Relationship Between Chloroquine or Hydroxychloroquine Use and Hearing Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chloroquine and its analog hydroxychloroquine are derivatives of 4-aminoquinoline and are regularly used in the treatment of malaria and autoimmune diseases. Among the side effects of these drugs, alterations associated with the auditory system are frequently mentioned. Thus, the aim of this systematic review is to systematically review publications on hearing disorders and chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Inclusion criteria were observational or interventional studies on audiological assessment in participants who were using chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine. The methodological quality was independently assessed by two reviewers using the Meta-Analysis of Statistics: assessment and review Instrument. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE tool. RESULTS: A total of 1,372 non-duplicate papers were screened, out of which 17 were included in the final qualitative synthesis, and 5 studies in the meta-analysis. The odds ratio for the two subgroups evaluated did not show significance with no heterogeneity between the effects observed between the different diseases (I2=0%) and obtaining the global estimate of 0.76 (95% confidence interval [CI]=0.41-1.39; p>0.05). Despite the inclusion of papers with different disease samples, the heterogeneity observed in the analysis was low (I2= 0%) and prediction interval (95% PI=0.32-1.80; p>0.05) remained close to that estimated by the CI (95% CI=0.41-1.39; p>0.05). The certainty of the evidence assessed by the GRADE tool was considered very low due to the risk of bias, indirect evidence, and imprecision. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that the use of chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine is not associated with hearing disorders.

Strategies of Hearing Preservation With Military Personnel: A Scoping Review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to map the strategies used in hearing health education with military personnel during the Hearing Preservation Program (HPP). METHOD: This study is a scoping review, with electronic searches conducted in online databases and gray literature: Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, ASHAWire, Google Scholar, and ProQuest Dissertation & Theses. Only studies describing, analyzing, or evaluating the application of the HPP to active duty or training military personnel were included. RESULTS: A total of 3,478 references were retrieved, and 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. The strategies were classified into five categories: focus group aimed at exploring knowledge and perceptions regarding hearing health (five studies), training on the proper fitting of hearing protection devices (four studies), the utilization of audiovisual materials (seven studies), questionnaires administrated before and after educational intervention (five studies), and feedback survey concerning the implemented hearing health education (three studies). CONCLUSION: There are five strategies that aimed at assessing knowledge and attitudes, improving hearing health education, facilitating information access, and evaluating the applied actions. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25219589.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sleep quality of students: A meta-analysis and meta-regression.

OBJECTIVE: The present systematic review aims to assess the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on the sleep quality of students. METHODS: An electronic search was performed in the databases and in gray literature for articles published up to January 2022. The results included observational studies that assessed sleep quality through validated questionnaires, comparing moments pre and postCOVID19 pandemic. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Assessment Checklist. The Grading of Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to assess the certainty of scientific evidence. Estimates of interest were calculated using random effects meta-analyses and possible confounding factors were meta-regressed. RESULTS: Eighteen studies were considered for qualitative synthesis and thirteen were considered for meta-analysis. Considering the comparison of means obtained by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, there was an increase in the scores obtained during the pandemic period [MD = -0.39; 95% CI = -0.72 - -0.07; I2 = 88.31%], thus evidencing a slight worsening in the sleep quality of these individuals. Risk of bias was considered low in nine studies, moderate in eight studies, and high in one study. The unemployment rate (%) in the country of origin of each included study partially explained the heterogeneity of analysis. GRADE analysis showed a very low certainty of scientific evidence. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic may have a slight negative impact on the sleep quality of high school and college students, but the evidence is still uncertain. The socioeconomic reality must be considered when evaluating this outcome.

