Efeitos imediatos do inspirômetro de incentivo em mulheres vocalmente saudáveis / Immediate effects of the incentive spirometer in women with healthy voice

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o efeito imediato do inspirômetro de incentivo nas medidas acústicas, medidas aerodinâmicas e na avaliação perceptivo-auditiva da qualidade vocal de mulheres com vozes saudáveis. Método Trata-se de um estudo experimental de comparação intrassujeito que contou com a participação de 22 mulheres sem queixas vocais. Foram obtidas as medidas acústicas, medidas aerodinâmicas e a avaliação perceptivo-auditiva da qualidade vocal antes e imediatamente após o uso do inspirômetro de incentivo pelas participantes. O dispositivo foi utilizado na posição ortostática, e as participantes realizaram três séries de dez repetições com intervalo de um minuto entre as séries. Resultados Após uso do inspirômetro de incentivo, observou-se redução significativa nas medidas de jitter, shimmer e PPQ (period perturbation quociente) e aumento do volume expiratório máximo. As demais medidas acústicas e aerodinâmicas não foram impactadas significativamente. Além disso, houve melhora na avaliação perceptivo-auditiva da qualidade vocal em oito (36,4%) participantes, e 11 (50,0%) não apresentaram mudanças após uso do inspirômetro de incentivo. Conclusão O uso do inspirômetro de incentivo é seguro e, em seu efeito imediato, promove redução nas medidas acústicas de aperiodicidade a curto prazo, tanto relacionadas à frequência quanto à intensidade, e aumenta o volume expiratório máximo em mulheres com vozes saudáveis.

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the immediate effect of the incentive spirometer on acoustic measures, aerodynamic measures and on the auditory-perceptual assessment of vocal quality in vocally healthy women. Methods This is an experimental intra-subject comparison study with the participation of 22 women without vocal complaints. Acoustic measures, aerodynamic measures and auditory-perceptual assessment of vocal quality were obtained before and immediately after using the incentive spirometer by the participants. The device was used in the orthostatic position and the participants performed three sets of ten repetitions with a one-minute interval between sets. Results After using the incentive spirometer, there was a significant reduction in jitter, shimmer and PPQ (period perturbation quotient) measurements and an increase in maximum expiratory volume, while the other acoustic and aerodynamic measurements were not significantly impacted. In addition, there was improvement in vocal quality in eight (36.4%) participants and 11 (50.0%) participants showed no changes in the auditory perceptual assessment of voice quality after using the incentive spirometer. Conclusion The use of the incentive spirometer is safe and, in its immediate effect, positively impacts the acoustic measures of short-term aperiodicity of frequency and intensity and increases the maximum expiratory volume in women with healthy voices.

Instrumento de Avaliação Fonológica: evidências de validade de construto / Phonological Assessment Instrument: evidence of construct validity

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar evidências de validade de construto para um Instrumento de Avaliação Fonológica para o Português Brasileiro, baseadas nos dados de diagnóstico gerados por sua própria aplicação a partir da análise contrastiva e do grau de severidade de fala. Método A amostra foi composta por dados de 176 crianças, com idades entre cinco até nove anos. Foram avaliadas pelo Instrumento de Avaliação Fonológica e classificadas em com transtorno fonológico ou em desenvolvimento fonológico típico, comparando tais resultados aos critérios para o transtorno no DSM-5. A busca por evidências da validade de construto contou com a concordância entre os dois métodos de avaliação, aplicando o Coeficiente Kappa. Para a diferenciação entre os grupos, utilizou-se o teste t de Student para amostras independentes. Buscou-se a investigação dos índices do instrumento pela estatística da Curva de Receiver Operating Characteristic para obter valores de área, ponto de corte, sensibilidade, especificidade, acurácia, valor preditivo positivo e negativo. Resultados O instrumento apresentou concordância e diferenciação significativa entre as classificações. Quanto aos parâmetros de desempenho, exibe ponto de corte para diagnóstico com resultados iguais ou maiores do que 96,17%, excelente valor de área sob a curva, assim como percentuais satisfatórios para as outras análises investigadas. Conclusão O conjunto de dados encontrados indicam evidências para validade de construto do Instrumento de Avaliação Fonológica, apresentando uma contribuição útil e válida ao arsenal de avaliação clínica e de pesquisa envolvendo diagnóstico de Transtorno Fonológico e, com seu resultado de acurácia, contribuiu as propriedades de desempenho dos instrumentos utilizados na Fonoaudiologia.

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate evidence of construct validity for a Phonological Assessment Instrument for Brazilian Portuguese, based on the diagnostic data generated by its application from contrastive analysis and speech severity. Methods The sample consisted of 176 children, aged between five to nine years old. They were evaluated with the Phonological Assessment Instrument and then classified as having Speech Sound Disorder or in typical phonological development, comparing these results to the criteria described for the disorder in the DSM-5. The search for evidence of construct validity relied on the agreement between the two assessment methods while applying the Kappa Coefficient. To differentiate between groups, Student's t-test was used for independent samples. We sought to investigate the instrument indexes using the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve statistics to obtain values for area, cut-off point, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive value. Results The instrument showed agreement and significant differentiation between the classifications. As for the performance parameters, it shows a cut-off point for diagnosis with results equal to or greater than 96.17%, an excellent area under the curve, as well as satisfactory percentages for the other analyses investigated. Conclusion The data indicated evidence for the construct validity of the Phonological Assessment Instrument, presenting a useful and valid contribution to the arsenal of clinical assessment and research involving the diagnosis of Speech Sound Disorder and, with its accuracy result, contributed to the properties of performance of instruments used in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences.

