Sound Localization Test in Presence of Noise (Sound Localization Test) in Adults without Hearing Alteration

Abstract Introduction Even people with normal hearing may have difficulties locating a sound source in unfavorable sound environments where competitive noise is intense. Objective To develop, describe, validate and establish the normality curve of the sound localization test. Method The sample consisted of 100 healthy subjects with normal hearing, > 18 years old,who agreed to participate in the study. The sound localization testwas applied after the subjects underwent a tonal audiometry exam. For this purpose, a calibrated free field test environment was set up. Then, 30 randompure tones were presented in 2 speakers placed at 45° (on the right and on the left sides of the subject), and the noise was presented froma 3rd speaker, placed at 180°. The noise was presented in 3 hearing situations: optimal listening condition (no noise), noise in relation to 0 dB, and noise in relation to - 10 dB. The subject was asked to point out the side where the pure tone was being perceived, even in the presence of noise. Results All of the 100 participants performed the test in an average time of 99 seconds. The average score was 21, the medium score was 23, and the standard deviation was 3.05. Conclusion The sound localization test proved to be easy to set-up and to apply. The results obtained in the validation of the test suggest that individuals with normal hearing should locate 70% of the presented stimuli. The test can constitute an important instrument in the measurement of noise interference in the ability to locate the sound.

Comparing Individuals through the Speech Recognition Test Applied to Regional Live Voice and Recorded Speeches from Paraná State in Five Brazilian Counties

Abstract Introduction Speech tests such as logoaudiometry measure the ability to perceive and recognize oral sounds. The Speech Recognition Index (SRI) is one of the speech tests adopted in clinical routine; it uses standardized live voice and recorded speeches. The live voice speech method can be influenced by intra and interspeaker variability, as well as by regionalism variability, whereas recorded tests show consistency in their presentation. Objective Analyzing results of the SRI test applied to live voiceand recorded speeches from Paraná State, in different Brazilian counties. Method The sample comprised 125 individuals, 25 fromeach county (Rio de Janeiro, Florianópolis, Porto Alegre, Salvador and Curitiba), from both sexes, in the age group 20 to 70 years; the SRI was applied in both techniques. Results The recorded speech method showed prevalence of hit improvement in Rio de Janeiro (40%), Salvador, Porto Alegre and Florianópolis (28%). Individuals from Salvador and Florianópolis subjected to the recorded speech method showed better results in the left ear. Individuals from Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre showed satisfactory results in both ears, whereas those from Curitiba did not show statistically significant difference between the left and the right ear. Conclusion The recorded CD application method showed prevalence of hit improvement (%) in the SRI responses in comparison to the live voice speech technique in most of the studied counties. According to the hit rate measured in the herein investigated counties, Rio de Janeiro showed the best results in the recorded speech method.

Hormones and Auditory Perception: Study of Dichotic Listening in Women during the Menstrual Cycle

Abstract Introduction Dichotic listening refers to the ability to hear different sounds presented to each ear simultaneously. Objective The aim of the present study was to assess dichotic listening in women throughout the menstrual cycle. Methods The volunteers who met the eligibility criteria participated in a dichotic listening assessment composed of three tests: 1) staggered spondaic word test; 2) dichotic digits test; and 3) consonant-vowel test. The female participants were tested during two different phases of the menstrual cycle: the follicular (days 11 to 13) and luteal (days 23 to 26) phases. The phases were confirmed by measuring serum levels of the hormone estradiol. Results A total of 20 volunteers aged 18 to 49 years participated in the study (9 females and 11 males). In test 1, only the right ear of females showed better performance during the follicular phase (high estrogen levels), compared with the luteal phase (low estrogen levels); in test 2, there were no significant differences for any of the groups; and in test 3, both males and females showed significantly better performance in their right ear compared with their left ear. Conclusion The better performance of females during the follicular phase of the cycle may indicate that estrogen levels might have an influence on dichotic listening in women. (AU)

Brazilian scale of hearing and language development: normality curve for infants and children from 0 to 24 months old with normal hearing

Introduction: Cochlear implants are currently the most effective technological resource to facilitate access to the hearing world for deaf people. Their use, especially when implanted early in children, reduces the impact of deafness on hearing as well as on the development of spoken language. Objective: To validate the first part of the Brazilian Scale of Hearing and Language Development (EDAL-1, in the Portuguese acronym) and to establish the normal curve in infants and children aged between 0 and 24 months old with normal hearing. Method: This is an experimental study of a descriptive nature, conducted with 92 infants and children with normal hearing. Every infant/child was evaluated audiologically, and the EDAL-1 was applied to their parents. The responses were categorized by applying the EDAL-1 every 3 months for each child. Results: The EDAL-1 was shown to be easily applied by the researcher and easily understood by the parents. It was possible to classify the sample every 3 months and describe the results. The average of the responses found in terms of scores for each age category shows an increasing scale following the evolution of the chronological age: 3 months-34.23 points; 6 months-54.68 points; 9 months-73 points; 12 months- 82.5 points; 15 months-87 points; 18 months-91 points; 21 months-92.5 points, and 24 months-95.83 points. Conclusion: The normal curve for EDAL-1 was successfully established. The averages can be considered as the standard protocol for normality, serving as a reference for comparison with other populations (AU)

