Resultados audiológicos y de calidad de vida en pacientes con transición del sistema BAHA Connect® a BAHA Attract® / Audiological and quality of life outcomes in patients with transition from BAHA Connect® to BAHA Attract®

Introducción: los implantes auditivos de conducción ósea percutáneos han sido usados de forma exitosa; sin embargo, un número importante de pacientes reportan reacciones repetitivas en la piel. En esta medida, los implantes auditivos transcutáneos son una alternativa que puede solventar estas complicaciones. Con este estudio queremos describir los resultados audiológicos y de calidad de vida en los pacientes que requirieron una transición del sistema percutáneo al transcutáneo. Metodología: estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal, en el que se incluyeron pacientes con un implante auditivo percutáneo, quienes requirieron una transición al sistema transcutáneo. El desempeño auditivo se evaluó utilizando una prueba con fondo ruidoso, y se aplicó la escala de calidad de vida Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI). Resultados: se incluyeron 8 pacientes, 3 de ellos con cirugía bilateral, para 11 oídos. El implante percutáneo fue usado en promedio = 9,5 ± 5,0 años, y la razón de la transición fueron reacciones reiterativas en la piel. Los resultados auditivos muestran un buen desempeño, tanto en los umbrales en silencio = 37,1 ± 6,1 dB, como en el reconocimiento del habla en ambientes ruidosos = 71,2 % ± 19,8, medidas significativamente mejores que los resultados sin implante (p <0,05). La relación señal/ruido fue = -2,6 ± 2,7 dB. Los resultados de la escala GBI mostraron un cambio positivo tanto en el resultado global (mediana = +34,75) como en las tres subescalas (mediana; estado general = +35,4, relaciones sociales = +41,65, salud física = +33,3). Conclusión: la transición de un dispositivo de conducción ósea percutáneo a uno transcutáneo puede realizarse de forma segura y efectiva. Se encontró un desempeño auditivo satisfactorio con el uso del implante transcutáneo, así como un cambio positivo en la percepción de la calidad de vida.

Introduction: the percutaneous bone-anchored hearing aid, has been successfully used. However, a significant number of patients report repetitive skin reactions. The transcutaneous bone-anchored hearing aid is an alternative that can solve these complications. With this study we aim to describe the audiological results and changes in the quality of life in patients who required transition from the percutaneous to the transcutaneous system. Methods: cross-sectional, descriptive observational study, patients with percutaneous hearing implants who required transition to the transcutaneous system were included. Hearing performance was assessed using a noisy background test and the quality of life scale Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) was applied. Results: 8 patients were included, 3 of them with bilateral surgery, for 11 ears. The percutaneous implant was used on average = 9.5 ± 5.0 years, the reason for the transition was repetitive skin reactions. The auditory results show good performance, both in thresholds in silence = 37.1 ± 6.1 dB, and in speech recognition in noisy environment = 71.2% ± 19.8. These measures are significantly better than the results without implant, p <0.05. The signal/noise ratio was = -2.6 ± 2.7 dB. The results of the GBI scale showed a positive change, both in the overall result (median = +34.75), and in the three subscales (median; general state = +35.4, social relations = +41.65, physical health = +33.3). Conclusion: the transition from a percutaneous to a transcutaneous bone-anchored hearing aid can be performed safely and effectively. Satisfactory hearing performance was found with the use of the transcutaneous implant; as well as a positive change in the perception of quality of life.

Hearing Rehabilitation through Bone-Conducted Sound Stimulation: Preliminary Results

Abstract Introduction The bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) is a bone conduction system that transmits the sound directly to the inner ear by surpassing the skin impedance and the subcutaneous tissue. It is indicated for patients with mixed, conductive and unilateral sensorineural hearing loss who did not benefit from conventional hearing aids (HAs). Although the benefits from BAHA are well demonstrated internationally, this field still lacks studies in Brazil. Objective To assess the auditory rehabilitation process in BAHA users through audiological, speech perception and tinnitus aspects. Methods Individuals with hearing loss were assessed before and after the implantation. The participants were subjected to pure tone audiometry in free field, functional gain audiometry, speech perception tests, tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) in open format, and to the visual analog scale (VAS). Results It was found that the participants benefited from the use of BAHA. The difference in the performance of the participants before and after the BAHA surgery was significant in terms of hearing acuity. There was no statistically significant difference in the speech perception tests. The tinnitus assessment showed that 80% of the participants scored slight tinnitus severity in THI after using a BAHA. Eighty percent of the participants classified their tinnitus as absent tomild in the VAS after the surgery. Conclusion Based on the results of the current study, we can conclude that the participants improved both the auditory perception and the tinnitus handicap. (AU)

