Eylem Saraç Kaya

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate auditory brainstem response (ABR) findings across subgroups of inner ear anomalies and to compare the ABR profiles in cases with cochlear nerve deficiency (CND). Methods: A total of 189 ears from 109 individuals with various inner ear anomalies were evaluated. Radiological findings were used to classify each ear into specific anomaly subgroups and to assess cochlear nerve status. ABR outcomes were then analyzed accordingly. Results: CND was consistently observed in complete labyrinthine aplasia, rudimentary otocyst, cochlear aplasia, and common cavity malformations, with absent ABR wave V and cochlear microphonic (CM) responses. Cochlear hypoplasia and incomplete partition subtypes showed variable ABR and CM responses. In cochlear aperture anomalies, CND was consistently observed, with absent wave V but detectable CM of variable latency. Wave V responses differed significantly between normal and CND ears (p < 0.001), whereas CM responses did not (p = 0.055). Conclusions: This study delineates ABR characteristics specific to inner ear anomaly subgroups and highlights the influence of CND on ABR outcomes. The findings underscore the potential of detailed ABR analysis to serve as a valuable tool for guiding auditory rehabilitation decisions and emphasize its relevance in shaping future clinical practice guidelines.

Aim: The study aimed to determine the awareness levels and attitudes of professionals working with individuals with special needs towards Alternative and Augmentative Communication Systems. Material and Method: The study included 194 professionals aged between 21 and 67, working at special education and rehabilitation centers in Ankara. Participants were administered a sociodemographic information form and the Attitude Scale for Alternative and Augmentative Communication Systems. The data were analyzed using the SPSS Statistics IBM Version 26.0 software. Results: In our study, it was found that professionals aged 35-40, women, those with a doctoral level of education, and professionals with more than 10 years of experience working with individuals with special needs had higher scores on the Attitude Scale for Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems. On the other hand, no statistically significant difference was found in attitude scale scores in terms of variables such as professional groups, attending courses related to augmentative communication systems, participation in special augmentative communication system courses, and the implementation of augmentative communication systems. Conclusion: Training programs designed for professionals from various disciplines working with individuals with special needs may benefit from including more comprehensive information and practical opportunities related to augmentative and alternative communication systems. This could enable professionals to establish more effective and meaningful interactions with these individuals.

Objectives: The aim of the study is to determine the effect of a cochlear implant on the ability to understand speech in a noisy environment. Materials and Methods: Turkish HINT was applied to the experimental group consisting of 15 children with a unilateral Cochlear Implant (CI) aged between 7;9, and 13;9 (year; month) and the control group consisting of 15 children aged between 8;10 and 13;0 with normal hearing. Speech Reception Thresholds (SRTs) of the groups were obtained in quiet and noise in front conditions. The data obtained from the groups were compared. Results: The mean Speech Reception Threshold (SRT) in the quiet was found to be 65.4 dB in children with CI and 21.6 dB in normal-hearing children. The mean SRT in noise was found to be +6.0 dB Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) in children with CI and -1.6 dB SNR in normal-hearing children. A significant difference was found between the mean SRT values of the groups in quiet and noise conditions (p0,01). Conclusion: Children with CI need a higher SNR than children with normal hearing to understand speech in noise. In addition, the age of children with normal hearing had a significant effect on speech understanding skills in noisy conditions but not in quiet.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between behaviourally acquired Acoustic Change Detection Test (ACDT) responses and electrophysiologically obtained Acoustic Change Complex (ACC) responses in participants with Cochlear Implant (CI). Methods: 28 unilateral adult CI users (mean age 41) participated in the study. In behavioural test session, ACDT and speech tests were administered. In electrophysiological test session, sound onset and ACC responses of participants stimulated by/ui/speech structure were recorded and N1–P2 peak-to-peak amplitude and N1 latencies were determined. Results: No significant correlation was found between individuals’ behavioural and electrophysiological responses but it was observed that individuals dived into two clusters in terms of ACDT responses (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the mean ACC amplitudes of the clusters. No statistically significant difference was observed between the mean ACC N1 latency findings of the clusters, suggesting that ACC amplitude may be a better predictor than latency in auditory discrimination. Conclusion: ACC measurement may be a potential clinical tool to evaluate auditory discrimination performance in individuals with CI, but using the electrophysiological and behavioural tests together may provide a more holistic perspective.