The prevalence of risk for hearing impairment in newborns with congenital syphilis in a newborn hearing screening program (NHS).

Objective: To study the prevalence of risk for hearing impairment in neonates with congenital syphilis in a newborn hearing screening program. Study design: The study design is retrospective, documentary, and is cross-sectional. The sample consisted of newborns who were born between January 2019 and December 2021 and who underwent neonatal hearing screening in a public maternity hospital. Demographic data and the presence and specification of risk indicators for hearing impairment (RIHL) were collected. In retest cases, the results and the final score were also collected. For data analysis, the Kruskal-Wallis and Conover-Iman post-hoc tests were used, comparing the groups that passed and failed the hearing screening that had RIHL, using a significance level of p of <0.5. Results: Among the RIHL observed in the sample, prematurity was more frequent in newborns who passed the screening (55.26%) than in those who failed the test (45.67%). Congenital syphilis was the ninth most frequent RIHL (8.04%) among the newborns who passed the test and the 15th factor (3.03%), with the highest occurrence in those who failed the hearing screening. When comparing the two groups (pass and fail), we found significant differences (p < 0.05) between them. Conclusion: Congenital syphilis was the ninth risk indicator for the most common hearing impairment and, in isolation, did not present a risk for failure in neonatal hearing screening. Notably, congenital syphilis can cause late hearing loss during child development. Thus, there is an indication of audiological monitoring of these neonates.

Frequência da deficiência auditiva relacionada às infecções congênitas: estudo transversal retrospectivo / Frequency of hearing loss related to congenital infections: retrospective cross-sectional study / Frecuencia de hipoacusia relacionada con infecciones congénitas: un estúdio transversal retrospectivo

Introdução: As infecções congênitas durante a gravidez são indicadores de risco para a deficiência auditiva. Objetivo: Verificar a frequência da deficiência auditiva nas crianças atendidas num serviço público com indicadores de risco de infecções congênitas. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal retrospectivo. A população do estudo foi de crianças de 0 a 3 anos atendidas no período de 2011 a 2019. Foi realizada consulta e análise no banco de dados da Instituição extraindo informações das crianças quanto à presença de infecção congênita relatada (citomegalovírus, herpes, rubéola, sífilis, toxoplasmose, HIV e Zika vírus) e o diagnóstico audiológico completo. A amostra deste estudo foi constituída por 558 crianças e foram analisadas a presença de coocorrência entre as infecções ou de outros indicadores de risco para a deficiência auditiva. Realizou-se análise descritiva para estabelecer a frequência da deficiência auditiva em relação a cada infecção congênita isolada ou associada a outros indicadores de risco. Resultados: 14,40% das crianças apresentavam o relato de infecção congênita isolada ou em combinação com outro IRDA. A frequência da deficiência auditiva foi de 1,25%, com a presença da perda auditiva sensorioneural em seis crianças (85,71%) e uma perda auditiva do tipo condutiva (14,29%), das quais seis foram bilaterais (85,71%) e uma unilateral (14,29%). Esta frequência de deficiência auditiva foi relacionada ao histórico de citomegalovírus (57,14%), seguido de toxoplasmose (28,57%) e rubéola com Zika vírus (14,29%). Conclusão: A frequência do diagnóstico de deficiência auditiva foi de 1,25% nas crianças com relato de infecções congênitas. (AU)

Introduction: Congenital infections during pregnancy are risk indicators for hearing loss. Purpose: To verify the frequency of hearing loss in children attended at the public service with risk indicators for congenital infections. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. The population consisted of children aged 0 to 3 years attended in the period from 2011 to 2019. Consultation and analysis were carried out in the Institution's database, extracting information from the children regarding the presence of reported congenital infection (cytomegalovirus, herpes, rubella, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, HIV and Zika virus) and the complete audiological diagnosis. The sample of this study consisted of 558 children and the presence of co-occurrence between infections or other risk indicators for hearing loss was analyzed. Descriptive analysis was performed to establish the frequency of hearing loss in relation to each congenital infection isolated or associated with other risk indicators. Results: 14.40% of the children had a report of isolated congenital infection or in combination with another risk indicator. The frequency of hearing loss was 1.25%, with sensorineural hearing loss in six children (85.71%) and a conductive hearing loss (14.29%), of which six were bilateral (85, 71%) and one unilateral (14.29%). This frequency of hearing loss was related to the history of cytomegalovirus (57.14%), followed by toxoplasmosis (28.57%) and rubella with zika virus (14.29%). Conclusion: The frequency of diagnosis of hearing loss was 1.25% in children with reports of congenital infections. (AU)

Introducción: Las infecciones congénitas durante el embarazo son indicadores de riesgo de hipoacusia. Propósito: Verificar la frecuencia de hipoacusia en niños atendidos en el servicio público con indicadores de riesgo de infecciones congénitas. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio transversal retrospectivo. La población de estudio estuvo constituida por los niños de 0 a 3 años atendidos en el periodo de 2011 a 2019. Se realizó consulta y análisis en la base de datos de la Institución, extrayéndose información de los niños en cuanto a la presencia de infección congénita reportada (citomegalovirus, herpes, rubéola, sífilis, toxoplasmosis, VIH y virus Zika) y el diagnóstico audiológico completo. La muestra de este estudio estuvo constituida por 558 niños y se analizó la presencia de coocurrencia entre infecciones u otros indicadores de riesgo de hipoacusia. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo para establecer la frecuencia de hipoacusia con relación a cada infección congénita aislada o asociada a otros indicadores de riesgo. Resultados: El 14,40% de los niños tenían reporte de infección congénita aislada o en combinación con otro indicador de riesgo. La frecuencia de hipoacusia fue del 1,25%, con hipoacusia neurosensorial en seis niños (85,71%) y hipoacusia conductiva (14,29%), de los cuales seis fueron bilaterales (85,71%) y uno unilateral (14,29%). Esta frecuencia de hipoacusia se relacionó con el antecedente de citomegalovirus (57,14%), seguido de toxoplasmosis (28,57%) y rubéola con virus zika (14,29%). Conclusión: La frecuencia de diagnóstico de hipoacusia fue de 1,25% en niños con reporte de infecciones congénitas. (AU)

Inhibitory effect of contralateral noise on transient otoacoustic emissions in infants with congenital syphilis.

