The objective of the current study was to evaluate the predictive role of the olivocochlear efferent reflex strength in temporary hearing deterioration in young adults exposed to music. This was based on the fact that a noise-protective role of the medial olivocochlear (MOC) system was observed in animals and that efferent suppression (ES) measured using contralateral acoustic stimulation (CAS)...

Hearing loss in children represents a relevant topic, which needs an increasing attention by clinicians and researchers. Unfortunately, most cases of hearing loss still remain idiopathic (most frequently reported causes are genetic, infectious, toxic). An early diagnosis is crucial, as if not properly recognized, hearing disorders may impact negatively on children development and on quality of ...

Tendon reflexes are widely used in clinics to conveniently evaluate various neurological disorders. This study characterized neuromuscular dynamics of tendon reflexes at the elbow with multiple quantitative measures in both patients with stroke and nondisabled controls. We employed a handheld instrumented hammer to tap the triceps muscle tendon at various elbow flexion angles and measured the t...

RESULTS Out-patient and in-patient caseloads differ between the two services: 27% of the deaf out-patient caseload have schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders (compared with 19% of hearing patients) and 19% have neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders (compared with 8% of hearing patients). The general psychiatric service out-patient case-load had rates of 8% and 43% for ...

The cough reflex represents a primary defensive mechanism for airway protection in a variety of mammalian species. However, excessive and inappropriate coughing can emerge as a primary presenting symptom of many airway diseases. Cough disorders are characterized by a reduction in the threshold for reflex initiation and, as a consequence, the occurrence of cough in response to stimuli that are n...