Alteração auditiva em osteogênese imperfeita: revisão sistemática de literatura / Auditory alteration in osteogenesis imperfecta: systematic literature review

RESUMO Objetivos Analisar as publicações científicas sobre audição em indivíduos com osteogênese imperfeita. Estratégias de pesquisa Trata-se de revisão sistemática de literatura. Foram selecionados os descritores Hearing OR Hearing Loss AND Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Duas revisoras consultaram as bases de dados Cochrane Library, PubMed, LILACS, Scopus e Embase. Critérios de seleção utilizaram-se os Descritores em Ciências da Saúde, não sendo delimitado período de publicação dos estudos. Foram critérios de inclusão estudos de coorte, seguimento, transversais, casos controle e em idioma inglês. Foram critérios de exclusão artigos editoriais, relatos/séries de casos, resumos de eventos e estudos conduzidos em animais. Os estudos selecionados foram analisados pela Iniciativa STROBE e pelo Sistema GRADE. Resultados Dos 652 estudos obtidos, foram selecionados 16. A perda auditiva do tipo condutiva foi o tipo mais comum na população com osteogênese imperfeita (OI) e seu início ocorre por volta da segunda década de vida. A definição e a classificação para aferição de perda auditiva, nas publicações com a população com osteogênese imperfeita, apresentaram discordância entre os estudos. Conclusão Esta revisão respondeu às perguntas a que se propôs, constatando que as alterações audiológicas encontradas em pacientes com OI são do tipo condutivo, neurossensorial e misto. Alterações condutivas são mais comuns em pacientes mais jovens e alterações neurossensoriais, em pacientes mais velhos. A Iniciativa STROBE apontou itens descritos de forma parcial e o Sistema GRADE concluiu que os estudos apresentaram alguma falha metodológica.

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze scientific publications on the hearing issue of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta. Reserch strategy This study is a systematic literature review. The following descriptors were selected "Hearing" OR "Hearing Loss" AND "Osteogenesis Imperfecta". Two reviewers searched the Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, Scopus and Embase databases. Selection criteria Descriptors in Health Sciences were used and the publication period of studies was not limited. Inclusion criteria were cohort, follow-up, cross-sectional, and control studies in English language. Exclusion criteria were editorial articles, case reports, case summaries, and animal studies. Selected studies were analyzed by the STROBE Initiative and the GRADE System. Results Of the 652 studies, 16 were selected. Conductive hearing loss is the most common type in the osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) population and its onset is around the second decade of life. Definition and classification for hearing loss measurement in publications with the osteogenesis imperfecta population present disparities among studies. Conclusion This review met the objectives proposed, concluding that audiological alterations found in OI patients are of conductive, sensorineural and mixed types; conductive alterations are more common in younger patients and sensorineural alterations in older ones. The STROBE initiative partially pointed out described items and the GRADE system concluded that studies present some methodological failure.

Achados audiológicos em pacientes portadores de disfunção temporomandibular / Audiological findings in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar os achados audiológicos em indivíduos com desordem temporomadibular e comparar esses achados com indivíduos sem desordem temporomanbibular. Métodos A amostra foi composta por 39 participantes adultos, de ambos os gêneros, com diagnóstico prévio de desordem temporomandibular (grupo de estudo) e 39 participantes adultos, sem desordem temporomandibular (grupo controle). Todos os participantes foram submetidos à audiometria tonal limiar em altas frequências, imitanciometria e pesquisa das emissões otoacústicas evocadas por produto de distorção. Resultados Observou-se prevalência de desordem temporomandibular no gênero feminino e a média de idade ficou acima da quarta década de vida. Na audiometria tonal limiar, foi observada ocorrência de perda auditiva do tipo neurossensorial e condutiva, no grupo de estudo, além de piores limiares auditivos em altas frequências. Em ambos os grupos, houve maior ocorrência de curva timpanométrica do tipo A, bem como diferenças entre os grupos na pesquisa do reflexo acústico ipsilateral e contralateral e no registro das emissões otoacústicas evocadas por produto de distorção. Conclusão Indivíduos com desordem temporomandibular apresentam piores resultados nos limiares auditivos, na timpanometria, nos reflexos acústicos ipsilaterais e contralaterais e nas emissões otoacústicas evocadas, quando comparados com o grupo controle.

