Analysis of rehabilitation effects of cochlear implantation in elderly patients with prelingual deafness / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:The auditory and speech rehabilitation effects were assessed by the Categories of Auditory Performance（CAP） and the speech intelligibility rating scale（SIR） after cochlear implantation（CI） in prelingually elderly patients by telephone follow-up or face-to-face conversation. Methods:The clinical data of the prelingually deaf patients who underwent unilateral CI in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Shanxi People's Hospital, from December 2016 to December 2021 were collected. Thirty-eight patients were divided into Group A（SIR 1, 17 cases）, Group B（SIR 2, 10 cases） and Group C（SIR 3, 11 cases） according to the preoperative SIR Score. Nineteen patients with post-lingual hearing impairment were selected as the control group（Group D, 19 cases）. The effects of hearing and speech rehabilitation were evaluated using CAP and SIR Scores before surgery, 6 months after startup, and 1 year after startup. Results:There were no significant differences in CAP scores among the three groups of patients with prelingually deaf patients at 6 months and 1 year after startup（P>0.05）, but there were significant differences between group A and group D at 6 months and 1 year after startup（P<0.05）; the SIR Score of group A had statistical difference before surgery and 6 months after startup（P<0.05）, group B had statistical difference before surgery and 1 year after startup（P<0.05）, and group C and D had no statistical difference before surgery and 6 months and 1 year after startup, respectively（P>0.05）. Conclusion:For the prelingually deaf elderly patients, hearing will develop rapidly 6 months after startup, and the effect of postoperative auditory rehabilitation was positively correlated with the preoperative speech ability. In the aspect of speech, the prelingually dear elderly patients who have poor preoperative speech ability could benefit more from CI early after surgery. CI is not contraindicated in prelingually deaf elderly patients, even those with poor preoperative speech function.

A multiscale feature extraction algorithm for dysarthric speech recognition / 生物医学工程学杂志

In this paper, we propose a multi-scale mel domain feature map extraction algorithm to solve the problem that the speech recognition rate of dysarthria is difficult to improve. We used the empirical mode decomposition method to decompose speech signals and extracted Fbank features and their first-order differences for each of the three effective components to construct a new feature map, which could capture details in the frequency domain. Secondly, due to the problems of effective feature loss and high computational complexity in the training process of single channel neural network, we proposed a speech recognition network model in this paper. Finally, training and decoding were performed on the public UA-Speech dataset. The experimental results showed that the accuracy of the speech recognition model of this method reached 92.77%. Therefore, the algorithm proposed in this paper can effectively improve the speech recognition rate of dysarthria.

Evidências de validade do teste informatizado para avaliação das funções executivas / Evidence of validity of the computerized test for evaluating executive functions / Evidencia de validez de la prueba computarizada para evaluación de funciones ejecutivas

Funções executivas (FE) referem-se ao conjunto de habilidades que, de forma integrada, coordenam o comportamento e a cognição. Assim, o comprometimento no desenvolvimento das FE está ligado a vários desfechos negativos ao longo da vida. Portanto, a avaliação dessas habilidades na infância é essencial para identificar e prevenir prejuízos na vida adulta. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar evidências de validade do Teste Informatizado para Avaliação das Funções Executivas (Tafe) pelo critério de idade e pelo padrão de correlação entre medidas do TAFE e outras medidas de FE. Para isso, foi utilizada uma amostra de 51 crianças, entre 4 e 10 anos de idade, matriculadas em uma escola privada na cidade de Goiânia (GO), da pré-escola ao 4º ano do ensino fundamental. Como instrumentos, foram utilizados, além do Tafe, as tarefas de Bloco de Corsi, Teste de Trilhas A e B, Teste de Trilhas Pré-Escolares, Teste de Stroop Pré-Escolares e Subteste Dígitos da Escala Wechsler de Inteligência. Foram conduzidas análises estatísticas Kruskal Wallis para verificar a evidência de validade por relação com idade e análises de correlação não paramétrica de Spearman para avaliar as evidências de validade convergente. O instrumento investigado mostrou-se efetivo para discriminar entre as diferentes faixas etárias, assim, sensível ao desenvolvimento das FE. Os resultados obtidos no Tafe correlacionaram-se aos obtidos em outros testes que também avaliaram FE, mostrando claros padrões de convergência. Logo, as análises dos resultados fornecem evidências de validade ao Tafe, derivadas a partir de diferentes estratégias de investigação.(AU)

Executive functions (EF) refer to the set of skills that, in an integrated way, coordinate behavior and cognition. Thus, the commitment in developing EF is linked to several negative outcomes throughout life. Therefore, the assessment of these abilities in childhood is essential to identify and prevent possible harm in adult life. This study aimed to investigate evidences of validity of the Computerized Test for Evaluation of Executive Functions (TAFE) by the age criterion and by the pattern of correlation between TAFE measures and other EF measures. To this end, a sample of 51 children, between 4 and 10 years old, enrolled in a private school in the municipality of Goiânia (GO), from preschool to the 4th year of elementary school, was used. As instruments, in addition to TAFE, the tasks of Corsi Block, Trails Test A and B, Preschool Trails Test, Preschool Stroop Test and the Digits Subtest of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale were used. Kruskal Wallis statistical analyzes were conducted to verify the evidence of validity by age criteria and Spearman's nonparametric correlation analysis to assess evidence of convergent validation. The instrument investigated was effective to discriminate between different age groups, thus being sensitive to the development of EF. The results obtained in TAFE were correlated with those obtained in other tests that also assess FE, showing patterns of convergence. Therefore, the analysis of the results provides validation evidence to TAFE, derived from different investigation methods.(AU)

Las funciones ejecutivas (FE) se refieren al conjunto de habilidades que coordinan la conducta y la cognición. Así, el deterioro en el desarrollo de FE está relacionado con varios resultados negativos durante la vida. Por tanto, la valoración de estas habilidades en la infancia es fundamental para identificar y prevenir posibles daños en la vida adulta. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la evidencia de validez de la Prueba Computarizada para Evaluación de Funciones Ejecutivas (Tafe) por el criterio de edad y convergencia entre las medidas Tafe y otras medidas de FE. Para ello, se utilizó una muestra de 51 niños, de entre 4 y 10 años de edad, matriculados en un colegio privado de Goiânia (Goiás, Brasil) desde la preescolar hasta 4.º de primaria. Como instrumentos, además del Tafe, se utilizaron las tareas de Bloque de Corsi, el Test de los senderos A y B, el Test de los Senderos Preescolares, el Test de Stroop Preescolar y la Subprueba de Dígitos de la Escala Wechsler de Inteligencia. Se realizaron análisis estadísticos de Kruskal Wallis para verificar la validez por criterios de edad y análisis de correlación no-paramétrica de Spearman para evaluar la evidencia de validez convergente. Tafe demostró ser efectivo para discriminar entre diferentes grupos de edad, así es sensible al desarrollo de FE. Los resultados en Tafe se correlacionaron con los obtenidos en otras pruebas de FE, lo que muestra claros patrones de convergencia. Por tanto, el análisis aporta evidencias de validez para Tafe, derivadas de diferentes estrategias de investigación.(AU)

