Contribution of noise reduction pre-processing and microphone directionality strategies in the speech recognition in noise in adult cochlear implant users.

PURPOSE: Refinement currently offered in new sound processors may improve noise listening capability reducing constant background noise and enhancing listening in challenging signal-to-noise conditions. This study aimed to identify whether the new version of speech processor preprocessing strategy contributes to speech recognition in background noise compared to the previous generation processor. METHODS: This was a multicentric prospective cross-sectional study. Post-lingually deaf adult patients, with at least 1 year of device use and speech recognition scores above 60% on HINT sentences in quiet were invited. Speech recognition performance in quiet and in noise with sound processors with previous and recent technologies was assessed under four conditions with speech coming from the front: (a) quiet (b) fixed noise coming from the front, (c) fixed noise coming from the back, and (d) adaptive noise ratios with noise coming from the front. RESULTS: Forty-seven cochlear implant users were included. No significant difference was found in quiet condition. Performance with the new processor was statistically better than the previous sound processor in all three noisy conditions (p < 0.05). With fixed noise coming from the back condition, speech recognition was 62.9% with the previous technology and 73.5% on the new one (p < 0.05). The mean speech recognition in noise was also statistically higher, with 5.8 dB and 7.1 dB for the newer and older technologies (p < 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSION: New technology has shown to provide benefits regarding speech recognition in noise. In addition, the new background noise reduction technology, has shown to be effective and improves speech recognition in situations of more intense noise coming from behind.

Comparative analysis of vocabulary in children with cochlear implants.

INTRODUCTION: The use of tests assessing the speech of patients who underwent cochlear implant (CI) surgery is warranted to increase knowledge on the development of these patients' language skills. The ABFW Child Language Test evaluates vocabulary, phonology, fluency, and pragmatics and can be administered to these children. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the vocabulary of children using CI. METHOD: This study included 16 children who underwent CI surgery between 1-4 years and 11 months old. Patients were divided into five groups according to age upon CI activation. RESULTS: In comparison with the age of brain's auditory development vs. chronological age of hearing children, all children using CI performed better. The comparison between children using unilateral CI and bilateral CI showed that those using bilateral CI had better results. When we compared children's performance considering the chronological age of deaf and hearing children, hearing children performed better. However, there were similar results when patients effectively used their CI and attended auditory rehabilitation sessions. CONCLUSION: In our study, the vocabulary of children using CI is similar to the vocabulary of hearing children.

Benefits of Bimodal Stimulation to Speech Perception in Noise and Silence.

Introduction Understanding all the benefits of bimodality with self-assessment questionnaires on the effect of hearing on quality of life is still necessary. Objective To present whether bimodality still offers hearing benefits to the population who uses acoustic stimulation associated with electrical stimulation. Methods The present study included 13 participants aged between 16 and 80 years old who were users of cochlear implants from Cochlear Corporation and hearing aids. All patients underwent the Hearing in Noise Test, and their visual analog scale score was obtained. Four-tone means were collected, and the participants answered the Speech, Spatial and Hearing Qualities questionnaire. Results Bimodal users had an average sentence recognition rate of 76.0% in silence and 67.6% in fixed noise, and the signal-to-noise ratio in adaptive noise was +2.89dB. In addition, a lower level of difficulty was observed in the test using the visual analog scale. The domain with the highest average was auditory qualities (6.50), followed by spatial hearing (6.26) and hearing for speech (5.81). Individuals with an average between 50 and 70 dB of hearing level showed better sentence recognition in silence and noise. Conclusion Bimodal stimulation showed benefits for users with different degrees of hearing loss; however, individuals who presented greater hearing residue had better performance in speech recognition with noise and in silence in addition to a good perception of hearing quality.

Satisfaction and quality of life in cochlear implant users with long sensory deprivation.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to verify the level of satisfaction of CI users with long periods of hearing deprivation, highlighting the positive and negative aspects of the use of the device and their quality of life. METHODS: This is a analytical research, of the type observational cross-sectional study. The study was performed with 24 patients from a private Institute of Otorhinolaryngology. Three surveys were applied: Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life (SADL), International Outcome Inventory - Cochlear Implant (IOI - CI) to assess cochlear implant satisfaction and WHOQOL- bref to assess the quality of life. The results in the pre and post lingual groups were compared. RESULTS: The highest degree of satisfaction was reported with regard to personal image, positive effects, and how the users feel about their CI. The lowest degree of satisfaction was reported regarding the cost-benefit of the CI and the competitive noise. In the WHOQOL-bref assessment, the highest scores were found in physical, psychological and social relations domains. When comparing the results of the surveys, the pre and post-lingual groups showed no difference in relation to the achieved scores. CONCLUSION: The participants had a high level of satisfaction with the use of cochlear implants. The longer the sensory deprivation time, the greater the degree of satisfaction with the device. The use of the CI electronic device reflects on the individual's quality of life.

Middle Ear Cholesteatoma and Vestibular Schwannoma Resection Followed by Cochlear Implant: Surgical Challenges and Audiological Outcomes.

(1) Background: The occurrence of vestibular schwannoma (VS) associated with cholesteatoma is rare. A hearing impairment is one of the most significant issues in such cases. Moreover, the presence of middle and inner ear pathologies combined may represent a surgical challenge. No studies have described a combined surgical approach for these coexisting conditions (VS and cholesteatoma), nor the hearing rehabilitation outcomes of using cochlear implants for these patients. (2) Case Report: This paper is on a female patient who underwent simultaneous surgical treatments for VS and middle ear cholesteatoma in the right ear followed by a cochlear implant, describing the technique and the audiological results. (3) Conclusions: The surgical approach was successful and enabled the resection of lesions with the auditory nerve and cochlea preservation. Cochlear implantation in the right ear showed positive postoperative results, with an improvement in the results with the CI in silent and noisy environments.