Pitch-Matching Accuracy and Temporal Auditory Processing

Abstract Introduction Pitch-matching refers to the ability to vocally reproduce an acoustic model in a corresponding tone to the presented sound. This ability, which is dependent on pitch perception ability, can vary among individuals, and some are not able to sing in the correct tune or discriminate differences between tones. Objective To correlate pitch-matching accuracy and auditory processing in individuals without musical training. Methods A Pitch-Matching Test (vocal reproduction of synthesized and human voice sounds) and two commercially available tests of auditory temporal processing (the Pitch Pattern Sequence Test and the Random Gap DetectionTest) were administered to all participants. A total of 62 college students of both genders, aged between 18 and 35 years old, were divided into 2 groups, according to their performances in the Pitch- Matching Test (the accurate match group and the inaccurate match group). Results In the Pitch-Matching Test, both groups achieved better results when reproducing vocalized sounds. The accurate match group achieved a significantly higher pitch pattern sequence test performance. In the Random Gap Detection Test analysis, there were no differences between the two groups. The Pearson's chi-squared test showed a direct correlation between the Pitch-Matching Test and the Pitch Pattern Sequence Test. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest the existence of a significant relationship between temporal auditory processing and pitch-matching, through which accurate pitch-matching individuals perform better in the Pitch Pattern Sequence Test. Inaccurate pitch-matching individuals may be skilled at discriminating pitch, despite their poor performance in the Pitch-Matching Test.

Escala de desenvolvimento auditivo e de linguagem na criança implantada / Hearing and language development scale in cochlear implanted children

RESUMO Objetivo Caracterizar o desempenho auditivo e de linguagem oral em crianças implantadas com menos de dois anos de idade auditiva, por meio da Escala de Desenvolvimento de Audição e Linguagem (EDAL-1) e comparar os resultados aos de crianças ouvintes até 2 anos de idade. Métodos Estudo experimental de caráter descritivo. Participaram 141 crianças, divididas em dois grupos: grupo controle, com 92 normo-ouvintes, e grupo experimental, com 49 crianças surdas acompanhadas audiologicamente, durante os dois primeiros anos após a implantação. As normo-ouvintes passaram por avaliação auditiva e os pais responderam ao questionário EDAL-1. As crianças implantadas passaram por avaliação otorrinolaringológica e fonoaudiológica a cada três meses e os pais responderam ao EDAL-1. Resultados Nos dois grupos foram observadas respostas ascendentes, com melhora de acordo com o aumento da idade cronológica. Os resultados obtidos no grupo experimental foram estatisticamente piores que no grupo controle, porém, com tendência de crescimento. O EDAL-1 mostrou-se de fácil aplicação e permitiu o monitoramento do desempenho das crianças implantadas. Conclusão O desempenho auditivo e de linguagem oral em crianças surdas, usuárias de implante coclear, foi caracterizado pelo EDAL-1 e mostrou-se em crescimento, conforme o aumento do tempo de estimulação auditiva, fato também observado nas crianças ouvintes. Apesar disso, os resultados das crianças ouvintes foram melhores que os das crianças surdas implantadas.

ABSTRACT Purpose To characterize Auditory and oral language performance in children under 2 years of age with Hearing and Language Development Scale (EDAL-1) and to compare the results to those of hearing children up to two years of age. Methods This is an experimental study of descriptive nature. A total of 141 children were divided into two groups: control group with 92 normal hearing, and the experimental group with 49 deaf children followed audiologically during the first two years after implantation. Normal hearing children underwent auditory assessment and parents responded to EDAL-1. The children implanted, every three months, underwent otorhinolaryngological and speech-language evaluation, and the parents answered EDAL-1. Results In both groups we observed upward responses, with improvement as chronological and auditory age increases. Results obtained in the study group are statistically worse than in the control group, but with a tendency to grow. EDAL-1 was easy to apply and allowed to monitor the performance of the implanted children. Conclusion Oral and auditory performance in deaf children with cochlear implants was characterized by EDAL-1, and it was shown to be growing as the time of auditory stimulation increased, a fact also seen in hearing children. Despite this, the results of the hearing children were better than those of the deaf children implanted.

