Auditory Perceptual Learning using Mixed-Training Regimens

<p>All data from the PLoS ONE paper: <em>Acquisition versus Consolidation of Auditory Perceptual Learning using Mixed-Training Regimens</em>.</p> <p>AMD and AMR raw trial data were log-transformed (log₁₀ Hz). Data from each adaptive track (block of 30 or 60 trials, from testing and training blocks, respectively) were fitted with a logistic psychometric function using the Psignifit toolbox, and the thresholds were estimated as the 79.4% correct point on this function.</p> <p>Missing data points (i.e. due to experimental error) assigned -999 value.</p> <p>Data were exlcuded on a case-by-case basis (see filters):</p> <p>Tracks where the optimization procedure did not adequately fit the data (i.e. when the fitted slope was negative or when the fitted threshold value was outside the measured range) were discarded.</p> <p>Further outlying data were excluded based on individuals whose pre-test thresholds were > 2 standard deviations difference from the population mean or post-test thresholds were > 2 standard deviations from the group mean on a condition-by-condition basis.</p

Assessing online screening tests of health (Goodwin et al., 2022)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which validated online screening measures of cognitive impairment, psychosocial well-being, and cardiovascular health are associated with a validated hearing screener in a sample of adults based in the United Kingdom.Method: Sixty-one adults (43 female; Mage = 44.7 years) participated in a cross-sectional study delivered remotely. Participants completed the hearWHO smartphone application, a digits-in-noise hearing screener, and the Modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-M), a screening tool for cognitive impairment. Psychosocial well-being (social isolation and loneliness) and cardiovascular health were assessed through self-report.Results: Separate independent analyses of variance, with age, gender, and education as covariates, demonstrated participants who failed the hearWHO screener had poorer scores on the TICS-M, engaged in less physical activity, and reported more sedentary behavior and greater social isolation. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that lower TICS-M scores, having obtained less education, identifying as female, and reporting greater sedentary behavior and social isolation were the strongest predictors of lower hearWHO scores.Conclusions: The results from this study suggest that poorer hearing, as measured by the hearWHO screener, is independently associated with having worse cognitive function, more time spent being sedentary, and greater social isolation. Thus, this study demonstrates the potential of online screening measures to identify additional health conditions that confer risk to chronic disease as hearing loss manifests. This could help to inform the development of tailored treatment and support to improve an individual’s readiness to seek help for and manage both their general and hearing health.Supplemental Material S1. Demographic characteristics of the total sample, with comparisons for younger (18–39 years) and older (≥ 40 years) adults.Goodwin, M. V., Hogervorst, E., & Maidment, D. W. (2022). Test your health at home: Comparing online screening tests of hearing, cognition, and cardiovascular health. American Journal of Audiology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1044/2021_AJA-21-00199Publisher Note: This article is part of the Special Issue: Internet and Audiology 2021.</div

Application of behavior change for tinnitus (Beukes et al., 2022)

Purpose: Although experiencing tinnitus can lead to many difficulties, these can be reduced by using techniques derived from cognitive behavioral therapy. Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) has been developed to provide an accessible intervention. The aim of this study was to describe how ICBT can facilitate tinnitus management by identifying the active ingredients of the intervention from the perspective of health behavior change. Method: The ICBT intervention was evaluated using the Behavior Change Wheel in eight steps across the following three stages: (1) understanding the behavior, (2) identifying intervention options, and (3) identifying content and implementation options. Results: Target behaviors identified to reduce tinnitus distress, as well as additional problems associated with tinnitus, included goal setting, an increased understanding of tinnitus, encouraging deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, identifying and restructuring unhelpful thoughts, engaging in positive imagery, and reducing avoidance behaviors. ICBT provided the required components for individuals to be physically and psychologically capable of adapting to tinnitus, providing social and environmental opportunities to manage hearing loss through practice and training, and facilitated automatic and reflective motivation. Conclusion: Understanding ICBT in the context of the Behavior Change Wheel has helped identify how its effectiveness can be improved and can be used for future tinnitus intervention planning. Supplemental Material S1. Defining the tinnitus behavior in behavioral terms. Supplemental Material S2a. Candidate behaviors relevant to the problem behavior identified in Step 1.  Supplemental Material S2b. Criteria for prioritizing the identified candidate behaviors.  Supplemental Material S3. Describe the target behavior according to who needs to do what, when, where, how often, and with whom. Supplemental Material S4. Behavioral analysis of what needs to change for the target behavior to occur. Supplemental Material S5. Consideration of the candidate intervention functions using the APEASE criteria. Supplemental Material S6. Policy categories that might support the identified intervention functions. Supplemental Material S7. Behavior Change Techniques BCTs identified based in intervention functions selected in Step 5. Supplemental Material S8. Identification of the mode(s) through which the intervention could be delivered. Beukes, E. W., Manchaiah, V., Andersson, G., & Maidment, D. W. (2022). Application of the behavior change wheel within the context of Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for tinnitus management. American Journal of Audiology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1044/2022_AJA-21-00160</p