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This paper presents reference equivalent threshold sound pressure levels (RETSPLs) for the Wireless Automated Hearing Test System (WAHTS), a recently commercialized device developed for use as a boothless audiometer. Two initial studies were conducted following the ISO 389-9 standard [ISO 389-9 (2009). “Acoustics—Reference zero for the calibration of audiometric equipment. Part 9: Preferred test conditions for the determinations of reference hearing threshold levels” (International Organization for Standardization, Geneva)]. Although the standard recruitment criteria are intended to yield otologically normal test subjects, the recruited populations appeared to have slightly elevated thresholds [5–10 dB hearing level (HL)]. Comparison of WAHTS thresholds to other clinical audiometric equipment revealed bias errors that were consistent with the elevated thresholds of the RETSPL populations. As the objective of RETSPLs is to ensure consistent thresholds regardless of the equipment, this paper presents the RETSPLs initially obtained following ISO 389-9:2009 and suggested correction to account for the elevated HLs of the originally recruited populations. Two additional independent studies demonstrate the validity of these corrected thresholds.

A series of articles discussing advanced diagnostics that can be used to assess noise injury and associated noise-induced hearing disorders (NIHD) was developed under the umbrella of the United States Department of Defense Hearing Center of Excellence Pharmaceutical Interventions for Hearing Loss working group. The overarching goals of the current series were to provide insight into (1) well-established and more recently developed metrics that are sensitive for detection of cochlear pathology or diagnosis of NIHD, and (2) the tools that are available for characterizing individual noise hazard as personal exposure will vary based on distance to the sound source and placement of hearing protection devices. In addition to discussing the utility of advanced diagnostics in patient care settings, the current articles discuss the selection of outcomes and end points that can be considered for use in clinical trials investigating hearing loss prevention and hearing rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: HIV positive (HIV+) individuals with otherwise normal hearing ability show central auditory processing deficits as evidenced by worse performance in speech-in-noise perception compared to HIV− controls. HIV infection and treatment are also associated with lower neurocognitive screening test scores, suggesting underlying central nervous system damage. To determine how central auditory processing deficits in HIV+ individuals relate to brain alterations in the cortex involved with auditory processing, we compared auditory network (AN) functional connectivity between HIV+ adults with or without speech-in-noise perception difficulties and age-matched HIV negative (HIV−) controls using resting-state fMRI. DESIGN: Based on the speech recognition threshold of the hearing-in-noise test, twenty-seven HIV+ individuals were divided into a group with speech-in-noise perception abnormalities (HIV+SPabnl, 38.2 ± 6.8 years; 11 males and 2 females) and one without (HIV+SPnl 34.4 ± 8.8 years; 14 males). An HIV-group with normal speech-in-noise perception (HIV−, 31.3 ± 5.2 years; 9 males and 3 females) was also enrolled. All of these younger and middle-aged adults had normal peripheral hearing determined by audiometry. Participants were studied using resting-state fMRI. Independent component analysis was applied to identify the AN. Group differences in the AN were identified using statistical parametric mapping. RESULTS: Both HIV+ groups had increased functional connectivity (FC) in parts of the AN including the superior temporal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, and Rolandic operculum compared to the HIV− group. Compared to the HIV+SPnl group, the HIV+SPabnl group showed greater FC in parts of the AN including the inferior frontal and middle frontal gyrus combined with reduced FC in the superior temporal gyrus. CONCLUSIONS: The classical auditory areas in the temporal lobe are affected by HIV regardless of speech perception ability. Increased temporal FC in HIV+ individuals might reflect functional compensation to achieve normal primary auditory perception. Furthermore, increased frontal FC in the HIV+SPabnl group compared to the HIV+SPnl group suggest that speech-in-noise perception difficulties in HIV− infected adults also affect areas involved in higher-level cognitive ability, providing imaging evidence consistent with the hypothesis that central auditory processing deficits are related to HIV-related neurocognitive deficits.

At Creare, we are developing a laser-assisted, pre-finishing system that enables the single-point diamond turning of super-hard ceramics into hemispheres, ogives, and other shapes that are ready for final optical finishing. Currently, super-hard ceramic materials cannot be affordably processed due to the low material removal rates and the high amount of sub-surface damage associated with current processes. Our innovation uses a low-power, far-infrared laser to heat, but not ablate, a thin layer of material prior to its removal. By heating the ceramic material, plastic-like deformation at the cutting edge is fostered by high-temperature dislocation motion. In doing so, the cutting forces are reduced which enables attendant reductions in tool wear, surface and sub-surface damage, and processing time. Our paper will summarize the development of our innovation, describe the process, discuss the machine tool, and review the latest results.