scholarly journals Vestigial Auriculomotor Activity Indicates the Direction of Auditory Attention in Humans

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Strauss ◽  
Farah I. Corona-Strauss ◽  
Andreas Schroeer ◽  
Philipp Flotho ◽  
Ronny Hannemann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Short Story ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Focus Of Attention ◽  
Auditory Attention ◽  
Upward Movement ◽  
Reflexive Orienting ◽  
Surface Electromyograms ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Voluntary Orienting

AbstractIt is commonly assumed that, unlike dogs and cats, we humans do not make ear movements when focusing our attention reflexively toward novel sounds or voluntarily toward those that are goal–relevant. In fact, it has been suggested that we do have a pinna–orienting system. Although this system became vestigial about 25 million years ago, it still exists as a “neural fossil” within the brain. Consistent with this hypothesis, we demonstrate for the first time that the direction of auditory attention is reflected in the sustained electrical activity of muscles within the vestigial auriculomotor system.Surface electromyograms (EMGs) were taken from muscles that either move the pinna or alter its shape. To assess reflexive, stimulus-driven attention we presented novel sounds from speakers at four different lateral locations while the participants silently read a boring text in front of them. To test voluntary, goal-directed attention we instructed participants to listen to a short story coming from one of these speakers, while ignoring a competing story from the corresponding speaker on the opposite side.In both experiments, EMG recordings showed larger activity at the ear on the side of the attended stimulus, but with slightly different patterns. Upward movement (perking) differed according to the lateral focus of attention only during voluntary orienting; rearward folding of the pinna’s upper-lateral edge exhibited such differences only during reflexive orienting. The existence of a pinna-orienting system in humans, one that is experimentally accessible, offers opportunities for basic as well as applied science. It could lead to a better understanding of the evolution of auditory attention and support the near real–time decoding of auditory attention in technical applications, for example, for attentionally controlled hearing aids that preferentially amplify sounds the user is attempting to listen to.

scholarly journals Vestigial auriculomotor activity indicates the direction of auditory attention in humans

eLife ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J Strauss ◽  
Farah I Corona-Strauss ◽  
Andreas Schroeer ◽  
Philipp Flotho ◽  
Ronny Hannemann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Short Story ◽  
Focus Of Attention ◽  
Auditory Attention ◽  
Upward Movement ◽  
Focus Attention ◽  
Reflexive Orienting ◽  
Surface Electromyograms ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Voluntary Orienting ◽  
Or Task

Unlike dogs and cats, people do not point their ears as they focus attention on novel, salient, or task-relevant stimuli. Our species may nevertheless have retained a vestigial pinna-orienting system that has persisted as a 'neural fossil’ within in the brain for about 25 million years. Consistent with this hypothesis, we demonstrate that the direction of auditory attention is reflected in sustained electrical activity of muscles within the vestigial auriculomotor system. Surface electromyograms (EMGs) were taken from muscles that either move the pinna or alter its shape. To assess reflexive, stimulus-driven attention we presented novel sounds from speakers at four different lateral locations while the participants silently read a boring text in front of them. To test voluntary, goal-directed attention we instructed participants to listen to a short story coming from one of these speakers, while ignoring a competing story from the corresponding speaker on the opposite side. In both experiments, EMG recordings showed larger activity at the ear on the side of the attended stimulus, but with slightly different patterns. Upward movement (perking) differed according to the lateral focus of attention only during voluntary orienting; rearward folding of the pinna’s upper-lateral edge exhibited such differences only during reflexive orienting. The existence of a pinna-orienting system in humans, one that is experimentally accessible, offers opportunities for basic as well as applied science.

scholarly journals Neural tracking to go: auditory attention decoding and saliency detection with mobile EEG

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Straetmans ◽  
B. Holtze ◽  
Stefan Debener ◽  
Manuela Jaeger ◽  
Bojana Mirkovic
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Saliency Detection ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Auditory Attention ◽  
Acoustic Features ◽  
Auditory Scene ◽  
Neural Information ◽  
Natural Movement ◽  
Salient Event ◽  
First Time

