ABSTRACT
Comparison of the performance of hearing instrument batteries from various manufacturers can enable otologists, audiologists, or final consumers to select the best products, maximizing the use of these materials. AIM: To analyze the performance of ten brands of batteries for hearing aids available in the Brazilian marketplace. METHODS: Hearing aid batteries in four sizes were acquired from ten manufacturers and subjected to the same test conditions in an acoustic laboratory. RESULTS: The results obtained in the laboratory contrasted with the values reported by manufacturers highlighted significant discrepancies, besides the fact that certain brands in certain sizes perform better on some tests, but does not indicate which brand is the best in all sizes. CONCLUSIONS: It was possible to investigate the performance of ten brands of hearing aid batteries and describe the procedures to be followed for leakage, accidental intake, and disposal...
Subject(s)
Electric Batteries , Hearing Aids , Hearing Tests , Reference StandardsABSTRACT
Introduction: Currently, the Brazilian government has certificated nearly 140 specialized centers in hearing aid fittings through the Brazilian National Health System (SUS). Remote fitting through the Internet can allow a broader and more efficient coverage with a higher likelihood of success for patients covered by the SUS, as they can receive fittings from their own homes instead of going to the few and distant specialized centers. Aim: To describe a case of remote fitting between 2 cities, with revision of the literature. Method: Computer gears, a universal interface, and hearing aids were used. Case study: An audiologist located in a specialized center introduced a new hearing aid and its fitting procedure to a remote center (200 km away). The specialized center helped the remote center in fitting a hearing aid in 2 patients, and performed fitting in one of its own patients. The whole process was done through the Internet with audio and video in real time. Results: Three patients were fitted remotely. Three audiologists were remotely trained on how to fit the hearing aids. Conclusions: Remote fitting of hearing aids is possible through the Internet, as well as further supplying technical training to a remote center about the fitting procedures. Such a technological approach can help the government advance public policies on hearing rehabilitation, as patients can be motivated about maintaining their use of hearing aids with the option to ask for help in the comfort of their own homes...
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Hearing Aids , Internet , Health Policy , Hearing Loss/rehabilitation , Rehabilitation Centers , Telemedicine/trends , Unified Health SystemABSTRACT
Since 2004, the Brazilian government has run one of the most all-inclusive hearing rehabilitation program based on hearing aids worldwide. In 2007 this investment in hearing aids topped U$ 68 million, apart from covering the cost of physicians and audiologists. Nearly 140 centers are certified by the government to dispense fitted hearing aids, figures which are still low when one considers the size of the country. Telemedicine can represent a of knowledge which broadens hearing rehabilitations services in Brazil, for it may help increase the number of hearing rehabilitation centers, enable remote training and provide for an "online second opinion". As far as public administration is concerned, it may enable process standardization and the very control over this hugely complex operation. The present article aimed to consider Telemedicine a powerful ally to improve hearing health care policies in Brazil.
O governo brasileiro possui um dos mais abrangentes programas de reabilitação auditiva com base em próteses auditivas acústicas de todo o mundo, que foi iniciado em 2004. Em 2007, foi realizado um investimento social de cerca de R$ 146 milhões somente nessas próteses, além dos investimentos nos atendimentos médico e fonoaudiológico. São cerca de 140 centros credenciados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde - número que pode ser considerado modesto considerando as extensões territoriais do país. A Telemedicina pode emergir como área do conhecimento que amplia os serviços de reabilitação auditiva no Brasil, por permitir, entre outros, que seja aumentado o número de centros credenciados, além de disponibilizar treinamentos à distância e obter a segunda opinião formativa online. No âmbito da administração pública, pode permitir a padronização dos processos e o controle de toda essa complexa operação. Este trabalho teve como objetivo inscrever a Telemedicina como poderoso aliado na melhoria das políticas públicas da saúde auditiva no Brasil.