Identificação perceptiva do posicionamento da língua na produção de [s] por acadêmicos em Fonoaudiologia / Identificación perceptiva del posicionamiento de la lengua de la producción de [s] por académicos en Fonoaudiología / Perceptual analysis of the tongue position in the production of [s] by SLP students

Introdução: a identificação visual do posicionamento dos articuladores e o resultado auditivo na produção de [s] são necessários para decisões clínicas e monitoramento de tratamento. Para avaliadores não treinados esta tarefa pode ser desafiadora. Objetivo: verificar se avaliadores não treinados são capazes de identificar visualmente posições normal e alterada da língua na produção do [s] e perceber, auditivamente, produções normais e alteradas; bem como buscar quais ajustes da língua são mais difíceis de serem percebidos visualmente e quais resultados auditivos são mais facilmente identificados. Método: dez acadêmicos de Fonoaudiologia analisaram 20 amostras de fala gravadas, 10 com produção normal e 10 alterada do fone [s], sendo as respostas comparadas a uma avaliação padrão-ouro. Na análise foi utilizada a concordância Kappa, o teste Qui-quadrado, o Anova de Medidas repetidas e o teste t Student, com 5% de significância. Resultados: houve associação e concordância com a avaliação padrão-ouro para a posição da língua, com porcentagem média de 40% de respostas corretas para a posição normal, 17,5% quando a língua estava contra os dentes e 10% quando interposta. No resultado auditivo, a maioria dos avaliadores não apresentou associação e concordância com o padrão-ouro, sendo a porcentagem média de 50% de respostas corretas na ausência de distorção e com redução significativa quando presente (18,5%). Conclusão: os acadêmicos tiveram dificuldade na identificação visual da posição da língua, particularmente, quando alterada, bem como na identificação auditiva das produções normal ou alterada, sendo maior quando a distorção estava presente.

Introduction: thevisual identification of articulator positioning and auditory perception in the phoneme [s] are needed for clinical decisions and treatment monitoring. This can be challenging for untrained evaluators. Objective: to verify whether untrained evaluators are able to visually identify typical and atypical tongue positions in the production of phoneme [s] and to auditorily perceive typical and atypical productions; as well as to understand which tongue adjustments are more difficult to be visually perceived and which auditory productions are more easily identified. Methods: ten speech-language pathology students analyzed 20 recorded speech samples, being 10 with typical speech production and 10 atypical speech production regarding the [s] movement, and the answers were compared with a gold-standard evaluation. The Kappa agreement, Chi-squared test, Anova repeated measures and Student ́s t-test were used with 5% of significance. Results: there was an association and agreement with the gold standard evaluation for tongue positioning, with a mean percentage of 40% for correct answers regarding typical position, 17.5% when the tongue was against the teeth and 10% when interposed. In the auditory perception; most evaluators did not show association and agreement with the gold standard evaluation, with an average percentage of 50% for correct answers in the absence of distortion and a significant reduction in the presence (18.5%). Conclusion: the students had difficulty in the visual identification of the tongue positioning for atypical speech productions, as well as in the auditory identification of typical or atypical productions, and the greater difficulty occurred when there was distortion.

Introducción: identificar visualmente el posicionamiento del articulador y el resultado auditivo en la producción del [s] son necesarios para tomar decisiones clínicas y monitorear el tratamiento. Objetivo:verificar si los evaluadores no capacitados pueden identificar visualmente las posiciones normales y alteradas de la lengua en la producción del [s] y percibir auditivamente las producciones normales y alteradas; además buscar qué ajustes de la lengua son más difíciles de percibir visualmente y qué resultados auditivos se identifican más fácilmente. Método: estudiantes de Fonoaudiología analizaron 20 muestras de habla grabadas, 10 con producción normal y 10 con producción del fono [s] alterado. Compararon las respuestas con una evaluación patrón oro. En el análisis utilizaron la concordancia Kappa, la prueba Chi-cuadrado, el Anova de Medidas repetidas y la prueba t de Student, con 5% de significancia. Resultados:hubo asociación y concordancia con la evaluación patrón oro para la posición de la lengua, con media de 40% de respuestas correctas para la posición normal, 17,5% con la lengua contra los dientes y 10% cuando interpuesta. En el resultado auditivo, la mayoría de los evaluadores no presentaron asociación y concordancia con el patrón oro, con media de 50% de aciertos en ausencia de distorsión y con reducción significativa cuando presente (18,5%). Conclusión: los estudiantes tuvieron dificultad en identificar visualmente la posición de la lengua, particularmente cuando alterada, y en la identificación auditiva de producciones normales o alteradas, siendo mayor con la distorsión presente.

Valores normativos de pruebas conductuales de procesamiento auditivo para niños chilenos entre 7 y 12 años: una propuesta inicial / Normative values of auditory processing behavioral tests for chilean children between 7 and 12 years old: an initial proposal

Resumen Introducción: El trastorno del procesamiento auditivo en niños está relacionado con trastornos de lenguaje, bajo rendimiento académico, trastornos de aprendizaje y dificultades psicosociales. Existe consenso internacional sobre la utilidad de las pruebas conductuales para su evaluación y diagnóstico. Objetivo: Establecer valores normativos para pruebas conductuales de procesamiento auditivo en población pediátrica chilena con neurodesarrollo y audición normal. Material y Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional de corte transversal. Participaron 153 sujetos entre 7 y 12 años de la Región Metropolitana. Se estudiaron las pruebas de patrones de frecuencia, habla filtrada y dígitos dicóticos. Se construyeron modelos de regresión fraccional para estimar los valores normativos y además se calcularon los puntajes de corte en los percentiles 2.5, 5 y 10. Resultados: No se evidenciaron diferencias significativas entre oídos para las pruebas estudiadas a excepción de la prueba de dígitos dicóticos. Se construyeron modelos únicos para las pruebas patrones de frecuencia y habla filtrada, y modelos independientes para cada oído para la prueba dígitos dicóticos. Todas las estimaciones resultaron significativas y tuvieron niveles aceptables de precisión. Conclusión: Se obtuvieron los valores normativos y puntajes de corte para las tres pruebas estudiadas. Los valores obtenidos fueron similares a los reportados en otras poblaciones considerando los efectos de oído, de edad, sexo y escolaridad.

