Avaliação comportamental do processamento auditivo central em mulheres no climatério / Behavioral evaluation of central auditory processing in climacteric women

RESUMO Objetivo Comparar as habilidades auditivas centrais de mulheres no climatério, com e sem terapia de reposição hormonal. Métodos Estudo observacional, realizado com mulheres no climatério, divididas em dois grupos, segundo o uso ou não de terapia hormonal. Foram realizados os testes de Localização Sonora em cinco direções; Memória Sequencial para Sons Verbais e Não Verbais; Padrão de Duração; Random Gap Detection Test (RGDT); Masking Level Difference (MLD); Dicótico de Dígitos; Fala Com Ruído Branco, e aplicado o Questionário Avaliação Informal de Fadiga. Resultados Houve diferença tendenciosa de melhor desempenho médio no grupo com terapia hormonal, em comparação ao grupo sem terapia para o teste de Memória para Sons Não Verbais. Nos testes de Localização Sonora, Memória para Sons Verbais, RGDT e MLD, o grupo com terapia hormonal apresentou resultados quantitativamente melhores. O grupo com terapia hormonal demonstrou maior porcentagem de mulheres com alto nível de fadiga. Conclusão Mulheres no climatério, com e sem terapia hormonal, apresentam transtorno de processamento auditivo central envolvendo as habilidades auditivas de localização sonora, ordenação temporal simples e complexa, figura-fundo, resolução temporal e interação binaural. No entanto, as mulheres do grupo com terapia hormonal apresentam melhor desempenho em ordenação temporal simples.

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare the central auditory abilities of climacteric women, with and without hormone replacement therapy. Methods Observational study, performed with climacteric women with and without hormone replacement therapy. Sound localization tests were performed in five directions; Sequential Verbal Memory Test; Sequential Memory Test for Nonverbal Sounds; Duration Pattern Test; Random Gap Detection Test); Masking Level Difference; Dichotic Digit Test and Speech With White Noise Test and the questionnaire "Informal Fatigue Assessment" was applied. Results The differences pointed out revealed the biased difference that occurs due to higher average performance in the group with TH compared to the group without TH for TMSnV. In the TLS, TMSN, RGDT and MLD tests, the group with HT presented quantitatively better results. Conclusion Climacteric women, with and without hormone therapy, have central auditory processing disorder involving the auditory skills of sound localization, simple and complex temporal ordering, background figure, temporal resolution and binaural interaction. However, women in the hormone therapy group performed better in simple temporal ordering.

The effects of cognitive effort on academic performance of learners with cochlear implants in a private mainstream school in Gauteng

This research investigated the phenomenon of learners with cochlear implants and their challenges with cognitive effort in private mainstream schools in Gauteng. Many learners with cochlear implants encounter academic and social challenges at school, despite the advanced technology. Objectives: This study aimed to explore how learners with cochlear implants experience cognitive effort and whether it impacts their academic potential. Methods: Research was conducted using a phenomenological design. Phenomenography was used as theoretical framework to perceive, interpret and understand experiences of the cochlear implant recipients. The six former learners who were recipients of cochlear implants were selected using purposive sampling. Semi structured interviews were utilised to gather information, which was analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Five themes emerged from the analysis, namely auditory challenges, cognitive functioning, peer interactions, emotional health and concealed disability. This article only presents the first theme of cognitive functioning and highlights three subthemes related to cognitive effort. Findings show that many learners struggled with their concentration span and fatigue, as a result of their cognitive effort difficulties. Conclusion: This study demonstrated how learners with cochlear implants face challenges with cognitive effort at their mainstream schools. It indicates the need for awareness of and training on educating learners with cochlear implants to help them reach their academic potential. Contribution: This study contributes a unique focus on learners with cochlear implants in mainstream schools in South Africa. The study highlights that cognitive effort of learners with cochlear implants influenced their capabilities to multitask and retain information, despite the effort they have to put into listening. Further research should be conducted to develop interventions that could lesson cognitive effort while increasing learner productivity. The article responds to disability studies and inclusive education