The Self-Stigma of Hearing Loss in Adults and Older Adults: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have demonstrated that individuals with hearing loss can internalize social stigmas, resulting in several self-perceived negative connotations, such as incompetence, cognitive impairment, and social disability. This systematic review aimed to investigate the impact of the social stigma associated with hearing loss on the self-stigma experienced by adults and older adults. DESIGN: Combinations of words and appropriate truncations were selected and adjusted specifically for each electronic database. The Population, Exposure, Comparator, Outcomes, and Study Characteristics strategy was used to delimit the scope of the review, bearing in mind the importance of a well-formulated research question. RESULTS: A total of 953 articles were retrieved from the final search of each database. Thirty-four studies were selected for full-text reading. Thirteen were excluded, and 21 studies were ultimately included in this review. The results of this review were divided into three themes: (1) impact of social stigmas on self-stigma, (2) effect of emotions on self-stigma, and (3) other factors that impact self-stigma. The themes were related to the relationship between the individual and social perceptions reported by the participants with respect to their hearing experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the impact of social stigma associated with hearing loss on the self-stigma of adults and older adults is strongly associated with the effects of aging and hearing loss, which may lead to withdrawal, social segregation, and negative self-perception.

Effect of Tinnitus on Sleep Quality and Insomnia

Abstract Introduction Tinnitus is a conscious perception of a sound resulting from abnormal activity within the nervous system. A relevant percentage of tinnitus patients report symptoms severe enough to significantly affect quality of life, including sleep disorders. Objectives To analyze the sleep quality, insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in participants with tinnitus. Methods The sample comprised 18 adults and older adults aged between 18 and 85 years old (mean age = 58.7 ± 17.5 years old), females and males, with complaint of continuous tinnitus for > 1 month. The instruments used were the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) questionnaire, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the STOP-Bang questionnaire. Results By means of the THI questionnaire, the tinnitus severity degree reported by most participants was mild (27.8%) and moderate (27.8%), having a positive (r = 0.582) and significant (0.011) correlation to sleep quality, measured by means of the Pittsburgh questionnaire. There was a positive correlation between the Insomnia Severity Index and tinnitus handicap (r = 0.499; p = 0.035). A total of 72.2% of the participants self-assessed their sleep quality as poor, in addition to moderate insomnia (27.8%), although there is low risk of OSA (66.7%), without complaints of excessive daytime sleepiness (72.2%). Conclusion Subjects with tinnitus complaint self-rated their sleep quality as poor. Moreover, the higher the reported tinnitus handicap, the greater the symptoms of insomnia. There was no influence of tinnitus in relation to daytime sleepiness and no relationship between the severity of tinnitus and the risk of OSA.

Effect of Tinnitus on Sleep Quality and Insomnia.

Introduction Tinnitus is a conscious perception of a sound resulting from abnormal activity within the nervous system. A relevant percentage of tinnitus patients report symptoms severe enough to significantly affect quality of life, including sleep disorders. Objective To analyze the sleep quality, insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in participants with tinnitus. Methods The sample comprised 18 adults and older adults aged between 18 and 85 years old (mean age = 58.7 ± 17.5 years old), females and males, with complaint of continuous tinnitus for > 1 month. The instruments used were the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) questionnaire, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the STOP-Bang questionnaire. Results By means of the THI questionnaire, the tinnitus severity degree reported by most participants was mild (27.8%) and moderate (27.8%), having a positive (r = 0.582) and significant (0.011) correlation to sleep quality, measured by means of the Pittsburgh questionnaire. There was a positive correlation between the Insomnia Severity Index and tinnitus handicap (r = 0.499; p = 0.035). A total of 72.2% of the participants self-assessed their sleep quality as poor, in addition to moderate insomnia (27.8%), although there is low risk of OSA (66.7%), without complaints of excessive daytime sleepiness (72.2%). Conclusion Subjects with tinnitus complaint self-rated their sleep quality as poor. Moreover, the higher the reported tinnitus handicap, the greater the symptoms of insomnia. There was no influence of tinnitus in relation to daytime sleepiness and no relationship between the severity of tinnitus and the risk of OSA.

Could speech disorders in children with cleft lip and palate be justified by impaired central auditory skills?