Avaliação da percepção auditiva em mulheres durante ciclo menstrual: revisão sistemática / Evaluation of auditory perception in women during menstrual cycle: a systematic review / Percepción de evaluación de audiencia sobre la mujer durante el ciclo menstrual: revisión sistemática

Introdução: As flutuações hormonais que ocorrem normalmente durante o ciclo menstrual podem interferir no sistema auditivo. A alteração mais encontrada neste período é a diminuição da acuidade auditiva, que parece estar mais associada à flutuação dos níveis de estrogênio, quando este se encontra reduzido na fase lútea final do período menstrual. Objetivo: Investigar por meio de uma revisão sistemática a percepção auditiva de mulheres durante as fases do ciclo menstrual. Método: Foi realizada uma busca nas bases de dados eletrônicas, nacionais e internacionais, LILACS, MEDLINE, PubMed e SciELO, através da consulta pelos seguintes descritores: "percepção auditiva" AND "ciclo menstrual", "percepção de fala" AND "ciclo menstrual", "percepção de fala" AND "hormônios" e seus correspondentes na língua inglesa. Resultados: Dos 293 artigos encontrados, foram selecionados apenas 7 artigos, após os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. A caracterização da amostra dos artigos selecionados variou entre 15 a 39 mulheres, com idade variando entre 17 e 46 anos. Na maioria dos artigos, nenhum tipo de procedimento clínico para estimar as fases do ciclo menstrual foi utilizado. Foi observada a realização de testes de percepção auditiva nos sete artigos selecionados, tendo destaque os testes dicóticos. Conclusão: Há necessidade da realização de mais pesquisas sobre o assunto, exigindo-se também maior rigor metodológico na elaboração desses estudos, através de procedimentos clínicos seguros e padronizados para mensuração dos níveis hormonais.

Introduction: Hormonal fluctuations that normally occur during the menstrual cycle can interfere with the audio system. The change most found in this period is the reduction of auditory acuity, which seems to be more related to fluctuating estrogen levels, when it is reduced in the luteal phase of the menstrual period end. Objective: Investigate through a systematic review hearing in women during the menstrual cycle phases. Method: A search was made in the electronic databases, national and international, LILACS, MEDLINE, PubMed and SciELO, by consulting the following descriptors: "auditory perception" and "menstrual cycle", "speech perception" and "menstrual cycle", "speech perception" and "hormones" and their corresponding in Portuguese. Results: Twenty-two articles were found, but only 7 articles were chosen after the criteria for inclusion and exclusion. The amount of the sample of selected articles ranged between 15 and 39 women, aged between 17 and 46 years old. In most articles, any type of medical procedure to estimate the phases of the menstrual cycle was used. The performance of auditory perception tests in the seven selected articles was observed, highlighted with the dichotic tests. Conclusion: There is a need of further research on the subject, demanding a greater methodological rigor in the preparation of these studies, through clinical safe and standardized to measure hormone levels procedures.

Introducción: Las fluctuaciones hormonales que ocurren normalmente durante el ciclo menstrual puede interferir con el sistema de audio. El hallazgo más frecuente en este periodo es la reducción de la agudeza auditiva, lo que parece estar más relacionado con la fluctuación de los niveles de estrógenos, cuando se reduce en la fase lútea del final del periodo menstrual. Objetivos: Investigar a través de una revisión sistemática de la percepción auditiva de la mujer durante las fases del ciclo menstrual. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda en bases de datos electrónicas, nacionales e internacionales, LILACS, MEDLINE, PubMed y SciELO, mediante la consulta de los siguientes descriptores: "la percepción auditiva" Y "ciclo menstrual", "la percepción del habla" Y "ciclo menstrual", "la percepción del habla" y "hormonas" y sus homólogos en el idioma Inglés. Resultados: De los 293 artículos encontrados, se seleccionaron sólo 7 artículos, después de que los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. La caracterización de la muestra de los artículos seleccionados osciló entre 15 y 39 mujeres, con edades comprendidas entre los 17 y 46 años. En la mayoría de los artículos, cualquier tipo de procedimiento médico para estimación se utilizan las fases del ciclo menstrual. el rendimiento de la prueba de percepción auditiva se observó en los siete elementos seleccionados, resalte que tiene dicóticos. Conclusión: Existe la necesidad de más investigación sobre el tema, lo que requiere también mayor rigor metodológico en la elaboración de estos estudios, através de procedimientos clínicos segura y estandarizada para medir los niveles hormonales.

Free Field Word recognition test in the presence of noise in normal hearing adults / Teste de reconhecimento de palavras em campo livre na presença de ruído em indivíduos adultos normo-ouvintes

Abstract Introduction: In ideal listening situations, subjects with normal hearing can easily understand speech, as can many subjects who have a hearing loss. Objective: To present the validation of the Word Recognition Test in a Free Field in the Presence of Noise in normal-hearing adults. Methods: Sample consisted of 100 healthy adults over 18 years of age with normal hearing. After pure tone audiometry, a speech recognition test was applied in free field condition with monosyllables and disyllables, with standardized material in three listening situations: optimal listening condition (no noise), with a signal to noise ratio of 0 dB and a signal to noise ratio of −10 dB. For these tests, an environment in calibrated free field was arranged where speech was presented to the subject being tested from two speakers located at 45°, and noise from a third speaker, located at 180°. Results: All participants had speech audiometry results in the free field between 88% and 100% in the three listening situations. Conclusion: Word Recognition Test in Free Field in the Presence of Noise proved to be easy to be organized and applied. The results of the test validation suggest that individuals with normal hearing should get between 88% and 100% of the stimuli correct. The test can be an important tool in measuring noise interference on the speech perception abilities.

