapters on genetics, mental health, etc. Of note is the final chapter, which will contain 20-30 case scenarios from each chapter topic written by internationally recognized audiology researchers. These scenarios will promote problem-based learning and bridge theory and clinical practice.
With two new chapters, improved artwork, and significant updates made throughout, the fourth edition of Audiology: Science to Practice continues to be the most comprehensive textbook for audiology and hearing science courses, as well as for health care professionals wanting a better understanding of hearing science and audiology practices. It is written in a style that makes new or difficult concepts relatively easy to understand, while still providing more coverage of hearing and vestibular science and clinical audiology than other introductory texts. Topics include information about the profession of audiology, acoustics, anatomy and physiology of the auditory and vestibular systems, preparing for the patient, otoscopy, pure-tone audiometry and speech measures, audiogram interpretations, masking, tympanometry, acoustic reflexes, wideband acoustic immittance, otoacoustic emissions, auditory brainstem responses, hearing screening, hearing aids, assistive listening aides, cochlear and other implantable devices, vestibular evaluation, descriptions of auditory and vestibular disorders, and aural rehabilitation. There is also a chapter on the roles of speech-language pathologists related to understanding and caring for persons with hearing and balance concerns. Where relevant, the material includes evidence-based practice. New to the Fourth Edition: * Two new chapters: Role of the Speech-Language Pathologist and Other Treatments and (Re)habilitation of Hearing and Balance Disorders * Many new beautifully drawn two-color anatomy and physiology illustrations * Black and white figures have been color-enhanced * Several chapters were reorganized and updated to include vestibular anatomy, physiology, and vestibular disorders within the relevant auditory chapters * A separate chapter on vestibular evaluation and bedside screening * Many chapters expanded to provide information on environmental factors that affect the transmission of sound, signal-to-noise ratio, preparation for testing, cerumen management, assistive listening technology systems (HATS), and status of over-the-counter hearing aids * Updated references and standards throughout Key Features: * Many illustrations to help clarify and expand on key concepts * Chapters begin with a list of learning objectives and end with key references * Punctuated with historical and informational set-aside boxes * An easy-to-read writing style to help students understand scientific concepts * Key terms highlighted throughout with a comprehensive end-of-book glossary Disclaimer: Please note that ancillary content (such as documents, audio, and video, etc.) may not be included as published in the original print version of this book.
Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery is the medical and surgical specialty addressing disorders of the head and neck in both adult and pediatric populations. The goal of the encyclopedia is to serve as a single and comprehensive source of all the information that is essential for students and practitioners of the specialty. The vast amount of information included in the encyclopedia is divided into 5 volumes in line with the subspecialties of general otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, pediatric otolaryngology, otology–neurotology, and facial plastics. All volume editors are internationally recognized otolaryngologists with experience in publishing. Each section editor recruited experienced authors from all over the world to contribute on structured topics, and all entries are supported by published references. Thus, all information included in the encyclopedia is from credible sources and has been carefully screened for accuracy. The strength of the encyclopedia is its online availability and quick search features, which allow rapid retrieval of definitions and more in-depth information. Key words are hyperlinked to provide a gateway to numerous referenced manuscripts, journals, and books.
Millions of Americans experience some degree of hearing loss. The Social Security Administration (SSA) operates programs that provide cash disability benefits to people with permanent impairments like hearing loss, if they can show that their impairments meet stringent SSA criteria and their earnings are below an SSA threshold. The National Research Council convened an expert committee at the request of the SSA to study the issues related to disability determination for people with hearing loss. This volume is the product of that study. Hearing Loss: Determining Eligibility for Social Security Benefits reviews current knowledge about hearing loss and its measurement and treatment, and provides an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the current processes and criteria. It recommends changes to strengthen the disability determination process and ensure its reliability and fairness. The book addresses criteria for selection of pure tone and speech tests, guidelines for test administration, testing of hearing in noise, special issues related to testing children, and the difficulty of predicting work capacity from clinical hearing test results. It should be useful to audiologists, otolaryngologists, disability advocates, and others who are concerned with people who have hearing loss.
The loss of hearing - be it gradual or acute, mild or severe, present since birth or acquired in older age - can have significant effects on one's communication abilities, quality of life, social participation, and health. Despite this, many people with hearing loss do not seek or receive hearing health care. The reasons are numerous, complex, and often interconnected. For some, hearing health care is not affordable. For others, the appropriate services are difficult to access, or individuals do not know how or where to access them. Others may not want to deal with the stigma that they and society may associate with needing hearing health care and obtaining that care. Still others do not recognize they need hearing health care, as hearing loss is an invisible health condition that often worsens gradually over time. In the United States, an estimated 30 million individuals (12.7 percent of Americans ages 12 years or older) have hearing loss. Globally, hearing loss has been identified as the fifth leading cause of years lived with disability. Successful hearing health care enables individuals with hearing loss to have the freedom to communicate in their environments in ways that are culturally appropriate and that preserve their dignity and function. Hearing Health Care for Adults focuses on improving the accessibility and affordability of hearing health care for adults of all ages. This study examines the hearing health care system, with a focus on non-surgical technologies and services, and offers recommendations for improving access to, the affordability of, and the quality of hearing health care for adults of all ages.
Implantable Hearing Devices is written for ear, nose, and throat surgeons in training who must know about implantable hearing devices as they advance in otologic surgery. It is also a resource for otologic surgeons desiring to know more about the devices available. The technology is evolving rapidly along with the criteria for candidacy, and this text covers the entire spectrum of implantable hearing devices that are available, including but not limited to cochlear implants. Complex issues are presented in an easy to understand format by a host of internationally well-respected authors. Many practitioners have to refer to multiple resources for answers to their questions because the discipline is changing so rapidly. Implantable Hearing Devices is a clear, concise, but comprehensive book that offers answers to the universal problems that otologic surgeons face. Disclaimer: Please note that ancillary content (such as documents, audio, and video, etc.) may not be included as published in the original print version of this book.
The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. To receive SSDI or SSI disability benefits, an individual must meet the statutory definition of disability, which is "the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity [SGA] by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months." SSA uses a five-step sequential process to determine whether an adult applicant meets this definition. Functional Assessment for Adults with Disabilities examines ways to collect information about an individual's physical and mental (cognitive and noncognitive) functional abilities relevant to work requirements. This report discusses the types of information that support findings of limitations in functional abilities relevant to work requirements, and provides findings and conclusions regarding the collection of information and assessment of functional abilities relevant to work requirements.
The Institute of Medicine carried out a study mandated by Congress and sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide an assessment of several issues related to noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus associated with service in the Armed Forces since World War II. The resulting book, Noise and Military Service: Implications for Hearing Loss and Tinnitus, presents findings on the presence of hazardous noise in military settings, levels of noise exposure necessary to cause hearing loss or tinnitus, risk factors for noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus, the timing of the effects of noise exposure on hearing, and the adequacy of military hearing conservation programs and audiometric testing. The book stresses the importance of conducting hearing tests (audiograms) at the beginning and end of military service for all military personnel and recommends several steps aimed at improving the military services' prevention of and surveillance for hearing loss and tinnitus. The book also identifies research needs, emphasizing topics specifically related to military service.