OBJECTIVES: Analyze the inhibitory effect of contralateral noise on transient otoacoustic emissions in infants with congenital syphilis (CS). METHODS: Cross-sectional study, approved by the Research Ethics Committee n° 3.360.991. Infants with treated CS at birth and infants without risk indicators for hearing impairment were selected. Both groups had the waves I, III and V presence at 80 dB nHL with click BAEP and the presence of response in the nonlinear TEOAEs at 80 dB NPS bilaterally. For suppression, TEOAE were analyzed without the contralateral noise, with the linear stimulus at 60 dB SPL. The neonates who presented a response in three frequencies per ear performed the second TEOAE collection with the contralateral white noise at an intensity of 60 dB SPL. Inferential analysis were performed using the Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon test, adopting a significance level p < 0.05. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 30 subjects divided into two groups, the Study Group (SG), consisting of 16 infants, and the Control Group (CG), consisting of 14 infants with no risk indicators for hearing loss. No differences were observed between the groups and the inhibition values, in the SG 30.8% presented inhibition and 25% for the CG in the right ear, in the left ear it was 46.7% in the SG and 38.5% in the CG. The SG demonstrated greater inhibition in the RE for the frequency bands from 1.5 to 4 KHz. CONCLUSIONS: The analyses adopted in this study point out that the inhibitory effect of contralateral noise on TEOAEs in infants with CS does not differ from infants without risk indicators for hearing loss.

Effectiveness of an online continuing education course in infant hearing health for primary care professionals.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of an online continuing education course on infant hearing health for primary care professionals. DESIGN: A prospective longitudinal study with interrupted time series pre-test/post-test design. The effectiveness of the online course was assessed by comparing pre- vs. post-training performance and analysing responses to evaluations of the quality of the course. STUDY SAMPLE: The sample comprised individuals enrolled between September 2018 and August 2019 in a Ministry of Health course, "Actions in primary care for the early identification of hearing impairment" offered on the AVASUS platform. RESULTS: Of the 2908 individuals registered, 1842 (63.3%) completed the course. Their ages ranged from 18 to 77 years, and 67.4% of them were females. Students and doctors were overrepresented among the enrollees. All Brazilian states were included in the sample. Comparisons of pre- and post-training performances showed a significant improvement in knowledge, and 99.3% of the participants provided positive comments regarding the quality of the course. CONCLUSIONS: The course is an effective distance learning tool on infant hearing health for primary care professionals. The online course circumvents the limitations posed by geographical barriers and also facilitates decentralisation.

Digits-in-noise test in Brazilian Portuguese: how demographic and socioeconomic variables influence normal-hearing subjects. / Teste de dígitos no ruído no Português Brasileiro: influência das variáveis demográficas e socioeconômicas em normo-ouvintes.

PURPOSE: Verify how demographic and socioeconomic variables on the in-noise speech recognition threshold (SRT) from the digits-in-noise test (DIN) in Brazilian Portuguese influence normal-hearing subjects. METHODS: Cross-sectional, prospective study. The convenience sample had 151 normal-hearing subjects between 12 and 79 years (mean=34.66) who underwent pure tone audiometry and digits-in-noise test with white noise using a sequence of three numbers in diotic stimulus (in-phase) on the same day. The DIN was performed using a Motorola Z3 Play smartphone with internet access and in-ear headphones. In-noise digit speech recognition threshold (SRT) was analyzed for gender, age, educational levels, and socioeconomic status. We used the non-parametric version of the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests to compare independent samples adopting a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The mean SRT was -8.47 dBNA (SD -3.89) with a median of -9.6 dBNA. The SRT was proportionally inverse to educational levels and socioeconomic status and more negative (better) with lower age groups. Gender did not influence the DIN SRT. CONCLUSION: Age, educational levels, and socioeconomic status influenced the DIN threshold. These variables must be considered when analyzing DIN performance in Brazilian Portuguese in normal-hearing subjects.

OBJETIVO: Verificar a influência das variáveis demográficas e socioeconômicas no limiar de reconhecimento de fala no ruído (LRF) obtidos no teste de dígitos no ruído (TDR) no Português Brasileiro em normo-ouvintes. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal e prospectivo. A amostra de conveniência foi composta por 151 sujeitos normo-ouvintes com idade entre 12 e 79 anos (média =34,66) que realizaram audiometria tonal liminar e teste de dígitos no ruído branco com sequência de trios numéricos em estímulo diótico (inphase) no mesmo dia. O TDR foi realizado com um smartphone Motorola Z3 play com acesso à internet com fones de ouvido intra-auriculares. Os limiares de reconhecimento dos dígitos no ruído (LRF) foram analisados em função do sexo, idade, escolaridade e nível socioeconômico. Foi utilizado para comparar as amostras independentes, o teste não-paramétrico Kruskal-Wallis e Mann-Whitney, adotando-se o nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: A média do LRF foi de -8,47 dBNA (dp -3,89), com mediana de -9,6 dBNA. O LRF foi proporcionalmente inverso à escolaridade e nível socioeconômico e mais negativo (isto é, melhor) com menor faixa-etária. Não houve evidência de influência do sexo no LRF do TDR. CONCLUSÃO: Idade, escolaridade e nível socioeconômico mostraram influenciar o limiar no TDR; essas variáveis devem ser consideradas na análise de desempenho do TDR no Português Brasileiro em sujeitos normo-ouvintes.

Accuracy of smartphone-based hearing screening tests: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To verify the accuracy of smartphone apps to identify hearing loss. RESEARCH STRATEGIES: A systematic review followed the PRISMA-DATA checklist. The search strategies were applied across four databases (Lilacs, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) and grey literature (Google Scholar, OpenGrey, and ProQuest Dissertations and Thesis). SELECTION CRITERIA: The acronym PIRD was used in review. This included populations of any gender and all age groups. The Index test is the smartphone-based hearing screening test; the Reference test is the pure-tone audiometry, which is considered the gold reference for hearing diagnostics; the diagnosis was performed via validity data (sensitivity and specificity) to identify hearing loss and diagnostic studies. DATA ANALYSIS: Two reviewers selected the studies in a two-step process. The risk of bias was assessed according to the criteria of the QUADAS-2. RESULTS: Of 1395 articles, 104 articles were eligible for full-text reading and 17 were included. Only four met all criteria for methodological quality. All of the included studies were published in English between 2015 and 2020. The applications Digits-in noise Test (5 articles), uHear (4 articles), HearScreen (2 articles), hearTest (2 articles) and Hearing Test (2 articles) were the most studied. All this application showed sensitivity and specificity values between 75 and 100%. The other applications were EarScale, uHearing Test, Free field hearing (FFH) and Free Hearing Test. CONCLUSION: uHear, Digit-in-Noise Test, HearTest and HearScreen have shown significant values of sensitivity and specificity and can be considered as the most accurate methods for screening of hearing impairment.