Abstract Introduction: Auditory processing disorder in children is related to language disorders, poor academic performance, learning disorders, and psychosocial difficulties. There is international consensus on the usefulness of behavioral tests for their evaluation and diagnosis. Aim: To establish normative values for auditory processing behavioral tests in Chilean pediatric population with normal neurodevelopment and hearing thresholds. Material and Method: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out. One hundred fifty-three subjects between 7 and 12 years old from the Metropolitan Region participated. Frequency pattern tests, filtered speech, and dichotic digits were studied. Fractional regression models were built to estimate the normative values, and cut-off scores were also calculated at the 2.5, 5, and 10 percentiles. Results: There were no significant differences between ears for the tests studied except for the dichotic digits test. Single models were built for the frequency and filtered speech patterns tests and independent models for each ear for the dichotic digit test. All estimates were significant and had acceptable levels of precision. Conclusion: The normative values and cut-off scores were obtained for the three tests studied. The values obtained were similar to those reported in other populations considering the effects of ear, age, sex, and education.

Jogo de espelhos: a interferência dos estereótipos na fala dos comunicadores de rádio e podcast / The mirror game: the interference of stereotypes in the speech of radio and podcast communicators / El juego del espejo: la interferencia de los estereotipos en el discurso de los comunicadores de radio y podcast

Introdução: Ouvintes de rádio e podcast deduzem traços de personalidade quando ouvem os apresentadores, a partir exclusivamente da fala desses profissionais. Objetivo: Identificar os fatores que interferem na atribuição de características de personalidade a partir da voz, e discutir como o julgamento do público pode modificar a performance dos apresentadores de rádio e podcast. Método: Por meio de um levantamento bibliográfico inicial, foram apresentadas referências bibliográficas sobre pesquisas de julgamento de voz, considerando aspectos socioculturais e de gênero, e a interferência dos estereótipos no comportamento e na fala dos indivíduos. Resultados: Pesquisas de julgamento de personalidade pela voz indicam que a avaliação dos ouvintes se baseia nos traços de personalidade mais marcantes e valorizados socialmente, ou seja, os estereótipos. Considerando que os mesmos valores são compartilhados também pelos comunicadores, é possível supor que esses procurem imprimir na sua fala características que agradem ao público. Conclusão: A tentativa de corresponder aos estereótipos parece resultar na padronização da fala dos comunicadores de rádio e podcast.

Introduction: Radio and podcast listeners deduce personality traits when they listen to presenters, exclusively from the speech of these professionals. Objective: To identify the factors that interfere in the attribution of personality characteristics based on the voice, and to discuss how the audience ́s judgment can modify the performance of radio and podcast presenters. Methods: Through initial bibliographic survey, bibliographical references on voice judgment research were presented, considering sociocultural and gender aspects, and the interference of stereotypes in the behavior and speech of individuals. Results:Surveys of personality judgment by voice indicate that the listeners; assessment is based on the most striking and socially valued personality traits: the stereotypes. Considering that the same values are also shared by communicators, it is possible to suppose that they try imprinting characteristics in their speech that please the public. Conclusion: The attempt to correspond to stereotypes seems to result in the standardization of the speech of radio and podcast communicators.

Introducción: Los oyentes de radio y podcasts deducen rasgos de personalidad cuando escuchan a los presentadores, exclusivamente del discurso de estos profesionales. Objetivo: Identificar los factores que interfieren en la atribución de características de personalidad basadas en la voz y discutir cómo el juicio de la audiencia puede modificar el desempeño de los presentadores de radio y podcast. Metodos:Através de un estudio bibliográfico inicial, se presentaron referencias bibliográficas sobre investigaciones de juicio de voz, considerando aspectos socioculturales y de género, y la interferencia de estereotipos en la conducta y el habla de los individuos. Resultados: Las encuestas de juicio de personalidad por voz indican que la valoración de los oyentes se basa en los rasgos de personalidad más llamativos y valorados socialmente, es decir, los estereotipos. Teniendo en cuenta que los mismos valores también los comparten los comunicadores, es posible suponer que intentan imprimir en su discurso características que agraden al público. Conclusión: El intento de corresponder a los estereotipos parece resultar en la estandarización del habla de los comunicadores de radio y podcast.

Adaptación transcultural al español chileno de las escalas CAP-II y SIR en formato online para padres de niños(as) con audífonos o implantes cocleares / Chilean spanish transcultural adaptation of CAP-II and SIR scales in an online format for parents of children with hearing aids or cochlear implants

La adquisición de lengua oral representa un desafío para niñas/os sordas/os o con pérdida auditiva (NSPA) que utilizan audífonos o implante coclear (CI). Tomar decisiones a tiempo durante el tratamiento con dispositivos es esencial y requiere de evaluaciones adecuadas. Dos instrumentos usados en la toma de decisiones son las escalas "Categories of Auditory Performance Index II" (CAP-II) y "Speech Intelligibility Rating Scale" (SIR). Estas escalas han mostrado ser útiles para la evaluación continua del desarrollo de habilidades auditivas y de la lengua oral en variados idiomas, pero estas no están disponibles para el español chileno. El objetivo de este estudio es crear traducciones en español chileno de las escalas CAP-II y SIR, las que puedan ser usadas como auto-reporte online por padres y cuidadores con el fin de asistir a profesionales en el monitoreo del progreso de niños/as NSPA, considerando las restricciones impuestas por el COVID-19. El método usado en el proceso comienza con la traducción de una propuesta de auto-reporte de las versiones originales en inglés de las escalas CAP-II y SIR. Finalmente, las versiones en español chileno fueron testeadas en 107 padres-cuidadores de niñas/os NSPA con CI. Los resultados sugieren que estos instrumentos serían adecuados para su uso en el contexto chileno.

Spoken language acquisition is challenging for very young deaf or hard-of-hearing children (DHH) who wear hearing aids or cochlear implants (CI). Timely decision-making for treatment is essential for these children and requires suitable assessments. Two such assessments are the Categories of Auditory Performance Index II (CAP-II) and the Speech Intelligibility Rating Scale (SIR). These have been shown to be helpful for the ongoing evaluation of developing speech perception and spoken language skills in various languages, but they are not available in Chilean Spanish. This study aimed to create a Chilean Spanish translation of the CAP-II and SIR, appropriate for online self-administration by parents-caregivers in Chile, to assist professionals in monitoring DHH children's progress, considering the COVID-19 restrictions. The methods used in the process started with translating a self-report proposal from the original English versions of the CAP-II and SIR scales. Finally, the Chilean Spanish versions were tested in 107 Chilean parents-caregivers of DHH children with CIs. The results suggest these instruments are suitable for use in a Chilean context.