Abstract Objective. Neuro-steered assistive technologies have been suggested to offer a major advancement in future devices like neuro-steered hearing aids. Auditory attention decoding methods would in that case allow for identification of an attended speaker within complex auditory environments, exclusively from neural data. Decoding the attended speaker using neural information has so far only been done in controlled laboratory settings. Yet, it is known that ever-present factors like distraction and movement are reflected in the neural signal parameters related to attention. Approach. Thus, in the current study we applied a two-competing speaker paradigm to investigate performance of a commonly applied EEG-based auditory attention decoding (AAD) model outside of the laboratory during leisure walking and distraction. Unique environmental sounds were added to the auditory scene and served as distractor events. Main results. The current study shows, for the first time, that the attended speaker can be accurately decoded during natural movement. At a temporal resolution of as short as 5-seconds and without artifact attenuation, decoding was found to be significantly above chance level. Further, as hypothesized, we found a decrease in attention to the to-be-attended and the to-be-ignored speech stream after the occurrence of a salient event. Additionally, we demonstrate that it is possible to predict neural correlates of distraction with a computational model of auditory saliency based on acoustic features. Conclusion. Taken together, our study shows that auditory attention tracking outside of the laboratory in ecologically valid conditions is feasible and a step towards the development of future neural-steered hearing aids.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the efficacy of hearing aids in older adults: a multiparametric longitudinal study protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Domenico Cuda ◽  
Sara Ghiselli ◽  
Alessandra Murri
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
First Time

Abstract Background Prevalence of hearing loss increases with age. Its estimated prevalence is 40–50 % in people over 75 years of age. Recent studies agree that declinein hearing threshold contribute to deterioration in sociality, sensitivity, cognition, and quality of life for elderly subjects. The aim of the study presented in this paper is to verify whether or not rehabilitation using first time applied Hearing Aids (HA) in a cohort of old people with hearing impairment improves both speech perception in a noisy environment over time and the overall health-related quality of life. Methods The monocentric, prospective, repeated measurements, single-subject, clinical observational study is to recruit 100 older adults, first-time HA recipients (≥ 65 years).The evaluation protocol is designed to analyze changes in specific measurement tools a year after the first HA usage in comparison with the evaluation before HA fitting. Evaluations will consist of multiparametric details collected through self-report questionnaires completed by the recipients and a series of commonly used audiometric measures and geriatric assessment tools. The primary indicator of changes in speech perception in noise to be used is the Italian version of Oldenburg Satz (OLSA) test whereas the indicator of changes in overall quality of life will be the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL) and Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE) questionnaires. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) will help in screening the cognitive state of the subjects. Discussion The protocol is designed to make use of measurement tools that have already been applied to the hearing-impaired population in order to compare the effects of HA rehabilitation in the older adults immediately before first HA usage (Pre) and after 1 year of experience (Post). This broad approach will lead to a greater understanding of how useful hearing influences the quality of life in older individuals, and therefore improves potentials for healthy aging. The data is to be analyzed by using an intrasubject endpoint comparison. Outcomes will be described and analyzed in detail. Trial registration This research was retrospectively registered underno. NCT04333043at ClinicalTrials.gov (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/) on the 26 March 2020. This research has been registered with the Ethics Committee of the Area Vasta Emilia Nord under number 104, date of approval 17/07/2017.

Counseling during Real Ear Measurements: The Clients' Perspective

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Ryall ◽  
Lorienne M. Jenstad ◽  
John Pumford ◽  
Tami Howe ◽  
Garnet Grosjean
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
Prior Literature ◽  
First Time

Abstract Background When dispensing hearing aids, audiologists must follow validated fitting and verification procedures to ensure that the hearing aids are properly fitted to the client's hearing. Real ear measurements (REMs) are best practice for verifying hearing aids. Prior literature regarding REMs has mainly focused on the clinicians' perspective. Purpose This study investigated informational counseling throughout REMs by gathering perspectives of first-time hearing aid users regarding the content and format of counseling. Research Design The study used an interpretive description approach with focus groups. Study Sample There were 16 adult participants (4 males, 12 females) who were first-time hearing aid users and who all had memory of REMs occurring during their own hearing aid verification. Intervention We investigated the addition of informational counseling during REM verification. Data Collection and Analysis Four focus groups were conducted to elicit feedback on a demonstration of informational counseling during REM hearing aid verification. The data from the focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results Analysis revealed positive aspects, negative aspects, and suggested changes in relation to the verbal and visual information presented during the REM verification demonstration. These data fell into two broad categories: the interaction and transaction of informational counseling. Conclusion Most clients were interested in learning more about REMs if the information was accessible. Results provide recommendations for clinical audiologists and REM system manufacturers to make the information presented during informational counseling more client-friendly and individualized for client-centered care. To continue exploring this new inquiry, further experimental research is required to determine if there is any added value of incorporating informational counseling during REMs.