Accuracy of smartphone-based hearing screening tests: a systematic review / Acurácia de testes de triagem auditiva baseados em smartphone: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the accuracy of smartphone apps to identify hearing loss. Research strategies A systematic review followed the PRISMA-DATA checklist. The search strategies were applied across four databases (Lilacs, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) and grey literature (Google Scholar, OpenGrey, and ProQuest Dissertations and Thesis). Selection criteria The acronym PIRD was used in review. This included populations of any gender and all age groups. The Index test is the smartphone-based hearing screening test; the Reference test is the pure-tone audiometry, which is considered the gold reference for hearing diagnostics; the diagnosis was performed via validity data (sensitivity and specificity) to identify hearing loss and diagnostic studies. Data analysis Two reviewers selected the studies in a two-step process. The risk of bias was assessed according to the criteria of the QUADAS-2. Results Of 1395 articles, 104 articles were eligible for full-text reading and 17 were included. Only four met all criteria for methodological quality. All of the included studies were published in English between 2015 and 2020. The applications Digits-in noise Test (5 articles), uHear (4 articles), HearScreen (2 articles), hearTest (2 articles) and Hearing Test (2 articles) were the most studied. All this application showed sensitivity and specificity values between 75 and 100%. The other applications were EarScale, uHearing Test, Free field hearing (FFH) and Free Hearing Test. Conclusion uHear, Digit-in-Noise Test, HearTest and HearScreen have shown significant values of sensitivity and specificity and can be considered as the most accurate methods for screening of hearing impairment.

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a acurácia dos aplicativos de smartphone para identificar a perda auditiva. Estratégias de pesquisa Uma revisão sistemática seguiu o checklist PRISMA-DATA. As estratégias de busca foram aplicadas nos bancos de dados Lilacs, PubMed, Scopus e Web of Science e na literatura cinzenta (Google Scholar, OpenGrey e ProQuest Dissertations and Thesis). Critérios de seleção O anacrônimo PIRD foi usado na revisão. Incluiu populações de qualquer gênero e todas as faixas etárias. O teste Index foi o de triagem auditiva baseado em smartphone; o teste de referência foi a audiometria tonal; o diagnóstico foi realizado por meio de dados de validade (sensibilidade e especificidade) para identificação da perda auditiva e estudos diagnósticos. Análise de dados Dois revisores selecionaram os estudos em um processo de duas etapas. O risco de viés foi avaliado de acordo com os critérios do QUADAS-2. Resultados De 1395 artigos, 104 artigos foram elegíveis para leitura de texto completo e 17 foram incluídos. Apenas quatro preencheram todos os critérios de qualidade metodológica. Todos os estudos incluídos foram publicados em inglês entre 2015 e 2020. Os aplicativos mais estudados foram: Digits-in-noise (5 artigos), uHear (4 artigos), HearScreen (2 artigos), hearTest (2 artigos) e Hearing Test (2 artigos). Todos apresentaram valores de sensibilidade e especificidade entre 75 e 100%. Os outros aplicativos foram EarScale, uHearing, Free Field Hearing e teste Free Hearing. Conclusão uHear, Digit-in-Noise Test, HearTest e HearScreen apresentaram valores significativos de sensibilidade e especificidade e podem ser considerados os métodos mais precisos para rastreamento de deficiência auditiva.

Temporal auditory processing and the distinctive features of children with phonological disorder / Processamento auditivo temporal e os traços distintivos de crianças com transtorno fonológico

ABSTRACT Purpose: to assess whether there is a relationship between temporal auditory processing skills and altered distinctive features in cases of phonological disorder. Methods: 18 children aged between 6 and 8 years, diagnosed with phonological disorders participated in the research. All children underwent speech-language screening, phonological assessment and the assessment of temporal processing skills through the GIN - Gap in Noise Test, TPF - Frequency Pattern Test and TPD - Duration Pattern Test. The numbers of altered phonemes and distinctive features and the level at which they were in the Implicational Model of Features Complexity were compared with those of the GIN, TPF and TPD tests. The significance level adopted for all statistical tests was 5% (p<0.05). Results: in no comparison and correlation was there statistical significance, but the subjects evaluated showed low performance in temporal auditory processing tasks, according to normative testing standards. Conclusion: in the general analysis, there was no relationship between temporal auditory skills and distinctive traits in the population assessed, even though they had difficulties in temporal auditory processing tasks.

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar se existe relação entre as habilidades de processamento auditivo temporal e os traços distintivos alterados nos casos de transtorno fonológico. Métodos: participaram da pesquisa 18 crianças com idades entre 6:0 e 8:0 anos, com diagnóstico de transtorno fonológico. Todas as crianças passaram por triagem fonoaudiológica, avaliação fonológica da criança e pela avaliação das habilidades de processamento temporal por meio dos testes GIN - Gap in Noise Test, TPF - Teste Padrão de Frequência e TPD - Teste Padrão de Duração. Foram comparados os números de fonemas e traços distintivos alterados, o nível em que se encontravam no Modelo Implicacional de Complexidade de Traços com os resultados dos testes GIN, TPF e TPD. O nível de significância adotado para todos os testes estatísticos foi de 5% (p<0,05). Resultados: em nenhuma comparação ou correlação houve significância estatística, porém os sujeitos avaliados apresentaram baixo desempenho nas tarefas de processamento auditivo temporal de acordo com os padrões normativos dos testes. Conclusão: na análise geral, não houve a relação entre as habilidades auditivas temporais e os traços distintivos na população avaliada, muito embora tenham apresentado dificuldades nas tarefas de processamento temporal.

Teste de dígitos no ruído no Português Brasileiro: influência das variáveis demográficas e socioeconômicas em normo-ouvintes / Digits-in-noise test in Brazilian Portuguese: how demographic and socioeconomic variables influence normal-hearing subjects

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a influência das variáveis demográficas e socioeconômicas no limiar de reconhecimento de fala no ruído (LRF) obtidos no teste de dígitos no ruído (TDR) no Português Brasileiro em normo-ouvintes. Método Estudo transversal e prospectivo. A amostra de conveniência foi composta por 151 sujeitos normo-ouvintes com idade entre 12 e 79 anos (média =34,66) que realizaram audiometria tonal liminar e teste de dígitos no ruído branco com sequência de trios numéricos em estímulo diótico (inphase) no mesmo dia. O TDR foi realizado com um smartphone Motorola Z3 play com acesso à internet com fones de ouvido intra-auriculares. Os limiares de reconhecimento dos dígitos no ruído (LRF) foram analisados em função do sexo, idade, escolaridade e nível socioeconômico. Foi utilizado para comparar as amostras independentes, o teste não-paramétrico Kruskal-Wallis e Mann-Whitney, adotando-se o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados A média do LRF foi de -8,47 dBNA (dp -3,89), com mediana de -9,6 dBNA. O LRF foi proporcionalmente inverso à escolaridade e nível socioeconômico e mais negativo (isto é, melhor) com menor faixa-etária. Não houve evidência de influência do sexo no LRF do TDR. Conclusão Idade, escolaridade e nível socioeconômico mostraram influenciar o limiar no TDR; essas variáveis devem ser consideradas na análise de desempenho do TDR no Português Brasileiro em sujeitos normo-ouvintes.

