Exam 1 Part 2 Flashcards
why are needs assessments conducted
to determine candidacy in making individualized amplification recommendations
what is included in a needs assessment
audiologic, physical, communication, listening, self-assessment, and other pertinent factors affecting patient outcomes.
objective assessments supply additional information regarding
activity limitations
Objective Assessments of Body Structure & Function
TEN test
Purpose: Identifies cochlear dead regions
Puretone loudness discomfort levels (LDL)
Purpose: obtain objective data identifying the frequency-specific dynamic range to ensure output across frequencies does not exceed levels of comfort
what is the purpose of a ten test
identify cochlear dead regions
what is the purpose of LDLs
obtain objective data identifying the frequency-specific dynamic range to ensure output across frequencies does not exceed levels of comfort
Objective Assessments of Activity Limitation
QuickSIN
Purpose: Quantifies degree of SNR loss and identifies potential of binaural interference
Acceptable Noise Level
Purpose: Quantifies a patient’s tolerance of background noise
what is the purpose of QuickSIN
Quantifies degree of SNR loss and identifies potential of binaural interference
what is the purpose of ANL
Quantifies a patient’s tolerance of background noise
why are LDLs needed?
to ensure amplified output doesn’t exceed PTs loudness tolerance
what are LDLs used for
Data is used to program output and verify OSPL90/MPO limits of the device
When MPO settings remains below LDL acceptance of high input levels & overall satisfaction with amplification decreases
false
it improves
Individual tolerance levels vary significantly despite similar threshold loss.
true
what is the LDL test protocol
PT refers to loudness categories
signal is pulsed pure tone
1. present at MCL (wherever speech is presented)
2. Ascend 5dB & PT ranks loudness after each presentation (narrow DR ascend in 2dB as you near LDL threshold)
3. Stop ascending when reach #7 on category list
4. Run 2-3 trials, repeating the above steps starting at MCL again
always assess 2&3 kHz
normal sensitivity - skip
LF >40 - test 500 Hz
Precipitous inter-octave change (>20 dB) - test inter-octaves
HA output supplies extended frequency range - assess above 3 kHz
what symbols are used for LDL
forward L for the right ear and backward L for the L ear
upside down E’s are used in NOAH
LDL purpose
to find your judgment of the loudness of different sounds. We want to ensure that the amplified output of a hearing aid device does not exceed your loudness tolerance.
LDL results meaning
The purpose of LDL test (loudness discomfort level test) is to find your judgment of the loudness of different sounds. We want to ensure that the amplified output of a hearing aid device does not exceed your loudness tolerance.
So looking at your results, we expect these to vary since loudness is perceived differently. Your results show that there is some consistency in the different frequencies tested, or pitches presented, meaning loudness is perceived consistently to you. Average patient LDL is 100-105 dB HL and your results were basically going to the limits of the equipment which just means you tolerate loudness more than the average patient.
purpose & use of ANL
Quantifies a listener’s willingness to listen to speech in the presence of background noise.
Predictive of hearing aid satisfaction with 85% accuracy
Identifies those who will have more difficulty adapting to amplification
what is the test protocol for ANL
Set up PT to 0 deg. Azimuth to the speaker
Set up Channel 1 to - Ext. A
speech
Set up Channel 2 to - Ext. B
noise
Calibrate both channels
Turn Channel 1 on (with Channel 2 OFF)
Establish MCL
Increase speech in 5 dB steps until it is described that speech is too loud (provide with categories)
Decrease speech in 5dB until speech is too soft
SWITCH TO 2 DB STEPS NOW - increase speech until you reach person’s MCL
Note the MCL intensity
Turn Channel 2 on (Keeping Channel 1 ON)
Establish BNL
*MAKE SURE MCL DOESN’T CHANGE (it is fine if it does until we end this step)
Increase noise in 5dB until the story is incomprehensible. (BNL masks speech signal)
Decrease noise in 5dB until story is very clear
SWITCH TO 2DB STEPS (adjust mcl if needed) - Increase noise until PT can hear passage but they do not want anymore noise - as much noise as they can tolerant and can still understand
Note BNL intensity
how to score ANL
MCL value – BNL value = ANL score
low ANL score
(difference < 7 dB)
Indicates the patient ACCEPTS a lot of noise background noise w/o issues
This patient is likely to wear hearing aids on a regular basis
no problems tolerating background noise, no management in fittings needed
study in noise example & can focus and not get distracted
High ANL score
(difference > 13 dB)
Indicates the patient LACKS TOLERANCE for background noise
This patient is less likely to wear hearing aids regularly
very quickly bothered by the background noise
early research - lacks tolerance for amp, not amp candidates
ANL scores b/w 8-12 dB are equivocal
May require extra post-fitting counselling or adjustment period
not amp candidate (early research)
These need extra counseling that they may need more time to adjust to amplification or they may never adjust to them or like them
what is the rationale for SNR loss measurement
Speech intelligibility in noise remains the #1 improvement patients seek with hearing aids
To enhance satisfaction with amplification, it is essential to improve hearing in noisy environments. Each patient will need tailored technological recommendations based on their individual “signal-to-noise loss.” Measuring the extent of signal-to-noise ratio loss enables the selection of suitable technological options and validates the improvement provided by those choices.
