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This study's objective was determining whether gap detection deficits are present in a longstanding cohort of people living with HIV (PLWH) compared to those living without HIV (PLWOH) using a new gap detection modelling technique (i.e. fitting gap responses using the Hill equation and analysing the individual gap detection resulting curves with non-linear statistics). This approach provides a measure of both gap threshold and the steepness of the gap length/correct detection relationship.The relationship between the correct identification rate at each gap length was modelled using the Hill equation. Results were analysed using a nonlinear mixed-effect regression model.45 PLWH (age range 41-78) and 39 PLWOH (age range 38-79) were enrolled and completed gap detection testing.The likelihood ratio statistic comparing the full regression model with the HIV effects to the null model, assuming one population curve for both groups, was highly significant (PLWH showed degraded gap detection ability compared to PLWOH, likely due to central nervous system effects of HIV infection or treatment. The Hill equation provided a new approach for modelling gap detection ability.

The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of self-reported hearing loss in older Latino-American adults. Fifty-nine individuals, 32 women (mean age 62.2 years) and 27 men (mean age 62.4 years), participated. The questionnaire addressed hearing loss, hearing aid use, and other people's views of their hearing abilities. Based on the question, ‘Do you feel you have a hearing loss?’, the prevalence of self-reported hearing loss was 57.6%, with 56.3% of women and 59.3% of men reporting a hearing loss. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated using this question and compared to the pure-tone average (PTA) at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz in the poorer ear. Overall, sensitivity was 75.7%, specificity was 72.7%, and accuracy was 74.6%. Results of this smaller scale study suggest that a single question, used as a screening measure, is both sensitive and specific for hearing loss in older Latino-American adults and may overcome language and cultural barriers. This question can be easily imp...

This study provided tympanometric data on rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and more support for this monkey as a good model for human peripheral auditory function. There have been few published reports concerning middle ear function in rhesus monkeys, and these experiments addressed that need. In the first experiment, peak acoustic admittance (Ytm) and ear-canal volume (Vea) were measured in 17 older adult monkeys and 16 younger adult monkeys. In the second experiment, middle ear resonance frequency was measured in eight younger adult monkeys and four older adult monkeys. Overall, peak Ytm, Vea, and resonance frequency were similar for monkeys and humans. Specifically, peak mean Ytm and mean Vea in monkeys were comparable to those values in human children. There was a trend for older monkeys to have decreased peak Ytm and Vea, but these trends did not reach statistical significance. There was a significant sex effect similar to what has been reported in humans. Male monkeys had larger peak Ytm values and larger Vea values compared with female monkeys regardless of age. Finally, there were no significant age or sex effects on resonance frequency.

The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of self-reported hearing loss in older Latino-American adults. Fifty-nine individuals, 32 women (mean age 62.2 years) and 27 men (mean age 62.4 years), participated. The questionnaire addressed hearing loss, hearing aid use, and other people's views of their hearing abilities. Based on the question, 'Do you feel you have a hearing loss?', the prevalence of self-reported hearing loss was 57.6%, with 56.3% of women and 59.3% of men reporting a hearing loss. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated using this question and compared to the pure-tone average (PTA) at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz in the poorer ear. Overall, sensitivity was 75.7%, specificity was 72.7%, and accuracy was 74.6%. Results of this smaller scale study suggest that a single question, used as a screening measure, is both sensitive and specific for hearing loss in older Latino-American adults and may overcome language and cultural barriers. This question can be easily implemented by physicians or other health-care employees to quickly screen for hearing loss.