ABSTRACT Purpose Verify how demographic and socioeconomic variables on the in-noise speech recognition threshold (SRT) from the digits-in-noise test (DIN) in Brazilian Portuguese influence normal-hearing subjects. Methods Cross-sectional, prospective study. The convenience sample had 151 normal-hearing subjects between 12 and 79 years (mean=34.66) who underwent pure tone audiometry and digits-in-noise test with white noise using a sequence of three numbers in diotic stimulus (in-phase) on the same day. The DIN was performed using a Motorola Z3 Play smartphone with internet access and in-ear headphones. In-noise digit speech recognition threshold (SRT) was analyzed for gender, age, educational levels, and socioeconomic status. We used the non-parametric version of the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests to compare independent samples adopting a significance level of 5%. Results The mean SRT was -8.47 dBNA (SD -3.89) with a median of -9.6 dBNA. The SRT was proportionally inverse to educational levels and socioeconomic status and more negative (better) with lower age groups. Gender did not influence the DIN SRT. Conclusion Age, educational levels, and socioeconomic status influenced the DIN threshold. These variables must be considered when analyzing DIN performance in Brazilian Portuguese in normal-hearing subjects.

Comparação entre a terapia fonológica isolada ou associada ao treinamento auditivo computadorizado na reabilitação dos transtornos fonológicos em crianças / Comparison between isolated phonological therapy and when associated to computerized auditory training in the rehabilitation of phonological disorders in children / Comparación entre la terapia fonológica aislada o asociada al entrenamiento auditivo computarizado en la rehabilitación de los trastornos fonológicos en niños

Introdução: O treinamento auditivo é um método de intervenção utilizado para aprimorar o desempenho das habilidades auditivas alteradas, de modo que, pode promover melhora no processamento da informação sonora. Objetivo: Verificar a eficácia da estimulação do processamento auditivo central na reabilitação dos transtornos fonológicos. Método: Foi realizado um estudo de caso de seis crianças com idades entre 6:00 e 7:11 de idade, com diagnóstico de transtorno fonológico. Todas as crianças passaram por avaliação fonoaudiológica, com avaliação específica da fonologia por meio da Avaliação Fonológica da Criança (Yavas, Hernandorena e Lamprecht, 2002) e pela avaliação das habilidades de processamento temporal por meio dos testes de ordenação e resolução temporal, pré e pós terapia. Todos os sujeitos passaram por 25 sessões de terapia, sendo que três sujeitos foram submetidos à terapia puramente fonológica (grupo de estudo 1 - GE1), e as outras três crianças receberam terapia fonológica associada ao treinamento auditivo computadorizado (grupo de estudo 2 - GE2), com o software Escuta Ativa. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa quando comparados os resultados do desempenho em tarefas concernentes a percepção do sistema fonológico e do processamento temporal nos mesmos testes (conjunto de tarefas com habilidades auditivas) aplicados pré e pós terapia do GE1 com o GE2. Contudo, houve melhora no desempenho dos testes de processamento temporal em GE2. Conclusão: A terapia fonológica combinada ao treinamento auditivo computadorizado em crianças com transtorno fonológico não evidenciou diferença estatisticamente diferente, porém demonstrou influenciar no aumento do desempenho dos testes de processamento temporal destas crianças quando comparado ao uso isolado da terapia fonológica.

Introduction: The auditory training is an intervention method used to improve the performance of auditory skills, aiming to enhance the processing of sound information. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of central auditory processing stimulation in the rehabilitation of phonological disorders. Method: A case study of six children aged between 6:00 and 7:11 diagnosed with phonological disorder. All children underwent speech-language assessment, with specific assessment of phonology through the Child's Phonological Assessment (Yavas, Hernandorena e Lamprecht, 2002) and temporal processing skills through the temporal ordering and resolution tests, before and after therapy. All subjects underwent 25 therapy sessions, with three subjects undergoing only phonological therapy (study group 1 - SG1), and the other three went through phonological therapy associated with computerized auditory training (study group 2 - SG2), using the software Escuta Ativa. Results: There was no statistically significant difference when comparing the results of performance in tasks concerning the perception of the phonological system and the temporal processing in the same tests (set of tasks of listening skills) applied before and after therapy of SG1 with SG2. However, there was an improvement in the performance of temporal processing tests for SG2. Conclusion: Phonological therapy combined with computerized auditory training in children with phonological disorders did not show a statistically different difference, however it did influence the increase in the performance of temporal processing tests in these children when compared to the isolated use of phonological therapy.

Introducción: el entrenamiento auditivo es un método de intervención utilizado para perfeccionar el desempeño de las habilidades auditivas alteradas, de modo que, puede promover mejora en el procesamiento de la información sonora. Objetivo: verificar la eficacia de la estimulación del procesamiento auditivo central en la rehabilitación de los trastornos fonológicos. Método: Fue realizado un estudio de casos de seis niños con edades de 6:00 a 7:11 años, con diagnóstico de trastorno fonológico. Todos los niños pasaron por evaluación fonoaudiológica, con evaluación específica de fonología por medio de la Evaluación Fonológica del Niño (Yavas, Hernandorena e Lamprecht, 2002) y por la evaluación de las habilidades de procesamiento temporal por medio de los test de coordinación y resolución temporal, pre y post terapia. Todos los sujetos pasaron por 25 sesiones de terapia, siendo que tres sujetos fueron sometidos a la terapia puramente fonológica (grupo de estudio 1 - GE1),y los otros tres niños recibieron terapia fonológica asociada al entrenamiento auditivo computarizado (grupo de estudio 2 - GE2), con el software Escuta Ativa. Resultados: No hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa cuando comparados los resultados del desempeño en tareas concernientes a la percepción del sistema fonológico y del procesamiento temporal en los mismos tests(conjunto de tareas con habilidades auditivas)aplicados pre y post terapia del GE1 con el GE2. Sin embargo, se observó mejora en el desempeño de las pruebas de procesamiento temporal en GE2. Conclusión: La terapia fonológica combinada con el entrenamiento auditivo computarizado en niños con Trastorno Fonológico no evidenció diferencia estadísticamente diferente, sin embargo demostró influir en el aumento del desempeño de las pruebas de procesamiento temporal de estos niños cuando comparado al uso aislado de la terapia fonológica.