Reabilitação auditiva com sistemas Baha® transcutâneo e percutâneo / Hearing rehabilitation with Baha® transcutaneous and percutaneous systems

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar longitudinalmente a influência dos limiares tonais auditivos obtidos com as próteses auditivas ancoradas no osso transcutâneas e percutâneas na percepção da fala em indivíduos com malformação de orelha externa e/ou média e Otite Média Crônica. Método Estudo observacional, retrospectivo, de seguimento longitudinal de 30 indivíduos usuários unilaterais de sistema Baha® transcutâneo e percutâneo, para coleta de dados secundários dos limiares tonais obtidos por meio da audiometria em campo livre e do limiar de reconhecimento de sentenças no silêncio e no ruído nas condições: sem a prótese; no momento de ativação; no primeiro mês de uso (pós 1); e no terceiro mês (pós 2). Resultados Houve diferença significante entre os limiares tonais obtidos nas frequências de 3 e 4kHz, com melhores resultados para o percutâneo em todos os momentos de avaliação. Para os dois sistemas, observou-se melhor desempenho no reconhecimento de sentenças no silêncio e ruído, com diferença significante na ativação (p<0,001), porém manteve-se estável nos demais momentos de avaliação. O sistema percutâneo mostrou melhor benefício no reconhecimento de sentenças no ruído apenas na ativação (p=0,036), quando comparado ao transcutâneo. Conclusão O sistema percutâneo possibilitou melhor audibilidade para as frequências altas; contudo, tal audibilidade não influenciou no reconhecimento de sentenças na situação de silêncio para ambos os sistemas. Para a situação de ruído, melhores respostas foram observadas no sistema percutâneo; porém, a diferença não se manteve no decorrer do tempo.

ABSTRACT Purpose Longitudinally verify the influence of auditory tonal thresholds obtained with transcutaneous and percutaneous bone-anchored hearing aids on speech perception in individuals with external and/or middle ear malformation and chronic otitis media. Methods Observational, retrospective, longitudinal follow-up study of 30 unilateral users of the transcutaneous and percutaneous Baha® system for the collection of secondary data on pure tone thresholds obtained through free field audiometry and sentence recognition threshold in silence and noise in conditions: without the prosthesis; at the time of activation; in the first month of use (post 1); and in the third month (post 2). Results There was a significant difference between pure tone thresholds obtained at frequencies of 3 and 4kHz with better results for the percutaneous technique at all evaluation moments. For both systems, better performance was observed in sentence recognition in silence and in noise, with a significant difference in activation (p<0.001), but it remained stable during the other evaluation moments. The percutaneous system showed better benefit in recognizing sentences in noise only on activation (p=0.036), when compared to the transcutaneous system. Conclusion The percutaneous system provided better audibility for high frequencies; however, such audibility did not influence sentence recognition in the silent situation for both systems. For the noise situation, better responses were observed in the percutaneous system, however, the difference was not maintained over time.

Instrumento de Avaliação Fonológica: evidências de validade de conteúdo e de processos de resposta / Phonological Assessment Instrument: evidence of content validity and response processes

RESUMO Objetivo evidenciar validade de conteúdo e validade de processos de resposta de um instrumento destinado à avaliação fonológica de crianças. Método validade realizada em duas etapas por dois diferentes grupos de juízes, grupo de especialistas e grupo de não-especialistas. O primeiro grupo composto por três juízes especialistas avaliaram os 123 itens lexicais após a elaboração do instrumento, julgando a aplicabilidade das figuras no contexto da avaliação infantil e sugerindo ajustes para compor o conteúdo. A partir das observações, o instrumento foi adequado e direcionado ao grupo de juízes não-especialistas que, por meio da aplicação do instrumento, tiveram suas respostas avaliadas conforme a facilidade ou dificuldade de elicitação dos itens do instrumento. Resultados As avaliações obtiveram resultados de teor positivo para as validades de conteúdo e de processos de resposta. Conclusão o estudo permitiu aprimorar os itens de teste de forma mais criteriosa, beneficiando o uso clínico e científico.

ABSTRACT Purpose to demonstrate the validity of content and the validity of response processes of an instrument intended for the phonological assessment of children. Methods validation was carried out in two stages by two different groups of judges, a group of specialists and a group of non-specialists. The first group, composed of three expert judges, evaluated the 123 lexical items after creating the instrument, judging the applicability of the figures in the context of child assessment, and suggesting adjustments to compose the content. From the observations, the instrument was adapted and directed to the group of non-specialist judges who, through the application of the instrument, had their responses evaluated according to the ease or difficulty of eliciting the instrument's items. Results The predictions obtained positive results for content validity and response processes. Conclusion the study allowed to improve the test items more judiciously, benefiting clinical and scientific use.