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze the audiological findings in individuals with temporomandibular disorder and compare these findings with individuals without temporomandibular disorder. Methods The sample was composed by 39 adult participants, both genders, with previous diagnosis of temporomandibular disorder (study group) and 39 adult participants, without temporomandibular disorder (control group). All the participants were submitted to audiometry including high frequencies, Immittance acoustic (Tympanometry and contralateral acoustic reflexes) and distortion product evoked otoacoustic emissions. Results The prevalence of temporomandibular disorder on female gender was observed, average age was over forty years old. In the audiometry, it was observed the incidence of hearing loss of a sensorineural and conductive type in the Study Group, besides worst hearing thresholds in high frequencies. In both groups, there was a bigger incidence of a type A tympanometric curve, as well as there were differences between the groups in the research of the ipsilateral and contralateral acoustic reflex and in the recording of distortion product evoked otoacoustic emissions. Conclusion It's possible to conclude that individuals with temporomandibular disorder show worst results in the hearing thresholds, in the tympanometry, in the ipsilateral and contralateral acoustic reflexes, in the evoked otoacoustic emissions, when compared to the control group.

Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes ancianos con Hipoacusia atendidos en el Hospital Calixto García / Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of elderly patients with hearing loss treated in Calixto García University Hospital

Introducción: El envejecimiento en Cuba constituye el principal problema demográfico y la Hipoacusia es una de las condiciones crónicas más frecuentes en los adultos mayores. Objetivo: Describir las características clínico-epidemiológicas de los pacientes de la tercera edad con Hipoacusia atendidos en el Hospital Universitario General Calixto García en el período de septiembre de 2015 hasta septiembre de 2016. Material y Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal en el Hospital Universitario General Calixto García durante el período de septiembre de 2015 hasta septiembre de 2016. La población (N) estuvo constituida por 387 pacientes de la tercera edad, quienes asistieron a consulta en el período estudiado. Resultados: Predominó la Hipoacusia en los pacientes con edades entre 65 y 79 años (67,2 por ciento) y el sexo masculino fue el más afectado con esta discapacidad (69,5 por ciento). La Hipoacusia en el anciano se asoció con frecuencia a otras afecciones crónicas como las enfermedades cardiovasculares. La Presbiacusia o Hipoacusia asociada a la edad fue la causa más frecuente de sordera. Conclusiones: La Hipoacusia resultó ser una discapacidad frecuente en los pacientes masculinos de la tercera edad. La misma estuvo asociada a enfermedades crónicas no trasmisibles. Las perdidas auditivas neurosensoriales y mixtas, de moderada y severa intensidad, fueron las más frecuentemente encontradas en la audiometría tonal(AU)

Introduction: Aging constitutes the main demographic problem in Cuba, and hearing loss is one of the most frequent chronic conditions in older adults. Objective: To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of elderly patients with hearing loss, treated in Calixto Gracía University Hospital during the period from September 2015 to September 2016. Material and Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Calixto Garcia University Hospital during the period from September 2015 to September 2016. The population (N) was composed of 387 elderly patients, who went to the doctor´s office during the period under study. Results: Hearing loss predominated in patients aged from 65 to 79 years (67,2 percent), and the male sex was the most affected by this disability (69,5 percent). Hearing loss in the elderly was frequently associated with other chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases. Age-related hearing loss (Presbycusis) or hearing loss associated with age was the most frequent cause of deafness. Conclusions: Hearing loss was a frequent disability in male elderly patients. It was associated with non-communicable chronic diseases. Sensorineural and mixed hearing losses of moderate and severe intensity were the most frequent ones found in the tonal audiometry(AU)

Significant association between osteoporosis and hearing loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Associação significativa entre osteoporose e perda auditiva: uma revisão sistemática e metanálise