Resumo Introdução: Em situações ideais de escuta, indivíduos com audição normal conseguem fazer e reconhecer a fala facilmente. Porém, na presença de ruído competitivo, é comum as pessoas sentirem dificuldades de compreensão, principalmente se tiverem perda auditiva. Objetivo: Apresentar a validação do teste de reconhecimento de palavras em campo livre na presença do ruído em indivíduos adultos normo-ouvintes. Método: A amostra foi composta por 100 sujeitos hígidos, com audição normal e maiores de 18 anos. Depois da audiometria tonal foi aplicado teste de reconhecimento da fala, com monossílabos e dissílabos, em campo livre, com material padronizado, em três situações de escuta: condição ótima de audição (sem ruído), com ruído em relação de 0 dB e com ruído em relação de −10 dB. Para tanto, montou-se um ambiente de teste em campo livre calibrado, no qual a fala foi apresentada ao indivíduo em teste com duas caixas acústicas a 45° e o ruído em uma terceira a 180°. Resultados: Todos os participantes tiveram resultados de logoaudiometria em campo livre entre 88 e 100% nas três situações de escuta. Conclusão: O teste de reconhecimento de palavras em campo livre na presença do ruído mostrou-se de fácil organização e aplicação. Os resultados obtidos na validação do teste sugerem que indivíduos com audição normal devem acertar entre 88 e 100% dos estímulos apresentados. O teste pode configurar um instrumento importante na mensuração da interferência do ruído sobre as habilidades de percepção de fala.

Perception of Noise Pollution in a Youth and Adults School in Curitiba-PR

Abstract Introduction Nowadays noise remains the third largest cause of environmental pollution on Earth. It appears that despite the existing noise control legislation the issue deserves further supervision by the public authorities so that the ceilings established for the various activities are observed. People exposed to noise are more likely to develop numerous auditory and non-auditory problems directly impacting persona family and working life. Objectives The objective of this study is to research and consequently understand how the population of students of a youth and adult school in Curitiba perceives noise pollution as well as look into the actions that the school adopts in order to guide the students on the topic. Method We applied a structured questionnaire to 120 individuals and assessed the following variables: characterization of the place of residence occupation leisure health and perception of soundscapes. We also applied a closed questionnaire about educational actions for noise pollution to the school's geography teacher. Results Questionnaire responses show that people perceive noise in the most diverse environments they frequent and are able to identify the source of the noise but this perception proved fragile as themajority does not takemeasures to prevent ormitigate these noises. At school there are no actions aimed at environmental education on the subject studied. Conclusion The studied group does not perceive the noise as a harmful agent and does not prevent themselves from it and the school not work contents related to noise pollution leaving a significant gap in the awareness process of this population.

Implante coclear e qualidade de vida: estudo com pais e familiares de crianças surdas / Cochlear implant and quality of life: a study with parents and families of deaf children / Implante coclear y calidad de vida: un estudio con padres y familias de niños sordos

Introdução: O implante coclear é uma solução auditiva concretizada no cenário brasileiro, constituindo-se uma estratégia viável de reabilitação auditiva para perdas auditivas severas e profundas. Porém, apesar dos grandes avanços tecnológicos e dos excelentes resultados obtidos e descritos na literatura, ter um filho implantado pode comprometer a qualidade de vida dos familiares envolvidos no processo. Objetivo: Comparar a qualidade de vida de um grupo de pais e familiares que possuem filhos usuários de implante coclear, antes e depois da implantação. Método: Trata-se de um estudo clínico descritivo transversal. Participaram 30 indivíduos que foram submetidos ao questionário WHOQOLBref antes da cirurgia e depois de seis meses de ativação do implante. O escore geral e os dados relativos aos quatro domínios abrangidos (físico, psicológico, meio ambiente e relações sociais) foram analisados e descritos. Resultados: Houve mudança positiva significativa para os escores dos domínios de meio ambiente e relações sociais do instrumento. Não houve diferença significativa no escore geral e nos domínios físico e psicológico. Conclusão: Foi possível comparar a qualidade de vida de um grupo de pais de crianças usuárias de IC, antes e depois do processo cirúrgico e ativação do dispositivo. A implantação gerou melhora significativa nos domínios: meio ambiente e relações sociais, evidenciando que houve melhora da qualidade de vida dos pais entrevistados.

