Vestibular evaluation with video head impulse test in pediatric cochlear implant patients / Evaluación vestibular con videoimpulso cefálico en pacientes pediátricos con implante coclear

Abstract Background: The cochlear implant (CI) is effective for rehabilitating patients with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. However, its placement and use have been associated with various complications, such as those affecting the vestibular system. The objective of this study was to compare vestibular function using the video head impulse test (vHIT) in pediatric patients before and after CI placement. Methods: A descriptive and retrospective study was conducted. The outcomes of 11 pediatric patients of both sexes with a history of profound hearing loss were evaluated. The results of vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR) gain, saccades, asymmetry, Pérez Rey (PR) index, and VOR/saccade ratio for both ears obtained by the vHIT test before and after CI placement were compared. Results: Of the 11 patients evaluated, the VOR gain showed that 81.8% had normal function, 18.2% had hypofunction, and no patients had hyperfunction before implantation. No statistically significant differences were found when compared with post-implant off and post-implant on conditions (p > 0.05). The extracted variables, asymmetry, PR index, and the VOR/saccades ratio also showed no statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-implant conditions, whether off or on. Conclusions: The vestibular function of pediatric patients did not show significant changes before and after CI placement. The vHIT test is a valuable tool for assessing vestibular function and could be considered a criterion for surgical and rehabilitation decisions in patients undergoing CI placement.

Resumen Introducción: El implante coclear es un dispositivo eficaz para la rehabilitación de pacientes con hipoacusia neurosensorial severa a profunda. Sin embargo, su colocación y uso se ha asociado a diversas complicaciones, entre ellas a nivel del sistema vestibular. El objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar la función vestibular mediante la prueba de videoimpulso cefálico (vHIT) de pacientes pediátricos antes y después de la colocación del implante coclear. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo. Se evaluaron los resultados de 11 pacientes pediátricos de ambos sexos con antecedente de hipoacusia profunda. Se compararon los resultados de ganancia del VOR, sacadas, asimetría, índice PR así como la relación VOR/sacadas para ambos oídos obtenidos mediante la prueba vHIT antes y después de la colocación del implante coclear. Resultados: De los 11 pacientes evaluados, la ganancia del VOR mostró que el 81.8% tenía normofunción, 18.2% hipofunción y ningún paciente hiperfunción antes del implante. Al compararlo con la ganancia post implante apagado y post implante encendido no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p > 0.05). Las variables sacadas, asimetría, índice PR así como la relación VOR/sacadas tampoco mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las condiciones pre y pos implante ya sea apagado o encendido. Conclusiones: La función vestibular de pacientes pediátricos no mostró cambios significativos previo y posterior a la colocación del implante coclear. La prueba vHIT es una herramienta útil que permite evaluar la función vestibular y que podría considerarse como criterio para tomar decisiones quirúrgicas en pacientes que se encuentran en protocolo para implante coclear.

Cochleo-carotid dehiscence as a third window syndrome: a review of an unusual presentation and its clinical-radiological approach / Dehiscencia cócleo-carotídea como síndrome de la tercera ventana: una revisión de una presentación inusual y su enfoque clínico-radiológico

When examining patients who present both fluctuating auditory symptoms and vestibular symptoms, which can be mistaken for an ear disease, it is important to consider cochlear-carotid fistula as a condition that could generate these clinical manifestations. In this case, additional imaging tests should be performed to demonstrate the lack of continuity at that level and rule out other entities. The objective is to describe the cochleo-carotid dehiscence in a 39-year-old woman and propose it as a possible etiology of a third window syndrome, in order to discuss the relationship between clinical findings, neurotologic examination, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Al examinar a pacientes que presentan síntomas auditivos fluctuantes y síntomas vestibu-lares, que pueden ser confundidos con una enfermedad del oído, es importante considerar la fístula coclear-carotídea como una condición que podría generar estas manifestaciones clínicas. En este caso, se deben realizar pruebas de imagen adicionales para demostrar la falta de continuidad en ese nivel y descartar otras entidades. El objetivo es describir la dehiscencia cocleo-carotídea en una mujer de 39 años y proponerla como una posible etiología del síndrome de la tercera ventana, con el fin de discutir la relación entre los hallazgos clínicos, el examen neurotológico y la resonancia magnética.

The Correlation between Speech Fluency and Diadochokinetic Rate in Children Aged 7～11 Years with Cochlear Implantation / 听力学及言语疾病杂志

Objective To explore the correlation between speech fluency and diadochokinetic rate in children aged 7～11 years with cochlear implant.Methods Speech samples were collected from 62 children aged 7～11 years with cochlear implant using language retelling task and diadochokinetic rate test task.Their speech rate,articulation rate,syllable duration and pause duration were analyzed.The data were input into ICF converter to obtain the im-pairment limit of each parameter and analyze the speech fluency and diadochokinetic rate characteristics.Partial cor-relation analysis was performed for speech rate,articulation rate,syllable duration and pause duration by two tasks.Results ① For children with cochlear implant,the mean ICF impairment limit of diadochokinetic rate was 1.3± 0.1,the mean ICF impairment limit of fluency in retelling was 1.0±0.3,with various degree of impairment in both tasks.② There was a moderate or low correlation between speech rate,articulation rate,syllable duration in retell-ing task and those in diadochokinetic rate task(0.3＜|r |≤0.8).There was a low correlation between pause dura-tion in retelling task and speech rate and pause duration in diadochokinetic rate task(0.3＜|r |≤0.5).Conclusion The speech fluency and diadochokinetic rate of children aged 7～11 years with cochlear implant is underdeveloped,and the poor articulation movement ability limits their development of speech fluency.