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.

Autopercepção do Impacto Imediato na Voz de Cantores Gospel após uma Apresentação de uma hora / Self-perception of the Immediate Impact on the Voice of Gospel Singers after a one-hour Presentation

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar o impacto imediato na voz de cantores gospel com e sem queixa vocal após uma apresentação individual de uma hora. Método Aplicação de um questionário online que abordou os seguintes aspectos: 1 - Dados sociodemográficos; 2 - Autoavaliação da habilidade de cantar pelo protocolo Evaluation of the Ability to Sing Easily (EASE-BR); 3 - Autoavaliação de sintomas de fadiga vocal pelo Índice de Fadiga Vocal (IFV); e 4 - Autoavaliação da desvantagem vocal pelo protocolo Índice de Desvantagem Vocal 10 (IDV-10). Os participantes foram divididos em dois grupos: Grupo Com Queixa (CQ) e Grupo Sem Queixa (SQ) com base no escore total do IDV-10. Os dados passaram por análise estatística descritiva e inferencial considerando o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Participaram 43 cantores gospel com idade mediana de 34 anos, divididos entre 32 do grupo SQ e 11 do grupo CQ. O grupo CQ autorrelatou rouquidão e maior dificuldade ao cantar no EASE e maiores escores nos protocolos IDV-10 e IFV. Foi evidenciada correlação positiva entre a dificuldade ao cantar e a desvantagem vocal com a fadiga de cantores amadores gospel, sendo que essa correlação foi maior para o grupo SQ. Conclusão Cantores com queixa vocal apresentaram maiores índices de fadiga vocal, desvantagem vocal e maior dificuldade para cantar após uma hora de apresentação. Cantores sem queixa podem ter a habilidade de cantar prejudicada pela fadiga vocal. Variações na habilidade ao cantar e desvantagens vocais de cantores amadores gospel podem ter relação direta com a fadiga vocal.

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the immediate impact on the voice of gospel singers with and without vocal complaints after a one-hour individual presentation. Methods Application of an online questionnaire that addressed the following aspects: 1 - Sociodemographic data; 2 - Self-assessment of the ability to sing using the Evaluation of the Ability to Sing Easily (EASE-BR) protocol; 3 - Self-assessment of vocal fatigue symptoms using the Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI) protocol; and 4 - Self-assessment of voice handicap using the Voice Handicap Index 10 (VHI-10) protocol. Participants were divided into two groups: Group with Vocal Complaint (WVC) and Group with no Vocal Complaint (WnVC) based on the total score of the IDV-10. Data underwent descriptive and inferential statistical analysis with a significance level of 5%. Results The study included 43 gospel singers with a median age of 34 years: 32 were in the WnVC group and 11 were in the WVC group. The WVC group reported hoarseness and experienced more difficulty while singing in the EASE, resulting in higher scores in both the VHI-10 and VFI protocols. A positive correlation was observed between singing difficulty and vocal handicap due to fatigue in amateur gospel singers, with this correlation being stronger within the WnVC group. Conclusion After one hour of performance, singers with vocal complaints exhibited higher rates of vocal fatigue, vocal disadvantage, and greater difficulty in singing. Singers without complaints may have their ability to sing impaired by vocal fatigue. Variations in singing ability and vocal handicaps in amateur gospel singers may be directly related to vocal fatigue.

Encoding of speech sounds with frequency-following response in infants with Congenital Zika Syndrome: A case-controlled study

ABSTRACT Purpose: to investigate the frequency-following response (FFR) for sustained neural activity. Methods: 39 individuals, aged between 20 to 47 months old were divided into 2 groups: (i) 20 individuals without prenatal exposure to the congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) or hydrocephaly, normal development, no risk factors for hearing loss or syndromic hearing impairment and (ii) 19 individuals diagnosed with CZS and microcephaly - based on imaging studies linked to the clinical presentation of the condition. All participants exhibited normal click-ABR tests. FFR waveforms were documented using the /da/ syllable employing the Navigator Pro. The statistical analysis used was ANOVA (p-value <0.05). Results: no distinctions were observed concerning the variables of group, age, or gender with respect to FFR latency values, except for an interaction between gender and group for latency values associated with waves V and F. Children with CZS and microcephaly showed a difference for latency values in wave V for both males and females, when compared to the control group. Conclusion: children presented with CZS and microcephaly showed higher average latencies for waves V, A, C, D and F (male) compared to the control group, whereas, in waves E, F (female) and O they showed higher values in the control group.

Post-COVID-19 syndrome: An investigation of speech-language-hearing symptoms / Síndrome Pós-COVID-19: investigação de sintomas fonoaudiológicos

ABSTRACT Purpose: to investigate speech-language-hearing symptoms in adults after the acute phase of COVID-19 and the impact of these persistent symptoms on their physical and emotional aspects, functional capacity, and social relationships. Methods: 204 adults who tested positive for COVID-19 between January 2021 and July 2022 and who completed an online questionnaire, addressing different variables. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results: the most prevalent symptoms up to 30 days after infection were tiredness (46%), memory loss (40.2%), and ageusia (26.5%). The most found long-term symptoms were memory loss (34.3%), tiredness (21.1%), and difficulties in starting a sentence or conversation (10.1%). Anosmia and ageusia were also cited. These persistent symptoms had an impact on their emotional aspect (33.3%), followed by the physical (26%) and occupational (25%) ones. Conclusion: this study found persistent symptoms after the acute phase of COVID-19, which can lead to speech-language-hearing disorders, such as impaired oral language and eating. These persistent symptoms impacted the participants' emotional, physical, and occupational aspects.