ABSTRACT Purpose: to verify the association between central auditory skills and speech disorders related to velopharyngeal dysfunction. Methods: forty-five children, with repaired non-syndromic cleft lip and palate or cleft lip only, aged 7-11 years old, were divided into three groups: G1 (n=15), children with hypernasality, nasal air emission, and compensatory articulations; G2 (n=15), children with hypernasality and nasal air emission, but without compensatory articulations; and G3 (n=15), children without hypernasality, nasal air emission, and compensatory articulations. The medical records of all participants were analyzed to verify the eligibility criteria and obtain speech assessments, and then, they were submitted to an assessment of central auditory skills. Statistical analysis comprised descriptive and chi-square test with a significance level of 5%. Results: G1 presented a higher occurrence of impairment in central auditory skills differing from the other groups, particularly in the temporal ordering and binaural integration skills. A significant difference was observed among groups in temporal ordering ability. No significant association was found between the use of specific types of compensatory articulations and impaired auditory skills. Conclusion: there was an association between changes in temporal ordering auditory skills and binaural integration in children with velopharyngeal dysfunction, regardless of the presence or type of compensatory articulation found.

Difficulties of normally-hearing adults in daily listening situations / Dificuldades de adultos ouvintes em situações cotidianas de escuta

ABSTRACT Purpose: to verify hearing difficulties related to everyday listening situations self-reported by normally-hearing adults. Methods: a cross-sectional observational study in which adult individuals with clinically normal hearing, verified through audiometry and tympanometry, were included. The participants answered the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) questionnaire. Statistical analysis comprised descriptive and Spearman's correlation test with a significance level of 5%. Results: the sample consisted of 28 participants, aged between 20 and 44 years. The median SSQ score was 8.75, in the Hearing to Speech domain, 8.11, in the Spatial Hearing domain, and 8.91, in the Quality-of-Hearing domain. There was an association between the participant's age and the score on five questions, demonstrating less self-reported difficulty as age increased. Conclusion: difficulties in everyday listening situations, self-reported by normally-hearing adults, participating in this study, were more related to situations with competitive noise and listening effort.

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar as dificuldades auditivas relacionadas a situações cotidianas de escuta autorrelatadas por adultos normo-ouvintes. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo observacional transversal. Foram incluídos indivíduos adultos com limiares auditivos normais, verificados por meio de audiometria e timpanometria. Os participantes responderam à versão no português brasileiro do questionário Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ). Os resultados foram analisados descritiva e estatisticamente. A análise estatística compreendeu teste descritivo e de correlação de Spearman com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: a amostra foi composta por 28 participantes, com idades entre 20 e 44 anos. A mediana da pontuação no SSQ foi de 8,75 pontos no domínio Audição para a Fala; 8,11 no domínio Audição Espacial e 8,91 pontos no domínio Qualidade da Audição. Observou-se associação entre a idade do participante e a pontuação em cinco questões, demonstrando menor dificuldade autorrelatada conforme o aumento da idade. Conclusão: as dificuldades em situações cotidianas de escuta autorrelatadas pelos adultos normo-ouvintes participantes desse estudo foram mais relacionadas a situações com ruído competitivo e esforço de escuta.

How the speech-language pathologist interacts with cystic fibrosis patients? a scoping review / Qual a relação da fonoaudiologia com a fibrose cística? uma revisão de escopo / ¿Cuál es la relación entre la logopedia y la fibrosis quís- tica? una revisión del alcance

Objective: The review describes the changes related to sleep-breathing disorders, com- munication and feeding processes in subjects with CF, through a scoping review. Meth- ods: A scoping review based on the PRISMA protocol was carried out in Pubmed, Lilacs and Scopus databases, to investigate the possibility of including SLP in the treatment of patients with CF. The inclusion criteria included studies that addressed communication and eating processes and disorders related to CF. Studies with a sample that presented other comorbidities that would justify the worsening of the condition, or secondary stud- ies, were excluded. There was no time or language delimitation. Results: The search found 1566 works, 27 Lilacs, 1009 Pubmed and 530 Scopus, by analysis of titles, abstract and reading in full. A total of 30 articles were selected for inclusion, 2 Lilacs, 22 Pubmed and 6 Scopus, all related to Speech-Language Pathology. Conclusion: It was observed that there is a poor sleep quality due to nocturnal desaturation, mild and moderate obstructive apnea. In studies related to hearing, individuals had sensorineural hearing loss. Speech-Language Pathology is of paramount importance in monitoring these sub- jects.

