OBJECTIVE: Research trends concerning hearing loss within teen rural populations are limited and current evidence suggests that extended high-frequency audiometry can be a sensitive tool to detect subclinical hearing loss. Moreover, current research emphasises the importance of representing different ethnic populations in science. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of acquired hearing loss through conventional pure-tone (0.25-8 kHz) and extended high frequency (EHF) (9-20 kHz) audiometry in Afro-Colombian adolescents from a rural area in Colombia.
METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional study.
METHODS: 230 Afro-Colombian adolescents aged 13-17 years who attended high school in a rural population from Cartagena, Colombia.
METHODS: Otoscopic examination, conventional (0.25-8 kHz) and EHF (9-20 kHz) audiometry tests were performed during February-March 2021. Sociodemographic and associated factor questionnaires were also applied to assess probable factors associated with EHF hearing loss.
METHODS: Prevalence of acquired hearing loss using conventional and EHF audiometry, and factors associated with hearing loss.
RESULTS: Of 230 adolescents who met the eligibility criteria, 133 (57.82%) were female. The mean age was 15.22 years (SD: 1.62). The prevalence of hearing loss in at least one ear assessed with conventional audiometry was 21.30% and with EHF audiometry 14.78%. The main abnormal otoscopic findings included: neotympanum (1.30%), myringosclerosis (0.87%) and monomeric scars (0.43%). Factors associated with a higher probability of EHF hearing loss found through logistic regression were older age (prevalence ratio (PR): 1.45; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.80), attending the \'Picó\' four or more times a month (PR: 6.63; 95% CI 2.16 to 20.30), attending bars more than three times a month (PR: 1.14; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.59) and self-reported hearing difficulties (PR: 1.24; 95% CI 1.22 to 4.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that acquired hearing loss is already widespread among this young rural population.

Objective. This study aimed to investigate age-related changes in cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) while considering three crucial factors: aging, high-frequency hearing loss and sensation level of the CAEP stimulus. Method. The electrophysiological and audiometric data of 71 elderly participants were analyzed using multiple regression analysis to investigate the association of CAEPs with the factors of aging, high-frequency hearing loss and sensation level of the CAEP test stimulus. Results. Aging was significantly associated with prolonged N1 and P2 latencies and reduced P2 amplitude. Elevated thresholds related to the sensation level of the CAEP stimulus were significantly associated with increased N1 and P2 amplitudes and decreased N1 latency. A significant relationship was detected between high-frequency hearing thresholds and the shortening of P2 latencies and the reduction of P2 amplitudes. Conclusion. The results of this study highlight the complex interplay of aging, high-frequency hearing loss and the sensation level of the CAEP stimulus on CAEP components in elderly people. These factors should be considered in future research using CAEPs to enhance overall understanding of auditory processing in the aging population.