Desenvolvimento de habilidades auditivas de crianças no primeiro ano após o implante coclear unilateral e bilateral / Development of children's auditory skills in the first year after unilateral and bilateral cochlear implant

RESUMO Objetivo identificar se as diferenças no desenvolvimento da aquisição das habilidades auditivas iniciais em crianças após o implante coclear, unilateral ou bilateral, podem ser evidenciadas durante o primeiro ano de uso. Métodos estudo longitudinal retrospectivo de levantamento de prontuários. Foram incluídas crianças que receberam o implante coclear antes dos 4 anos de idade, separadas em dois grupos. O primeiro, composto por crianças implantadas unilateralmente e o segundo, por crianças implantadas bilateral e simultaneamente. Foram coletados os dados referentes à escala IT-MAIS (Infant-Toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale) antes da cirurgia e três meses, seis meses e um ano após a cirurgia. Esses resultados foram comparados com os marcadores clínicos já existentes. Além disso, as famílias foram classificadas segundo a Escala de Avaliação de Envolvimento Familiar. Resultados foram avaliados os resultados de 29 crianças com implante coclear bilateral e 30 crianças com implante coclear unilateral. A pontuação obtida no IT-MAIS dos dois grupos foi semelhante aos marcadores clínicos. Quanto à Escala de Avaliação de Envolvimento Familiar, houve diferença, mostrando que as famílias do grupo dos bilaterais estavam mais envolvidas. Conclusão no primeiro ano de uso do implante coclear, o desenvolvimento da aquisição das habilidades auditivas iniciais das crianças implantadas bilateralmente não diferiu do desenvolvimento de crianças implantadas unilateralmente, sugerindo que as habilidades auditivas iniciais são passíveis de desenvolvimento com entrada auditiva unilateral.

ABSTRACT Purpose To identify the development of initial auditory skills in children with unilateral and bilateral cochlear implant during the first year of use. Methods Retrospective longitudinal study of medical records of children who received cochlear implant under the age of four, separated into two groups. The first, composed of children implanted unilaterally and the second, by children implanted and simultaneously. Data on the IT-MAIS scale (Infant-Toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale) were collected before surgery and three months, six months and one year after surgery. These results were compared with the existing Clinical Markers. In addition, the family's classification was noted, according to the Family Involvement Assessment Scale. Results The data of 29 children with bilateral cochlear implant and 30 children with unilateral cochlear implant were evaluated. The IT-MAIS score of the two groups was similar to the Clinical Markers. Regarding the Family Involvement Assessment Scale, there was a difference, showing that families in the bilateral group were more involved. Conclusion In the first year of use of the cochlear implant, the development of children implanted bilaterally did not differ from the development of children implanted unilaterally, suggesting that initial auditory skills are likely to develop with unilateral auditory input.

Desempenho em leitura, ordenação temporal, motivação e queixas escolares: estudo preliminar / Reading performance, temporal ordering, motivation and school complaints: preliminary study

RESUMO Objetivo verificar a associação entre o desempenho em leitura de crianças e adolescentes e a presença de queixas escolares, habilidade auditiva de ordenação temporal e motivação escolar. Métodos estudo observacional analítico transversal, com amostra de conveniência composta por 36 participantes. Os instrumentos de coleta foram questionário de caracterização, Critério de Classificação Econômica do Brasil, avaliação auditiva, testes de Memória para Sons Verbais, Não Verbais em Sequência, Padrão de Frequência e de Duração, Desempenho Escolar, as Provas de Avaliação dos Processos de Leitura e a Escala para Avaliação da Motivação Escolar Infantojuvenil. A variável resposta deste estudo foi "processos de leitura". Os testes Qui-quadrado de Pearson e Exato de Fisher foram utilizados para as análises de associação. Resultados as análises de associação revelaram que a maioria dos participantes com alteração nas tarefas de leitura apresentou, também, adequação da ordenação temporal simples e inadequação da ordenação temporal complexa. Não houve associação com significância estatística entre o desempenho em leitura e a presença de queixas escolares, habilidade auditiva de ordenação temporal e motivação escolar. Contudo, observou-se que a maioria dos participantes com alteração na leitura apresentou queixa de dificuldades escolares, baixo desempenho acadêmico e motivação escolar média. Conclusão embora não tenha indicado significância estatística na maioria das associações realizadas, o presente estudo evidenciou que há relação entre o desempenho em leitura de crianças e adolescentes e a presença de queixas escolares, habilidade auditiva de ordenação temporal e motivação escolar.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the association between reading performance of children and adolescents and the presence of school complaints, hearing ordering ability and school motivation. Methods Cross-sectional observational study with a convenience sample composed of 36 participants. The instruments used were the Sociodemographic and School Characterization Questionnaire, the Economic Classification Criterion of Brazil, the auditory evaluation, the Memory Tests for Verbal and Non-verbal Sounds in Sequence, the Frequency and Duration Pattern Tests, the School Performance Test, the Assessment of Reading Processes and the Scale for Assessing Children's School Motivation. The response variable in this study was the reading process. Pearson's Chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests were used for association analyzes. Results The association analysis revealed that most participants who presented changes in reading tasks also presented adequacy of simple temporal ordering and inadequacy in complex temporal ordering. There was no statistically significant association between reading performance and the presence of school complaints, temporal ordering auditory ability and school motivation. However, it was observed that most participants with reading disorders complained of school difficulties, poor academic performance, average school motivation, adequacy of simple temporal ordering and inadequacy of complex temporal ordering. Conclusion Although it did not show statistical significance in most of the associations performed, the present study showed that there is an relationship between the reading performance of children and adolescents and the presence of school complaints, temporal ordering auditory ability and school motivation.

Correspondência entre alvo e saída da prótese auditiva segundo as regras prescritivas NAL-NL1 e NAL-NL2 / Correspondência entre alvo e saída da prótese auditiva segundo as regras prescritivas NAL-NL1 e NAL-NL2

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar comparativamente os alvos prescritos pelas regras NAL (National Acoustic Laboratories) não lineares com a resposta da prótese auditiva obtida por meio das mensurações com microfone-sonda no ajuste de uso efetivo, de acordo com o grau da perda auditiva. Método Participaram do estudo 67 usuários experientes de próteses auditivas. Todos foram reavaliados quando compareceram às sessões de acompanhamento periódico. Nesse momento, realizou-se avaliação audiológica, registrando-se as horas de uso do dispositivo e realizando-se a resposta com prótese auditiva (REAR - Real Ear Aided Response). Resultados Observou-se que 80% das próteses auditivas de todos os grupos atingiram a faixa analisada, com exceção do grupo de perda moderada. Também foi realizada a análise da porcentagem de orelhas cuja resposta com prótese auditiva estivesse em ±5 dB para as frequências baixas e ±8 dB nas altas frequências e observou-se que menos de 80% dos ajustes atingiram esta faixa. Intervalos de confiança foram construídos para verificar a faixa de adaptação de preferência dos usuários experientes. Conclusão A faixa de ±10 dB demonstra ser a de preferência dos usuários. Porém, para usuários experientes, sugere-se que a faixa de adaptação encontre-se na faixa de ±3 nas frequências baixas e médias e ±7 na região de altas frequências.

