Range of Intensities Yielding Pb Max and the Threshold for Monosyllabic Words for Hearing-Impaired Subjects

Abstract

Characteristics of the range of intensities yielding PB Max and of the threshold for monosyllabic words (PBT) were investigated in 110 elderly subjects with mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss. Word recognition functions were generated using the Auditec recordings of the CID W-22 words with 50 words per level. The results indicated that (a) the range of intensities yielding PB Max was approximately 33 dB at a level corresponding to 12% below PB Max, (b) the PB Max range decreased as the magnitude of hearing loss increased, (c) testing at the loudness discomfort level was likely to provide a more accurate estimate of PB Max than testing at most comfortable listening level, (d) word recognition scores should be obtained at a minimum of two intensities in order to estimate PB Max, (e) the PBT in dB SL re the spondaic threshold increased as the steepness of the audiogram increased, and (f) the PBT should not be considered unusual unless it exceeds the predicted value by about 14 dB.

Evaluating speech perception of the MAXUM middle ear implant versus speech perception under inserts

“…18 Using SRT 140 could have underestimated the maximum word recognition potential of some of these patients. The best approach to speech recognition testing is to complete a performanceintensity function by presenting stimuli over a range of presentation levels, [19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] or at 5 dB below the patient's Uncomfortable Loudness Level (UCL-5) when using a single presentation level. 21 The primary limitations of this study include the nature of its retrospective analysis, the limited number of subjects, and the use of SRT 140 dB as a presentation level.…”

Auditory Steady-State Responses and Word Recognition Scores in Normal-Hearing and Hearing-Impaired Adults

“…The choice of the intensity at which to present the stimuli has never been standardized. The level at which one attains maximum WRS may not be predictable from the pure-tone audiogram, or measures such as Maximum Comfort Level (Beattie & Zipp, 1990;Ullrich & Grimm, 1976). The use of performance-intensity (PI) functions has been advocated since the plateau of PI functions are often unpredictable particularly in eighth nerve and central disorders (Jerger & Hayes, 1977).…”

Reconhecimento de fala no nível de máximo conforto em pacientes adultos com perda auditiva neurossensorial

“…A maioria dos autores recomenda a realização do Índice de Reconhecimento de Fala de 25 a 40 dB NS (16) . Porém, não é possível precisar um nível fixo, para determinar o reconhecimento de fala ou os limiares de tom puro, para ser utilizado na avaliação de todos os tipos e graus de perda auditiva (17) .…”

“…Pacientes portadores de perda auditiva neurossensorial podem apresentar diversos graus de comprometimento do reconhecimento de fala, uma vez que há dificuldade de identificar todos os sons mesmo quando as palavras são apresentadas no nível recomendado, ou seja, de 30 a 40 dB NS. (17) Além disso, em pacientes com perda auditiva neurossensorial, deve-se considerar a possibilidade do fenômeno do recrutamento, pois seu nível de maior conforto encontra-se abaixo do nível de apresentação recomendado para a realização do IPRF (40 dB NS), geralmente em torno de 20 a 25 dB acima da média dos limiares nas freqüências de fala (20 a 25 dB NS) (17) . O que se observa nestes casos é uma piora acentuada dos resultados com aumentos sucessivos da intensidade a partir deste nível.…”