Objective:This study analyzed the pure tone audiometry results of the affected ear and the contralateral ear of unilateral Meniere\'s disease to investigate the correlation of the hearing threshold of the contralateral ear and the hearing prognosis of unilateral Meniere\'s disease. Methods:In this study, the follow-up data of 135 patients with unilateral Meniere\'s disease in Beijing Tongren Hospital were used to analyze the pure tone audiometry results of the affected and contralateral ears at the first visit and 1 year later. Results:①At the first visit, there was no statistically significant difference between the mean hearing thresholds of the affected ear in the normal hearing group and the high-frequency hearing loss group of the contralateral ear（P>0.05）. ②The range of improvement of hearing thresholds in the affected ear was greater in the contralateral ear normal hearing group than in the contralateral ear high-frequency hearing loss group. In the normal hearing group of the contralateral ear, the hearing thresholds of the affected ear at 0.25 kHz（P<0.01）, 0.50 kHz（P<0.01）, 1.00 kHz（P<0.01）, and 2.00 kHz（P<0.05） were significantly improved; and in the high-frequency hearing loss group of the contralateral ear, the hearing thresholds at 0.25 kHz（P<0.01） hearing thresholds improved significantly, and there was no significant difference between the rest of the frequencies before and after treatment（P>0.05）. A consistent pattern was observed in both higher and lower age groups. ③After 1 year of follow-up, the low and mid-frequency hearing of the affected ear improved. 0.25 kHz（P<0.01）, 0.50 kHz（P<0.01）, 1.00 kHz（P<0.01） hearing thresholds improved significantly; 8.00 kHz hearing thresholds decreased slightly（P<0.05）. Conclusion:After standardized treatment, the results of 1-year follow-up suggested that the low-frequency hearing of MD patients could be improved, but the high-frequency hearing was slightly decreased. The hearing prognosis of the affected ear with normal hearing threshold of the contralateral ear may be better.
目的：通过分析单侧梅尼埃病患耳和对侧耳的纯音测听结果，探讨对侧耳的听阈与单侧梅尼埃病患耳听阈转归的关系。 方法：纳入在北京同仁医院确诊并连续入组的单侧梅尼埃病135例患者，在规范治疗下完成1年的随访，分析患耳和对侧耳在首次就诊时和1年后的纯音听阈结果。 结果：①入组时，对侧耳听力正常组和高频听力下降组的患耳平均听阈差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。②对侧耳听力正常组的患耳听阈改善范围较对侧耳高频听力下降组更大。在对侧耳听力正常组中，患耳0.25 kHz（P<0.01）、0.50 kHz（P<0.01）、1.00 kHz（P<0.01）、2.00 kHz（P<0.05）听阈显著改善；在对侧耳高频听力下降组中，仅有0.25 kHz（P<0.01）听阈获得改善，其他常规测听频率在治疗前后差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）。此现象在高年龄组和低年龄组中结果一致。③全部患者经过规范治疗并完成1年随访后，患耳的低中频听阈获得改善。0.25 kHz（P<0.01）、0.50 kHz（P<0.01）、1.00 kHz（P<0.01）听阈显著改善；8.00 kHz听阈略有下降（P<0.05）。 结论：梅尼埃病患者经过规范治疗后，低中频听力可获良好的改善效果，但高频听力略有下降，且对侧耳听阈正常的患耳较高频听阈异常者的听阈改善更为明显。.

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a common sensory impairment with complex underlying mechanisms. In our previous study, we performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in mice and identified a novel locus on chromosome 18 associated with ARHL specifically linked to a 32 kHz tone burst stimulus. Consequently, we investigated the role of Formin Homology 2 Domain Containing 3 (Fhod3), a newly discovered candidate gene for ARHL based on the GWAS results. We observed Fhod3 expression in auditory hair cells (HCs) primarily localized at the cuticular plate (CP). To understand the functional implications of Fhod3 in the cochlea, we generated Fhod3 overexpression mice (Pax2-Cre+/-; Fhod3Tg/+) (TG) and HC-specific conditional knockout mice (Atoh1-Cre+/-; Fhod3fl/fl) (KO). Audiological assessments in TG mice demonstrated progressive high-frequency hearing loss, characterized by predominant loss of outer hair cells, and a decreased phalloidin intensities of CP. Ultrastructural analysis revealed loss of the shortest row of stereocilia in the basal turn of the cochlea, and alterations in the cuticular plate surrounding stereocilia rootlets. Importantly, the hearing and HC phenotype in TG mice phenocopied that of the KO mice. These findings suggest that balanced expression of Fhod3 is critical for proper CP and stereocilia structure and function. Further investigation of Fhod3 related hearing impairment mechanisms may lend new insight towards the myriad mechanisms underlying ARHL, which in turn could facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies for ARHL.