Objetivo: Descrever alterações relacionadas aos processos de distúrbios respiratórios do sono, comunicação e alimentação em sujeitos com FC, por meio de uma scoping review. Métodos: Foi realizada uma scoping review nas bases de dados Pubmed, Lilacs e Scopus, para investigar a possibilidade de incluir o fonoaudiólogo no tratamento de pacientes com FC, utilizando o checklist PRISMA. Os critérios de inclusão incluíram estudos que abor- dassem processos de comunicação e alimentação e distúrbios relacionados à FC. Foram excluídos estudos com amostra que apresentasse outras comorbidades que justificassem o agravamento do quadro, ou estudos secundários. Não houve delimitação de tempo ou idioma. Resultados: A busca encontrou 1566 trabalhos, sendo 27 Lilacs, 1009 Pubmed e 530 Scopus, por meio de análise de títulos, resumo e leitura na íntegra. Foram seleciona- dos para inclusão 30 artigos, sendo 2 Lilacs, 22 Pubmed e 6 Scopus, todos relacionados à Fonoaudiologia. Conclusão: Observou-se que há má qualidade do sono devido à dessa- turação noturna, apneia obstrutiva leve e moderada. Em estudos relacionados à audição, os indivíduos apresentaram perda auditiva neurossensorial. A Fonoaudiologia é de suma importância no acompanhamento desses sujeitos.

Objetivo: Describir las alteraciones relacionadas con los procesos de trastornos respira- torios del sueño, comunicación y alimentación en sujetos con FQ, a través de una revisión de alcance. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión de alcance en las bases de datos Pubmed, Lilacs y Scopus, para investigar la posibilidad de incluir al logopeda en el tratamiento de pacientes con FQ, utilizando la lista de verificación PRISMA. Los criterios de inclusión incluyeron estudios que abordaran los procesos de comunicación y alimentación y los trastornos relacionados con la FQ. Se excluyeron los estudios con una muestra que pre- sentaba otras comorbilidades que justificasen el empeoramiento del cuadro, o estudios secundarios. No había delimitación de tiempo ni de idioma. Resultados: La búsqueda en- contró 1566 trabajos, de los cuales 27 fueron Lilacs, 1009 Pubmed y 530 Scopus, me- diante análisis de títulos, resúmenes y lectura completa. Se seleccionaron 30 artículos para inclusión, 2 Lilacs, 22 Pubmed y 6 Scopus, todos relacionados con Logopedia. Con- clusión: Se observó que existe mala calidad del sueño por desaturación nocturna, apnea obstructiva leve y moderada. En estudios relacionados con la audición, los individuos tenían pérdida auditiva neurosensorial. La logopedia es de suma importancia en el segui- miento de estos sujetos.

Salivary Cortisol and Sustained Auditory Attention in Children with and without Cleft Lip and Palate

Abstract Introduction Cortisol is a hormone involved in the response to stress. Attention is a function that can change due to exposure to stress. Objectives To verify the correlation between the level of salivary cortisol and sustained auditory attention in children with cleft lip and palate, as well as to compare the results of the variables analyzed between female and male patients. Methods In total, 103 children aged 6 to 11 years, were divided into 2 groups: those with cleft lip and palate (experimental group, EG; n = 69) and the control group (CG; n = 34). The Sustained Auditory Attention Ability Test (SAAAT) and salivary cortisol levels, measured by an enzyme immunoassay kit (Salimetrics, Stage College, PA, US), were calculated and compared regarding the two groups. The statistical tests used were the Mann-Whitney test and the Spearman correlation. Results The median level of salivary cortisol was of 0.03615 μl/dL and 0.18000 μl/dL respectively for the EG and CG, with a significant difference between the groups (p =0.000). Absence of statistical significance (total error score = 0.656; vigilance decrement = 0.051) was observed the for SAAAT among the EG (median total error score = 12.00; 25th percentile [25%] = 7.00; 75th percentile [75%] = 21.00; and vigilance decrement = 1.00; 25% = 0.00; 75% = 2.50) and the CG (median total error score = 12.00; 25% = 6.00; 75% = 24.00; and vigilance decrement = 0.00; 25% = -1.00; 75% = 2.00). Conclusion All children had median levels of salivary cortisol and scores for sustained auditory attention within normal parameters. A significant correlation between the level of salivary cortisol and the ability to sustain auditory attention was observed in children without cleft lip and palate. There were no differences regarding the SAAAT and salivary cortisol between female and male patients.