Habilidade do Processamento auditivo no teste de padrões de frequência e de duração em idosos: uma revisão sistemática / Auditory processing abilities in pitch and duration pattern tests for elderly: a systematic review / Habilidades de procesamiento auditivo en pruebas de patrones de tono y duración para ancianos: una revisión sistemática

Objetivo: analisar o desempenho de idosos com perda auditiva em comparação a idosos normo-ouvintes no teste de padrões de frequência (TPF) e duração (TPD). Estratégia de pesquisa: As estratégias de busca eletrônica foram desenvolvidas individualmente para os seguintes bancos de dados: LILACS, LIVIVO, Pubmed, Scopus, SpeechBITE e Web of Science. A literatura cinzenta foi pesquisada usando o Google Scholar, OpenGrey e Proquest Dissertações e Teses. Critérios de seleção: Foram incluídos estudos observacionais que avaliaram idosos (acima de 60 anos) com perda auditiva relacionada à idade ou presbiacusia, variando de leve a moderadamente grave, com diferentes escores em comparação a idosos com audição normal no TPF e TPD. A metodologia dos estudos selecionados foi avaliada por meio de ferramentas de avaliação crítica Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (MAStARI) para estudos transversais. Não foram aplicadas restrições quanto ao idioma, período de publicação ou sexo. Resultados: O título e o resumo de 1042 artigos foram analisados ​​após a remoção das duplicatas. A partir desta análise, foram analisados ​​os textos completos de 15 artigos. Cinco estudos foram incluídos nesta revisão sistemática, três utilizaram o TPD na versão de Musiek e dois a da Auditec do TPF e TPD. O risco de viés foi baixo (três estudos) e moderado (dois estudos), de acordo com este protocolo. Conclusão: Esta revisão sistemática não mostrou diferenças de escores entre os grupos com presbiacusia em comparação com a audição normal no TPF e TPD. São necessários mais estudos primários utilizando o mesmo protocolo para TPF e TPD.

Purpose: to analyze the performance of elderly people with hearing loss compared to normal-hearing elderly people in the Pitch Pattern Sequence Test (PPS) and Duration Pattern Sequence Test (DPS). Research strategy: Electronic search strategies were individually developed for each of the following databases: LILACS, LIVIVO, Pubmed, Scopus, SpeechBITE and Web of Science. Grey literature was searched by using Google Scholar, OpenGrey and Proquest Dissertations and Theses. Selection criteria: Observational studies that evaluated elderly (over 60 years old) with age related hearing loss or presbycusis, ranging from mild to moderately severe, with different scores, compared to normal hearing for pitch (PPS) or duration pattern sequence (DPS) tests were included. The methodology of selected studies was evaluated using Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (MAStARI) critical appraisal tools for cross sectional studies. No restrictions regarding language, period of publication or gender were applied. Results: Title and summary of 1042 articles were analyzed after duplicates were removed. From this analysis, the full texts of 15 articles were analyzed. Five studies were included in this systematic review, three studies used the Musiek DPS version, two used the Auditec DPS and PPS version. Risk of bias was low (three studies) and moderate (two studies), according to this protocol. Conclusion: This systematic review showed no score differences between groups with presbycusis compared with normal hearing for DPS and PPS test. More primary studies utilizing the same protocol for PPS and DPS are needed.

Objetivo: analizar el desempeño de ancianos con hipoacusia en comparación con ancianos con audición normal en la prueba de patrones de frecuencia (PPF) y duración (PPD). Estrategia de búsqueda: Se desarrollaron estrategias de búsqueda electrónica individualmente para las siguientes bases de datos: LILACS, LIVIVO, Pubmed, Scopus, SpeechBITE y Web of Science. Se realizaron búsquedas en literatura gris utilizando Google Scholar, OpenGrey y Proquest Dissertations and Theses. Criterios de selección: Se incluyeron estudios observacionales que evaluaron a ancianos (mayores de 60 años) con pérdida auditiva relacionada con la edad o presbiacusia, que van de leve a moderadamente severa, con puntajes diferentes en comparación con ancianos con audición normal en PPF y PPD. La metodología de los estudios seleccionados se evaluó utilizando herramientas de evaluación crítica Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (MAStARI) para estudios transversales. No se aplicaron restricciones en cuanto a idioma, período de publicación o género. Resultados: Se analizaron el título y resumen de 1042 artículos después de eliminar los duplicados. A partir de este análisis, se analizaron los textos completos de 15 artículos. Se incluyeron cinco estudios en esta revisión sistemática, tres utilizaron el PPD en la versión Musiek y dos en la versión Auditec del PPF y PPD. El riesgo de sesgo fue bajo (tres estudios) y moderado (dos estudios), según este protocolo. Conclusión: Esta revisión sistemática no mostró diferencias en las puntuaciones entre los grupos con presbiacusia en comparación con la audición normal en PPF y PPD. Se necesitan más estudios primarios que utilicen el mismo protocolo para PPF y PPD.

Accuracy of affordable instruments for hearing screening in adults and the elderly. / Acurácia de instrumentos de custo acessível para triagem auditiva de adultos e idosos.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of affordable instruments for hearing screening of adults and the elderly. METHODS: This study was carried out with users of a Hearing Health Service of the Unified Health System. All were screened with the MoBASA smartphone application, the Telehealth audiometer (TH) and the electronic version of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly - screening version - eHHIE-S. The examiners were blinded to the results of the screening tests and pure tone audiometry (PTA). Hearing impairment was considered for those with a PTA quadritonal mean greater than 40 dB in the best ear. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively) were calculated. The Kappa index was used as an agreement indicator between the PTA and the screening results. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 80 individuals between 18 and 94 years old (55.18 ± 20.21). In the PTA test, 21 individuals (26.25%) had typical hearing and 59 (73.75%) hearing loss. In the hearing screening tests, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV values greater than 75% were observed with the MoBASA as well as in terms of sensitivity and NPV of the TH and the eHHIE-S. The TH and the eHHIE-S specificity and PPV were less than 75%. The Kappa index indicated a substantial agreement (0.6) between the PTA and the MoBASA screening results. The TH and the eHHIE-S showed regular agreement (0.3). CONCLUSION: MoBASA proved to be an accurate method for hearing screening of adults and the elderly with disabling hearing loss.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a acurácia de instrumentos de custo acessível para triagem auditiva de adultos e idosos. MÉTODO: Este estudo foi realizado com usuários de um Serviço de Saúde Auditiva do SUS. Todos foram submetidos a triagem com o aplicativo de smartphone MoBASA, o audiômetro Telessaúde (TS) e a versão eletrônica do Questionário de Handicap da Audição para Idosos (Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly ­ screening version - eHHIE-S). Os examinadores foram cegos quanto aos resultados dos testes de triagem e para os dados de audiometria de tom puro (ATP). Foram considerados com deficiência auditiva aqueles com média quadritonal na ATP maiores que 40 dB na melhor orelha. Sensibilidade, especificidade e valores preditivos positivo (VPP) e negativo (VPN) foram calculados. O índice Kappa foi usado como um indicador de concordância entre ATP e os resultados da triagem. RESULTADOS: A amostra constou de 80 indivíduos entre 18 a 94 anos (55,18 ± 20,21). Na ATP, 21 indivíduos (26,25%) apresentaram audição normal e 59 (73,75%) perda auditiva incapacitante. Nos testes de triagem auditiva observou-se valores de sensibilidade, especificidade, VPP e VPN maiores do que 75% no MoBASA e na sensibilidade e VPN do TS e eHHIE-S. Já a especificidade e VPP do TS e eHHIE-S foram inferiores a 75%. O índice Kappa indicou concordância substancial (0,6) entre o ATP e os resultados do MoBASA. No TS e eHHIE-S foi constatada regular concordância (0,3). CONCLUSÃO: O MoBASA demonstrou ser um método acurado para triagem auditiva de adultos e idosos com perda auditiva incapacitante.