Alarm fatigue and the implications for patient safety / Fatiga de alarmas y las implicaciones para la seguridad del paciente / Fadiga de alarmes e as implicações para segurança do paciente

ABSTRACT Objective: To measure the response time of health professionals before sound alarm activation and the implications for patient safety. Method: This is a quantitative and observational research conducted in an Adult Intensive Care Unit of a teaching hospital. Three researchers conducted non-participant observations for seven hours. Data collection occurred simultaneously in 20 beds during the morning shift. When listening the alarm activation, the researchers turned on the stopwatches and recorded the motive, the response time and the professional conduct. During collection, the unit had 90% of beds occupied and teams were complete. Result: We verified that from the 103 equipment activated, 66.03% of alarms fatigued. Nursing was the professional category that most provided care (31.06%) and the multi-parameter monitor was the device that alarmed the most (66.09%). Conclusion: Results corroborate the absence or delay of the response of teams, suggesting that relevant alarms might have been underestimated, compromising patient safety.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Mensurar el tiempo-respuesta de los profesionales de salud delante del disparo de las alarmas sonoras, y las implicaciones para la seguridad del paciente. Método: Investigación cuantitativa, observacional, en una Unidad de Terapia Intensiva - Adulto de un hospital de enseñanza. Los tres investigadores han realizado observaciones no participativas durante 7 horas. La recogida de los datos ha ocurrido simultáneamente en 20 camillas en el período diurno. Al oír el disparo, los investigadores accionaban los cronómetros y registraban el motivo, el tiempo-respuesta y la conducta profesional. Durante la recogida, la unidad estaba con el 90% de las camillas ocupadas y los equipos estaban completados. Resultados: Certificamos que, de los 103 equipamientos que han sido disparados, el 66,03% de las alarmas han fatigado. La enfermería ha sido la categoría profesional que más ha atendido (el 31,06%), y el monitor multiparámetros ha alarmado (el 66,09%). Conclusión: Los resultados han corroborado la ausencia o el retardo de la respuesta del equipo, sugiriendo que las alarmas relevantes hayan sido menospreciadas, comprometiendo la seguridad de los pacientes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Mensurar o tempo-resposta dos profissionais de saúde diante ao disparo dos alarmes sonoros e as implicações para a segurança do paciente. Método: Pesquisa quantitativa, observacional, em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Adulto de um Hospital de Ensino. Os três pesquisadores realizaram observações não participativas durante 7 horas. A coleta de dados ocorreu simultaneamente em 20 leitos no período diurno. Ao ouvir o disparo, os pesquisadores acionavam os cronômetros e registravam o motivo, o tempo-resposta e a conduta profissional. Durante a coleta a unidade estava com 90% dos leitos ocupados e as equipes estavam completas. Resultados: Verificamos que, dos 103 equipamentos disparados, 66,03% dos alarmes fatigaram. A enfermagem foi a categoria profissional que mais atendeu (31.06%), e o monitor multiparâmetros alarmou (66,09%). Conclusão: Os resultados corroboram a ausência ou retardo de resposta da equipe, sugerindo que alarmes relevantes tenham sido menosprezados, comprometendo a segurança dos pacientes.

Fatores que interferem na resposta dos enfermeiros na monitorização dos alarmes clínicos / Factores que interfieren en la respuesta de los enfermeros en el monitoreo de las alarmas clínicas / Factors that interfere with the response of nurses in the monitoring of clinical alarms

RESUMO O presente estudo tem como propósito refletir sobre a prática de enfermagem no que concerne à temática da monitorização dos alarmes clínicos. Objetivo: Pretendemos identificar e sintetizar, a melhor, a evidência empírica produzida sobre os fatores que influenciam a resposta dos enfermeiros perante os alarmes clínicos. Método: Perspetivou-se um estudo de revisão integrativa da literatura. Selecionámos um conjunto de dez bases de dados eletrónicas, delimitou-se a pesquisa ao período temporal de 2005 a 2016. Resultados: Por meio de uma estratégia de cruzamento dos descritores selecionados, foram incluídos oito artigos. Conclusão: Na análise dos estudos, reconhecemos como possíveis fatores que interferem na resposta dos enfermeiros na monitorização dos alarmes clínicos: o grande número de falsos alarmes, a inaudibilidade dos alarmes por causa da competição de sons, a dificuldade de distinguir a urgência dos alarmes e o aumento do ruído provocado pelo aumento do número de alarmes.