Salivary Cortisol and Sustained Auditory Attention in Children with and without Cleft Lip and Palate.

Introduction Cortisol is a hormone involved in the response to stress. Attention is a function that can change due to exposure to stress. Objectives To verify the correlation between the level of salivary cortisol and sustained auditory attention in children with cleft lip and palate, as well as to compare the results of the variables analyzed between female and male patients. Methods In total, 103 children aged 6 to 11 years, were divided into 2 groups: those with cleft lip and palate (experimental group, EG; n = 69) and the control group (CG; n = 34). The Sustained Auditory Attention Ability Test (SAAAT) and salivary cortisol levels, measured by an enzyme immunoassay kit (Salimetrics, Stage College, PA, US), were calculated and compared regarding the two groups. The statistical tests used were the Mann-Whitney test and the Spearman correlation. Results The median level of salivary cortisol was of 0.03615 µl/dL and 0.18000 µl/dL respectively for the EG and CG, with a significant difference between the groups ( p = 0.000). Absence of statistical significance (total error score = 0.656; vigilance decrement = 0.051) was observed the for SAAAT among the EG (median total error score = 12.00; 25th percentile [25%] = 7.00; 75th percentile [75%] = 21.00; and vigilance decrement = 1.00; 25% = 0.00; 75% = 2.50) and the CG (median total error score = 12.00; 25% = 6.00; 75% = 24.00; and vigilance decrement = 0.00; 25% = -1.00; 75% = 2.00). Conclusion All children had median levels of salivary cortisol and scores for sustained auditory attention within normal parameters. A significant correlation between the level of salivary cortisol and the ability to sustain auditory attention was observed in children without cleft lip and palate. There were no differences regarding the SAAAT and salivary cortisol between female and male patients.

Preliminary Study of the Applicability of Software in the Investigation of Sustained Auditory Attention

Abstract Introduction The use of auditory behavioral tests, which specifically assess sustained attention, is necessary, due to its relationship with learning, language production, cognitive development and school performance. Objective To evaluate how children performed using software developed to investigate the ability of sustained auditory attention, and to compare the scores obtained in this format with those of the original, non-computerized test. Methods This cross-sectional study included 52 children of both genders, aged 6 to 11 years, with normal hearing and no history of complaints regarding inattention and/or hyperactivity. The computerized test was administered to all 52 children. The total error score (inattention and impulsivity) and the vigilance decrement were used to define the children's performance when using the software. The scores obtained in the two formats (computer software and original on compact disc) were then compared. Results Statistically significant differences were found in the scores for innattention, impulsivity, and total error score (inattention and impulsivity) when comparing genders, and a negative correlation coefficient was found when comparing ages. Increased scores were found for all variables of the sustained auditory attention ability test (SAAAT) compared with the original format. Conclusion Females performed worse than males in all aspects except for vigilance decrement when using the SAAATsoftware developed to evaluate the ability of SAAAT vigilance; younger children made more errors when using the SAAAT software; inattention errors were more frequent than impulsivity. Overall, higher values were obtained using the SAAAT software, when compared with the original version.

Temporary and Permanent Auditory Effects Associated with Occupational Coexposure to Low Levels of Noise and Solvents.