Introduction: The cochlear implant is a hearing solution implemented in the Brazilian scenario, becoming a viable strategy for auditory rehabilitation for severe and profound hearing loss. However, despite the great technological advancements and the excellent results obtained and described in the literature, having an implanted child can compromise the quality of life of the families involved in the process. Objective: Compare the quality of life of a group of parents and families who have children users of cochlear implants, before and after implantation. Method: This is a cross-sectional clinical study. The participants were 30 individuals that were submitted to the WHOQOL- Bref questionnaire before surgery and after six months of implant activation. The overall score and the data for the four areas covered (physical, psychological, environmental and social relations) were analyzed and described. Results: There was a significant positive change to the scores of environmental and social relationships domains of the instrument. There was no significant difference in the overall score or on the physical and psychological domains. Conclusion: It was possible to compare the quality of life of a group of parents of children using CI before and after the surgical process and device activation. The implantation has generated significant improvement in the environment and social relationships areas, showing an improvement in the quality of life of the interviewed parents.

Introducción: El implante coclear es una solución auditiva concretizada en la escena brasileña, que se constituye como estrategia de rehabilitación auditiva viable para la pérdida de audición severa y profunda. Sin embargo, a pesar de los grandes avances tecnológicos y los excelentes resultados obtenidos y descritos en la literatura, tener un niño implantado puede comprometer la calidad de vida de las familias involucradas en el proceso. Objetivo: Comparar la calidad de vida de un grupo de padres y familias que tienen niños usuarios de implantes cocleares, antes y después de la implantación. Método: Se trata de un estudio clínico descriptivo transversal. Se incluyeron 30 individuos que se sometieron al cuestionario WHOQOL Bref antes de la cirugía y después de seis meses de la activación del implante. La puntuación global y los datos para los cuatro dominios cubiertos (físico, psicológico, medioambientales y relaciones sociales) fueron analizados y descritos. Resultados: Hubo un cambio positivo significativo de las puntuaciones en los dominios de las relaciones sociales y medioambientales del instrumento. No hubo diferencia significativa en la puntuación total y en los dominios físico y psicológico. Conclusión: Fue posible comparar la calidad de vida de un grupo de padres de niños que utilizan IC, antes y después del proceso quirúrgico y activación del dispositivo. La implantación ha generado una mejora significativa en los dominios medioambientales y relaciones sociales, demostrando una mejora en la calidad de vida de los padres entrevistados.

Satisfaction of Elderly Hearing Aid Users

Abstract Introduction The impact of auditory sensory deprivation in the life of an individual is enormous because it not only affects one's ability to properly understand auditory information, but also the way people relate to their environment and their culture. The monitoring of adult and elderly subjects with hearing loss is intended to minimize the difficulties and handicaps that occur as a consequence of this pathology. Objective To evaluate the level of user satisfaction with hearing aids. Methods A clinical and experimental study involving 91 elderly hearing aid users. We used the questionnaire Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life to determine the degree of the satisfaction provided by hearing aids. We evaluated mean global score, subscales, as well as the variables time to use, age, and degree of hearing loss. Results Mean global score was 4.73, the score for Positive Effects 5.45, Negative Factors 3.2, demonstrating that they were satisfied; Services and Costs 5.98: very satisfied ; 3.65 Personal Image: dissatisfied. We observed statistically significant difference for the time of hearing aid use, age, and degree of hearing loss. Conclusion The SADL is a tool, simple and easy to apply and in this study we can demonstrate the high degree of satisfaction with the hearing aids by themajority of the sample collected, increasing with time of use and a greater degree of hearing loss.

Reabilitação de perdas auditivas unilaterais por próteses auditivas implantáveis: revisão sistemática / Rehabilitation of unilateral hearing loss by implantable hearing aids: systematic review

RESUMO Introdução A audição binaural é a condição adequada que permite ao ouvinte a dimensão de profundidade e sonoridade necessárias à percepção do mundo sonoro. Objetivo Determinar, por meio de uma revisão sistemática, quais os benefícios que as próteses auditivas implantáveis trazem para indivíduos adultos que possuem perda auditiva unilateral, no que se refere às habilidades de localização da fonte sonora e do reconhecimento de fala na presença do ruído. Estratégia de pesquisa Foram utilizadas combinações de sete descritores em português, indexados no Descritores em Ciências da Saúde (DeCS), e em inglês, indexados no Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), sendo eles: Adulto, Perda Auditiva Unilateral, Auxiliares de Audição, Condução Óssea, Implante Coclear, Idoso, Reabilitação Adult, Hearing Loss Unilateral, Bone Conduction, Cochlear Implantation, Rehabilitation, Elderly e Hearing Aid . Foi realizada uma pesquisa nas bases de dados PubMed , Cochrane , LILACS e Science Direct de artigos publicados entre janeiro de 2005 e setembro de 2015. Critérios de seleção Participantes da pesquisa com mais de 18 anos de idade, com perda auditiva unilateral, que utilizavam prótese auditiva implantável (prótese auditiva ancorada no osso ou implante coclear) e que tivessem sido submetidos à avaliação de localização da fonte sonora ou desempenho de reconhecimento de fala na presença de ruído, antes e depois da implantação. Resultados Dos 21 artigos analisados, sete foram experimentais, seis prospectivos, três descritivos, quatro séries de casos e um estudo de caso. Conclusão Apesar da grande heterogeneidade clínica observada entre os estudos que avaliaram a reabilitação auditiva de pacientes com perda auditiva unilateral, é possível concluir que o implante coclear fornece melhores resultados, tanto para a habilidade de localização da fonte sonora, como do reconhecimento de fala na presença de ruído.