RESUMEN El presente estudio tiene como propósito reflexionar sobre la práctica de enfermería en lo que concierne a la temática del monitoreo de las alarmas clínicas. Objetivo: Pretendemos identificar y sintetizar, la mejor, la evidencia empírica producida sobre los factores que influyen la respuesta de los enfermeros frente a las alarmas clínicas. Método: Se tuvo una perspectiva de un estudio de revisión integradora de la literatura. Seleccionamos un conjunto de diez bases de datos electrónicos, se delimitó la pesquisa al periodo temporal de 2005 a 2016. Resultados: Por medio de una estrategia de cruzamiento de los descriptores seleccionados, fueron incluidos ocho artículos. Conclusión: En el análisis de los estudios, reconocemos como posibles factores que interfieren en la respuesta de los enfermeros en el monitoreo de las alarmas clínicos: el gran número de falsas alarmas, lo inaudible de las alarmas por causa de la competición de sonidos, la dificultad de distinguir la urgencia de las alarmas y el aumento de ruido provocado por el aumento del número de alarmas.

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to reflect on nursing practice regarding the monitoring of clinical alarms. Objective: The objective of the present study was to identify and synthesize the best empirical evidence found on factors that influence the response of nurses regarding clinical alarms. Method: An integrative literature review was conducted with searches undertaken in ten electronic databases restricted to the period from 2005 to 2016. Results: Eight articles were included by cross-checking the descriptors selected. Conclusion: In the analysis of the studies, the following possible factors that might interfere with the response of nurses in the monitoring of clinical alarms were found: high number of false alarms, inaudibility of alarms due to the competition of sounds, difficulty in distinguishing the urgency of alarms, and increase in noise caused by the raise in the number of alarms.

Temporary and permanent level shifts in distortion product otoacoustic emissions following noise exposure in an animal model

Noise-induced hearing loss [NIHL] is one of the most common occupational illnesses. Most of the studies on NIHL were conducted at high noise levels that people are rarely exposed to but in industries. The function of the outer hair cells [OHCs] is impaired after exposure to industrial noise. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions [DPOAEs] are useful in examination of noise-induced level shifts. To assess the function of OHCs by DPOAE temporary and permanent level shifts [TLSdp and PLSdp] in rabbits exposed to white noise at realistic levels typically found in industrial settings over a broad range of frequencies. 12 albino rabbits were divided into two groups: the experimental group rabbits which were exposed to 95 dB SPL white noise at 500-8000 Hz for 8 hrs/day for 5 consecutive days, and the control group rabbits with no exposure to noise. The function of OHCs was examined by DPOAE level [Ldp] in different occasions. The study groups were compared for DPOAE temporary and permanent level shifts [TLSdp and PLSdp] to assess the effect of noise on OHCs function. Noise-induced DPOAE levels [Ldp] were decreased up to 20.65 dB [on day 8] and 18.93 dB [on day 11] at 5888.50 Hz [p=0.081]. TLSdp and PLSdp were significantly decreased up to 17.99 dB and 16.27 dB, respectively in the experimental group. The most and least Ldp were significantly different [p<0.05]; they occurred at 5888.50 and 588.00 Hz, respectively. There were significant differences between temporary and permanent threshold shift at various frequencies [p<0.05]. These differences were mainly related to 5888.50 Hz compared to other frequencies in each ear [p<0.05]. DPOAEs are an attractive tool for obtaining information about small temporary or permanent threshold shifts, even when the pure tone audiogram is normal

Assessment of hearing standard threshold shift based on audiometric findings in steel company workers

