Active clinical trials for "Hearing Loss, Sensorineural"

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of varying additional factors on loudness summation in Neuro Zti Cochlear Implant users.

Many older subjects experience difficulty in understanding speech in noisy environments. Part of this problem is related to changes that occur in the ear with age and compromise the hearing of high-pitched sounds. Another part of the problem with speech understanding relates to changes with age in the neural circuits of the brain that process different speech sounds. Evidence suggests that these changes in neural circuits are particularly large if hearing loss is present. Thus, while hearing aids may help compensate for hearing deficits by amplifying speech sounds, additional treatment is necessary to restore optimal neural connections in the brain so that speech sounds can be accurately distinguished from each other. We are developing PC-based training programs in an attempt to restore optimal neural connections. The current randomized trial will evaluate whether two months of training to improve the ability to discriminate different consonant sounds in noise will also improve the understanding of continuous speech and enhance auditory memory and other high-level auditory functions.

This clinical investigation aims to collect data on the use of the Mi2000 system, a totally implantable cochlear implant system, for the first time in human subjects.

In this clinical trial, an un-controlled, repeated measures open design with within-subject comparison will be used to evaluate the effect of Naída Link M90 hearing aid and Naída CI M90 sound processor on sound perception. This design was shown to be successful in previous studies for the evaluation of sound coding strategies. Furthermore, a within-subject comparison decreases the variance in the results allowing for fewer subjects when the population that uses the investigational device is not large in general.

The MED-EL EAS Extended Follow-up Study is an extended follow-up of the subjects who were enrolled in the pivotal study to assess long-term safety and device performance.

The aim of this study is to evaluate cerebral asymmetry for face processing in a group of profoundly deaf participants and a group of hearing controls by the mean of fMRI measure. To this end, we present chimeric faces (faces split into different halves), entire faces, or faces presented in divided visual field, and subjects perform a gender categorization task while lying in a fMRI scanner. It is expected to find a reduced cerebral asymmetry in the Fusiform Face Area in deaf in comparison with hearing participants.

The purpose of this study is to investigate speech understanding in simulated reverberant environments with MED-EL cochlear implant recipients.

A newly developed MED-EL Cochlear Implant incorporates the anti-inflammatory agent dexamethasone (DEX) into the electrode array. The passive elution of DEX during the post-implantation period has the purpose of counteracting the increase of the post-operative impedance induced by the insertion trauma. The aim of this clinical investigation is to obtain a first experience in use of the investigational device in the adult clinical population, and to initially assess tools, techniques and performance outcome measures that may be considered in future clinical studies of similar devices.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an otological emergency that is defined as a hearing loss greater than 30 dB over three consecutive frequencies within 72 hours, with abnormalities of the cochlea, auditory nerve, or central auditory system.1 During 2006 and 2007, the annual incidence of SSNHL was 5-27/100,000 persons per year in the United states.2,3 The causative etiologies for SSNHL included viruses, microcirculation abnormalities, and autoimmune disorders. However, definitive evidence remains elusive.4,5 Currently, steroids are the treatment of choice due to their effects on the inner ear such as immunosuppression and circular enhancement.6,7 Combined systemic and intra-tympanic steroid treatment has previously been reported to be beneficial for SSNHL patients, with overall better treatment outcomes.8,9 However, due to the heterogeneous pathological nature and spontaneous recovery potential of the disease, few controlled studies exist in the literature. As a result, the treatment strategies of SSNHL remain a controversial issue in clinicalpractice .10 The condition exhibits a wide age distribution , with an average of 50-60 years and no sex preference. The hearing loss is unilateral in most Population studies of sudden sensorineural hearing loss cases, with bilateral involvement reported in less than 5%. 11 The severity of the hearing loss is divided roughly equally into mild, moderate, and severe profound. The configuration of the hearing loss varies and can affect high, low, or all frequencies. Tinnitus occurs in about 80% of patients, and vertigo, indicating an associated peripheral vestibular dysfunction, in about 30%. 12 The response to medical therapy shows inconsistent results regarding symptoms especially hearing loss may be due to the uncertainty about the cause of the disease and its progress. little is known about the factors which may contribute to either success or failure of the medical therapy. Aim of work To evaluate the factors contributing to the success or failure of standardized medical therapy in cases of ISSNHL To detect the degree of correlation of the presenting symptoms and comorbidities to the patient final hearing prognosis.

The objectives of this study are to explore the efficacy and safety of a robotic procedure for a minimally invasive cochlear implantation.