Frequency-Following Response in Newborns and Infants: A Systematic Review of Acquisition Parameters.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to characterize parameters used for frequency-following response (FFR) acquisition in children up to 24 months of age through a systematic review. Method The study was registered in PROSPERO and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses' recommendations. Search was performed in six databases (LILACS, LIVIVO, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) and gray literature (Google Scholar, OpenGrey, ProQuest)as well as via manual searches in bibliographic references. Observational studies using speech stimuli to elicit the FFR in infants with normal hearing on the age range from 0 until 24 months were included. No restrictions regarding language and year of publication were applied. Risk of bias was assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Data on stimulus, presentation rate, time window for analysis, number of sweeps, artifact rejection, online filters, stimulated ear, and examination condition were extracted. Results Four hundred fifty-nine studies were identified. After removing duplicates and reading titles and abstracts, 15 articles were included. Seven studies were classified as low risk of bias, seven as moderate risk, and one as high risk. Conclusions There is a consensus in the use of some acquisition parameters of the FFR with speech stimulus, such as the vertical mounting, the use of alternating polarity, a sampling rate of 20000 Hz, and the /da/ synthesized syllable of 40 ms in duration as the preferred stimulus. Although these parameters show some consensus, the results disclosed lack of a single established protocol for FFR acquisition with speech stimulus in infants in the investigated age range.

Development of infants presented with congenital syphilis in their first months of life

ABSTRACT Purpose: to evaluate the cognitive, language, and motor development of infants with congenital syphilis in their first months of life. Methods: a sample of 52 infants, from 21 to 112 days of age, born in public maternity hospitals, divided into a study group of 28 infants with congenital syphilis and a control group 24 infants without risk indicators for hearing loss. They underwent the Neonatal Hearing Screening Protocol with automated Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential. The research instrument was the Bayley-III Scale, consisting of the cognitive, language (receptive and expressive), and motor (fine and gross) subscales. The raw scores were entered into the software that accompanies the Bayley-III scale kit to calculate the scores (scaled and composite) and perform qualitative analysis. The Mann-Whitney test and the Wilcoxon test was applied and used a 5% significance level. Results: a similarity between groups for the demographic parameters, maternal education level, and socioeconomic level, was seen. There was no statistically significant difference between groups when comparing the cognitive, receptive language, expressive language, fine motor, and gross motor subscales. Conclusion: infants with congenital syphilis treated at birth have a cognitive, language, and motor development within that expected for their age group in their first months of life.

Hearing screening in schoolchildren: accuracy of different criteria used to analyze transient evoked otoacoustic emissions / Triagem auditiva em escolares: acurácia de diferentes critérios de análise das emissões otoacústicas evocadas transientes

ABSTRACT Purpose: to compare the accuracy of different criteria used to analyze transient evoked otoacoustic emissions in schoolchildren. Methods: an accuracy study, where an audiological assessment (audiometry, logoaudiometry, tympanometry) and transient emissions were performed with 70 schoolchildren, from the first to the fifth grade of a municipal school, in Northeastern Brazil (6-14 years, 9.9 ± 2 years), with four criteria, all with signal-to-noise ratio ≥ 3 dB, being: criterion A, in all frequency bands; B, in three consecutive frequency bands; C, in three of the five non-consecutive frequency bands; D, in 2, 3 and 4 kHz. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and predictive values with their respective confidence intervals of 95% were analyzed. Results: criterion A showed higher sensitivity (92.31%, 95% CI: 67-98%) and lower specificity (17.35%, 95% CI: 10-29%); criterion C higher specificity (84.21%, 95% CI: 72-91%) and higher positive predictive value (52.63%; 95% CI: 51.63-54.63). Accuracy was 82.85% (95% CI 78.23-87.47) in criterion C and 70% (95% CI: 65.38-74.62) in criterion B. Conclusion: criterion C, signal-to-noise ratio ≥ 3dB in three non-consecutive frequency bands, showed the best accuracy, being considered the best choice as a criterion for the isolated use of transient emissions as a hearing screening procedure, in schoolchildren.

RESUMO Objetivo: comparar a acurácia de diferentes critérios de análise das emissões otoacústicas evocadas transientes na triagem auditiva em escolares. Métodos: estudo de acurácia no qual foi realizada avaliação audiológica (audiometria, logoaudiometria, timpanometria) e emissões transientes de 70 escolares do primeiro ao quinto ano de escola municipal do nordeste do Brasil (6-14 anos, 9,9 ± 2 anos), com quatro critérios, todos com relação sinal/ruído ≥ 3 dB, sendo no critério A em todas as bandas de frequência; B em três bandas de frequências consecutivas; C em três das cinco bandas de frequência não consecutivas; D em 2, 3 e 4 kHz. Foram analisadas a sensibilidade, especificidade, acurácia e valores preditivos com seus respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95%. Resultados: o critério A apresentou maior sensibilidade (92,31%, IC95%: 67-98%) e menor especificidade (17,35%, IC95%: 10-29%); o critério C maior especificidade (84,21%, IC95%: 72-91%) e maior valor preditivo positivo (52,63%; IC95%: 51,63-54,63). A acurácia foi 82,85% (IC95% 78,23-87,47) no critério C e 70% (IC95%: 65,38-74,62) no critério B. Conclusão: o critério C (relação sinal/ruído ≥ 3dB em três bandas de frequência não consecutivas) apresentou a melhor acurácia, sendo considerado a melhor opção como critério para o uso isolado das emissões transientes como procedimento de triagem auditiva em escolares.