RESUMO Objetivo: investigar a presença de sintomas fonoaudiológicos em adultos após o período da fase aguda da COVID-19, além do impacto da manutenção desses sintomas nos aspectos físicos, emocionais, capacidade funcional e relações sociais. Métodos: participaram 204 adultos que testaram positivo para COVID-19 no período de janeiro de 2021 a julho de 2022 e que preencheram um questionário on- line, abordando diferentes variáveis. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva. Resultados: os sintomas mais prevalentes até 30 dias após a infecção foram cansaço (46%), perda de memória (40,2%) e ageusia (26,5%). Os sintomas de longa duração mais observados foram perda de memória (34,3%), cansaço (21,1%) e dificuldades para iniciar um diálogo ou frase (10,1%). Anosmia e ageusia também foram citadas. Houve impacto da manutenção desses sintomas no aspecto emocional (33,3%), seguido dos aspectos físicos (26%) e ocupacionais (25%). Conclusão: neste estudo foram encontrados sintomas persistentes após o período da fase aguda da COVID-19 que podem levar a alterações fonoaudiológicas, como prejuízo na linguagem oral e nas questões alimentares. A manutenção desses sintomas impactou nos aspectos emocionais, físicos e ocupacionais dos participantes.

Analysis of age criteria for provision of the personal frequency-modulated system: An integrative review / Análise do critério de idade para fornecimento do sistema de frequência modulada: uma revisão integrativa

ABSTRACT Purpose: to critically analyze whether the legislation regarding the Personal Frequency-Modulated (FM) System device encompasses most of the students with hearing impairment to facilitate the development of skills required for communication, literacy, and learning. Methods: a legislative analysis of the norms regarding the use of the Personal Frequency-Modulated (FM) System device. Relevant legislations were searched on public databases such as the Planalto and the Ministry of Health portals. Brazilian laws, ordinances, and relevant guidelines were consulted as well. Literature Review: Ordinance n. 1,274 of June 25, 2013, the CONITEC Report on FM in 2020 and GM/MS Ordinance No. 2,465, of September 27, 2021, which regulate the Personal Modulated Frequency System device, were identified. Conclusion: the initial ordinance of 2013, which regulated the Personal Frequency-Modulated (FM) System, was revised and updated, because it did not include children under six years of age, who are in the peak phase of oral language learning.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar criticamente se a legislação garantidora do dispositivo Sistema de Frequência Modulada Pessoal abrange a população adequada de escolares com deficiência auditiva no critério idade, de forma a favorecer o desenvolvimento das habilidades necessárias para a comunicação, a alfabetização e a aprendizagem dessas crianças. Métodos: trata-se de uma análise legislativa das normas referentes ao uso do dispositivo Sistema de Frequência Modulada Pessoal. Para a busca da legislação pertinente, foram utilizados bancos de dados públicos, tais como: o portal do Planalto e o portal do Ministério da Saúde. Foram consultadas as leis, portarias e diretrizes Brasileiras no que se refere ao uso do Dispositivo Sistema de Frequência Modulada Pessoal. Revisão da Literatura: foram identificadas na Revisão de Literatura a Portaria n. 1.274 de 25 de junho de 2013, o Relatório do CONITEC sobre o FM no ano de 2020 e a Portaria GM/MS Nº 2.465, de 27 de setembro de 2021 que regulamentam o dispositivo Sistema de Frequência Modulada Pessoal. Conclusão: é evidente que a portaria inicial de 2013, a qual regulamentava o fornecimento do Sistema FM, foi revista e atualizada, uma vez que não contemplava crianças menores de 6 anos, em fase de máxima aprendizagem da linguagem oral, pré-alfabetização e letramento, mesmo que estivessem inseridas em instituições escolares.

Proposals to promote health and prevent voice disorders in occupational voice users: A scoping review / Propostas de promoção da saúde e prevenção de distúrbios vocais para profissionais da voz: revisão de escopo

ABSTRACT Purpose: to characterize the actions of vocal health promotion and/or prevention of vocal disorders applied to voice professionals. Methods: a scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines in SciELO and PubMed databases was conducted. Articles that had as participants voice professionals without concomitant vocal treatment, that described proposals for health promotion or vocal disorders prevention, published between 2010 and 2023, were included. They were grouped into categories and data were presented descriptively. Literature Review: eighteen articles with artistic and non-artistic voice professionals, mostly teachers, were included. Most of the studies focused on healthy voices, aiming at primary prevention. Many articles presented guidance on vocal hygiene and health and used resources such as vocal enhancement, voice workshop, voice amplifiers and apps. All the articles positively mentioned their results, especially with regard to self-perception in relation to voice, vocal quality and quality of life, awareness of positive and harmful practices to the voice. Conclusion: the proposals contemplated different levels of prevention, but most focused on primary prevention, including vocally healthy participants; all articles indicated positive results in voice self-perception, voice quality and quality of life, and awareness of positive and harmful voice practices.