Cochlear Electrode Insertion Depth Angle and Scalar Localization Determined by Cone Beam CT / 听力学及言语疾病杂志

Objective To investigate the relationship between postoperative cochlear implant electrade inser-tion depth,the scalar localization of cochlear electrode,cochlear size and coiling pattern,and the factors influencing the postoperative electrode implantation depth and the reasons of dislocation.Methods A total of 41 cases of pa-tients implanted with electrode of SONATA ti100 Standard and 30 cases of patients with CI24RE(CA)modilar elec-trode were studied.Postoperative insertion length,insertion depth angle of cochlear electrode,and the scalar locali-zation of cochlear electrode were measured.The relationships of the above factors and the parameters of cochlear size,cochlear length,tilt angles collectal via CT scan preoperatively were analyzed.Results ① The measurement results showed the insertion depth angle and liner insertion length varied greatly among individuals.The mean inser-tion depth angle was 702±53 degrees and the mean liner insertion length was 30.02±1.29 mm in the group of SO-NATA ti100 Standard.The mean insertion depth angle was 441±45 degrees and the mean liner insertion length was 18.4±1.0 mm in the group of CI24RE(CA).② The length and width of cochlear base both had negative corre-lations with the insertion depth angle in the two groups[SONATA ti100 Standard:r=-0.768,P＜0.001 & r=-0.678,P＜0.001;CI24RE(CA):r=-0.467,P=0.008 & r=-0.471,P=0.008].The liner insertion length of the electrode had a positive correlation with the insertion depth angle in the two groups[SONATA ti100 Standard:r=0.578,P＜0.001;CI24RE(CA):r=0.748,P＜0.001].③ 6 cases of modiolar electrode were dislo-cated and the site of the dislocation was at 180 degrees of cochlea.The tilt angle within the first turn of cochlea and angle between the first and second turn of cochlea had significant differences between the group of patients with dis-location and without dislocation(10.28 degrees vs 8.75 degrees,P=0.006;15.25 degrees vs 14.00 degrees,P=0.033).Conclusion The insertion depth angle and the insertion length of electrode varied greatly among individu-als.These differences are related to the cochlear size.The difference in cochlear coiling pattern is one of the reasons for dislocation of electrode.

The Effects of the Intelligent Hearing-assistive System on Hearing Benefits to Cochlear Implant Recipients / 听力学及言语疾病杂志

Objective To study the effects of the intelligent hearing-assistive system incorporated in Nuro-tron cochlear implants(CI),including the autonomic acoustic scene recognition(ASR),intelligent strategy config-uration as well as the objective and subjective hearing improvements on recipients.Methods ① To evaluate the per-formance of the ASR matule,in a sound-proof room,the preset five kinds of test audios,including speech,noise,speech in noise,pure music(without human voice)and non-pure Music(with human voice)were played.Each type of scenes included 6 to 9 5 min test files.The prediction accuracy and scene switching times were calculated.② In order to evaluate the noise-reduction performance of the ABeam technology in the speech enhancement module,13 Nurotron? CI recipients were recruited and their speech recognition rate when ABeam was"ON"and"OFF"with noise coming from 90°,180°or 270°were tested,individually.Also,their subjective hearing feedback was evaluated through visual analogue scale(VAS)evaluation.Results The ASR module achieved high prediction performance,with prediction accuracy 99％±4％,96％±9％,94％±12％,94％±15％,92％±13％for speech,noise,noisy speech,pure music and non-pure music,respectively.The scene transation times for each individual scene were 1.1 ±0.3,1.4±0.7,1.3±0.5,1.4±0.8 and 1.3±0.5,indicating that the prediction was also stable.When noise came from the sides and behind of recipients and speech signal from the front,the adaptive dual microphone noise re-duction algorithm ABeam significantly increased the speech recognition score(SRS)in 5 dB signal-to-noise(SNR)environment(P＜0.001),with an average increase of 15.92％.Especially when the noise came from 180 degree backward,the SRS increased 28.68％when ABeam was"0N",which was significantly higher than when ABeam was"OFF"(P＜0.01).Conclusion The intelligent hearing-assistive system can help CI recipients automatically configure appropriate SPSs under different environments,improving the speech intelligibility and hearing comfort.

Effects of Cochlear Implantation on Ipsilateral Tinnitus in Post-lingual Adault Recipients / 听力学及言语疾病杂志

Objective To study the changes of tinnitus after cochlear implantation in post-lingual adault recip-ients and analyze the factors that affect tinnitus.Methods A total of 47 postilingually-deafened adult subjects with tinnitus who underwent cochlear implantation at the Department of Otology,the first affiliated hospital of Zheng-zhou University,from January 2017 to December 2021.The subjects were evaluated using tinnitus handicap invento-ry(THI)and visual analogue scale(VAS)before cochlear implantation and 6 months after cochlear implant surger-y.Results Among 47 subjects who were eligible for this study,the THI scores were 36.94±13.337,14.48± 12.726,respectively,before CI and 6 months after cochlear implantation.The VAS scores were 5.13±1.676 be-fore and 2.34±1.903 after cochlear tmplantation.Statistical analysis showed significant differences in THI and VAS scores before and after cochlear implantation(P＜0.05).A total of 18 patients experienced complete tinnitus suppression,14 patients experienced alleviation of tinnitus,tinnitus remained unchanged in 13 patients,tinnitus worsened in 2 patients,and the overall efficiency was 66.0％(31/47).The tinnitus alleviation rate was signifant higher in the patients with tinnitus history of ≤5 years than the patients with tinnitus history of＞5 years(P＜0.05).There was a statistically significant difference in tinnitus alleviation between the patients with mild tinnitus and the patients with more than mild tinnitus before surgery(P＜0.001).Conclusion Cochlear implantation has an inhibitory effect on tinnitus in adults.Patients with shorter duration of the tinnitus and higher tinnitus handicap are more likely to experience tinnitus improvement after cochlear implantation.