Uma análise das teleconsultorias assíncronas em saúde auditiva do Núcleo de Telessaúde do Rio Grande do Norte / An analysis of asynchronous hearing health teleconsulting at the Rio Grande do Norte Telehealth Center

RESUMO Objetivo identificar o perfil das teleconsultorias assíncronas na área da saúde auditiva do Núcleo Técnico Científico de Telessaúde do Rio Grande do Norte (RN). Métodos este estudo é retrospectivo e descritivo. Foram analisados os registros das teleconsultorias de janeiro de 2015 a dezembro de 2019 na plataforma de teleconsultoria do Núcleo de Telessaúde do RN. As teleconsultorias foram filtradas e categorizadas por dois fonoaudiólogos quanto a estado de origem, gênero e profissão do solicitante, tema e objetivo da questão. Resultados entre as teleconsultorias realizadas no período, foram incluídas, neste estudo, as teleconsultorias na área da saúde auditiva. Em ordem decrescente de frequência, os profissionais solicitantes foram: agentes comunitários de saúde, fonoaudiólogos, agentes de combate a endemias, médicos, enfermeiros, agentes de saúde pública, técnicos e auxiliares de enfermagem e outros. Quanto aos objetivos das teleconsultorias, de maior a menor frequência, foram constatadas perguntas sobre condutas, avaliação, tratamento, relações entre fatores, etiologias, prevenção, sintomas, implantação, acesso ao sistema de saúde e outras. Em relação às temáticas, em ordem descendente, foram observadas perguntas sobre hipoacusia, dispositivos auxiliares de audição, zumbido, otite, programa saúde na escola, emissões otoacústicas, otalgia, labirintite e perfuração timpânica. Conclusão as teleconsultorias assíncronas sobre saúde auditiva tiveram maior frequência por solicitantes do gênero feminino, agentes comunitários de saúde e fonoaudiólogos, sobre a temática da hipoacusia e de dispositivos auxiliares de audição, com objetivo de tomada de decisões para condutas e avaliação na área da saúde auditiva.

ABSTRACT Objective To identify the profile of asynchronous hearing health teleconsulting ​​ at the Scientific-Technical Center for Telehealth in Rio Grande do Norte (RN). Methods This study is retrospective and descriptive. Teleconsulting records from January 2015 to December 2019 on the telehealth platform of the Telehealth Center of RN were analyzed. The teleconsultations were filtered and categorized by two speech-language therapists regarding the applicant's state of origin, gender and profession, theme and objective of the question. Results Among the teleconsultations carried out in the period, the ones regarding the hearing health area were included in this study. In decreasing order of frequency, the requesting professionals were: community health agents, speech-language therapists, endemic disease control agents, doctors, nurses, public health agents, nursing technicians and assistants and others. As for the objectives of teleconsulting, from higher to lower frequency, were identified questions about: conduct, evaluation, treatment, relations among factors, etiologies, prevention, symptoms, implementation, access to the health system and others. Concerning the themes, in descending order, were observed questions about hearing loss, hearing aid devices, tinnitus, otitis, school health program, otoacoustic emissions, otalgia, labyrinthitis and tympanic perforation. Conclusion Asynchronous teleconsulting on hearing health was more frequent on female applicants, community health agents and speech-language therapists, concerning the theme of hearing loss and hearing aid devices, to make decisions for conducts and evaluation in the health area hearing.

Acurácia de instrumentos de custo acessível para triagem auditiva de adultos e idosos / Accuracy of affordable instruments for hearing screening in adults and the elderly

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a acurácia de instrumentos de custo acessível para triagem auditiva de adultos e idosos. Método Este estudo foi realizado com usuários de um Serviço de Saúde Auditiva do SUS. Todos foram submetidos a triagem com o aplicativo de smartphone MoBASA, o audiômetro Telessaúde (TS) e a versão eletrônica do Questionário de Handicap da Audição para Idosos (Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly - screening version - eHHIE-S). Os examinadores foram cegos quanto aos resultados dos testes de triagem e para os dados de audiometria de tom puro (ATP). Foram considerados com deficiência auditiva aqueles com média quadritonal na ATP maiores que 40 dB na melhor orelha. Sensibilidade, especificidade e valores preditivos positivo (VPP) e negativo (VPN) foram calculados. O índice Kappa foi usado como um indicador de concordância entre ATP e os resultados da triagem. Resultados A amostra constou de 80 indivíduos entre 18 a 94 anos (55,18 ± 20,21). Na ATP, 21 indivíduos (26,25%) apresentaram audição normal e 59 (73,75%) perda auditiva incapacitante. Nos testes de triagem auditiva observou-se valores de sensibilidade, especificidade, VPP e VPN maiores do que 75% no MoBASA e na sensibilidade e VPN do TS e eHHIE-S. Já a especificidade e VPP do TS e eHHIE-S foram inferiores a 75%. O índice Kappa indicou concordância substancial (0,6) entre o ATP e os resultados do MoBASA. No TS e eHHIE-S foi constatada regular concordância (0,3). Conclusão O MoBASA demonstrou ser um método acurado para triagem auditiva de adultos e idosos com perda auditiva incapacitante.

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the accuracy of affordable instruments for hearing screening of adults and the elderly. Methods This study was carried out with users of a Hearing Health Service of the Unified Health System. All were screened with the MoBASA smartphone application, the Telehealth audiometer (TH) and the electronic version of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly - screening version - eHHIE-S. The examiners were blinded to the results of the screening tests and pure tone audiometry (PTA). Hearing impairment was considered for those with a PTA quadritonal mean greater than 40 dB in the best ear. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively) were calculated. The Kappa index was used as an agreement indicator between the PTA and the screening results. Results The sample consisted of 80 individuals between 18 and 94 years old (55.18 ± 20.21). In the PTA test, 21 individuals (26.25%) had typical hearing and 59 (73.75%) hearing loss. In the hearing screening tests, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV values greater than 75% were observed with the MoBASA as well as in terms of sensitivity and NPV of the TH and the eHHIE-S. The TH and the eHHIE-S specificity and PPV were less than 75%. The Kappa index indicated a substantial agreement (0.6) between the PTA and the MoBASA screening results. The TH and the eHHIE-S showed regular agreement (0.3). Conclusion MoBASA proved to be an accurate method for hearing screening of adults and the elderly with disabling hearing loss.

Teste de dígitos no ruído baseado em software para português brasileiro em crianças com transtorno do processamento auditivo central / Software-based digits-in-noise test for Brazilian Portuguese in children0ith central auditory processing disorder / Prueba de dígitos en ruido basado en software para portugués brasileño en niños con trastorno del central procesamiento auditivo

Introdução: Nas situações da vida diária, frequentemente, é necessário reconhecer a fala em ambientes com ruído competitivo, sendo que dificuldades neste reconhecimento é uma queixa comum de pessoas com transtornos do processamento auditivo central (TPAC). O Teste de Dígitos no Ruído (TDR), desenvolvido para triagem de perdas auditivas em adultos e idosos, apresenta vantagens que o tornam promissor para triagem em crianças com TPAC. Objetivo: Verificar o desempenho de crianças com TPAC no TDR baseado em software para o Português brasileiro. Método: A amostra de conveniência foi constituída por 31 crianças (8-12 anos), sendo 23 com TPAC, alocadas no G1, e oito sem o transtorno, que compuseram o G2. Todas realizaram avaliação audiológica básica, timpanometria, reconhecimento numérico visual e aleatório, aplicação do TDR e avaliação comportamental do processamento auditivo central (PAC) para determinar presença ou não do TPAC. Na análise foi utilizado Teste de Mann-Whitney no comparativo entre G1 e G2 e correlação de Sperman entre os testes de PAC e a média da relação S/R (RSR) do TDR. Resultados: G1 e G2 apresentaram desempenhos significativamente diferentes nos testes fala filtrada (orelha direita), dicótico de dígitos (orelha esquerda), fusão binaural e gaps-in-noise de ambas as orelhas e no teste de padrões de frequência. A média da relação sinal/ruído (RSR) do TDR foi de -7,29 dB (dp ± 4,76) nos sujeitos do G1 e de -8,42 dB (dp ± 2,93) no G2. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre G1 e G2 no comparativo das médias de RSR final (p = 0,227). Não foi evidenciada correlação na maior parte dos testes de PAC e o TDR, exceto correlação negativa no FBOE e DDIOD. Conclusão: O desempenho das crianças com TPAC é similar ao de crianças sem TPAC no teste de dígitos no ruído em Português Brasileiro.