Subject(s)
Diffusion of Innovation , Health Care Economics and Organizations , Hearing Aids , Information Technology , Public Policy , Quality Assurance, Health Care , Correction of Hearing Impairment , TelemedicineABSTRACT
The treatment of sensorineural hearing loss is based on hearing aids, also known as individual sound amplification devices. The hearing aids purchased by the Brazilian Government, aiming at fulfilling public policies, are based on dedicated components, which bring about benefits, but also render them expensive and may impair repair services after manufacture's warranty expires. AIM: to design digital behind-the-ear hearing aids built from standardized components coming from the very supply chain of these manufacturers. STUDY DESIGN: experimental. MATERIALS AND METHODS: to identify the supply chain of these manufacturers, request samples and set up hearing aids in the laboratory. RESULTS: The developed hearing aids did not show lesser electroacoustic characteristics when compared to those acquired by the Government, also being tested by the same reference international technical standard. CONCLUSION: It is possible to develop digital behind-the-ear hearing aids based on off-the-shelf components from hearing aid manufacturers' supply chain. Their advantages include low operational costs - for acquisition (with clear advantages for the Government) and service (advantage for the patient).
O tratamento das disacusias sensório-neurais está balizado no uso de próteses auditivas, conhecidas como aparelhos auditivos ou aparelhos de amplificação sonora individuais. As próteses auditivas adquiridas pelo Governo Brasileiro para a condução de políticas públicas têm como uma de suas características a utilização de componentes dedicados, o que traz benefícios, mas que encarece a aquisição e pode inviabilizar os serviços de reparo após o término da garantia do fabricante. OBJETIVO: Desenvolver próteses auditivas digitais no desenho retroauricular, construídas a partir de componentes padronizados oriundos da própria cadeia de suprimentos dos fabricantes de próteses auditivas. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Experimental. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Identificar a cadeia de suprimentos destes fabricantes, solicitar amostras e montar próteses auditivas em laboratório. RESULTADOS: As próteses auditivas desenvolvidas apresentaram recursos eletroacústicos não inferiores àquelas adquiridas pelo Governo, sendo adicionalmente atestadas pela mesma norma técnica internacional de referência. CONCLUSÃO: É possível desenvolver próteses auditivas digitais no desenho retroauricular montados a partir de componentes padronizados da cadeia de suprimentos dos fabricantes de próteses auditivas. Suas vantagens residem no baixo custo operacional - aquisição (com vantagens para o Governo) e de manutenção (com vantagens para o paciente).
Subject(s)
Humans , Government Regulation , Hearing Aids/standards , Hearing Loss/therapy , Brazil , Equipment Design , Federal Government , Hearing Aids/economics , Reference StandardsABSTRACT
Introdução: Todo portador de deficiência auditiva é um candidato ao uso de aparelho de amplificação sonora individual (AASI). Indústrias internacionais dominam o mercado mundial a oferecer produtos cujos valores agregados são incompatíveis com a realidade econômico-financeira das populações de países com economias em desenvolvimento. Objetivo: Projetar e desenvolver AASIs digitais e de baixo custo no desenho BTE, construídos sob um circuito eletrônico genérico e com recursos eletroacústicos não inferiores aos AASIs hoje comercializados no mercado brasileiro. Método: Desenvolver um vínculo de relacionamento com os principais fornecedores de partes e peças para a indústria de AASIs e projetar AASIs no desenho BTE. Os testes de desempenho acústico dos AASIs montados foram realizados em laboratório independente com a utilização de equipamentos de investigação acústica. Conclusão: É possível o desenvolvimento de AASIs digitais no desenho BTE com características de desempenho não inferiores aos comercializados por indústrias internacionais, mas a baixo custo operacional.
Introduction: Any hearing impaired person is an applicant of being a hearing aid wearer. International companies rule the market with a range of products those value added are inconsistent with the income of the population in developing countries. Objective: Design and development of digital low-cost hearing aid, BTE design, in a generic electronic configuration with electroacoustics features not lesser than those traded in the Brazilian marketplace. Method: Establish a strictly professional relationship with the predominant hearing aid suppliers in the hearing aid industry and develop BTE hearing aid. The electroacoustics outcomes of these hearing aids were performed at an independent acoustic investigation lab. Conclusion: It is possible the development of digital low-cost BTE hearing aid with performance features not lesser than those traded in the Brazilian marketplace but at low-cost operational costs.