RESUMO Objetivo: caracterizar as ações de promoção de saúde vocal e/ou prevenção de distúrbios vocais aplicadas em profissionais da voz. Métodos: foi conduzida uma revisão de escopo seguindo as diretrizes do PRISMA-ScR nas bases de dados SciELO e PubMed. Foram incluídos artigos que tivessem como participantes profissionais da voz sem tratamento vocal concomitante, que descrevessem propostas de promoção da saúde ou prevenção de distúrbios vocais, publicados entre 2010 e 2023. Os artigos foram agrupados em categorias e os dados apresentados de forma descritiva. Revisão da Literatura: foram incluídos 18 artigos com profissionais da voz artística e não-artística, em sua maioria professores. A maior parte dos estudos tinha como foco vozes saudáveis, visando a prevenção primária. Muitos artigos apresentaram orientações sobre higiene e saúde vocal e utilizaram recursos como aprimoramento vocal, oficina de voz, amplificadores de voz e aplicativos. Todos os artigos mencionam resultados benéficos, principalmente no que se refere à autopercepção em relação a voz, qualidade vocal e de vida, conscientização de práticas positivas e prejudiciais à voz. Conclusão: as propostas contemplaram diferentes níveis de prevenção, mas a maioria tinha como foco a prevenção primária, incluindo participantes vocalmente saudáveis; todos os artigos indicaram resultados favoráveis na autopercepção em relação à voz, qualidade vocal e de vida e conscientização de práticas benéficas e prejudiciais à voz.

Predictors of hearing outcomes in patients undergoing ossicular chain reconstruction in a developing country / Factores predictores de desenlaces auditivos en pacientes llevados a reconstrucción de la cadena osicular en un país en vía de desarrollo

Objective: To explore the social and clinical factors that predict audiometric outcomes in patients undergoing ossicular chain reconstruction. Methods: A retrospective analytical cohort study was conducted, including patients 18 years of age or older with a history of chronic otitis media (COM) and/or any of its complications, who underwent ossicular chain reconstruction with Partial Ossicular Replacement Prosthesis (PORP) or Total Ossicular Replacement Prosthesis (TORP), at Hospital San José and Hospital infantile Universitario de San José between 2012 and 2020. We excluded patients with ossicular chain malformations and those with incomplete information. Information about sociodemographic and clinical factors was collected. Additionally, the surgery findings information was analyzed using the Ossiculoplasty outcome parameter staging ( OOPS) index. Results: A total of 35 adult patients who underwent ossicular chain reconstruction were retrospectively studied. An improvement was evidenced in the Preoperative Pure-Tone Average (PTA) and postoperative PTA (p-value=0.036), as well as in the pre and postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) (p-value < 0.01). A moderate correlation coefficient was found between the OOPS index and the postoperative PTA (p= 0.429), and between the OOPS index and the postoperative (ABG) (p= 0.653). Conclusion: We found that a higher OOPS score is correlated with worse hearing outcomes postoperatively, and there was no association between the demographic or pathologic factors with a worse postoperative hearing outcome. Therefore, OOPS index can predict audiometric outcomes in patients undergoing ossicular chain reconstruction in a developing country, regardless of the demographic or pathologic factors.

Objetivo: Evaluar los factores sociales y clínicos que predicen los desenlaces audiométricos en pacientes llevados a reconstrucción de cadena osicular en un país envía de desarrollo. Métodos: Se realizo un estudio de cohorte analítico retrospectivo donde se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años, con antecedente de otitis media crónica y/o alguna complicación/secuela de esta, que fueron llevados a reconstrucción de la cadena osicular con prótesis PORP - TORP de la Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud entre el año 2012 y 2020, se excluyeron pacientes con malformaciones de la cadena osicular y aquellos con informacion incompleta de su historia clinica y quirurgica. Resultados: La población estudiada fue 35 pacientes, en los cuales se compararon variables demográficas, antecedentes de rinitis o tabaquismo activo, parámetros audiológicos pre y postoperatorios, y hallazgos intraquirurgicos. Se evidenció una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre el promedio tonal auditivo (PTA) preoperatorio y el PTA postoperatorio (p-valor=0.036), así como en el gap aéreo- oseo pre y post operatorio ( p-valor < 0.01). Se reportó un coeficiente de correlación moderado entre el índice OOPS y el PTA post operatorio (p = 0.429), y entre el índice OOPS y el gap aéreo óseo post operatorio (p = 0.653), lo que indica que a mayor puntaje en el índice OOPS peores desenlaces auditivos. Conclusión: En este estudio un mayor puntaje en el índice OOPS se correlacionó con peores desenlaces auditivos. No se evidenció correlación entre los factores demográficos u otras comorbilidades descritas y un peor desenlace auditivo post operatorio. Aunque se obtuvo un GAO postoperatorio ≤20dB en el 48.5% de los pacientes, se observó una disminución en el GAO estadísticamente significativo.