Abstract Introduction: There is inconclusive evidence whether osteoporosis increases risk of hearing loss in current literature. Objective: We conducted this meta-analysis to determine whether there is an association between hearing loss and osteoporosis. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted from studies of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS. Osteoporosis was defined as having a bone mineral density with a T-score of less than −2.5 standard deviation. The outcome was hearing loss as assessed by audiometry or self-reported assessment. Random-effects model and pooled hazard ratio, risk ratio, or odds ratio of hearing loss with 95% confidence intervals were compared between normal bone mineral density and low bone mineral density or osteoporosis. Results: A total of 16 articles underwent full-length review. Overall, there was a statistically significant increased odds of hearing loss in the low bone mineral density or osteoporosis group with odds ratio of 1.20 (95% confidence intervals 1.01-1.42, p = 0.04, I 2 = 82%, Pheterogeneity = 0.01). However, the study from Helzner et al. reported significantly increase odds of hearing loss in the low bone mineral density in particular area and population included femoral neck of black men 1.37 (95% confidence intervals 1.07-1.76, p = 0.01) and total hip of black men 1.36 (95% confidence intervals 1.05-1.76, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Our study proposed the first meta-analysis that demonstrated a probable association between hearing loss and bone mineral density. Osteoporosis could be a risk factor in hearing loss and might play an important role in age-related hearing loss.

Abstract Introduction: There is inconclusive evidence whether osteoporosis increases risk of hearing loss in current literature. Objective: We conducted this meta-analysis to determine whether there is an association between hearing loss and osteoporosis. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted from studies of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS. Osteoporosis was defined as having a bone mineral density with a T-score of less than −2.5 standard deviation. The outcome was hearing loss as assessed by audiometry or self-reported assessment. Random-effects model and pooled hazard ratio, risk ratio, or odds ratio of hearing loss with 95% confidence intervals were compared between normal bone mineral density and low bone mineral density or osteoporosis. Results: A total of 16 articles underwent full-length review. Overall, there was a statistically significant increased odds of hearing loss in the low bone mineral density or osteoporosis group with odds ratio of 1.20 (95% confidence intervals 1.01-1.42, p = 0.04, I 2 = 82%, Pheterogeneity = 0.01). However, the study from Helzner et al. reported significantly increase odds of hearing loss in the low bone mineral density in particular area and population included femoral neck of black men 1.37 (95% confidence intervals 1.07-1.76, p = 0.01) and total hip of black men 1.36 (95% confidence intervals 1.05-1.76, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Our study proposed the first meta-analysis that demonstrated a probable association between hearing loss and bone mineral density. Osteoporosis could be a risk factor in hearing loss and might play an important role in age-related hearing loss.

Listas de monossílabos para teste logoaudiométrico: validação de construto / Lists of monosyllables for speech audiometry testing: construct validity

RESUMO Introdução Estímulos de fala são usados como parte da avaliação audiológica básica, para análise do reconhecimento de fala, e materiais validados são necessários para este fim. Objetivo Realizar validação de construto de novas listas de monossílabos, para uso na avaliação logoaudiométrica. Métodos Pesquisou-se o Índice Percentual de Reconhecimento de Fala, com dois materiais: duas novas listas de monossílabos, validadas quanto ao conteúdo e consideradas equivalentes e a lista de Pen e Mangabeira-Albernaz (1973), considerada padrão-ouro na rotina clínica da avaliação logoaudiométrica, no Brasil. As novas listas foram apresentadas na forma gravada e a segunda, à viva voz, pelo mesmo locutor. Foram selecionados, por meio de um banco de dados, indivíduos residentes no município onde a pesquisa foi realizada e que possuíam perda auditiva de grau moderado a moderadamente severo em, pelo menos, uma das orelhas. Participaram 20 sujeitos destros, com idades entre 18 e 44 anos, com perda auditiva do tipo neurossensorial, mista ou condutiva. Foram correlacionados os escores obtidos, resultantes da aplicação das listas. Os dados foram analisados por orelha, sendo então, 18 orelhas direitas e 18 orelhas esquerdas. Resultados Não houve diferença significativa entre as orelhas direita e esquerda. Observou-se forte correlação entre as novas listas previamente desenvolvidas para esta pesquisa e a lista de Pen e Mangabeira-Albernaz, nos diferentes grupos de perda auditiva. Ao comparar os pares de escores obtidos, também houve forte correlação linear entre as novas listas e a lista de Pen e Mangabeira-Albernaz. Conclusão As novas listas de monossílabos foram validadas, em relação ao construto.