This study aimed to assess temporary and permanent auditory effects associated with occupational coexposure to low levels of noise and solvents. Cross-sectional study with 25 printing industry workers simultaneously exposed to low noise (<80 dBA TWA) and low levels of solvents. The control group consisted of 29 industry workers without the selected exposures. Participants answered a questionnaire and underwent auditory tests. Auditory fatigue was measured by comparing the acoustic reflex threshold before and after the workday. Workers coexposed to solvents and noise showed significantly worse results in auditory tests in comparison with the participants in the control group. Auditory brainstem response results showed differences in III−V interpeak intervals (p = 0.046 in right ear; p = 0.039 in left ear). Mean dichotic digits scores (exposed = 89.5 ± 13.33; controls = 96.40 ± 4.46) were only different in the left ear (p = 0.054). The comparison of pre and postacoustic reflex testing indicated mean differences (p = 0.032) between the exposed (4.58 ± 6.8) and controls (0 ± 4.62) groups. This study provides evidence of a possible temporary effect (hearing fatigue) at the level of the acoustic reflex of the stapedius muscle. The permanent effects were identified mainly at the level of the high brainstem and in the auditory ability of binaural integration.

Preliminary Study of the Applicability of Software in the Investigation of Sustained Auditory Attention.

Introduction The use of auditory behavioral tests, which specifically assess sustained attention, is necessary, due to its relationship with learning, language production, cognitive development and school performance. Objective To evaluate how children performed using software developed to investigate the ability of sustained auditory attention, and to compare the scores obtained in this format with those of the original, non-computerized test. Methods This cross-sectional study included 52 children of both genders, aged 6 to 11 years, with normal hearing and no history of complaints regarding inattention and/or hyperactivity. The computerized test was administered to all 52 children. The total error score (inattention and impulsivity) and the vigilance decrement were used to define the children's performance when using the software. The scores obtained in the two formats (computer software and original on compact disc) were then compared. Results Statistically significant differences were found in the scores for innattention, impulsivity, and total error score (inattention and impulsivity) when comparing genders, and a negative correlation coefficient was found when comparing ages. Increased scores were found for all variables of the sustained auditory attention ability test (SAAAT) compared with the original format. Conclusion Females performed worse than males in all aspects except for vigilance decrement when using the SAAAT software developed to evaluate the ability of SAAAT vigilance; younger children made more errors when using the SAAAT software; inattention errors were more frequent than impulsivity. Overall, higher values were obtained using the SAAAT software, when compared with the original version.

Hearing impairment among workers and satisfaction with the use of hearing aids.

BACKGROUND: Hearing problems can have adverse effects on an individual's job performance, as well as on unemployment or underemployment and increased risk of stress-related sick leave. OBJECTIVE: To investigate hearing impairment among workers and satisfaction with the use of hearing aids. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with workers who are hearing aid users. Subjects underwent pure tone audiometry and answered the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults and the Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life questionnaires. RESULTS: Participants were 36 workers between 36 and 75 years old, with an average age of 53.47 years, 52.7% male and 47.3% female. There was a mild to moderate hearing handicap perception, with worse results for women in the emotional domain. As hearing loss increased, workers' frustration increased when talking to coworkers. Everyone was satisfied with the use of their hearing aids. Satisfaction increased with increasing age and decreased with increasing hearing loss. The greater the frustration when talking to co-workers, the lower the overall satisfaction with hearing aid use; the lower the satisfaction with the competence of the professional who assisted in adapting the hearing aid; the lower the satisfaction in environments with background noise and overall worse personal image. The worse the attitudes and emotional responses of workers regarding their hearing impairment, the lower the overall satisfaction with the hearing aid. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the use of hearing aids, workers perceive having a hearing impairment, especially women. As hearing loss and frustration in talking with co-workers increased, satisfaction decreased.

Percepção auditiva e desenvolvimento de linguagem oral após cirurgia de implante auditivo de tronco encefálico: uma revisão de escopo / Auditory perception and oral language in brainstem auditory implant users: a scoping review