Hipoacusia en el síndrome de Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Hearing loss in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome: case report and literature review

El síndrome de Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) es una rara enfermedad granulomatosa multisistémica caracterizada por aparición de panuveítis grave bilateral y desprendimiento seroso de retina; puede acompañarse de un amplio espectro de síntomas extraoculares como los auditivos, y la afección más frecuente es la hipoacusia neurosensorial. Su etiología se reconoce como respuesta autoinmune mediada por células T contra antígenos de melanocitos presentes en coroides, meninges, cóclea y piel. Asimismo, factores genéticos del huésped se han identificado como predisponentes para su aparición, y es la presencia del alelo HLA-DR4, en particular el subtipo HLA-DRB1 0405, el más estudiado hasta la fecha. El tratamiento se basa en administración de corticosteroides sistémicos en dosis altas, sin embargo, es escasa la evidencia que evalúa específicamente la eficacia de estos medicamentos sobre sus manifestaciones audiovestibulares. Este artículo expone un caso de síndrome de VKH con compromiso auditivo concomitante y realiza una breve revisión narrativa de la literatura.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome (VKHS) is a rare multisystemic granulomatous disease, characterized by severe bilateral panuveitis and serous retinal detachment; it can be associated with a wide spectrum of extraocular symptoms, such as auditory symptoms, and the most common condition is sensorineural hearing loss. Its etio-logy is recognized as a T-cell-mediated autoimmune response against melanocyte antigens present in the choroid, meninges, cochlea, and skin. Likewise, host genetic factors have been identified as predisposing for its development, specifically the pre-sence of the HLA-DR4 allele, the HLA-DRB1 0405 subtype is the most studied up to date. Treatment is based on the administration of high doses of systemic corticos-teroids, however, there is not much evidence that specifically evaluates the efficacy of these medications on their audiovestibular manifestations. This article presents a clinical case of VKH syndrome with concomitant hearing impairment and carries out a short narrative review of the literature.

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.

Medidas de proteção contra a COVID-19: impactos comunicativos, sociais e emocionais em usuários de aparelhos de amplificação sonora individual / Protective measures against COVID-19: communicative, social and emotional impacts on hearing aids users

RESUMO Objetivo investigar os impactos comunicativos, sociais e emocionais gerados pela adoção de medidas protetivas contra a COVID-19 e associá-los ao grau da perda auditiva e ao tempo de uso dos aparelhos de amplificação sonora individual. Métodos estudo transversal e quantitativo, com 72 indivíduos, divididos em adultos e idosos, com perda auditiva bilateral, de grau até moderadamente severo, protetizados antes da pandemia em um programa público de saúde auditiva e que mantiveram uso efetivo dos dispositivos. Os sujeitos foram convidados a participar do estudo enquanto aguardavam consulta. Os prontuários foram acessados, a fim de coletar informações sobre o perfil audiológico e adaptação/uso dos aparelhos de amplificação sonora individual. Em sala silenciosa, foi aplicado, oralmente, protocolo contendo questões objetivas e os dados foram tabulados e submetidos aos testes estatísticos Igualdade de Duas Proporções e Qui-Quadrado. Resultados nos dois grupos, um número significativo de usuários teve a comunicação impactada pelo uso de máscaras e pelo distanciamento físico, predominando, entre os adultos, a dificuldade com as tecnologias digitais (celulares/computadores), enquanto nas videochamadas, os prejuízos comunicativos foram mais experenciados pelos idosos. Os empecilhos comunicativos e sociais existiram, independentemente do perfil audiológico e do tempo de uso dos dispositivos. Quando questionados se deixaram de se comunicar e se as medidas afetaram a sua vida social, as respostas ficaram divididas entre "sim/às vezes" e "não". Quanto ao impacto emocional das medidas protetivas, constatou-se maior repercussão entre os adultos. Conclusão as medidas protetivas afetaram a comunicação dos usuários de aparelhos de amplificação sonora individual, porém, não desencorajaram as trocas comunicativas e as interações sociais de, aproximadamente, metade da amostra, sendo o impacto emocional mais evidente nos adultos. Tais dificuldades não estiveram relacionadas ao perfil audiológico e uso diário dos dispositivos.

ABSTRACT Purpose to investigate the communicative, social, and emotional impacts generated by adopting protective measures against COVID-19 and associate them with the degree of hearing loss and the time of use of hearing aids. Methods cross-sectional quantitative study, with 72 individuals, divided into adults and older adults, with bilateral hearing loss up to moderately severe degree, users of hearing aids fitted before the pandemic in a public hearing health program who had maintained effective use of the devices. The participants were invited to participate in the study while waiting for an appointment and signed the consent form. After that, medical records were accessed to collect information about audiological profiles and the fitting/use of hearing aids. Afterward, a protocol with objective questions was orally applied in a silent room. Data were tabulated and subjected to Equality of Two Proportions and Chi-Square statistical tests. Results in both groups, a significant number of users had communication impacted by the use of masks and by social distancing, with difficulty with digital technologies (cell phones/computers) predominating among adults, while older adults more commonly experienced communicative impairments during video calls. The communicative impediment existed regardless of the audiological profile and device use time. When asked if they stopped communicating and if the measures affected their social life, the sample was divided between "yes/sometimes" and "no". As for the emotional impact of protective measures, there was a greater impact among adults. Conclusion protective measures affected the communication of hearing aids users but did not discourage communicative exchanges and social interactions for approximately half of the sample, with the emotional impact being more evident in adults. Such difficulties were not related to the audiological profile and daily use of the devices.