Glycyrrhizic acid alleviates cisplatin-induced ototoxicity by inhibiting in-flammation of cochlear in C57BL/6J mice / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To study whether glycyrrhizic acid(GL)can resist the ototoxicity of cisplatin(CDDP)in mice and its molecular mechanism.METHODS:Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into 5 groups:control group,DMSO(5%)group,CDDP(4 mg/kg)group,CDDP+low-dose(50 mg/kg)GL group,and CDDP+high-dose(100 mg/kg)GL group(n=14).Auditory brainstem response(ABR)was used to detect hearing changes of mice.HE staining was used to observe the morphological change of cochlear stria vascular in mice.Evans blue(EB)staining was used to observe the per-meability change of the blood-labyrinth barrier(BLB).Immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the expression and distribution of adhesion protein VE-cadherin and tight junction protein ZO-1 on the cochlear stria.ELISA assay and immunofluorescence technology were employed to detect the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleu-kin-1β(1L-1β).RESULTS:In CDDP group,ABR waveforms of all frequencies were disturbed,the hearing threshold was significantly increased,and I wave latency was prolonged(P＜0.05).In CDDP+GL group,ABR waveforms of various frequencies were well differentiated,the hearing threshold was significantly decreased,and the latency of I-wave was shortened(P＜0.01).The disordered morphology and more vacuoles in the stria vascularis were observed by HE staining in CDDP group.The GL alleviated CDDP-induced damage in the stria vascularis.In EB staining,CDDP caused an increase in per-meability of BLB(P＜0.01),which was improved by GL treatment(P＜0.01).Immunohistochemical results showed that the expression of VE-cadherin and ZO-1 in CDDP group were decreased(P＜0.01),which was restored in CDDP+GL group(P＜0.01).The ELISA and immunofluorescence results showed that the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α was in-creased after CDDP treatment(P＜0.01),which was restored in CDDP+GL group(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION:The GL alleviates CDDP-induced hearing loss in mice by inhibiting CDDP-induced inflammation and reducing the permeability of BLB.

Congenital unilateral hearing loss from cochlear nerve canal stenosis

@#A 2-month-old baby girl presented with a failed neonatal otoacoustic emission (OAE) hearing screening in the left ear. Combined Auditory Brainstem Response/Auditory Steady-State Response (ABR/ASSR) testing confirmed the presence of a unilateral left moderate to severe hearing loss. No Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) risk factors for early childhood hearing loss1 were identified. She subsequently underwent computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bones to determine the presence of any inner ear malformation. No abnormalities of the internal auditory canal, cochlea, semicircular canals and ossicles were noted by the radiologist, and the study was officially reported as a “normal temporal bone CT scan.” Independent review of the CT imaging revealed the presence of a visually apparent disparity in the width of the cochlear nerve canals. (Figure 1) Measurement of the cochlear nerve canal width in the axial plane parallel to the infraorbitomeatal line2 using the length measurement tool in the DICOM imaging software (RadiAnt DICOM Viewer, Version 2024.1, Medixant) indicated a cochlear nerve canal width of 2.18 mm on the right and 1.02 mm on the left. (Figure 2) Applying the suggested cutoff point of 1.2 mm as described by Lin et al.,2 we identified the presence of left cochlear nerve canal stenosis as the etiology of the congenital unilateral hearing loss. The cochlear nerve canal, which has also been referred to as the bony canal for the cochlear nerve (BCNC), cochlear aperture, and cochlear fosette, is the bony transition point between the internal auditory canal and the cochlear modiolus. A relationship between a hypoplastic cochlear nerve canal and congenital sensorineural hearing loss was first suggested by Fatterpekar et al. in 2000.3 Subsequent studies confirmed the association between cochlear nerve canal stenosis and sensorineural hearing loss that ranges from near-normal to profound, with a statistically significant relationship between the degree of hearing loss and the degree of stenosis.4 Various cutoff points to define stenosis of the cochlear nerve canal have been identified in the medical literature. These cutoff points range from 1.2 mm to 1.7 mm when the canal width is measured in the axial plane.2 This particular case demonstrated clear-cut evidence of cochlear nerve canal stenosis, as it satisfied the smallest cutoff criteria (< 1.2 mm) seen in the medical literature. The identification of cochlear nerve canal stenosis as the cause of congenital sensorineural hearing loss is important not only from a diagnostic point, but also from a prognostic perspective. Cochlear nerve deficiency has been noted to be highly prevalent among pediatric patients with cochlear nerve canal stenosis,5 and this has significant negative implications in relation to rehabilitation with external hearing devices and cochlear implants.