BACKGROUND: High-frequency hearing loss (HFHL) stands as a prevalent occupational morbidity globally, with numerous associated risk factors, some of which are modifiable. In the context of a comprehensive hearing conservation program, the initial steps involve early screening and identification of workers with these modifiable risk factors, aiming to reduce the prevalence of hearing loss. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of HFHL and determine its predictors among mine workers.
METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 226 mine workers in ten open-cast mines in Gujarat state, the western part of India, in November 2020. We collected data on socio-demography, addiction, occupation history and comorbidities, along with anthropometric, blood pressure, and blood sugar measurements. Audiometric evaluations using a portable diagnostic audiometer were employed to assess HFHL, defined as a hearing threshold exceeding 25 decibels (dB) at high frequencies (3000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz). A generalized linear model (GLM) with a binomial family was performed to determine the predictors significantly predicting HFHL after adjusting for confounding variables.
RESULTS: The prevalence of HFHL was 35% (95% CI: 29-42%) in our study setting. Office workers demonstrated a prevalence of 19%, whereas other job categories displayed a higher prevalence of 42%, resulting in a significant prevalence difference of 23% and a prevalence ratio of 2.2. The GLM analysis revealed that variables, such as noise exposure during work [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 2.3 (95% CI: 1.2-4.7, p = 0.018)] and noise exposure duration [aPR 1.1 (95% CI: 1.0-1.1, p = 0.042)], were significant predictors of HFHL.
CONCLUSIONS: In our study setting, mine workers exhibited a high prevalence of HFHL, with exposure to workplace noise and duration being modifiable predictors. Because HFHL advances slowly and is generally undetected by the individual, we recommend periodic testing using audiometry to identify it among mine workers and, if possible, shifting them from mining activities to office. Furthermore, we advocate for the implementation of a comprehensive hearing conservation program to the extent possible.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have suggested that older adults with hearing loss (HL) are at a greater risk of postural instability than those with normal hearing. However, little is known regarding this association in middle-aged individuals. The relationships between HL laterality, asymmetric hearing, and posture control are similarly unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of hearing status on postural control and to explore the dose-response relationship between the hearing threshold and postural instability risk in middle-aged adults.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1308 participants aged 40 to 69 years with complete audiometric and standing balance function data from the 2001-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Speech-frequency HL was defined as a pure-tone average at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz of >25 dB in the better-hearing ear; high-frequency HL was defined as a pure-tone average at 3, 4, and 6 kHz of >25 dB. Asymmetric hearing was defined as a difference in the pure-tone average >15 dB between ears. Postural instability was defined as participants ending the modified Romberg test in condition 4.
RESULTS: After adjustment for sociodemographic variables, lifestyle, and comorbidities, speech-frequency HL, except for unilateral HL, was associated with increased postural instability (mild HL: odds ratio [OR], 2.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-4.35; moderate-to-severe HL: OR, 3.59; 95% CI, 1.61-8.03). Compared with individuals with normal bilateral hearing, participants with bilateral HL also showed a higher risk of postural instability (OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.61-5.14). The OR for postural instability among participants with asymmetric hearing compared with those with symmetric hearing was 2.75 (95% CI, 1.37-5.52). Furthermore, each 10 dB increase in the speech-frequency hearing threshold was associated with a 44% higher risk of postural instability.
CONCLUSIONS: Hearing loss is associated with poorer postural control. Individuals with asymmetric hearing have a higher postural instability risk compared with those with symmetric hearing. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and the causality. Moreover, future studies are warranted to assess whether hearing aids are beneficial for the restoration of impaired balance functions.

OBJECTIVE: Renal impairment and some systemic diseases are associated with hearing loss (HL) in adults. However, studies of these relationship in adolescents are rare. The objective of this study was to determine the association between HL and renal or systemic disease in adolescents.
METHODS: Subjects were extracted from the 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2012. We included adolescents aged 10-19 years old with normal tympanic membrane and those who underwent a physical and laboratory examination and pure tone audiometry. HL, high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL), albuminuria, impaired glomerular filtration rate, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity were evaluated based on the data.
RESULTS: Individuals with microalbuminruia (MIA) exhibited higher prevalence of HL (p = 0.003) and HFHL (p = 0.012) than those without MIA. The prevalence of HL and HFHL appeared to increase according to the severity of albuminuria. Additionally, individuals with HL or HFHL showed lower transferrin saturation (TSAT) than individuals without HL (p = 0.002) or HFHL (p = 0.001). And, HFHL was associated with lower ferritin levels (p = 0.017). HL and HFHL were related to MIA (p = 0.004 and p = 0.022, respectively) and TSAT (p = 0.005 and p = 0.011, respectively) after controlling other factors.
CONCLUSIONS: MIA and TSAT level were independently associated with the HL and HFHL. Since MIA can be easily detected by dipstick test and urine analysis, hearing evaluations for individuals with MIA might be helpful to identify hearing impairments earlier in adolescents.
METHODS: 3 (individual cross-sectional study) Laryngoscope, 134:3329-3334, 2024.