Information-based decoding of the coupling among human brain activity and movement paths

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Shahul Mujib Kamal ◽  
Norazryana Mat Dawi ◽  
Hamidreza Namazi
Keyword(s):  
Brain Activity ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Physiological Signals ◽  
Human Walking ◽  
Eeg Signals ◽  
Rehabilitation Science ◽  
Information Contents ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Brain Reaction

BACKGROUND: Walking like many other actions of a human is controlled by the brain through the nervous system. In fact, if a problem occurs in our brain, we cannot walk correctly. Therefore, the analysis of the coupling of brain activity and walking is very important especially in rehabilitation science. The complexity of movement paths is one of the factors that affect human walking. For instance, if we walk on a path that is more complex, our brain activity increases to adjust our movements. OBJECTIVE: This study for the first time analyzed the coupling of walking paths and brain reaction from the information point of view. METHODS: We analyzed the Shannon entropy for electroencephalography (EEG) signals versus the walking paths in order to relate their information contents. RESULTS: According to the results, walking on a path that contains more information causes more information in EEG signals. A strong correlation (p= 0.9999) was observed between the information contents of EEG signals and walking paths. Our method of analysis can also be used to investigate the relation among other physiological signals of a human and walking paths, which has great benefits in rehabilitation science.

Evidence-Based Practice in Audiology: Rehabilitation Options for Adults With Hearing Impairment

2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 329-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Hickson ◽  
Ariane Laplante-Lévesque ◽  
Lena Wong
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Evidence Based Practice ◽  
Hearing Screening ◽  
Activity Limitations ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Reduce Activity ◽  
Participation Restrictions ◽  
Communication Programs ◽  
First Time

Purpose The authors address 3 questions: (a) What is evidence-based practice (EBP), and why is it important for adults with hearing impairment? (b) What is the evidence about intervention options for adults who fail a hearing screening and are identified with hearing impairment? (c) What intervention options do adults choose when identified with hearing impairment for the first time? Method The 5 steps of the EBP process are discussed in relation to a clinical question about whether hearing aids and communication programs reduce activity limitations and participation restrictions compared with no treatment for adults who fail a hearing screening and are identified with hearing impairment. Results Systematic reviews of the evidence indicate that both hearing aids and communication programs reduce activity limitations and participation restrictions for this population and are therefore appropriate options. A study is then described in which these options were presented to 153 clients identified with hearing impairment for the first time: 43% chose hearing aids, 18% chose communication programs, and the remaining 39% chose not to take any action. Conclusion EBP supports the offer of intervention options to adults who fail a hearing screening and are identified with hearing impairment.

scholarly journals Biosynthesis of anandamide and N-palmitoylethanolamine by sequential actions of phospholipase A2 and lysophospholipase D

2004 ◽  
Vol 380 (3) ◽  
pp. 749-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong-Xin SUN ◽  
Kazuhito TSUBOI ◽  
Yasuo OKAMOTO ◽  
Takeharu TONAI ◽  
Makoto MURAKAMI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biosynthetic Pathway ◽  
Brain Homogenate ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Rat Tissues ◽  
Lysophospholipase D ◽  
Pla2 Enzyme ◽  
First Time ◽  
Hydrolysis Of ◽  
The Brain