RESUMO Objetivo mapear as evidências atuais em relação à percepção auditiva da fala e desenvolvimento de linguagem oral em usuários de implante auditivo de tronco encefálico (auditory brainstem implant - ABI), para responder à seguinte questão norteadora: "O que se sabe sobre a habilidade de percepção auditiva da fala e de linguagem oral em indivíduos usuários de implante auditivo de tronco encefálico?" Estratégia de pesquisa a busca foi realizada nas bases de dados BVSalud, PubMed e SciELO e, para literatura cinzenta, utilizou-se a fonte de informação Google Acadêmico, por meio dos descritores: implante auditivo de tronco encefálico (auditory brainstem implantation), linguagem (language), audição (hearing) e percepção auditiva (auditory perception). Critérios de seleção foram incluídos estudos nos quais foram aplicados testes para avalição da percepção auditiva ou para verificar desenvolvimento de linguagem oral em crianças e/ou adultos usuários de ABI. Foram incluídos artigos publicados nos últimos cinco anos e excluídos estudos secundários. Resultados Foram encontrados 1767 artigos nas bases de dados e fonte de informação, dos quais, 27 foram incluídos na revisão. Observou-se que a maioria dos usuários de ABI torna-se capaz de perceber alguns sons ambientais, alguns tornam-se capazes de reconhecer vocábulos, porém, poucos atingem o reconhecimento de frases. Conclusão a maioria dos usuários de ABI não avança para a habilidade de reconhecimento auditivo em conjunto aberto e há unanimidade na recomendação de métodos de comunicação visual para esses indivíduos.

ABSTRACT Purpose This scope review aims to map current evidence in relation to auditory perception of speech and oral language development in users of Auditory Brainstem Implant - ABI, to answer the following guiding question: "what do we know about the ability of auditory perception of speech and oral language in auditory brainstem implants users?" Research strategy The search was performed in the BVSalud, PubMed and SciELO databases and for gray literature the source of information Google Academic, using the descriptors: auditory brainstem implantation , language, hearing and auditory perception. Selection criteria Studies were included in which tests were applied to assess auditory perception or to verify oral language development in children and/or adults using ABI. Articles published in the last five years were included and secondary studies were excluded. Results 1767 articles were found in the databases and source of information, of which 27 studies were included. It was observed that most users of ABI become able to perceive some environmental sounds, some become able to recognize words, but few reach the recognition of sentences. Conclusion Most ABI users do not advance towards the open set auditory recognition skill and there is unanimity in recommending visual communication methods for these individuals.

Adult Perfomance on the Sustained Auditory Attention Skill Test.

Introduction The Sustained Auditory Attention Ability Test (SAAAT) is an instrument used to assess sustained auditory attention in children. Difficulties related to this ability are not unique to children alone, as adults have been observed to present with the same deficits. Therefore, there is a need to adapt instruments like the SAAAT and provide reference values for adults. Objective To assess adult performance on the SAAAT. Methods Approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee under n° 034/2011. The sample consisted of 30 participants aged between 18 and 30 years old (average age = 24.2 years old), female and male. The inclusion criteria were: peripheral hearing within normal limits, type A tympanometric curve, and no attention-related complaints. The participants were submitted to Tonal Audiometry, Logoaudiometry, Immitanciometry and to the SAAAT. Results The following mean values and standard deviations (SD) were observed: inattention = 1.7 (SD = 2.2) and impulsivity = 0.8 (SD = 0.9) error types. For the SAAAT, the mean value for the total error score was 2.4 (SD = 2.6), and for the decrease in vigilance, it was 0.3 (SD = 0.5). When comparing the performance of adults and children, a statistically significant difference was observed for inattention ( p = 0.000) and impulsivity ( p = 0.001) error types, as well as in the total error score ( p = 0.000) and in decreased vigilance ( p = 0.0003). Conclusion The performance of adults in the SAAAT differed from the children's parameters, since adults showed lower scores in all variables of the instrument.