what is the clinical usefullness with SNR tests
Completion of the test instills patient confidence in your skills
good for our knowledge and validating for PT complaints
Results supply quantifiable data:
Supporting use of evidence-based recommendations for technology for improved hearing in noise
Helping patients understand improved communication requires more than restoration of threshold loss
Define the terms SNR-50 and SNR Loss
how much louder do you need speech than the noise in the room?
SNR loss = individuals activity limitations
SNR-50 is the signal-to-noise ratio that allows an individual to understand 50% of the test signal
When a patient’s SNR 50 is greater than 2 dB they have a signal-to-noise ration LOSS
SNR LOSS is calculated by subtracting 2 dB from the SNR-50 score
Normal SNR-50 function
+2 dB SNR-50 (signal needs to be 2 dB louder than the noise in order to understand 50% of what was said)
What is a normal SNR-50?
Normal SNR-50 function = +2 dB SNR-50 (signal needs to be 2 dB louder than the noise in order to understand 50% of what was said)
what is the quicksin protocol
Presentation level is calculated based on PTA
If PTA <45 dB present word lists at 70 dB HL
When PTA >45 dB present sentence lists at an intensity perceived as “Loud but OK”
Present one practice list
Proceed with 3 test lists for each test condition
SNR Loss Scoring- Add each word list score and divide by the number of lists presented to one ear (3)
Avoid use of Lists 3, 4, 5, 7, 13, and 16
how to score SNR Loss
Add each word list score and divide by the number of lists presented to one ear (3)
Each list has 6 sentences presented with varying SNR’s
5 key words in each sentence are scored as correct/ incorrect
THERE’S NO NEED TO DEDUCT AN ADDITIONAL 2DB FROM THE FINAL CALCULATION WHEN SCORING THE QUICKSIN. ITS SCORING CALCULATION OF SNR LOSS FACTORS THIS DIFFERENTIAL IN.
true
patient’s signal-to-noise ratio loss cannot be predicted by degree of threshold loss
true
0-2 SNR
may benefit from directional mics or omni
2-7 SNR
recommend standard directional mics
7-15 SNR
requires beamforming mics plus standard directinal mic
> 15 SNR
requires remote mic in addition to standard directional mics and beamforming
alternative quicksin test protocols
Monaural presentation via headphones
Binaural presentation via headphones
Soundfield presentation via speakers
allows you to detect asymmetric SNR loss
Monaural presentation via headphones
quantifies functional SNR loss by supplying binaural benefit
Binaural presentation via headphones
used to determine if aided speech in noise performance improved or degraded.
Presentation level is 55 dB to simulate normal conversation levels in noise
Soundfield presentation via speakers
what is the most significant benefit for low ANL score
supported directional mic and DNR enabled = best chance of success for PT’s with high ANL score
Acceptance of noise improves when
BOTH directional mics & DNR are enabled.
Directional microphones alone only supported partial acceptance
DNR alone only showed minimal improvement
what does DNR do?
reduces steady state noises (HF or LF as long as they are steady in frequency & intensity)
what is another option instead of Quciksin
At times, the length of sentences is problematic for elderly with auditory memory deficits
QuickSIN sentences too difficult for young children
Cochlear Implants candidates may not have the language skills or auditory ability for QuickSIN
Simpler assessment is more likely to obtain usable data
80+ patients that fall apart in the quicksin move to this test because they are simpler sentences and better for cognitive impairments
happens with elderly population about ⅙ individuals
binaural interference assessment
what is the binaural interference assessment
binaural quicksin identifies those with this
degrading performance in the binaural test suggests this
what is binaural interference
poorer speech recognition with both ears than with the better ear alone
Amplification candidacy includes assessments to assist our understanding of
patient-specific communication needs.
functional & communication needs assessment must
Identify activity limitations & participation restrictions
Identify environmental factors which may impact plan of care
Identify personal factors which may impact plan of care
STANDARDIZED SELF-REPORT QUESTIONNAIRES QUANTIFY _____, _____ & _____ OF THE HEARING-IMPAIRED PATIENT
ACTIVITY LIMITATIONS, THE SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS
benefits of a standardized self-report questionnaire
Standardization allows comparison to normative data
Questionnaires are completed independently, prior to the scheduled appointment