Anandamide (an endocannabinoid) and other bioactive long-chain NAEs (N-acylethanolamines) are formed by direct release from N-acyl-PE (N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine) by a PLD (phospholipase D). However, the possible presence of a two-step pathway from N-acyl-PE has also been suggested previously, which comprises (1) the hydrolysis of N-acyl-PE to N-acyl-lysoPE by PLA1/PLA2 enzyme(s) and (2) the release of NAEs from N-acyllysoPE by lysoPLD (lysophospholipase D) enzyme(s). In the present study we report for the first time the characterization of enzymes responsible for this pathway. The PLA1/PLA2 activity for N-palmitoyl-PE was found in various rat tissues, with the highest activity in the stomach. This stomach enzyme was identified as group IB sPLA2 (secretory PLA2), and its product was determined as N-acyl-1-acyl-lysoPE. Recombinant group IB, IIA and V of sPLA2s were also active with N-palmitoyl-PE, whereas group X sPLA2 and cytosolic PLA2α were inactive. In addition, we found wide distribution of lysoPLD activity generating N-palmitoylethanolamine from N-palmitoyl-lysoPE in rat tissues, with higher activities in the brain and testis. Based on several lines of enzymological evidence, the lysoPLD enzyme could be distinct from the known N-acyl-PE-hydrolysing PLD. sPLA2-IB dose dependently enhanced the production of N-palmitoylethanolamine from N-palmitoyl-PE in the brain homogenate showing the lysoPLD activity. N-Arachidonoyl-PE and N-arachidonoyl-lysoPE as anandamide precursors were also good substrates of sPLA2-IB and the lysoPLD respectively. These results suggest that the sequential actions of PLA2 and lysoPLD may constitute another biosynthetic pathway for NAEs, including anandamide.

NO nerves in a tapeworm. NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry in adult Hymenolepis diminuta

Parasitology ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 113 (6) ◽  
pp. 559-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. K. S. Gustafsson ◽  
A. M. Lindholm ◽  
N. B. Terenina ◽  
M. Reuter
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Nadph Diaphorase ◽  
Hymenolepis Diminuta ◽  
Staining Reaction ◽  
Internal Seminal Vesicle ◽  
Oxide Synthase ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Nerve Cords

SUMMARYThe free radical nitric oxide (NO), which is synthesized by nitric oxide synthase (NOS), has recently been discovered to function as a neuronal messenger. The presence of NOS was detected in the nervous system of adult Hymenolepis diminuta with NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemistry. The NADPH-d histochemical reaction is regarded as a selective marker for NOS in neuronal tissue. NADPH-d staining was observed in nerve fibres in the main and minor nerve cords and the transverse ring commissures, and in cell bodies in the brain commissure, along the main nerve cords, in the suckers and the rostellar sac. NADPH-d staining was also observed in the wall of the internal seminal vesicle and the genital atrium. The pattern of NADPH-d staining was compared with that of the 5-HT immunoreactive nervous elements. The NADPH-d staining reaction and the 5-HT immunoreactivity occur in separate sets of neurons. This is the first time the NADPH-d reaction has been demonstrated in the nervous system of a flatworm, indicating that NOS is present and that NO can be produced at this level of evolution.

Cocaine Dependence Produce Psychiatric Symptoms - a Case Report

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
M. Stankovic ◽  
S. Vucetic-Arsic ◽  
S. Alcaz ◽  
J. Cvejic
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Features ◽  
Male Patient ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Cocaine Dependence ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Personal Contact ◽  
Outpatient Unit ◽  
Special Hospital ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Brain

Aim:We want to present a polymorphic clinical features like: hallutinations, paranoid ideas, agitation and violence as a result of prolonged cocaine intranasal consumption.Methods:We exposed a 30-year old male patient with ICD-X diagnostic criteria for cocaine dependence (intranasal consumption) that treated in the outpatient unit of Special Hospital of Addicitons, Belgrade, Serbia from April to July 2008. We used the medical records, psychical examination, psychiatric interwievs, standard blood sampling and cocaine urine detections sample (positive).Results:Observations a specific and polymorphic clinical features with presence of psychotic symptoms after cocaine consumptions in our male patient, for the first time after 5 years of cocaine dependence: auditory hallucinations (two- voice speakers), paranoid persecution ideas and suspiciousness, agitation with appearance of vegetative symptomatology (palpitations, sweating, pupil dilatation), extremely violence behavior to other people, complete social reductions (“armed to the outside world”, refused any personal contact and isolated from friends and family, permanent outdoor checking). There was an intensive fear too and impaired judgment.Conclusions:Permanent cocaine consumption can result with produce a numerous of psychiatric symptoms and syndromes as our experience does. It is similar to the findings of other studies and papers reviewed. It is suppose that cocaine has numerous effects on important neurotransmitters in the brain, such as increase as well as the release of dopamine and it related with aggressiveness, hallucinations and other psychiatric symptoms.

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