Guia para a elaboração de relatórios fonoaudiológicos de crianças implantadas: opinião de especialistas / Guide to the preparation of speech reports for implanted children: opinion of specialists

RESUMO Objetivo Desenvolver guia para elaboração de relatórios fonoaudiológicos de crianças implantadas para serem compartilhados entre fonoaudiólogos dos serviços de implante coclear (IC) e reabilitadores. Método O método Delphi foi utilizado para selecionar os itens relevantes e fundamentais que deveriam constar nas duas versões propostas para compor o guia: Guia 1 - Relatórios fonoaudiológicos fornecidos pelo serviço de IC aos reabilitadores, e Guia 2 - Relatórios fonoaudiológicos fornecidos pelos reabilitadores aos serviços de IC. Vinte e um fonoaudiólogos especialistas e com experiência na área de implante coclear e de reabilitação auditiva participaram da discussão e do julgamento dos itens durante as rodadas de seleção. Considerou-se consenso quando o item obteve a concordância igual ou superior a 80% entre os participantes, sendo selecionados para comporem os dois guias. Resultados Após as duas rodadas, 21 itens do Guia 1 obtiveram consenso entre os terapeutas, ou seja, mais de 80% deles concordaram que estes itens deveriam estar presentes no relatório enviado pelo serviço de IC. Para o Guia 2, 22 itens analisados pelos fonoaudiólogos atuantes em serviços de IC setor pós-operatório, foram selecionados na segunda rodada. Conclusão A partir da análise das duas rodadas, foi desenvolvido o "Guia para a elaboração de relatórios fonoaudiológicos: intersecção entre serviço de IC e reabilitadores". Este material pode ser aplicado na rotina de acompanhamento de crianças implantadas, padronizando as informações compartilhadas sobre o dispositivo eletrônico, resultados de avaliações, monitoramento dos resultados e processo terapêutico dessa população.

ABSTRACT Purpose To develop a guide for the preparation of speech-language reports of implanted children to be shared among speech-language pathologists of cochlear implant (CI) services and rehabilitation professionals. Methods The Delphi method was used to select the relevant and fundamental items that should be included in the two versions proposed for the guide: Guide 1 - Speech-language reports provided by the CI services to rehabilitators, and Guide 2 - Speech-language reports provided by the rehabilitators to CI services. Twenty-one speech therapists specialized and with experience in cochlear implants and auditory rehabilitation participated in the discussion and judgment of the items during the selection rounds. Consensus was considered when the item reached agreement equal to or greater than 80% among participants, being selected to compose the two guides. Results After the two rounds, 21 items from Guide 1 reached consensus among therapists, that is, more than 80% of them agreed that these items should be present in the report sent by the CI service. For Guide 2, 22 items analyzed by speech therapists working in CI services in the postoperative sector were selected in the second round. Conclusion Based on the analysis of the two rounds, the "Guide for the preparation of speech-language pathology reports: intersection between CI service and rehabilitators" was developed. This material can be applied in the follow-up of implanted children, standardizing the information shared about the electronic device, evaluation results, monitoring of results and therapeutic process of this population.

Sinaptopatia coclear e perda auditiva oculta: uma revisão de escopo / Cochlear synaptopathy and hidden hearing loss: a scoping review

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar as definições fisiopatológicas adotadas pelos estudos que investigaram a "sinaptopatia coclear" (SC) e "perda auditiva oculta" (PAO). Estratégia de pesquisa Utilizou-se a combinação de unitermos "Auditory Synaptopathy" or "Neuronal Synaptopathy" or "Hidden Hearing Loss" com "etiology" or "causality" or "diagnosis" nas bases de dados EMBASE, Pubmed (MEDLINE), CINAHL (EBSCO) e Web of Science. Critérios de seleção Incluiu-se estudos que investigaram a SC ou PAO em humanos com procedimentos comportamentais e/ou eletrofisiológicos. Análise dos dados Realizou-se a análise e extração de dados quanto a terminologia, definição e população estudada. Resultados Foram incluídos 49 artigos. Destes, 61,2% utilizaram a terminologia SC, 34,7% ambos os termos e 4,1% utilizaram PAO. As condições mais estudadas foram exposição ao ruído e zumbido. Conclusão A terminologia SC foi empregada na maioria dos estudos, com referência ao processo fisiopatológico de desaferenciação entre as fibras do nervo coclear e as células ciliadas internas

ABSTRACT Purpose To identify the pathophysiological definitions adopted by studies investigating "cochlear synaptopathy" (CS) and "hidden hearing loss" (HHL). Research strategies The combination of keywords "Auditory Synaptopathy" or "Neuronal Synaptopathy" or "Hidden Hearing Loss" with "etiology" or "causality" or "diagnosis" was used in the databases EMBASE, Pubmed (MEDLINE), CINAHL (EBSCO), and Web of Science. Selection criteria Studies that investigated CS or HHL in humans using behavioral and/or electrophysiological procedures were included. Data analysis Data analysis and extraction were performed with regard to terminology, definitions, and population. Results 49 articles were included. Of these, 61.2% used the CS terminology, 34.7% used both terms, and 4.1% used HHL. The most-studied conditions were exposure to noise and tinnitus. Conclusion CS terminology was used in most studies, referring to the pathophysiological process of deafferentiation between the cochlear nerve fibers and inner hair cells.

Tecnologia auditiva assistiva em usuários de implante coclear em ambientes reverberantes com múltiplas fontes de ruído / Assistive listening technology in cochlear implant users in reverberant environments with multiple noise sources

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a contribuição da tecnologia de escuta assistida em usuários de implante coclear (IC) em situações de reverberação e ruído. Métodos Estudo transversal prospectivo aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética Institucional (CAAE 8 3031418.4.0000.0068). Foram selecionados adolescentes e adultos usuários de IC com surdez pré ou pós-lingual. Para usuários bilaterais, cada orelha foi avaliada separadamente. O reconhecimento de fala foi avaliado por meio de listas gravadas de palavras dissílabas apresentadas a 65 dBA a 0° azimute com e sem o Mini Microfone2 (Cochlear™) conectado ao processador de fala Nucleus®6. A reverberação da sala foi medida como 550 ms. Para avaliar a contribuição do dispositivo de escuta assistida (DEA) em ambiente reverberante, o reconhecimento de fala foi avaliado no silêncio. Para avaliar a contribuição do DEA em reverberação e ruído, o reconhecimento de fala foi apresentado a 0° azimute com o ruído proveniente de 8 alto-falantes dispostos simetricamente a 2 metros de distância do centro com ruído de múltiplos falantes usando relação sinal-ruído de +10dB. Para evitar viés de aprendizado ou fadiga, a ordem dos testes foi randomizada. A comparação das médias foi analisada pelo teste t para amostras pareadas, adotando-se nível de significância de p<0,005. Resultados Dezessete pacientes com idade média de 40 anos foram convidados e concordaram em participar, sendo 2 participantes bilaterais, totalizando 19 orelhas. Houve contribuição positiva significante do Mini Mic2 na reverberação e ruído+reverberação (p<0,001). Conclusão DEA foi capaz de melhorar o reconhecimento de fala de usuários de IC tanto em situações de reverberação quanto ruidosas.