ABSTRACT Introduction Speech stimuli are used as part of basic audiological assessment for speech recognition analysis, and validated materials are required for this purpose. Purpose To perform construct validation of new lists of monosyllables for speech audiometry assessment. Methods The speech recognition percentage index was determined with two materials: two new lists of monosyllables, which were validated for content and considered to be equivalent, and the list of Pen and Mangabeira-Albernaz (1973), considered as the gold standard in the clinical routine of speech audiometry assessment in Brazil. The former were presented as recorded material and the latter, via monitored live voice, by the same speaker. Individuals living in the same city where the research was conducted and who had moderate to moderately severe hearing loss in at least one ear were selected from a database. Twenty right-handed subjects - aged between 18 and 44, with mixed or conductive and sensorineural hearing loss - participated in this research. The scores resulting from the application of these lists were correlated. Data were analyzed by ear; there was a total of 18 right ears and 18 left ears. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the right and left ears. There was a strong correlation between the new lists previously developed for this research and the list of Pen and Mangabeira-Albernaz in different hearing loss groups. When comparing the pairs of resulting scores, there was also a strong linear correlation between the new lists and the list of Pen and Mangabeira-Albernaz. Conclusion The new monosyllable lists were validated for the construct.

Prótese implantável do ouvido médio: ganho funcional em perda auditiva mista / Middle ear implants: functional gain in mixed hearing loss

Atresia óssea e otite média crônica são os principais grupos de beneficiários com implantes do ouvido médio. Cirurgia de atresia é tecnicamente complexo, tem muitas complicações e resultados funcionais pobres. Os aparelhos auditivos osseointegrados são uma alternativa. Eles fornecem um ganho funcional muito bom, mas tem muitos problemas de pele e osseointegração. Na otite média crônica, ossiculoplastias resolveram parcialmente o problema de audição. Infelizmente, em alguns casos de otites média e cavidades abertas, equipamentos com aparelhos auditivos convencionais são difíceis e muitas vezes insatisfatórios. OBJETIVO: Determinar a utilidade de um implante do ouvido médio. Desenho de estudo longitudinal. MÉTODOS: Vibrant-Soundbrigde foi implantado em oito pacientes com perda auditiva mista grave. Quatro apresentavam otite média crônica e quatro apresentavam atresia unilateral. A colocação do estimulador (FMT ou Floating Mass Transducer) foi em cinco pacientes na janela redonda, dois no estribo e um na janela oval. RESULTADOS: Ganho funcional foi de 35 dB, 40 dB, 48,7 dB e 50 dB para as frequências de 500, 1000, 2000 e 4000 Hz, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: Vibrant-Soundbrigde é uma excelente opção no restabelecimento da audição em perda auditiva mista grave e profunda. Ele fornece um excelente ganho funcional em doenças de difícil tratamento com equipamentos convencionais.

Osseous atresia and chronic otitis media are diseases benefit with middle ear implants. Surgery for atresia is technically complicated, has significant number of complications and functional results are often poor. The osseointegrated hearing aids are an alternative. They provide a very good functional gain, but have many problems with the skin and osseointegration. In chronic otitis media, the ossiculoplasty solved partially the hearing problem. Unfortunately in some cases of otitis media and in open cavities fitted with conventional hearing aids the gain is unsatisfactory. AIM: To determine the usefulness of an active middle ear implant. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Longitudinal Study. Vibrant- Soundbrigde was implanted in eight patients with severe mixed hearing loss. Four patients had chronic otitis media and four had unilateral atresia. The placement of the stimulator (FMT or Floating Mass Transducer) was in five patients on round window, two in stapes and one in the oval window. RESULTS: Functional gain was 35 dB, 40 dB, 48.7 dB and 50 dB for the frequencies 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz, respectively. CONCLUSION: Vibrant-Soundbrigde is an excellent option in hearing recovery in severe and profound mixed hearing loss. It also provides an excellent functional gain in diseases difficult to treat with conventional hearing aids.