Exposure of workers to excessive noise and its complications including hearing loss as one of the most important health problems in industries. Standard Threshold Shift [STS] is considered as an indicator for monitoring of the effectiveness of hearing conservation program [HCP] implemented in the industries. This study was designed to determine the frequency of STS and hearing loss in steel industry workers. 310 steel workers with sound level exposure to unauthorized noise [85 dBA or higher] that had at least 3 years work experience were enrolled. Required data were recorded in a questionnaire through direct interview. STS was investigated using baseline audiogram and audiometric evaluations. 22.3% of workers in 2008 and 41.3% of workers in 2009 had STS in both ears. There was a significant relationship between the sound exposure level and work experience with STS, while the relationship between age and STS was not significant. High frequency of STS in workers indicates unsuccessful hearing conservation program in the factory and careful implementation and reassessment of HCP seem necessary

The Relationship between the Change of Otoacoustic Emission and Temporary Threshold Shift after Broad Band Noise Stimulation / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) is a non-invasive method which is commonly used to assess the hearing function of the cochlea and to reflect objective information of specific frequency in the cochlea. We hypothesize that after applying a broad band noise (BBN), the outer hair cell's function will change and cause reduction in the amplitude of DPOAEs and signal to noise ratio (SNR). SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We performed the examination on 40 subjects (80 ears) who have a normal hearing function. DPOAEs were recorded before and after BBN stimulation (intensity: 90 dB HL, duration: 10 minutes). RESULTS: After the BBN stimulation, the amplitude of DPOAEs and SNR were decreased at all frequencies. The amplitude of DPOAEs and SNR decreased 0.3-1.6 dB SPL, 0.6-1.5 dB SPL, respectively. Decreases in the amplitude had statistical significances after 3 and 6 minutes in 1 kHz, 3 and 6 minutes in 2 kHz, immediately after noise exposure, and after 3 and 6 minutes in 6 kHz. However, the SNR changes had statistical significance only after 3 minutes in 1 kHz. After the stimulation, pure tone threshold at 4 kHz increased 3.2+/-3.9 dB HL. After the BBN exposure, the amplitude of DPOAEs and SNR decreased at all frequencies and most of them recovered within 12 minutes. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that DPOAE could be a clinically useful method for the purpose of screening, managing and assessing the prognosis of acoustic trauma and noise induced sensorineural hearing loss.

A eficiência das emissões otoacústicas transientes e audiometria tonal na detecção de mudanças temporárias nos limiares auditivos após exposição a níveis elevados de pressão sonora / The efficiency of otoacoustic emissions and pure-tone audiometry in the detection of temporary auditory changes after exposure to high sound pressure levels

A exposição ao ruído produz um efeito deletério sobre a saúde auditiva de trabalhadores. OBJETIVO: Realizar um estudo utilizando audiometria tonal e EOAT pré e pós-exposição a níveis elevados de pressão sonora, buscando informações para estabelecer a eficiência dos testes para detectar pequenas mudanças temporárias no limiar. Forma de Estudo: Coorte Transversal. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: A amostra compôs-se de trinta indivíduos otologicamente normais, com idade variando de 20 a 35 anos. Os testes audiometria tonal liminar e EOAT foram realizados em cabina acústica, pré e pós-exposição de 5 horas, a níveis elevados de pressão sonora (entre 80 a 90 dB). RESULTADOS: Na audiometria tonal liminar as maiores mudanças dos limiares auditivos ocorreram nas freqüências altas (3000 a 8000 Hz) pós-exposição a níveis elevados de pressão sonora. Os achados referentes às EOA revelaram que existe uma piora da reprodutibilidade nas freqüências de 1000 a 4000 Hz das EOAT, quando os trabalhadores foram expostos a níveis elevados de pressão sonora. CONCLUSÃO: Notamos que tanto a audiometria tonal liminar quanto às EOAT evidenciaram sensibilidade para detectar mudanças temporárias, estatisticamente significantes, nos limiares de audibilidade e reprodutibilidade, respectivamente, após a exposição a níveis elevados de pressão sonora.