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of assistive listening technology with wireless connectivity in cochlear implant (CI) users in reverberating and noise situations. Methods Prospective cross-sectional study approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee (CAAE 8 3031418.4.0000.0068). Adolescents and adults CI users with pre- or post-lingual deafness were selected. For bilateral users, each ear was assessed separately. Speech recognition was assessed using recorded lists of disyllabic words presented at 65 dBA at 0° azimuth with and without the Wireless Mini Microphone 2 (Cochlear™) connected to the Nucleus®6 speech processor. Room reverberation was measured as 550 ms. To assess the contribution of the assistive listening device (ALD) in a reverberating environment, speech recognition was assessed in quiet. To assess the contribution of the ALD in reverberation and noise, speech recognition was presented at 0° azimuth along with the noise coming from 8 loudspeakers symmetrically arranged 2 meters away from the center with multi-talker babble noise using signal to noise ratio of +10dB. To avoid learning bias or fatigue, the order of the tests was randomized. Comparison of means was analyzed by t test for paired samples, adopting significance level of p <0.005. Results Seventeen patients with a mean age of 40 years were invited and agreed to participate, with 2 bilateral participants, totaling 19 ears assessed. There was a significant positive contribution from the Mini Mic2 in reverberation, and noise+reverberation (p <0.001). Conclusion ALD was able to improve speech recognition of CI users in both reverberation and noisy situations.

Hearing Performance in Cochlear Implant Users Who Have Facial Nerve Stimulation

Abstract Introduction Facial nerve stimulation (FNS) is a complication in cochlear implant (CI) when the electrical current escapes from the cochlea to the nearby facial nerve. Different management to reduce its effects are available, although changes might result in a less-than-ideal fitting for the CI user, eventually reducing speech perception. Objective To verify the etiologies that cause FNS, to identify strategies in managing FNS, and to evaluate speech recognition in patients who present FNS. Methods Retrospective study approved by the Ethical Board of the Institution. From the files of a CI group, patients who were identified with FNS either during surgery or at any time postoperatively were selected. Data collection included: CI manufacturer, electrode array type, age at implantation, etiology of hearing loss, FNS identification date, number of electrodes that generated FNS, FNS management actions, and speech recognition in quiet and in noise. Results Data were collected from 7 children and 25 adults. Etiologies that cause FNS were cochlear malformation, head trauma, meningitis, and otosclerosis; the main actions included decrease in the stimulation levels followed by the deactivation of electrodes. Average speech recognition in quiet before FNS was 86% and 80% after in patients who were able to accomplish the test. However, there was great variability, ranging from 0% in quiet to 90% of speech recognition in noise. Conclusion Etiologies that cause FNS are related to cochlear morphology alterations. Facial nerve stimulation can be solved using speech processor programming parameters; however, it is not possible to predict outcomes, since results depend on other variables.

Cochlear Implant Activation in the Immediate Postoperative Period in the Operating Room

Abstract Introduction Cochlear implant (CI) activation usually takes place at ∼ 30 days postoperative (PO). In our service, CI surgery is performed with local anesthesia and sedation, so activation is possible with the patient's cooperation, immediately after the CI surgery, still in the operating room (OR). Objective The objective of the present study was to provide the patient with hearing experience with the CI and to assess auditory perception immediately after surgery while still in the OR, as well as to compare impedance telemetry (IT), neural response telemetry (NRT), and comfort (C) level at two moments: in the OR and at the definitive activation, ∼ 30 days PO. Methods Nine adult patients (12 ears) with acquired (postlingual) deafness were included. Auditory perception was evaluated through the Ling Six Sound Check, musical instruments, and clapping, presented in two different programming maps, elaborated using t-NRT, and comparing IT, NRT, and C level between the two moments. Results We observed that while still in the OR, the patient can already present auditory detection and recognition responses. The values of IT, NRT threshold (t-NRT), and C on both dates differed, with statistical significance. Conclusion We concluded that it is possible to provide the patient with an auditory experience with the CI immediately after surgery, and that the auditory experience and the values of electrode IT, NRT, and C vary significantly between the two moments.

Late Bilateral Sequential Cochlear Implant and Quality of Life

Abstract Introduction Hearing impairment is one of the main disorders that can interfere with the development of speech and language. In an individual, it can cause significant communication difficulties, social isolation, negative feelings, and depressive disorders. The hearing aids (HAs) and cochlear implant (CI) are options for profound and severe hearing loss, and the CI can be indicated for individuals who do not obtain benefits from HAs. Objective To evaluate the quality of life of individuals who underwent sequential bilateral CIs with a long surgical interval between procedures. Methods Fifteen patients, aged 8 to 70 years old, who underwent sequential bilateral CI, with an interval ≥ 4 years between surgeries, were evaluated. Quality of life was evaluated using three questionnaires: WHOQOL-BREF, SSQ-12 and HHIA in Portuguese. Results The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire showed that the study participants had a good quality of life in all domains assessed. According to the SSQ-12, few reported inability to listen in communication situations. Most individuals were classified as having medium disability by the HHIA, but the social and emotional effects did not significantly affect the quality of life. Conclusion The use of questionnaires to assess the quality of life of patients with hearing impairment is a valuable tool to measure adaptation to CI. Patients undergoing bilateral sequential CI, even with a long interval between procedures, presented high indices of quality of life.