Aplasia ou hipoplasia do nervo vestíbulo-coclear em uma criança com surdez sensório-neural / Aplasia or hypoplasia of the vestibulocochlear nerve in a infant with sensorineural hearing loss

Introdução: A aplasia ou hipoplasia do nervo vestíbulo-coclear é uma das causas de perda auditiva sensório-neural e de surdez congênita. Este diagnóstico é importante no pré-operatório dos candidatos à cirurgia do implante coclear, tornando-se uma das contra-indicações do procedimento, sendo então indicado o implante no tronco cerebral. Objetivo: Relatar um caso de perda auditiva sensório-neural com diagnóstico etiológico definido. Relato do Caso: Apresentamos o caso de uma criança do sexo feminino, raça branca, 11 anos de idade em que a queixa da família é desatenção e dislalia, parecendo apresentar audição flutuante. O exame audiométrico mostrou restos auditivos na orelha esquerda e disacusia sensório-neural moderada nas freqüências altas na orelha direita. A Tomografia Computadorizada dos Ossos Temporais mostrou aparente atresia ou redução significativa da amplitude do forame coclear no lado esquerdo e forame coclear direito normal. A Ressonância Nuclear Magnética do Crânio evidenciou o oitavo nervo craniano esquerdo com calibre menor que o direito e a divisão coclear não foi identificada. Discussão: Nas crianças com perda auditiva sensório-neural é importante se tentar fazer o diagnóstico etiológico porque as condutas podem ser diferentes quando se trata de uma malformação. Comentários finais: Esta apresentação se deve ao fato de se ter um diagnóstico de uma entidade rara na perda auditiva sensórioneural, que poderia ser concluída como uma perda idiopática e ressalta a importância da indicação tanto da Tomografia Computadorizada quanto da Ressonância Magnética nos casos de perdas auditivas sensório-neural.

Introduction: The aplasia or hypoplasia of the vestibulocochlear nerve is one of the causes of sensorineural and congenital hearing loss. Their diagnosis is important to candidates for cochlear implant, for being a contraindication for such procedure, by this matter they are suitable for the brainstem implant. Objetive: To present a case of sensorineural hearing loss with definite ethiologic diagnosis. Case Report: A 11-year-old female patient, Caucasian, whose family complained of her being disattention and dyslalia, by apparently presenting floating hearing. The audiometry presented lack of hearing in the left ear and moderate sensorineural hearing loss in high frequencies in the right ear. CT of the Temporal Bone showed aparent atresia or significant stenosis of the left cochlear foramen and normal right cochlear foramen. The MRI demonstrated that the left eighth cranial nerve had smaller caliber than the right one and cochlear division was not identified. Discussion: It is important to find etiology in children with sensorineural hearing loss, once procedures might differ when regarding malformation. Conclusion: The objective of this presentation comes to the fact of a rare diagnosis of sensorineural hearing loss, that somehow could be concluded as an idiopathic hearing loss and also it reassures the importance of CT and MRI exam for sensorineural hearing loss.

As dificuldades encontradas no processo de adaptação de aparelho de amplificação sonora individual em indivíduos idosos / Difficulties found in the process of adapting hearing aids to aged people

Objetivo: investigar as dificuldades relatadas por idosos no processo de adaptação do aparelho deamplificação sonora individual (AASI), considerando as variáveis: idade, gênero, tipo e grau de perdaauditiva, tecnologia e modelo, bem como a participação da família neste processo. Métodos:participaram do estudo 20 idosos usuários de AASI (sendo 10 do gênero feminino e 10 gênero masculino)e suas famílias. Foi realizado um levantamento através de dois tipos de questionário, dos quais oprimeiro destinava-se aos idosos e o segundo as suas famílias. Ambos os questionários representamuma adaptação do questionário de handicap 15. Resultados: os resultados encontrados indicaram queas maiores dificuldades relatadas estão relacionadas ao uso do telefone, ao assistir televisão, aoescutar rádio e ao próprio manuseio do AASI. Em relação as variáveis investigadas, foi possível observarque as maiores dificuldades foram encontradas no gênero feminino; tipo de perda sensorioneural; grausevero; tecnologia analógica e programável; modelos miniretroauricular e intracanal. Conclusão: osresultados mostraram que o processo de adaptação do AASI sofre influência das variáveis investigadas,destacando dificuldade maior nas atividades de usar o telefone e ouvir rádio e televisão, bem comomanusear o próprio AASI. A família dos idosos estudados os auxilia em tal processo.