ABSTRACT Introduction The binaural hearing is the proper condition that allows the listener the depth dimension and sonority necessary to the perception of the soundworld. Objective To determine, through a systematic review, the benefits that implantable hearing aids bring to adult individuals who have unilateral hearing loss in terms of localization of sound source and speech recognition in the presence of noise. Research strategy Were used combinations of seven Portuguese descriptors indexed in Health Sciences (DeCS), and in English indexed in the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), being: Adult, Unilateral Hearing Loss, Hearing Aids, Bone Conduction, Cochlear Implant We conducted a survey of the PubMed, Cochrane, LILACS, and Science Direct databases of articles published between January 2005 and September 2015. Selection criteria Survey participants over 18 years old with unilateral hearing loss, who used implantable hearing aid bone anchored hearing aids or cochlear implantation) and who had been submitted to the evaluation of the location of the sound source or performance of speech recognition in the presence of noise before and After implantation. Results Of the 21 articles analyzed, seven were experimental; six were prospective, three descriptive, four case series and one case study. Conclusion Despite the great clinical heterogeneity observed among the studies that evaluated the auditory rehabilitation of patients with unilateral hearing loss, it is possible to conclude that the cochlear implant provides better results both for the localization of the sound source and for speech recognition in the presence of noise.

Newborn Hearing Screening in a Public Maternity Ward in Curitiba, Brazil: Determining Factors for Not Retesting

Abstract Introduction Law 12.303/10 requires hearing screening in newborns before hospital discharge to detect possible hearing problems within the first three months after birth. If the newborn fails the test or presents signs of risk for hearing loss, it must undergo a retest and monitoring during the first year of life. In practice, this often does not happen. Objective To identify, in a group of mothers of children with risk factors for hearing loss, the determining reasons for non-compliance with the auditory retest. Method This is a cross-sectional quantitative study. For data collection, we handed a semi-structured questionnaire to 60 mothers of babies at risk for hearing loss who did not attend the hearing retest after hospital discharge. The questionnaire investigated their age, education, marital status, level of knowledge about the hearing screening, and reasons for non-compliance with the retest. We compared and analyzed data using the Chi-square test at a significance level of 0.05 %. Results Our study found that 63% of the respondents were unaware of the hearing screening and most did not receive guidance on testing during prenatal care; 30% of participants stated forgetting as the reason for not attending the retest. There was no significant relationship between age, education, and marital status regarding knowledge about the test and the non-compliance with the retest. Conclusion Identified as the most significant determining factors for non-compliance with the newborn hearing screening retest were the surveyed mothers' forgetting the date, and their ignorance as to the importance of retesting.

Hearing Health in Agricultural Aviation Pilots from Cindacta II Wearing Earplugs and a Helmet

Abstract Introduction Agricultural aviation pilots, exposed daily to intense vibration and noise, are likely to develop noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of audiograms consistent with NIHL in agricultural aviation pilots who use earplugs and helmets. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional cohort and observational study. The data were taken from the medical records and audiograms of 94 pilots. Results NIHL was identified in 9.5% of individuals with hearing loss by audiograms at 3,000, 4,000, or 6,000 Hz. Normal audiograms were observed in 46.8% of pilots surveyed. Bilateral hearing loss was more frequent than unilateral hearing loss, occurring in 64.8% of cases. Conclusion Although there was a low incidence of audiograms compatible with NIHL in the records of the pilots examined, the disorder still occurs despite the doubled use of individual hearing protection equipment (helmets and earplugs) for agricultural aviation pilots. Nevertheless, even with the use of earplugs and helmets as noise protectors, the data showed that agricultural pilots suffer inner ear damage caused by occupational noise. Prevention and periodic audiologic evaluations must be conducted in noiseexposed occupational groups.

High-frequency profile in adolescents and its relationship with the use of personal stereo devices / Perfil de alta frequência em adolescentes e sua relação com o uso de MP3 players

Abstract Objective: To analyze and correlate the audiometric findings of high frequencies (9–16 kHz) in adolescents with their hearing habits and attitudes, in order to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, which included 125 adolescents in a sample of normal-hearing students, at a state school. The subjects performed high-frequency audiometry testing and answered a self-administered questionnaire addressing information on sound habits concerning the use of personal stereo devices. The sample was divided according to the exposure characteristics (time, duration, intensity, etc.) and the results were compared with the observed thresholds, through the difference in proportions test, chi-squared, Student's t-test, and ANOVA, all at a significance level of 0.05. Results: Average high-frequency thresholds were registered below 15 dB HL and no significant correlation was found between high frequency audiometric findings and the degree of exposure. Conclusion: The prevalence of harmful sound habits due to the use of personal stereo devices is high in the adolescent population, but there was no correlation between exposure to high sound pressure levels through personal stereos and the high-frequency thresholds in this population.