Como a judicialização da cirurgia de implante coclear impacta o Sistema Único de Saúde / How the judicialization of cochlear implant surgery impacts the Unified Health System

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever o impacto da judicialização na realização da cirurgia de implante coclear no Sistema Único de Saúde do Brasil, incluindo o serviço público e a saúde suplementar. Métodos Foi realizado um levantamento documental de acórdãos de todos os tribunais nacionais e a jurisprudência dominante, voltados à cirurgia do implante coclear no Sistema Único de Saúde, no período de 2007 a 2019, por meio da Plataforma Jusbrasil, utilizando o termo "implante coclear" para realização da busca. Também foi realizado um levantamento na plataforma DATASUS (Departamento de Informação do Sistema Único de Saúde) sobre quantos procedimentos de implante coclear unilateral e bilateral foram realizados no mesmo período. Resultados De acordo com o DATASUS, no período de 2008 a 2019 foram realizados 8.857 procedimentos de cirurgia de implante coclear pelos entes públicos ou pelas operadoras dos planos de saúde no país. Com relação à judicialização para solicitação da cirurgia do implante coclear, unilateral ou bilateral, foram encontrados 216 processos, representando 2,43% dos casos. Conclusão A judicialização da saúde, quando se considera a cirurgia do implante coclear, tem representado uma parcela mínima dos casos, o que demonstra baixo impacto no orçamento público e não tem expressiva ação na organização do Sistema Único de Saúde.

ABSTRACT Purpose To describe the impact of Judicialization on the performance of Cochlear Implant (CI) surgery in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), including the public service and supplementary health. Methods A documentary survey of judgments of all National Courts and the Dominant Jurisprudence focused on CI surgery in the SUS from 2007 to 2019 was carried out through the Jusbrasil Platform using the term "cochlear implant" to carry out the search. A survey was also carried out on the DATASUS platform on how many uni and bilateral CI procedures were performed in the same period. Results According to DATASUS, from 2008 to 2019, 8,857 CI surgery procedures were performed by Public Entities or Health Plan Operators in the country. With regard to Judicialization, for requesting unilateral or bilateral CI surgery, a total of 216 processes were found, representing a total of 2.43% of Judicialization of Cochlear Implant (CI) surgery. Conclusion In view of the data, it is possible to perceive that the Judicialization of Health when we consider the CI surgery has represented a small portion of the cases, which does not demonstrate a large impact on the public budget and does not have an impact on the organization of the SUS.

Percepção auditiva da fala após o reimplante coclear / Speech perception in patients submitted to cochlear reimplantation

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar o desempenho da percepção auditiva da fala (PF) após cirurgia de substituição do implante coclear (IC) e identificar associações com a idade, tempos de uso dos dispositivos, privação e recuperação. Método O estudo retrospectivo analisou os prontuários de 1990 a 2016 e considerou como referência o maior escore da capacidade auditiva identificada ao longo do uso do primeiro IC. Foram coletados dados epidemiológicos; etiologia; causas da substituição e marca dos dispositivos; classificação etária; idades no primeiro e segundo implante; tempos de utilização, privação e de recuperação da capacidade auditiva. Os dados foram avaliados por meio de testes estatísticos não paramétricos (IC=95%; p<0.05). Resultados Foram avaliados 68 participantes (31 adultos e 37 crianças), sendo 52,9% do sexo feminino e as principais etiologias da perda auditiva foram: idiopática (48,5%), infecciosa (33,8%) e outras causas não infecciosas (17,6%). A idade média verificada na implantação do primeiro e do segundo IC, foram: 102±143,4 e 178,9±173,4 meses. Os tempos médios de uso do primeiro IC, privação, recuperação e uso do segundo IC, foram respectivamente: (76,1±63,3); (2,8±2,4); (6,5±7,1); (75,6±48,3) meses. A substituição foi motivada principalmente pela parada abrupta de funcionamento (77,9%) e 85,3% dos participantes recuperaram a PF, que esteve significativamente associada à idade no primeiro IC, e os tempos de utilização dos dispositivos (p<0.05). Conclusão A maior parte dos indivíduos submetidos ao reimplante conseguem recuperar e/ou continuar o desenvolvimento das habilidades auditivas. A idade mais jovem e o tempo de uso dos dispositivos são fatores que influenciam na capacidade de recuperação da PF em reimplantados.

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze the performance of auditory speech perception (PF) after cochlear implant (CI) replacement surgery and associations with age, times of use of the first CI, deprivation, recovery and use of the second device. Methods The retrospective study analyzed the medical records of 68 participants reimplanted from 1990 to 2016, and evaluated with PF performance tests, considering as a reference, the greater auditory capacity identified during the use of the first CI. Also analyzed were: Etiology of hearing loss; the reasons for the reimplantation; device brands; age range; sex; affected ear; age at first implant; time of use of the first CI, deprivation, recovery and use of the second device. The analyzes followed with the Chi-Square and Spearman, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests (CI=95%; p≤0.05; Software SPSS®.v22). Results Most were children with hearing loss due to idiopathic causes and meningitis. Abrupt stoppage of operation was the most common cause for device replacement. Most cases recovered and maintained or continued to progress in PF after reimplantation. Adults have the worst recovery capacity when compared to children and adolescents. The PF capacity showed a significant association (p≤0.05) with: age at first implant; time of use of the first and second CI. Conclusion Periodic programming and replacement of the device when indicated are fundamental for the maintenance of auditory functions. Being young and having longer use of implants represent advantages for the development of speech perception skills.