Purpose: to investigate the difficulties reported by aged people in the AASI adaptation process, whileconsidering the variables: age, gender, type and degree of auditory loss, technology and model, as wellas the participation of the family in this process. Methods: 20 aged AASI users took part in the study(being 10 of feminine gender and 10 of masculine gender) and their families. A survey was carried usingtwo types of questionnaires, of which the first one intended for the aged people and the second one totheir families. Both questionnaires represent an adaptation of the handicap15 questionnaire. Results:the results found indicated that the major reported difficulties are related to the use of the telephone,when watching TV, listening radio and the own handling of AASI. In relation to the investigated variables,it was possible to note that the major difficulties were found in the feminine gender; type of sensorioneuralloss; severe degree; analogical and programmable technology; models to miniretroauricular and intrachannel.Conclusion: The results showed that the AASI adaptation process suffers influence from theinvestigated variables. The family of the aged people studied assists them in such process.

Condições patológicas de orelha média em indivíduos com Síndrome de Down: revisão de literatura / Middle ear disorders in individuals with Down Syndrome: literature review

O presente estudo teve como objetivo efetuar uma revisão de literatura sobre as teorias que explicam constantes problemas de orelha média em indivíduos portadores da Síndrome de Down. Ao término do estudo concluiu-se que os indivíduos com Síndrome de Down mostram ser um grupo com predominância a desenvolver patologias de orelha média e significante perda auditiva condutiva, sendo esta observada com maior freqüência neste grupo do que na população saudável.

Miringoplastia com cartilagem inlay: primeiros resultados brasileiros / Inlay Cartilage Tympanoplasty: First Brazilian Results

A técnica de miringoplastia pode ser realizada com a colocação do enxerto de fáscia temporal ou pericôndrio sobre ou abaixo do anel timpânico. Em 1998, Roland Eavey descreveu em crianças técnica de enxerto cartilaginoso em forma de borboleta, colocado através da membrana do tímpano, sem necessidade de criação de retalho timpano-meatal. Vantagens potenciais incluem maior facilidade técnica, menor tempo cirúrgico, menores cuidados pós-operatórios e maior estabilidade do enxerto. Objetiva-se descrever nossos resultados com a utilização da técnica de Eavey, introduzindo pequenas modificações. Material e método: Foram realizadas sete miringoplastias em adultos para fechamento de perfurações menores do que 50% da membrana do tímpano, no período de março a julho de 1998. Foram realizadas algumas modificações da técnica descrita por Roland Eavey: 1.) - utilização em pacientes adultos; 2.) - uso de anestesia local e 3.) - não utilização de enxerto de pele sobre o enxerto cartilaginoso. Avaliaram-se a pega do enxerto e a diminuição da diferença entre os limiares aéreo e ósseo (GAP) pós-operatória. Resultados: O índice de pega do enxerto foi de 100%. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 22,7 meses, variando de 19 meses a 24 meses. Todos os enxertos estavam intatos na última consulta de seguimento. Todos os pacientes apresentaram melhora auditiva, dois com fechamento completo do GAP e os restantes com fechamento de GAP superior a 50%. Conclusões: A técnica de Eavey é altamente eficaz também para adultos, com menor morbidade. A não utilização do enxerto de pele e a anestesia local diminuem ainda mais o tempo cirúrgico e não comprometem os resultados da técnica original.

Myringoplasty techniques include either an underlay or an onlay approaches using temporalis fascia or perichondrium as grafts. Roland Eavey in 1998 described a transcanal cartilage butterlly inlay tympanoplasty technique in children. This technique was found to be effective to close tympanic membrane perfurations, more comfortable and less morbid (no external canal incisions). The aim of this study was to describe our results with Eavey's technique, with little modifications. Material and method: Cartilage butterfly tympanoplasty was carried out in seven adult patients to close small to medium tympanic membrane perfurations from March to July, 1998. We introduced three modifications into Eavey's technique: 1. we used adult patients, 2. the surgeries were performed under local anesthesia and 3. we use no skin graft over the cartilage. We evaluated the take rate and postoperative hearing results. Results: All patients had postoperative hearing gain and the take rate was 100% at short-term follow-up period (medium 22.7 months). All cartilage grafts were intact and dry at the last follow-up visit. All patients showed improvement in their audiometric postoperative results. Two of them got closure of their air-bone gap and the rest of them diminished it to 50%. Conclusion This technique described by Eavey is effective to close tympanic membrane perfuration in adults. The modifications introduced (no use of skin graft and local anesthesia) reduced even more surgery time and did not alter postoperative results of the original technique.