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare the targets prescribed by the non-linear NAL with the real ear aided response - REAR obtained through probe microphone in the setting of effective use according to the degree of hearing loss. Methods 67 experienced hearing aid users participated in the study. All were reassessed when attending follow-up sessions. At that moment, they were asked whether they had any complaints with respect to the amplification. An audiological evaluation was performed, the hours of use of the device were recorded and the new probe microphone measurement was taken. Results The percentage of ears with REAR within ± 10dB of the prescriptive target was verified. It was observed that 80% of the hearing aids of all groups reached the analyzed range, with the exception of the moderate hearing loss group. We also performed the analysis of the percentage of ears whose hearing aid response was within ± 5 dB for the low frequencies and ± 8 dB for the high frequencies, and it was observed that less than 80% of the adjustments reached this range. Confidence intervals were constructed to verify the preference fit to target of experienced users. Conclusion The range of ±10dB proves to be the users' preference. For experienced users, it is suggested that the adaptation phase be found in the range of ±3 in the low and medium frequencies and ±7 in the high frequency region

Postoperative rehabilitation effect and influence factors of adult prelingual deafness with cochlear implant / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To investigate whether pre-lingual deafness adult caused by inadequate auditory compensation in childhood can benefit from cochlear implants and the related influencing factors. Methods: A total of 26 prelingual deafness as experimental group [11 males and 15 females, the age of operation was (24.5±5.7) years] and 13 postlingual deafness as control group [5 males and 8 females, the age at the time of operation was (42.2±11.4) years] were recruited. Objective assessment included hearing threshold and speech recognition rate tests while wearing cochlear implants. Subjective assessment used Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire to assess hearing-related quality of life of subjects. The changes of hearing ability in the prelingual deafness group before and after operation and the differences with the postlingual deafness group were compared, and the correlation between speech recognition ability and the age diagnosed as severe or profound deafness, the age of hearing aid invalid, and duration of wearing cochlear implant were analyzed as factor indicators. All statistical results were analyzed by SAS 9.4 software. Results: In terms of objective indicators, the speech recognition rate of pre-lingual deafness was significantly lower than that of post-lingual deafness [(35.4±28.0)% vs (80.9±8.0)%,t=7.67, P<0.001], while there was no statistical difference in hearing threshold between the two groups [(34.8±4.0) dB HL vs (33.1±3.7) dB HL, t=1.30, P>0.05]. The indicators in the subjective questionnaire showed that the prelingual deafness group was only weaker in advanced sound perception, confidence and total mean score than the post-lingual deafness group (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in other aspects(P>0.05), meanwhile, all indicators of the prelingual deafness group were significantly improved compared with the preoperative level (P<0.001). There was a moderate positive correlation between the hearing quality and the speech recognition rate in the prelingual deafness group(r=0.51, P=0.008). The regression analysis showed that the invalid age of hearing aid was the exact influencing factor of speech recognition rate. Conclusions: Certain prelingual deaf adults can adapt to cochlear implants and obtain different degrees of auditory assistance. Compared with the improvement of objective auditory ability assessment, the patient who received cochlear implantation gain more improvement in auditory related quality of life subjectively. The ineffective age of preoperative hearing aid is an important factor, which needs to be aroused sufficient preoperative attention.

The function of auditory cortex in the elderly using functional near-infrared spectroscopy technology / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to study the effect of aging on the neuroimaging characteristics of cerebral cortex in the process of speech perception. Method: Thirty-four adults with normal hearing were recruited from March 2021 to June 2021, including 17 in the young group, with 6 males, 11 females, age (32.1±5.0) years, age range 20-39 years. and 17 in the elderly group, with 6 males, 11 females, age (63.2±2.8) years, age range 60-70 years. The test material was the sentence table of the Mandarin Hearing Test in Noise (MHINT). The task state block experiment design was adopted, and the temporal lobe, Broca's area, Wernicke's area, motor cortex were used as regions of interest. Objective brain imaging technology (fNIRS) combined with subjective psychophysical testing method was used to analyze the activation area and degree of cerebral cortex related to auditory speech perception in the elderly and young people under different listening conditions (quiet, signal-to-noise ratio of 10 dB, 5 dB, 0 dB, -5 dB). SPSS 23 software was used for statistical analysis. Result: The activation area and degree of activation in the elderly group were lower than those in the young group under each task condition; The number of activation channels in the young group were significantly more than those in the old group, and the number of activation channels in the left hemisphere were more than those in the right hemisphere, but there was no difference in the number of activation channels. There were more channels affected by age in the left hemisphere than in the right hemisphere. The activation degree of the young group when the signal-to-noise ratio was 0 dB was significantly higher than that of other signal-to-noise ratio conditions (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the old group under the five conditions (P>0.05). The speech recognition score of the young group was higher than that of the old group under all conditions. When the quiet and signal-to-noise ratio was 10 dB, the correct score of the two groups was equal or close to 100%. With the gradual decrease of signal-to-noise ratio, there was a significant difference between the two groups when the signal-to-noise ratio was 5 dB. The speech recognition accuracy of the young group decreased significantly when the signal-to-noise ratio was 0 dB, while that of the old group decreased significantly when the signal-to-noise ratio was 5 dB. Conclusions: With the increase of age, the speech perception in noisy environment and the activity of cerebral cortex gradually deteriorate, and the speech dominance hemisphere (left hemisphere) will be significantly affected by aging. The overall activation area and activation degree of the elderly under different speech tasks are lower than those of the young.