Availability of resources for paediatric hearing care in a South African province

Background: Unavailability of healthcare resources can lead to poor patient outcomes. The latter is true for infants with hearing loss and require early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI). Aim: To determine the availability and distribution of resources for EHDI in state hospitals in the Eastern Cape (EC) province, South Africa. Setting: Sixteen state hospitals (nine district, four regional and three tertiary hospitals). Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional survey completed between July 2022 and October 2022. Results: Thirteen hospitals had audiologists (n = 4) or speech therapists and audiologists (n = 9). Specific to equipment, 10 hospitals had a screening otoacoustic emissions or automated auditory brainstem response, 8 hospitals had diagnostic middle ear analysers and only 3 hospitals had diagnostic auditory brainstem response and/or auditory steady state response. Twelve hospitals did not have visual response audiometry (VRA) and 94% had no hearing aid verification systems. Budget allocations were uneven, with only 10 hospitals, i.e., 4 districts, all regional and 2 tertiary hospitals being allocated varying amounts. Subsequently, only 50% provided newborn hearing screening, 56% provided diagnostic evaluations and 14 hospitals fitted hearing aids. Conclusion: Results revealed a limited and uneven distribution of resources, which negatively impacted the provision of EHDI. Even distribution of healthcare resources and further research aimed at strengthening hearing health services is recommended as these could potentially improve equitable access to EHDI and the overall quality of healthcare provided. Contribution: This study highlights the need for even distribution of resources and strengthening of health systems, especially in the dawn of the National Health Insurance.

Does a patient with acquired arbovirus infection have a hearing impairment? A scoping review of hearing changes in an adult with Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika

Abstract Objectives To identify and understand the evidence regarding hearing changes related to acquired Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika virus infection in adult individuals. Methods A scoping review was performed according to the recommendations of The Joanna Briggs Institute and guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews in the Embase, PubMed/Medline, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science databases without restriction on language and year of publication. Case studies, observational studies, and clinical trials reporting hearing loss in adult subjects (>18-60 years of age) of both sexes with DENV, CHIKV, or ZIKV diagnosed by positive molecular/serological examination by RT-PCR or IgM/IgG by ELISA method were included. Results Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for review. The occurrence of auditory symptoms caused by arboviroses and the presence of permanent or transient sensorineural hearing loss was variable in adults. Conclusions Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika infections in adults are associated with a variety of auditory symptoms. The frequency of permanent or transient sensorineural hearing loss is low but not negligible.

The potential relationship between uric acid and the recovery in sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Abstract Objective Serum uric acid is proven to be associated with chronic hearing loss, but its effect on Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) is unclear. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic values of serum uric acid levels in SSNHL patients. Methods The clinical records of SSNHL patients were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into different groups based on hearing recovery and audiogram type, and uric acid levels were compared. Based on uric acid levels, patients were categorized into normouricemia and hyperuricemia groups, and clinical features and hearing recovery were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors. Results In total, 520 SSNHL patients were included in this study, including 226 females and 294 males. In female patients, 186 patients were included in the normouricemia group, and 40 patients were enrolled in the hyperuricemia group. Significant differences were observed in uric acid levels, Total Cholesterol (TC), rate of complete recovery, and slight recovery between the two groups. In male patients, 237 subjects were categorized into the normouricemia group, and 57 patients were included in the hyperuricemia group. The rate of complete recovery and slight recovery was lower in the hyperuricemia group compared to the normouricemia group. All patients were further divided into good recovery and poor recovery groups based on hearing outcomes. The uric acid levels, initial hearing threshold, rate of hyperuricemia, and TC were lower in the good recovery group than the poor recovery group both in female and male patients. Binary logistic regression results showed that uric acid levels, initial hearing threshold, and hyperuricemia were associated with hearing recovery. Conclusion Hyperuricemia might be an independent risk factor for hearing recovery in SSNHL patients. Serum uric acid and initial hearing threshold possibly affected the hearing outcome in males and females with SSNHL. Level of evidence Level 4.

White noise effect on listening effort among patients with chronic tinnitus and normal hearing thresholds

Abstract Objective This study investigated the effects of WN on LE in subjects with chronic tinnitus and normal hearing thresholds. The study was a prospective, non-randomized, before-and-after, intra-participant intervention. Methods Twenty-five subjects performed the following tests: conventional and high-frequency audiometry, acuphenometry, screening questionnaires for depression and anxiety symptoms, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and high WM test from the Working Memory Assessment Battery, Federal University of Minas Gerais (WMAB) as the LE measure in two conditions: No Added Noise (NAN) and with Added Noise (AN). Results Seventeen participants (68%) performed better on AN condition. Data analysis revealed a 45% improvement in the WMAB total span count on AN setting, with a significant p value (p = 0.001). Conclusion The subgroup of participants without traces of anxiety symptoms, up to mild traces of depressive symptoms, having unilateral tinnitus, and a THI level up to grade 2, had improved WM performance in the presence of WN, which suggests a release of cognitive resources and less auditory effort under these combined conditions. Evidence level 4.