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar e correlacionar os achados audiométricos de altas frequências (9-16 kHz) em adolescentes com seus hábitos e atitudes de audição para prevenir perda auditiva induzida por ruído. Método: Este é um estudo transversal descritivo que incluiu 125 adolescentes em uma amostra de alunos ouvintes em uma escola estadual. Os indivíduos foram submetidos a testes de audiometria de altas frequências e responderam a um questionário autoadministrado que abordava informações sobre hábitos sonoros com relação ao uso de MP3 players. A amostra foi dividida de acordo com as características de exposição (tempo, duração, intensidade etc.) e os resultados foram comparados com os limites observados, por meio dos testes de diferença de proporções, qui-quadrado, t de Student e análise de variância (Anova), todos em um nível de significância de 0,05. Resultados: Foi registrada média de limiares de altas frequências abaixo de 15 dB HL e não foi encontrada correção significativa entre os achados audiométricos de altas frequências e o grau de exposição. Conclusão: A prevalência de hábitos sonoros prejudiciais devido ao uso de MP3 players é alta na população adolescente, porém não houve correlação entre a exposição a altos níveis de pressão sonora por meio de MP3 players e os limiares de altas frequências nessa população.

Hearing rehabilitation in Treacher Collins Syndrome with bone anchored hearing aid / Reabilitação auditiva na Síndrome de Treacher Collins por meio de prótese auditiva ancorada no osso

Objective: To describe a case of hearing rehabilitation with bone anchored hearing aid in a patient with Treacher Collins syndrome. Case description: 3 years old patient, male, with Treacher Collins syndrome and severe complications due to the syndrome, mostly related to the upper airway and hearing. He had bilateral atresia of external auditory canals, and malformation of the pinna. The initial hearing rehabilitation was with bone vibration arch, but there was poor acceptance due the discomfort caused by skull compression. It was prescribed a model of bone-anchored hearing aid, in soft band format. The results were evaluated through behavioral hearing tests and questionnaires Meaningful Use of Speech Scale (MUSS) and Infant-Toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (IT-MAIS). Comments: The patient had a higher acceptance of the bone-anchored hearing aid compared to the traditional bone vibration arch. Audiological tests and the speech and auditory skills assessments also showed better communication and hearing outcomes. The bone-anchored hearing aid is a good option in hearing rehabilitation in this syndrome.

Objetivo: Descrever um caso de reabilitação auditiva por meio do uso de prótese auditiva ancorada no osso em um paciente portador da síndrome de Treacher Collins. Descrição do caso: Paciente de três anos, masculino, portador da síndrome de Treacher Collins, com complicações graves relacionadas à síndrome, principalmente de vias aéreas altas e audição. Apresentava atresia de condutos auditivos externos bilateralmente, além de malformação dos pavilhões auditivos. Para reabilitação auditiva inicial foi indicado aparelho auditivo em arco de vibração óssea, porém houve péssima aceitação pelo desconforto causado pela compressão no crânio. Foi indicado como método opcional um modelo de prótese auditiva ancorada no osso, no formato softband. Os resultados foram avaliados por meio de testes auditivos comportamentais e dos questionários Meaningful Use of Speech Scale (Muss) e Infant-Toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (IT-Mais). Comentários: O paciente teve uma excelente aceitação da prótese auditiva ancorada no osso quando comparada com o tradicional arco de vibração óssea. Os testes audiológicos, bem como as avaliações de habilidades de fala e de audição, também demonstraram melhores capacidades de comunicação e audição. Esse equipamento mostra-se uma boa opção na reabilitação auditiva de portadores dessa síndrome.

Newborn physiological responses to noise in the neonatal unit, / Respostas fisiológicas de neonatos frente a ruídos em unidade neonatal

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The incorporation of technologies in the care of infants has contributed to increased survival; however, this has turned neonatal unit into a noisy environment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the physiological and functional effects resulting from the exposure to noise on low-weight newborns in incubators in a neonatal unit. METHODS: Prospective, observational, quantitative, exploratory, descriptive study. The adopted statistical method included tables of frequency, descriptive statistics, and Student's t-test, with a 0.05 level of significance. As data collection tools, the environmental noise and the noise inside of the incubator were evaluated, and the Assessment of Preterm Infant Behavior scale was used to assess premature newborn behavior and projected specifically to document the neurobehavioral functioning of preterm infants. The data collection occurred from September of 2012 to April of 2013; 61 low-weight newborns admitted in the neonatal unit and in incubators were observed. RESULTS: Significant differences in the variables heart rate and oxygen saturation were noted when newborns were exposed to noise. CONCLUSION: Low-weight neonates in incubators present physiological alterations when facing discomfort caused by environmental noise in neonatal units.