Processo de inclusão escolar de usuários de implante coclear / School inclusion process of cochlear implant users

RESUMO Neste estudo, objetivou-se analisar a inclusão escolar de usuários de implante coclear. A pesquisa teve abordagem qualitativa, com desenho transversal e foi realizada em um hospital de alta complexidade em saúde auditiva credenciado ao Ministério da Saúde. A amostra foi por conveniência, constituída por implantados, com idades entre 4 e 17 anos e seus respectivos responsáveis legais. O fechamento amostral deu-se por saturação teórica com um total de 13 participantes. A participação no estudo foi voluntária e seguiu todas as normativas éticas vigentes. A coleta de dados foi realizada, inicialmente, por meio de caracterização sociodemográfica baseada nos prontuários e fichas sociais. Na sequência, foi realizada entrevista narrativa com os responsáveis, permitindo uma análise do corpus em profundidade. Os dados demonstraram situações vivenciadas pelos usuários de implante coclear no processo de inclusão escolar como: negativa de vagas; desconhecimento das equipes de educação; baixo desempenho; situação de bullying; preconceito; e falta de profissional para o atendimento educacional especializado. Os resultados apontaram que os usuários de implante coclear apresentam dificuldades no processo de inclusão escolar e que estas decorrem, principalmente, da falta de articulação das políticas públicas de saúde e educação no que concerne a essa população.

ABSTRACT In this study, the aim was to analyze the school inclusion of cochlear implant users. The research had a qualitative approach, with a cross-sectional design and was carried out in a hospital of high complexity in hearing health accredited by the Ministry of Health. The sample was for convenience, consisting of implanted, aged between 4 to 17 years and their respective legal guardians. The sample closure was due to theoretical saturation with a total of 13 participants. Participation in the study was voluntary and followed all current ethical regulations. Data collection was initially carried out through sociodemographic characterization based on medical records and social files. Next, a narrative interview was conducted with those responsible, allowing an in-depth analysis of the corpus. The data showed situations experienced by cochlear implant users in the school inclusion process, such as: denial of vacancies; lack of knowledge of the education teams; low performance; bullying situation; prejudice; and lack of professionals for specialized educational service. The results showed that cochlear implant users present difficulties in the process of school inclusion and that these arise, mainly, from the lack of articulation of public health and education policies with regard to this population.

Self-Reported Voice-Related Quality of Life in Cochlear Implant Users

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify if cochlear implant (CI) users are perceiving a decrease in life quality due to voice problems. This study evaluated 43 CI user's perception of their voice and how it affects their quality of life through a survey. Approach: Forty-three CI users responded to a survey regarding their demographics, details about their CI, the Hearing Health Quick Test (HHQT), the Voice Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL), and the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10). The survey responses were analyzed using univariate linear regression analysis. Results: Few of the CI users scored below the cut off for normal voice related quality of life. CI users averaged 93.4 out of 100 on the V-RQOL and only four scored abnormally for the VHI-10. Lower scores on the V-RQOL were correlated with the participants having an associate degree and with participants visiting friends, family, and neighbors less often due to hearing loss. The VHI-10 scores were correlated with gender, education levels, difficulty in social situations due to hearing loss, noise exposure, and tinnitus. Limitations of the study: The small n was the primary limitation of this study. Originality: This study was one of the first to examine the voice-related quality of life in CI users. Conclusions: Overall, respondents did not perceive much voice-related difficulty. However, they were more likely to perceive voice-related difficulty if they experienced difficulty hearing in noise and avoided social situations due to hearing loss.

Objetivo: Este estudio identificó si los usuarios de implantes cocleares (IC) están percibiendo una disminución en la calidad de su vida debido a problemas de voz. Además, evaluó la percepción de la voz de 43 usuarios de IC y cómo afecta su calidad de vida a través de una encuesta. Enfoque: Cuarenta y tres usuarios de IC respondieron a una encuesta sobre su demografía, detalles sobre su IC, la Hearing Health Quick Test (HHQT), la Voice Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) y el Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10). Las respuestas de la encuesta se analizaron mediante un análisis de regresión lineal univariado. Resultados: Pocos usuarios de IC puntuaron por debajo del límite para calidad de vida relacionada con la voz. El promedio V-RQOL fue de 93,4/100; solo 4 participantes tuvieron puntuación anormal en VHI-10. Las bajas puntuaciones en V-RQOL se correlacionaron con título de asociado y menos visitas por pérdida auditiva; las puntuaciones VHI-10, con sexo, educación, dificultad en situaciones sociales, exposición al ruido y tinnitus. Limitaciones del estudio: La pequeña n fue la principal limitación de este estudio. Originalidad: Este estudio fue uno de los primeros en examinar la calidad de vida relacionada con la voz en usuarios de CI. Conclusiones: En general, los encuestados no percibieron mucha dificultad relacionada con la voz. Sin embargo, era más probable que percibieran dificultades relacionadas con la voz si tenían dificultades para oír en ruido y evitaban situaciones sociales debido a la pérdida auditiva.