Presbycusis is characterized by high-frequency hearing loss and is closely associated with cognitive decline. Previous studies have observed functional reorganization of gray matter in presbycusis, but the information transmission between gray matter and white matter remains ill-defined. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, we investigated differences in functional connectivity (GM-GM, WM-WM, and GM-WM) between 60 patients with presbycusis and 57 healthy controls. Subsequently, we examined the correlation between these connectivity differences with high-frequency hearing loss as well as cognitive impairment. Our results revealed significant alterations in functional connectivity involving the body of the corpus callosum, posterior limbs of the internal capsule, retrolenticular region of the internal capsule, and the gray matter regions in presbycusis. Notably, disrupted functional connectivity was observed between the body of the corpus callosum and ventral anterior cingulate cortex in presbycusis, which was associated with impaired attention. Additionally, enhanced functional connectivity was found in presbycusis between the internal capsule and the ventral auditory processing stream, which was related to impaired cognition in multiple domains. These two patterns of altered functional connectivity between gray matter and white matter may involve both bottom-up and top-down regulation of cognitive function. These findings provide novel insights into understanding cognitive compensation and resource redistribution mechanisms in presbycusis.

UNASSIGNED: The significance of extended high-frequency (EHF) hearing (> 8 kHz) is not well understood so far. In this study, we aimed to understand the relationship between EHF hearing loss (EHFHL) and speech perception in noise (SPIN) and the associated physiological signatures using the speech-evoked frequency-following response (sFFR).
UNASSIGNED: Sixteen young adults with EHFHL and 16 age- and sex-matched individuals with normal hearing participated in the study. SPIN performance in right speech-right noise, left speech-left noise, and binaural listening conditions was evaluated using the Turkish Matrix Test. Additionally, subcortical auditory processing was assessed by recording sFFRs elicited by 40-ms /da/ stimuli.
UNASSIGNED: Individuals with EHFHL demonstrated poorer SPIN performances in all listening conditions (p < .01). Longer latencies were observed in the V (onset) and O (offset) peaks in these individuals (p ≤ .01). However, only the V/A peak amplitude was found to be significantly reduced in individuals with EHFHL (p < .01).
UNASSIGNED: Our findings highlight the importance of EHF hearing and suggest that EHF hearing should be considered among the key elements in SPIN. Individuals with EHFHL show a tendency toward weaker subcortical auditory processing, which likely contributes to their poorer SPIN performance. Thus, routine assessment of EHF hearing should be implemented in clinical settings, alongside the evaluation of standard audiometric frequencies (0.25-8 kHz).

Impaired thresholds at extended high frequencies (EHF) are tightly linked to the prevalence of tinnitus, but little is known about how EHF status relates to tinnitus characteristics. In the present study, 93 individuals with tinnitus underwent standard (from 0.125 to 8 kHz) and EHF (from 10 to 16 kHz) audiometry and indicated their degree of tinnitus distress by completing the tinnitus functional index and their perceived tinnitus loudness by using a numeric rating scale. Partial correlation analyses indicated that the magnitude of EHF loss was significantly associated with degree of auditory related tinnitus distress (r = 0.343, p < 0.001) when controlling for pure tone average at standard frequencies and compensating for multiple testing. It is concluded that EHF status is related specifically to auditory related tinnitus distress, but not to intrusive-, sense of control-, cognitive-, sleep-, relaxation-, quality of life-, emotional-related tinnitus distress, total tinnitus distress, or perceived tinnitus loudness.