Aspectos cognitivos e auditivos: o efeito do envelhecimento no declínio do reconhecimento de fala / Cognitive and auditory aspects: the effect of aging on the decline of speech recognition / Aspectos cognitivos y auditivos: el efecto del envejecimiento sobre la disminución del reconocimiento de voz

Introdução: Dificuldades de desempenho comunicativo e de reconhecimento de fala em ambientes ruidosos são associadas ao envelhecimento. O declínio do reconhecimento da fala com ruído competitivo é devido a uma combinação de fatores auditivos e não-auditivos que acentuam ao longo do tempo e com o avanço da idade. Objetivo: Identificar os aspectos cognitivos e auditivos que contribuem para o declínio do reconhecimento de fala no ruído em idosos. Método: Trata-se de um estudo prospectivo, analítico, observacional e transversal. A amostra foi composta por dois grupos: um de adultos e outro de idosos, selecionados conforme os seguintes critérios de inclusão: ouvintes normais; idade entre 18 e 70 anos, de ambos os sexos. Os aspectos cognitivos foram analisados pelo Montreal Cognitive Assessment e, nos processos auditivos, foram aplicados testes de audiometria tonal limiar, psicofísicos de reconhecimento de fala em escuta difícil e de resolução temporal. Resultados: Quando comparados por grupo etário, os testes psicoacústicos apresentaram diferenças significativas nas condições: 1) SSI / OD - S/R 0 (p=0,001), 2) SSI / OD - S/R -15 (p=0,000), 3) HINT / OE S/R -10 (p=0,03), 5) HINT / OE S/R -15 (p= 0,02) quando aplicado o teste Mann Whitney U. Quando comparados por grupo etário, os testes GIN e TDD não apresentaram diferenças significativas. Já quando os testes psicoacústicos foram comparados independentes do grupo etário, os sujeitos com MoCA normal e alterados não apresentaram diferenças significativas (p=0,280). Conclusão: A partir da amostra estudada, observou-se que os aspectos cognitivos não contribuíram no desempenho da percepção de fala com estímulos competitivos quando comparados os grupos de adultos e idosos. Por outro lado, os aspectos auditivos avaliados mostraram que os idosos apresentam maiores dificuldades de compreensão da fala no ruído quando comparados aos indivíduos mais jovens.

Introduction: Difficulties in communicative performance and speech recognition in noise are associated with aging. The decline in speech recognition with competitive noise is due to a combination of auditory and non-auditory factors that worsens over time and with aging. Objective: To identify the cognitive and auditory aspects that contribute to the decline of speech recognition in noise in the elderly. Method: This is a prospective, analytical, observational and cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of two groups: one of adults and one of elderly, selected according to the following inclusion criteria: normal listeners; between 18 and 70 years old, of both sexes. The cognitive aspects were analyzed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and, in the auditory processes, pure-tone audiometry threshold tests, psychophysical speech recognition in difficult listening and temporal resolution were applied. Results: When compared by age group, psychoacoustic tests showed significant differences in conditions: 1) SSI / RE - SNR 0 (p = 0.001), 2) SSI / RE - SNR -15 (p = 0.000), 3) HINT / LE SNR -10 (p = 0.03), 5) HINT / LE SNR -15 (p = 0.02) when the Mann Whitney U test was applied. GIN and DDT tests did not show significant differences. When the psychoacoustic tests were compared regardless of the age group, the subjects with normal and changed MoCA did not present significant differences (p = 0.280). Conclusion: From the studied sample, cognitive aspects did not contribute to the performance of speech perception with competitive stimuli when comparing the adults and the elderly. On the other hand, the assessed auditory aspects showed that the elderly have greater difficulties in understanding speech in noise when compared to younger individuals.

Introducción: Las dificultades en el desempeño comunicativo y el reconocimiento del habla en entornos ruidosos están asociadas con el envejecimiento. La disminución del reconocimiento de voz con ruido competitivo se debe a una combinación de factores auditivos y no auditivos que se acentúan con el tiempo y con la edad. Objetivo: Identificar los aspectos cognitivos y auditivos que contribuyen al declive del reconocimiento del habla en ruido en las personas mayores. Método: Se trata de un estudio prospectivo, analítico, observacional y transversal. La muestra estuvo conformada por dos grupos: uno para adultos y otro para ancianos, seleccionados según los siguientes criterios de inclusión: oyentes normales; entre 18 y 70 años, de ambos los sexos. Los aspectos cognitivos fueron analizados por la Evaluación Cognitiva de Montreal y, en los procesos auditivos, se aplicaron pruebas de audiometría tonal umbral, reconocimiento psicofísico del habla en audiencias difíciles y resolución temporal. Resultados: Cuando se compararon por grupo de edad, las pruebas psicoacústicas mostraron diferencias significativas en las condiciones: 1) SSI / OD - S / R 0 (p = 0,001), 2) SSI / OD - S / R -15 (p = 0,000), 3 ) HINT/ OE S / R -10 (p = 0.03), 5) HINT / OE S / R -15 (p = 0.02) cuando se aplicó la prueba Mann Whitney U. Las pruebas GIN y TDD no mostraron diferencias significativas. Cuando se compararon las pruebas psicoacústicas independientemente del grupo de edad, los sujetos con MoCA normal y alterado no presentaron diferencias significativas (p = 0,280). Conclusión: De la muestra estudiada, se observó que los aspectos cognitivos no contribuyeron al desempeño de la percepción del habla con estímulos competitivos al comparar los grupos de adultos y ancianos. Por otro lado, los aspectos auditivos evaluados mostraron que los ancianos tienen mayores dificultades para comprender el habla en ruido en comparación con los más jóvenes.

Cochlear implant and tinnitus-a meta-analysis / Implante coclear e zumbido - Uma metanálise

Abstract Introduction Tinnitus is a frequent symptom in cochlear implant patients, often reported as persistent and disabling in implant candidates. Tinnitus is rarely considered in the preoperative evaluation of patients who are eligible for cochlear implantation. Many studies have shown that a cochlear implant leads to a significant change in the perception of tinnitus. Objective To identify evidence in the scientific literature indicating that cochlear implant in eligible patients with tinnitus can improve tinnitus perception. Methods One hundred forty articles were found from nine databases, and 20 articles from the gray literature mentioned the relationship between cochlear implant and tinnitus perception in patients eligible for cochlear implant. The PICOS (population, intervention, comparison, and outcome) strategy, was used to define the eligibility criteria. The studies that met the inclusion criteria for this second step were included in a qualitative synthesis, and each type of study was analyzed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for quasi-experimental studies and the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for randomized clinical trials. Results The full texts of 11 articles were read, and 6 studies were selected for the meta-analysis. The total sample size in the evaluated articles was 136 patients with tinnitus who were eligible for cochlear implantation. Conclusions Taken together, these findings support the feasibility of cochlear implantation to reduce the perception of tinnitus, thus providing a new perspective in the treatment of tinnitus in patients with hearing loss who are candidates for cochlear implantation.