Análise do conhecimento de fonoaudiólogos brasileiros sobre a bateria Evaluation of Auditory Responses to Speech / Analysis of knowledge by Brazilian speech therapists about the battery Evaluation of Auditory Responses to Speech / Análisis del conocimiento de logopedas brasileños sobre la batería de Evaluation of Auditory Responses to Speech

Introdução: O avanço das tecnologias auditivas tem ajudado crianças com deficiência auditiva a ouvir, mas é necessário acompanhar o desenvolvimento das habilidades auditivas e de linguagem oral. Objetivo: O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o conhecimento de fonoaudiólogos brasileiros sobre a bateria EARS, que apresenta nove protocolos de avaliação do desenvolvimento das habilidades auditivas e de linguagem oral. Método: Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo e qualitativo, transversal descritivo. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio do formulário Google Forms em ambiente digital. O questionário foi composto por 13 questões, sendo quatro sobre o perfil do profissional e nove sobre seu conhecimento e/ou uso de protocolos dos propostos pela bateria EARS. Responderam a este estudo 67 participantes. Resultados: Desse total, 70% atuam diretamente na terapia fonoaudiológica, 41% atendem tanto em serviço privado como público. 97% consideram importante o uso de protocolos de avaliação e monitoramento das habilidades auditivas e de linguagem oral e 92% sentem falta de protocolos validados. Com relação ao uso dos protocolos da bateria EARS, constatou-se que os mais comuns são o MUSS, o MAIS, o GASP e o MTP. Conclusão: Os testes que os fonoaudiólogos brasileiros mais adotam são o MUSS, o MAIS, o GASP e o MPT. A maioria usa mais de um protocolo na avaliação, no monitoramento e mesmo na reabilitação. No entanto, nota-se que ainda há carência de protocolos validados para contemplar as etapas de desenvolvimento das habilidades auditivas e de linguagem oral de crianças com deficiência auditiva. AU)

Introduction: The advancement of hearing technologies has helped hearing-impaired children to hear, but it is necessary to monitor the development of hearing and oral language skills. Objective: The objective of this article is to analyze the knowledge of Brazilian speech therapists about the EARS battery, which presents nine protocols for evaluating the development of auditory and oral language skills. Method: This is a quantitative and qualitative, cross-sectional, descriptive study. Data collection was carried out using the Google Forms in a digital environment. The questionnaire consisted of 13 questions, four about the professional's profile and nine about their knowledge and/or use of protocols proposed by the EARS battery. 67 participants responded to this study. Results: Of this total, 70% work directly in speech therapy, 41% work in both private and public services. 97% consider it important to use protocols for evaluating and monitoring auditory and oral language skills and 92% feel that validated protocols are lacking. Regarding the use of EARS battery protocols, it was found that the most common are MUSS, MAIS, GASP and MTP. Conclusion: The tests that Brazilian speech therapists most adopt are the MUSS, MAIS, GASP and MPT. Most use more than one protocol in assessment, monitoring and even rehabilitation. However, it is noted that there is still a lack of validated protocols to cover the stages of development of auditory and oral language skills in children with hearing impairment. (AU)

Introducción: Los avances tecnológicos relacionados con las tecnologías auditivas han ayudado a los niños con pérdida auditiva a oier mejor, sin embargo es necesario monitorear el desarrollo de las habilidades auditivas y del lenguaje oral. Objetivo: Este artículo trata de un análisis del conocimiento de los fonoaudiólogos brasileños sobre la Batería EARS, que presenta nueve protocolos para evaluar el desarrollo de las habilidades auditivas y la percepción del habla en niños con pérdida auditiva que utilizan dispositivos de amplificación de sonido e implantes cocleares. Método: Se trata de un estudio transversal descriptivo cuantitativo y cualitativo. La recojida de datos se realizó mediante el formulario Google Forms en un entorno digital. El cuestionario constaba de 13 preguntas, siendo cuatro de libre elección y relacionadas con el perfil del profesional y nueve relacionadas con el uso de protocolos y el conocimiento y/o el uso de protocolos propuestos por la Batería EARS. En este estudio participaron 67 encuestados. Resultados: De este total el 70% actuan directamente en terapia fonoaudiologica y el 41 % atienden tanto en el servicio público como privado. El 97% consideran importante el uso de protocolos de evaluación y seguimiento de las habilidades auditivas y del lenguage oral y el 92% afirman que faltan protocolos válidos. Con relación al uso de los protocolos de bateria EARS, se llegó a la conclusión que los más usuales son el MUSS, el MAIS, el GASP y el MTP. Conclusión: Las pruebas más utilizadas por los fonoaudiólogos brasileños son MUSS, MAIS y GASP y MTP. La gran mayoria utiliza mas de un protocolo en la evaluación y seguimiento y en la rabilitación, sin embargo se nota que faltan protocolos. (AU)

The P300 Auditory Evoked Potential in Cochlear Implant Users: A Scoping Review

Abstract Introduction The P300 auditory evoked potential is a long-latency cortical potential evoked with auditory stimulation, which provides information on neural mechanisms underlying the central auditory processing. Objectives To identify and gather scientific evidence regarding the P300 in adult cochlear implant (CI) users. Data Synthesis A total of 87 articles, 20 of which were selected for this study, were identified and exported to the Rayyan search software. Those 20 articles did not propose a homogeneous methodology, which made comparison more difficult. Most articles (60%) in this review compare CI users with typical hearing people, showing prolonged P300 latency in CI users. Among the studies, 35% show that CI users present a smaller P300 amplitude. Another variable is the influence of the kind of stimulus used to elicit P300, which was prolonged in 30% of the studies that used pure tone stimuli, 10% of the studies that used pure tone and speech stimuli, and 60% of the studies that used speech stimuli. Conclusion This review has contributed with evidence that shows the importance of applying a controlled P300 protocol to diagnose and monitor CI users. Regardless of the stimuli used to elicit P300, we noticed a pattern in the increase in latency and decrease in amplitude in CI users. The user's experience with the CI speech processor over time and the speech test results seem to be related to the P300 latency and amplitude measurements.