Exposure to noise has a harmful effect on the auditory health of workers. AIM: The main goal of this paper was to establish the role of pure-tone audiometry and evoked transient otoacoustic emissions in the detection of small temporary auditory changes after exposure to high sound pressure levels. Study Design: a cross-sectional cohort study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 30 otologically normal subjects aged between 20 and 35 years were submitted to pure-tone audiometry and evoked transiente otoacoustic emissions before and after 5 hours of exposure to high sound pressure levels (betweeen 80 and 90 dB). RESULTS: For pure-tone audiometry the largest changes occurred at high frequencies - from 3 KHz to 8 KHz after exposure. The evoked transient otoacoustic emissions showed reduced reproductibility from 1 KHz to 4 KHz after exposure to noise. CONCLUSION: We noted that both pure-tone audiometry and evoked transient otoacoustic emissions had a role in detecting statistically significant changes in the auditory threshold and in reproductibility, after exposure to high sound pressure levels.

Perda auditiva induzida pelo ruído: um enfoque sobre a mudança temporária no limiar / Noise induced hearing loss: a focus on the temporary threshold shift

O presente trabalho objetivou estudar a Perda Auditiva Induzida pelo Ruído (PAIR), dando um enfoque especial sobre a mudança temporária no limiar (TTS-Temporary threshold Shift). Através da avaliaçäo auditiva pré e pós uma jornada de nove horas de trabalho, de 37 sujeitos expostos a níveis de ruído que variaram de 95 a 110 dBA, buscou-se verificar a presença de TTS; determinar seu padräo audiométrico; observar a existência de relaçäo entre TTS e PTS (Permanent Threshold Shift - Mudança Permanente no Limiar), bem como avaliar a eficácia do Programa de Conservaçäo Auditiva (PCA) utilizado pelas empresas. Os sujeitos foram dividios em dois grupos, de acordo com o tempo de serviço. O grupo 1 foi composto por sujeitos com tempo de serviço menor ou igual a dez anos e o grupo 2, por sujeitos com tempo de serviço maior maior do que dez anos. Apesar de ter-se detectado alguns valores de TTS em todas as frequências testadas, para ambos os grupos, a TTS só foi estatisticamente significativa (P < 0,05) nas frequências de 250, 500 e 1000 Hz para os indivíduos enquadrados no grupo 2. No grupo I, a ausência de TTS estatisticamente significativa pode estar relacionada tanto com uma proteçäo adequada e eficaz do Equipamento de Proteçäo Auditiva Individual (EPI) quanto como o insuficiente tamanho da amostra. Para os indivíduos do grupo 2, a presença de TTS estatisticamente significativa nas frequências mais graves e sua ausência nas frequências acima de 2000Hz, pode estar relacionada tanto com uma insuficiente proteçäo do EPI auditivo quanto com a hipótese de que a mudança no limiar assintótica (ATS - Asymptotic threshold Shift) ocasionadas por um dado som é o limite superior para a PTS ocasionada pelo mesmo tipo de som

Consideraciones sobre la prueba de Fowler / Fowler test

Se realizó la prueba de Fowler (ABLB) a 37 sujetos, otológica y audiológicamente normales, a los que se provocó una hipoacusia de transmisión unilateral mediante la inserción de un protector auditivo. Lo mismo se efectuó en 26 pacientes portadores de una otitis media crónica unilateral en que se condicionó qu el umbral para la vía ósea del oído afectado fuera de 15 dB o menos. Se encontró, según el criterio empleado, porcentajes variables de pruebas con reclutamiento positivo. Consideramos estos porcentajes como falsos positivos. Pensamos que la prueba de Fowler, así como cualquiera otra prueba clínica, es sugerente de lesión coclear pero no excluyente de lesión neural. Por ello nos permitimos recomendar que a pesar que algunas pruebas audiométricas indiquen lesión sensorial, debe completarse el examen con las pruebas de deterioro tonal o fatiga auditiva