Resumo Introdução Zumbido é um sintoma frequente em pacientes com implante coclear, comumente relatado como persistente e incapacitante em candidatos ao procedimento. Entretanto, o zumbido raramente é considerado na avaliação pré-operatória de pacientes elegíveis para o implante coclear. Muitos estudos têm demonstrado que o implante coclear leva a uma mudança significativa na percepção do zumbido. Objetivo Identificar evidências na literatura científica que indiquem que o implante coclear em pacientes com zumbido pode melhorar a percepção. Método Foram encontrados 140 artigos em nove bases de dados e 20 artigos da literatura cinzenta mencionaram a relação entre o implante coclear e a percepção do zumbido em pacientes elegíveis para o procedimento. A estratégia PICOS (população, intervenção, comparação e desfecho) foi usada para definir os critérios de elegibilidade. Os estudos que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão para esta segunda etapa foram incluídos em uma síntese qualitativa e cada tipo de estudo foi analisado com a critical appraisal checklist for quasi-experimental studies e a critical appraisal checklist for randomized clinical trials do Joanna Briggs Institute. Resultados Foram lidos os textos completos de 11 artigos e selecionados 6 estudos para a metanálise. O tamanho total da amostra dos artigos avaliados foi de 136 pacientes com zumbido, elegíveis para o implante coclear. Conclusões Em conjunto, esses achados apoiam a viabilidade do implante coclear para reduzir a percepção do zumbido, proporcionam uma nova perspectiva no tratamento do zumbido em pacientes com deficiência auditiva candidatos a esse procedimento.

Phrases in noise test (PINT) Brasil: efetividade do teste em crianças com deficiência auditiva

Resumo Introdução: Uma das principais implicações da deficiência auditiva é a dificuldade na percepção dos sons da fala, sobretudo em ambientes ruidosos. Dessa forma, o sistema de frequência modulada é considerado uma importante ferramenta educacional para crianças com deficiência auditiva, pois promove a melhoria da percepção da fala em ambientes acusticamente desfavoráveis, como em sala de aula. Entre o protocolo de verificação desse dispositivo é indicada a avaliação da percepção da fala no ruído. Objetivo: Verificar a efetividade do teste de percepção da fala no ruído Phrases in Noise Test Brasil em crianças com deficiência auditiva adaptadas com o sistema frequência modulada. Método: Estudo de corte transversal. A amostra incluiu 40 indivíduos, dos 4 anos até os 11 anos e 11 meses, distribuídos em 4 grupos: (1) 10 crianças normo-ouvintes; (2) 13 crianças adaptadas com aparelho de amplificação sonora individual e com sistema frequência modulada; (3) 12 crianças usuárias de implante coclear e adaptadas com sistema de frequência modulada; e (4) 5 crianças com diagnóstico de desordem do espectro da neuropatia auditiva, adaptadas com aparelho de amplificação sonora individual e/ou implante coclear e com sistema de frequência modulada. Foi usado o Phrases in Noise Test Brasil para avaliar a percepção da fala no ruído nas condições sem e com o sistema frequência modulada. Para a análise estatística dos dados foi adotado nível de significância de 5% (p < 0,05). Resultados: Obteve-se uma diferença significativa entre os grupos quando avaliados com o sistema frequência modulada. O teste também foi validado por meio das medidas de validação concorrente e convergente. O Phrases in Noise Test Brasil é uma opção viável para o acompanhamento do desempenho auditivo no ruído em diferentes grupos de crianças com deficiência auditiva. Conclusão: O Phrases in Noise Test Brasil foi efetivo para avaliar a percepção de fala no ruído e pode contribuir para o aprimoramento dos protocolos de indicação, adaptação e acompanhamento do uso do sistema frequência modulada.

Evaluation of adhesive bone conduction hearing aid in pediatric patients with unilateral congenital aural atresia / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To evaluate the auditory efficacy and subjective satisfaction of adhesive bone conduction hearing aid in children with unilateral congenital aural atresia (UCAA). Methods: Ten subjects (5 males and 5 females) diagnosed with UCAA with an average age of 8.3 years old (ranged from 5 to 15) were included in Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from January to August 2019. The free sound field hearing threshold, word recognition score in quiet, speech reception threshold in noise and sound localization ability (results were measured by RMS error) tests were performed in unaided and aided situation, respectively. Subjective satisfaction questionnaires were also distributed to subjects. Paired t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used as statistical analysis methods. Results: The average hearing threshold in aided condition was improved by (21.9±4.4) dB (t=15.8，P<0.05). Speech recognition abilities were generally improved both under quiet and noise (P<0.05);however, when the binaural summation, squelch and head shadow effects were analyzed respectively, the binaural squelch effect was not statistically improved (P>0.05), while the other effects were improved in aided condition (P<0.05). In sound localization test, there was no significant difference of the RMS error value between the unaided and aided situation (P>0.05). The subjects got high satisfaction rates in three subjective questionnaires. Conclusion: The adhesive bone conduction hearing aid can provide significant audiological benefit for children with UCAA as well as raising the quality of their life.

The development of auditory speech perception and spatial hearing abilities within one year after cochlear implantation in preschool prelingual deaf children / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the development of auditory speech perception and spatial hearing abilities within one year after cochlear implantation in preschool prelingual deaf children and the relationship between the two abilities. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 31 preschool children with an average age of (2.3±1.2) years. All cases were assessed at pre-implant, 6 months and 12 months post-implant using the Infant-toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (IT-MAIS), the Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (MAIS) and the Mandarin Early Speech Perception test (MESP) to evaluate their listening and speech perception abilities, and using the Speech,Spatial,and Other Qualities of Hearing Scale for Parents (SSQ-P) questionnaires to evaluate their speech perception and spatial hearing abilities. SPSS 23.0 was used for the statistical analysis. Results: All children performed better at 6 months and 12 months post-implant with IT-MAIS/MAIS, MESP than pre-implant, and the scoring rate continued to improve, with a significant difference (P<0.01). For the SSQ-P (Speech) and SSQ-P (Spatial) scores, the mean scores of pre-implant were (0.9±0.2) points and (0.8±0.3) points, those of 6 months post-implant were (4.6±0.2) and (2.6±0.3), and 12 months post-implant were (6.2±0.2) and (6.3±0.3), the scores of the two groups were significantly different at pre-implant, 6 months and 12 months post-implant (P<0.01). The growth rate of SSQ-P (Spatial) from pre-implant to 12 months post-implant was 675.3%, and the growth rate from 6 months post-implant to 12 months post-implant was 140.6%, the growth rate showed an significant increase compared with IT-MAIS/MAIS, MESP and SSQ-P (Speech).SSQ-P (Speech) and SSQ-P (Spatial) scores were moderate correlation at 12 months post-implant(r=0.465, P=0.008). Conclusions: Within one year after cochlear implantation, listening, speech perception and spatial hearing abilities of preschool prelingual deaf children could show a comprehensive, continuous and significant progress as the implantation time increasing. The growth rate of spatial hearing is greater than that of speech perception at 12 months post-implant, and the spatial hearing could still show rapid development characteristics after 6 months post-implant.