Balance rehabilitation with a virtual reality protocol for patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia: Protocol for a clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Neurodegenerative diseases are sporadic hereditary conditions characterized by progressive dysfunction of the nervous system. Among the symptoms, vestibulopathy is one of the causes of discomfort and a decrease in quality of life. Hereditary spastic paraplegia is a heterogeneous group of hereditary degenerative diseases involving the disorder of a single gene and is characterized by the progressive retrograde degeneration of fibers in the spinal cord. OBJECTIVE: To determine the benefits of vestibular rehabilitation involving virtual reality by comparing pre intervention and post intervention assessments in individuals with hereditary spastic paraplegia. METHODS: In this randomized controlled clinical trial from the Rebec platform RBR-3jmx67 in which allocation concealment was performed and the evaluators be blinded will be included. The participants will include 40 patients diagnosed with hereditary spastic paraplegia. The interventions will include vestibular rehabilitation with virtual reality using the Wii® console, Wii-Remote and Wii Balance Board (Nintendo), and the studies will include pre- and post intervention assessments. Group I will include twenty volunteers who performed balance games. Group II will include twenty volunteers who performed balance games and muscle strength games. The games lasted from 30 minutes to an hour, and the sessions were performed twice a week for 10 weeks (total: 20 sessions). RESULTS: This study provides a definitive assessment of the effectiveness of a virtual reality vestibular rehabilitation program in halting the progression of hereditary spastic paraplegia, and this treatment can be personalized and affordable. CONCLUSION: The study will determine whether a vestibular rehabilitation program with the Nintendo Wii® involving virtual reality can reduce the progressive effect of hereditary spastic paraplegia and serve as an alternative treatment option that is accessible and inexpensive. Rebec platform trial: RBR-3JMX67.

Adult Perfomance on the Sustained Auditory Attention Skill Test

Abstract Introduction The Sustained Auditory Attention Ability Test (SAAAT) is an instrument used to assess sustained auditory attention in children. Difficulties related to this ability are not unique to children alone, as adults have been observed to present with the same deficits. Therefore, there is a need to adapt instruments like the SAAAT and provide reference values for adults. Objective To assess adult performance on the SAAAT. Methods Approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee under n° 034/2011. The sample consisted of 30 participants aged between 18 and 30 years old (average age = 24.2 years old), female and male. The inclusion criteria were: peripheral hearing within normal limits, type A tympanometric curve, and no attention-related complaints. The participants were submitted to Tonal Audiometry, Logoaudiometry, Immitanciometry and to the SAAAT. Results The following mean values and standard deviations (SD) were observed: inattention = 1.7 (SD = 2.2) and impulsivity = 0.8 (SD = 0.9) error types. For the SAAAT, the mean value for the total error score was 2.4 (SD = 2.6), and for the decrease in vigilance, it was 0.3 (SD = 0.5). When comparing the performance of adults and children, a statistically significant difference was observed for inattention (p = 0.000) and impulsivity (p = 0.001) error types, as well as in the total error score (p = 0.000) and in decreased vigilance (p = 0.0003). Conclusion The performance of adults in the SAAAT differed from the children's parameters, since adults showed lower scores in all variables of the instrument.

Musical Perception Assessment of People With Hearing Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose People with hearing impairment (HI) face numerous challenges that can be minimized with the use of hearing aids and cochlear implants. Despite technological advances in these assistive hearing devices, musical perception remains difficult for these people. Tests and protocols developed to assess the musical perception of this audience were the target of this systematic review, whose objective was to investigate how assessments of musical perception in people with HI are carried out. Method Searches for primary articles were carried out in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, and ASHAWire databases. Search results were managed using EndNote X9 software, and analysis was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) Statement. Results The 16 cross-sectional included studies analyzed music perception data from people with HI compared to a control group of participants with normal hearing. Among these, four studies were selected to be included in a meta-analysis, performed with timbre and melody. Variability was observed in the tests and between the levels of auditory perception skills analyzed in relation to the components of music. With respect to the tests, sound stimuli generated by synthesizers were the most used stimuli; with the exception of timbre evaluation, the most frequent test environment was a booth with sound attenuation, and the average intensity for presenting sound stimuli was 70 dB SPL. The most evaluated sound component was pitch, followed by rhythm and timbre, with a pattern of responses based on adaptive and psychoacoustic methods. Conclusions The heterogeneity of the musical parameters and the auditory abilities evaluated by the tests is a fact that can compromise evidence found in this area of study. It is worth considering the quality of samples that were recorded with real musical instruments and digitized afterward, in comparison with synthesized samples that do not seem to accurately represent real instruments. The need to minimize semantic parallelism that involves the auditory skills and elements of music involved in the assessment of musical perception is highlighted.