Resumo INTRODUÇÃO: A incorporação de tecnologias no cuidado dos recém-nascidos contribui para o aumento da sobrevivência, porém, transformou as unidades neonatais em locais muito ruidosos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos fisiológicos e funcionais decorrentes de exposição a ruídos em uma unidade neonatal em recém-nascidos de baixo peso em incubadora. MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo, de caráter observacional, de abordagem quantitativa e natureza descritiva exploratória. O método estatístico utilizado foi o de tabelas de frequência, estatística descritiva e o teste t de student pareado, ao nível de significância de 0,05. Como instrumento de coleta dos dados foi avaliado o ruído ambiental e no interior das incubadoras e utilizada a escala assessment of preterm infant behavior para avaliação do comportamento dos bebês prematuros e projetada especificamente para documentar o funcionamento neurocomporta-mental dos bebês pré-termo. A coleta dos dados aconteceu no período de setembro de 2012 a abril de 2013 e foram observados 61 recém-nascidos de baixo peso em incubadora internados na unidade neonatal. RESULTADOS: Verifica-se a existência de diferenças significativas na variável frequência cardíaca e saturação de oxigênio frente à exposição a ruídos. CONCLUSÃO: Recém-nascidos de baixo peso em incubadora apresentam alterações fisiológicas quando se encontram em desconforto causado pelo ruído ambiente de unidades neonatais.

Relationship between otolaryngologic complaints and systemic comorbidities observed in a group of hearing aid users

Introduction Optimization of the selection, adaptation, and benefit of hearing aids is necessary to characterize and manage hearing loss, user expectations, otolaryngologic symptoms, and systemic comorbidities. Objective To compare the occurrence of otologic complaints, systemic diseases, and effective use of hearing aids in men and women with deafness. Methods Patients from a Unified Health System-accredited hearing health service, who reported problems in adapting to their hearing aids, were evaluated by a physician and audiologist. An anamnesis, ENT evaluation, and audiological evaluation were performed. Results During the data collection period, 278 subjects came in for follow-up visits; of these, 61 (21%) reported otologic or operational problems with their equipment. The most prevalent type of hearing loss was basocochlear, a characteristic of presbycusis, in both men and women; the most frequently reported comorbidities were hypercholesterolemia (more significant in women) and hypertension (more significant in men). Fourteen subjects reported using their device discontinuously, with no significant difference between genders; the reasons for discontinuation of use were itching and ringing, with more complaints from women. Conclusion The incidence of systemic and audiological complaints is high in this population. These patients should be evaluated thoroughly, as resolutions of these complaints can contribute to improving the quality of life and assist in the process of hearing aid fitting.

Characterization of Hearing Thresholds from 500 to 16, 000 Hz in Dentists: A Comparative Study

Introduction High-level noise exposure in dentists' workplaces may cause damages to the auditory systems. High-frequency audiometry is an important tool in the investigation in the early diagnosis of hearing loss. Objectives To analyze the auditory thresholds at frequencies from 500 to 16,000 Hz of dentists in the city of Curitiba. Methods This historic cohort study retrospectively tested hearing thresholds from 500 to 16,000 Hz with a group of dentists from Curitiba, in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Eighty subjects participated in the study, separated into a dentist group and a control group, with the same age range and gender across groups but with no history of occupational exposure to high levels of sound pressure in the control group. Subjects were tested with conventional audiometry and high-frequency audiometry and answered a questionnaire about exposure to noise. Results Results showed that 81% of dentists did not receive any information regarding noise at university; 6 (15% ) dentists had sensorineural hearing impairment; significant differences were observed between the groups only at frequencies of 500 Hz and 1,000, 6,000 and 8,000 Hz in the right ear. There was no significant difference between the groups after analysis of mean hearing thresholds of high frequencies with the average hearing thresholds in conventional frequencies; subjects who had been working as dentists for longer than 10 years had worse tonal hearing thresholds at high frequencies. Conclusions In this study, we observed that dentists are at risk for the development of sensorineural hearing loss especially after 10 years of service. .

Childhood Hearing Health: Educating for Prevention of Hearing Loss

Introduction The presence of noise in our society has attracted the attention of health professionals, including speech-language pathologists, who have been charged along with educators with developing hearing conservation programs in schools. Objective To describe the results of three strategies for awareness and hearing preservation in first to fourth grades in public elementary schools. Methods The level of environmental noise in classrooms was assessed, and 638 elementary school students from first to fourth grades, 5 to 10 years of age, were audiologically evaluated. After the evaluations, educational activities were presented to children and educators. Results The noise level in the classroom ranged from 71.8 to 94.8 A-weighted decibels. The environment of the classroom was found to promote sound reverberation, which hinders communication. Thirty-two students (5.1%) presented hearing alterations. Conclusion The application of strategies for a hearing conservation program at the school showed that noise is present in the room, and hearing loss, sometimes silent, affects schoolchildren. Students and teachers were aware that hearing problems can be prevented. Avoiding exposure to noise and improving the acoustics in classrooms are essential. .