Speech recognition on noise is an auditory processing skill, important for children in contexts with competitive noise and reverberation and can test their functional capacity. The Digits-in-Noise (DIN) Test, developed for hearing screening in adults and the elderly, has advantages that make it promising for screening children with central auditory processing disorders (CAPD). Objective: Verify the performance of children with central auditory processing disorder in a software-based DIN Test for Brazilian Portuguese. Methods: The convenience sample comprised 31 children (8 to 12 years), 23 with CAPD placed in G1, and eight without the disorder that composed G2. All children underwent basic audiological assessment and tympanometry, visual and random numerical recognition, use of DIN and auditory processing behavioral assessment to determine the presence or absence of APD. We used the Mann-Whitney test to compare G1 and G2. Results: G1 and G2 presented different performances in the filtered speech (right ear), dichotic digits (left ear), binaural fusion and gaps-in-noise tests of both ears and in the frequency pattern test. We observed that the average DIN signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was -7.29 dB (SD ± 4.76) in G1 subjects, and -8.42 dB (SD ± 2.93) in G2 subjects. There was no statistically significant difference between G1 and G2 in comparison of average final SNR (p = 0.227). Conclusion: Considering the average values of the final SNR, we found that the children's performance in the DIN test was similar between both groups.

Introducción: Reconocimiento de habla en ruido es una habilidad del procesamiento auditivo, importante para chicos en contextos con ruido competitivo y reverberación, y puede ser evaluada para determinar su capacidad funcional. La Prueba de Dígitos en Ruido (PDR), desarrollada para detectar pérdida de audición en adultos y ancianos, presentado ventajas que lo hacen prometedor para detección en niños con trastorno del procesamiento auditivo central (TPAC). Objetivo: Verificar el rendimiento de niños conTPAC en PDR basado en software en portugués brasileño. Metodos: La muestra de conveniencia consistió en 31 niños entre 8-12 año, 23 chicos con TPAC, asignado en G1, y ocho sin trastorno, que componen G2. Todos realizaron evaluación audiológica básica, timpanometría, reconocimiento numérico visual y aleatorio, aplicación del PDR y evaluación comportamental del procesamiento auditivo, aplicación del PDR e del comportamiento del procesamiento auditivo para determinar la presencia o ausencia de TPAC. Se utilizó la prueba de Mann-Whitney para análisis entre G1 y G2. Resultados: G1 y G2 presentaron diferentes rendimientos en pruebas de habla filtrada (oído derecho), dígitos dicóticos (oído izquierdo), fusión binaural y gaps-in-noise en ambos oídos y en la prueba del patrón de frecuencia. La Relación Señal/Ruido (S/R) del PDR fue -7.29 dB (sd ± 4.76) en chicos del G1 y -8.42 dB (sd ± 2.93) en G2. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre G1 y G2 al comparar las medias finales de RSR (p = 0.227). Conclusión: Teniendo en cuenta valores de la media S/R final, hubo similitud de rendimiento en PDR en ambos grupos.

Prevalence of Hearing Loss and Associated Factors in School-Age Individuals in an Urban Area of Northeast Brazil

Abstract Introduction Hearing loss interferes in the development of language and verbal capacities, which causes learning difficulties and deleterious effects. Objective To analyze the prevalence and associated factors for hearing loss in school-age individuals of the municipality of Natal, state of Rio Grande do Norte, Northeast Brazil. Methods Cross-sectional study that evaluated 238 school-age individuals (6-17 years old) in municipal public schools. Meatoscopy was performed and school-age individuals answered the questions "Do you think that you hear well?" and "Do you have earaches?". Auditory evaluation was performed with a Telessaúde audiometer. The responsible adults answered socioeconomic, speech and audiology aspects and risk factors for hearing loss questionnaire. Results The prevalence of hearing loss was 16% (11.7-21.4%); 16% reported not to hear well, 18.9% reported earaches, and 26.1% presented altered meatoscopy. The prevalence of hearing loss was higher in school-age individuals who reported hearing difficulties, in children between the ages of 6 and 12, and with altered meatoscopy results (p< 0.05). Airway infection (PR = 3.37; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.48-7.68) was found as a risk factor associated with hearing loss, remaining significant in the multivariate model (PR = 6.79; 95%CI: 1.98-23.26; p= 0.002). Conclusions Hearing loss in this sample is above the values reported in other studies performed in Brazil for this age group. This highlights the necessity of better structure of speech and audiology attention, so that auditory health promotion actions can be systematized for this population.

Prevalence of Hearing Loss and Associated Factors in School-Age Individuals in an Urban Area of Northeast Brazil.

Introduction Hearing loss interferes in the development of language and verbal capacities, which causes learning difficulties and deleterious effects. Objective To analyze the prevalence and associated factors for hearing loss in school-age individuals of the municipality of Natal, state of Rio Grande do Norte, Northeast Brazil. Methods Cross-sectional study that evaluated 238 school-age individuals (6-17 years old) in municipal public schools. Meatoscopy was performed and school-age individuals answered the questions "Do you think that you hear well?" and "Do you have earaches?". Auditory evaluation was performed with a Telessaúde audiometer. The responsible adults answered socioeconomic, speech and audiology aspects and risk factors for hearing loss questionnaire. Results The prevalence of hearing loss was 16% (11.7-21.4%); 16% reported not to hear well, 18.9% reported earaches, and 26.1% presented altered meatoscopy. The prevalence of hearing loss was higher in school-age individuals who reported hearing difficulties, in children between the ages of 6 and 12, and with altered meatoscopy results ( p < 0.05). Airway infection (PR = 3.37; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.48-7.68) was found as a risk factor associated with hearing loss, remaining significant in the multivariate model (PR = 6.79; 95%CI: 1.98-23.26; p = 0.002). Conclusions Hearing loss in this sample is above the values reported in other studies performed in Brazil for this age group. This highlights the necessity of better structure of speech and audiology attention, so that auditory health promotion actions can be systematized for this population.