Preliminary audiological evaluation of the SoundBite bone conduction devices in adults with single-sided deafness / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: The auditory deficits of single-sided deafness (SSD) can be treated with a novel intra-oral device, SoundBite, which delivers sound by applying vibratory signal to the teeth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and benefit of the bone conduction device for Chinese adults with SSD. Methods: Eighteen patients aged 19-66 yrs with acquired, permanent sensorineural SSD and no current treatment by any other devices for SSD, were recruited in a prospective controlled, nonrandomized, unblinded study. They were requested the continually daily wear of the new device over a 30-day free trial period. The intra-oral hearing device was placed around two maxillary teeth and was similar to a small partial denture or retainer. The audiological tests included pure tone air conduction thresholds, monosyllable word recognition score (WRS) in quiet and sentence reception thresholds in noise (via CMNmatrix test). The benefit was determined with the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) and the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) questionnaire. Results: The monosyllable WRS and the 50% threshold of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR50) were significantly better in all aided conditions. The head shadow effect, assessed by the SNR50 via CMNmatrix test improved an average of 2.6 dB after 30 days' wearing compared with unaided condition (P<0.001). The APHAB scores improved (P<0.05) for all subjects for the Global and Ease of Communication, Reverberation, Background Noise subscales. The SSQ scores improved (P<0.05) for all subjects for Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing subscales. Conclusion: The SoundBite is a good alternative to the well-established implantable bone conduction devices in patients with SSD. An improvement in listening ability in noise and quiet as well as a decrease of the head shadow effect is validated as the expected.

Evaluation of unilateral and bilateral bimodal bone conduction hearing intervention in patients with bilateral microtia-atresia / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objectives: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of unilateral/bilateral bone conduction hearing rehabilitation in patients with bilateral microtia accompanied with severe conductive hearing loss following staged auricle reconstruction and bonebridge implantation. Methods: Thirty-two patients, including 20 males and 12 females, with an average age of 11.8, who received surgical treatment in Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) from March, 2016 to January, 2020 with bilateral microtia-atresia were included. Hearing thresholds, speech perception and high-resolution CT of the temporal bone were evaluated prior to surgery and individualized surgery plans (staged auricle reconstruction and bonebridge implantation) were made. Hearing thresholds and speech perception in quiet and noise (SNR = 5 dB) using unilateral Bonebridge were tested two weeks after the implantation surgery when the Bonebridge was activated and at 3th, 6th, 12th month after activation. Hearing thresholds and speech perception were also tested at least three months after the activation of the Bonebridge under three conditions: unaided, unilateral Bonebridge, and bilateral bone conduction hearing devices (Bonebridge plus contralateral ADHEAR). The international hearing aid assessment questionnaire (IOI-HA) and Glasgow children's benefit questionnaire were used to evaluate the subjective benefits of the patients. SPSS 21.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Among these 32 patients, nine were conducted Bonebridge implantation surgery before auricle reconstruction, six were simultaneously with auricle reconstruction and 17 were implanted after auricle reconstruction surgery. Compared with unaided, the mean hearing thresholds (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz) and speech perception following unilateral BCHD and bilateral BCHD attachment were improved significantly (P<0.05 each). The speech perceptin in noise of bilateral BCHD was better than unilateral (P<0.05 each). The modified questionnaire revealed high levels of patient satisfaction following use of both unilateral and bilateral devices. Conclusions: Individulized surgical procedures involving auricle reconstruction and Bonebridge implantation are safe and effective for patients with bilateral microtia-atresia, solving both appearance and hearing problems. Speech perception in noise is better following bilateral BCHD than unilateral BCHD attachment.

Investigação da discriminação neural das características acústicas dos sons de fala em normo-ouvintes por meio do Frequency Following Response (FFR) / Investigation of the neural discrimination of acoustic characteristics of speech sounds in normal-hearing individuals through Frequency-following Response (FFR)

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar como as vias auditivas codificam e diferenciam as sílabas plosivas [ga],[da] e [ba], por meio do potencial evocado auditivo Frequency Following Response (FFR), nas crianças em desenvolvimento típico. Método Vinte crianças (6-12 anos) foram avaliadas por meio do FFR para estímulos [ga],[da] e [ba]. Os estímulos foram compostos por seis formantes, sendo diferenciados na transição F2 e F3 (porção transiente). Os demais formantes foram idênticos nas três sílabas (porção sustentada). Foram analisadas latências de 16 ondas que compõe a porção transiente do estímulo (<70ms) e latências de 21 ondas da porção sustentada (90-160ms) nas respostas neurais obtidas para cada uma das sílabas. Resultados As respostas eletrofisiológicas registradas por meio do FFR demonstraram que as latências da porção transiente da resposta neural foram diferentes nas três silabas evocadas. Além disso, os valores de latência das ondas da porção transiente foram aumentando progressivamente, sendo [ga]<[da]<[ba]. Já na porção sustentada da resposta, não houve diferenças significantes nas latências das ondas que compõe essa porção. Conclusão O FFR mostrou-se uma ferramenta eficiente na investigação da discriminação subcortical de diferenças acústicas dos sons de fala, uma vez que demonstrou diferentes resposta eletrofisiológica para três silabas evocadas. Na porção transiente (consoantes) foram observadas mudanças de latência e na porção sustentada (vogal) não houve diferenças entre as latências para os três estímulos. Esses resultados demonstram a capacidade neural de distinção entre características acústicas dos estímulos [ga],[da],[ba].

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate how the auditory pathways encode and discriminate the plosive syllables [ga], [da] and [ba] using the auditory evoked Frequency-following Response (FFR) in children with typical development. Methods Twenty children aged 6-12 years were evaluated using the FFR for the [ga], [da] and [ba] stimuli. The stimuli were composed of six formants and were differentiated in the F2 to F3 transition (transient portion). The other formants were identical in the three syllables (sustained portion). The latencies of the 16 waves of the transient portion (<70ms) and of the 21 waves of the sustained portion (90-160ms) of the stimuli were analyzed in the neural responses obtained for each of the syllables. Results The transient portion latencies were different in the three syllables, indicating a distinction in the acoustic characteristics of these syllables through their neural representations. In addition, the transient portion latencies progressively increased in the following order: [ga] <[da] <[ba], whereas no significant differences were observed in the sustained portion. Conclusion The FFR proved to be an efficient tool to investigate the subcortical acoustic differences in speech sounds, since it demonstrated different electrophysiological responses for the three evoked syllables. Changes in latency were observed in the transient portion (consonants) but not in the sustained portion (vowels) for the three stimuli. These results indicate the neural ability to distinguish between acoustic characteristics of the [ga], [da] and [ba] stimuli.