Audiometric evaluation in different clinical presentations of otitis media

Abstract Objectives To assess the hearing thresholds in acute otitis media, otitis media with effusion and chronic otitis media (non-suppurative, non-cholesteatomatous suppurative and cholesteatomatous) and to compare the hearing outcomes with non-diseased ears (in bilateral cases) or contralateral healthy ears (in unilateral cases), since hearing loss is the most frequent sequel of otitis media and there is no previous study comparing the audiometric thresholds among the different forms of otitis media. Methods Cross sectional, controlled study. We performed conventional audiometry (500-8000 Hz) and tympanometry in patients with otitis media and healthy individuals (control group). Hearing loss was considered when the hearing thresholds were > 25 dBHL. Results Of the 112 patients diagnosed with otitis media (151 ears), 48 were men (42.86%) and 64 were women (57.14%). The average age was 42.72 years. Of those, 25 (22.32%) were diagnosed as AOM, 15 (13.39%) were diagnosed with OME and the remaining 72 (63.28%) were diagnosed with COM (non-suppurative COM, n = 31; suppurative COM, n = 18; cholesteatomatous COM, n = 23). As compared with controls, all forms of otitis media had significantly higher bone-conduction thresholds (500-4000 Hz). Conductive hearing loss was the most frequent type of hearing loss (58.94%). However, the number of patients with mixed hearing loss was also relevant (39.07%). We noted that the presence of sensorioneural component occurred more frequently in 1) Higher frequencies; and 2) In groups of otitis media that were more active or severe in the inflammatory/infective standpoint (AOM, suppurative COM and cholesteatomatous COM). Conclusion All types of otitis media, even those with infrequent episodes of inflammation and otorrhea, had worse bone conduction thresholds as compared with nondiseased ears (p < 0.01). We observed worse hearing outcomes in ears with recurrent episodes of otorrhea and in ears with AOM, especially in high frequencies.

Pattern of maximum voluntary contraction in patients with temporomandibular disorder before and after speech therapy with and without use of elastic bandages / Padrão de contração voluntária máxima em pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular antes e após terapia fonoaudiológica com e sem uso de bandagem elástica

ABSTRACT Purpose: to verify if there is an electromyographic difference during maximal (maximum) voluntary contraction of the masseter and temporalis muscles in patients with temporomandibular disorders, before and after speech therapy intervention with and without the use of therapeutic elastic bandages. Methods: an analysis of secondary data from a clinical intervention study, carried out with 17 adult volunteers, diagnosed with temporomandibular muscle dysfunction with or without disc displacement with reduction. The Bandage Group received manual therapy associated with elastic bandages and the No Bandage Group received only manual therapy. Surface electromyography was performed to record the Maximum Voluntary Contraction before and after four weeks of speech therapy intervention. For exploratory analysis, the Mann Whitney and Wilcoxon paired tests were used, with P<0.05. Results: in the Bandage Group, there was a statistically significant decrease in electrical activity during Maximum Voluntary Contraction in the masseter and temporalis muscles on the left side at the post-therapeutic moment. Comparing the pre- and post-intervention between Bandage Group and No Bandage Group, a statistical difference was found in the electrical activity values of the Maximum Voluntary Contraction in the left temporal muscle. Conclusion: manual myofunctional speech therapy, associated or not with the use of therapeutic elastic bandages, impacts the muscle activity of the masseter and temporal muscles during Maximum Voluntary Contraction, whether the values demonstrate relaxation and/or equivalence of the electromyographic values of the masticatory muscles.

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar se há diferença eletromiográfica durante contração voluntária máxima dos músculos masseter e temporal de pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular, antes e após intervenção fonoaudiológica com e sem uso de bandagem elástica terapêutica. Métodos: foi realizada a análise de dados secundários de estudo do tipo intervenção clínica, com 17 voluntárias, adultas, com diagnóstico de disfunção temporomandibular muscular com ou sem deslocamento de disco com redução. O Grupo Bandagem recebeu terapia manual associada à bandagem elástica e o Grupo Sem Bandagem recebeu apenas terapia manual. Foi realizada eletromiografia de superfície para registro da contração voluntária máxima antes e após quatro semanas de intervenção fonoaudiológica. Para análise exploratória foram utilizados os testes: Mann Whitney e Wilcoxon Pareado, com p<0,05. Resultados: no Grupo Bandagem, houve diminuição estatisticamente significante da atividade elétrica durante a Contração Voluntária Máxima nos músculos masseter e temporal do lado esquerdo no momento pós-terapêutico. Na comparação do pré e pós-intervenção entre Grupo Bandagem e Grupo Sem Bandagem, constatou-se diferença estatística nos valores da atividade elétrica de Contração Voluntária Máxima no músculo temporal esquerdo. Conclusão: a terapia fonoaudiológica miofuncional manual, associada ou não ao uso da bandagem elástica terapêutica, impacta a atividade muscular dos músculos masseter e temporal durante a Contração Voluntária Máxima, sejam os valores demonstrando relaxamento e/ou equivalência dos valores eletromiográficos da musculatura mastigatória.