Novel cochlear implant assessment tool: Comparative analysis of children and adults.

Objectives: To analyse the results of children and adults with cochlear implants (CIs) in pure tone audiometry (PTA) and speech perception tests. Tests were performed in two ways: using loudspeakers in the sound booth (SB) and with direct audio input (DAI) employing the Cochlear Latin America BOX (CLABOX). Methods: Fifty individuals (33 adults and 17 children) participated in the study, including children aged between 8 and 13 years; of these, 15 users had bilateral CIs, 35 had unilateral CIs, and all had severe to profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. All participants were evaluated in the SB with loudspeakers and the CLABOX with DAI. The following evaluations were conducted: PTA, speech recognition tests with the hearing in noise test (HINT). Results: The results for PTA and HINT conducted in SB and with CLABOX presented no significant difference between children and adults. Conclusion: The CLABOX tool presents a new possible method to evaluate PTA and speech recognition tests in adults and children, with results comparable to the conventional evaluation in the SB.

Auditory neuropathy spectrum: the importance of adequate diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of misdiagnosis of the hearing impaired children, in order to investigate the existence of Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder. METHODS: Analytical, prospective study conducted with 15 participants (30 ears) aged 10-12 years, with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, attending a Hearing Rehabilitation Center, accompanied by a multidisciplinary team with otolaryngologist, audiologist, psychologist, teacher and social worker. The participants underwent ENT examination and audiological assessment: tympanometry, acoustic reflexes, otoacoustic emissions test and Auditory Evoked response. RESULTS: From the total sample (30 ears), 8 ears (26.7%) presented absent responses in the Auditory Evoked response with the presence of cochlear microphonism. Within the selected eight ears, six (75%) showed presence of otoacoustic emissions test in isolated frequencies and two (25%) ears had otoacoustic emissions test even in the presence of the isolated frequencies. It was found that 26.7% of the ears tested presented results that are compatible with Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder. CONCLUSION: The results of this study have identified characteristics related to ANSD in 26.7% of ears tested, 6 participants with age over 10 years old, showing that misdiagnosis in hearing loss patients is still very frequent.

Hearing Rehabilitation through Bone-Conducted Sound Stimulation: Preliminary Results.

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

Benefits of Bimodal Stimulation to Speech Perception in Noise and Silence

Abstract Introduction Understanding all the benefits of bimodality with self-assessment questionnaires on the effect of hearing on quality of life is still necessary. Objective To present whether bimodality still offers hearing benefits to the population who uses acoustic stimulation associated with electrical stimulation. Methods The present study included 13 participants aged between 16 and 80 years old who were users of cochlear implants from Cochlear Corporation and hearing aids. All patients underwent the Hearing in Noise Test, and their visual analog scale score was obtained. Four-tone means were collected, and the participants answered the Speech, Spatial and Hearing Qualities questionnaire. Results Bimodal users had an average sentence recognition rate of 76.0% in silence and 67.6% in fixed noise, and the signal-to-noise ratio in adaptive noise was +2.89dB. In addition, a lower level of difficulty was observed in the test using the visual analog scale. The domain with the highest average was auditory qualities (6.50), followed by spatial hearing (6.26) and hearing for speech (5.81). Individuals with an average between 50 and 70 dB of hearing level showed better sentence recognition in silence and noise. Conclusion Bimodal stimulation showed benefits for users with different degrees of hearing loss; however, individuals who presented greater hearing residue had better performance in speech recognition with noise and in silence in addition to a good perception of hearing quality.

Satisfaction and quality of life in cochlear implant users with long sensory deprivation / Satisfação e qualidade de vida em usuários de implante coclear com longo tempo de privação sensorial

ABSTRACT Purpose The aim of the study was to verify the level of satisfaction of CI users with long periods of hearing deprivation, highlighting the positive and negative aspects of the use of the device and their quality of life. Methods This is a analytical research, of the type observational cross-sectional study. The study was performed with 24 patients from a private Institute of Otorhinolaryngology. Three surveys were applied: Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life (SADL), International Outcome Inventory - Cochlear Implant (IOI - CI) to assess cochlear implant satisfaction and WHOQOL- bref to assess the quality of life. The results in the pre and post lingual groups were compared. Results The highest degree of satisfaction was reported with regard to personal image, positive effects, and how the users feel about their CI. The lowest degree of satisfaction was reported regarding the cost-benefit of the CI and the competitive noise. In the WHOQOL-bref assessment, the highest scores were found in physical, psychological and social relations domains. When comparing the results of the surveys, the pre and post-lingual groups showed no difference in relation to the achieved scores. Conclusion The participants had a high level of satisfaction with the use of cochlear implants. The longer the sensory deprivation time, the greater the degree of satisfaction with the device. The use of the CI electronic device reflects on the individual's quality of life.

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar o nível de satisfação de usuários de IC com longos períodos de privação auditiva, destacando os aspectos positivos e negativos do uso do dispositivo e avaliar a qualidade de vida desses indivíduos. Método Trata-se de uma pesquisa analítica, do tipo estudo observacional transversal. O estudo foi realizado com 24 pacientes de um instituto privado de Otorrinolaringologia. Foram aplicados três questionários: Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life (SADL), International Outcome Inventory- Implante Coclear (IOI - IC) para avaliar a satisfação com o implante coclear e WHOQOL-bref para avaliar a qualidade de vida. Os resultados nos grupos pré e pós-lingual foram comparados. Resultados O maior grau de satisfação foi relatado em relação à imagem pessoal, efeitos positivos e como os usuários se sentem em relação ao seu IC. O menor grau de satisfação ocorreu em relação ao custo-benefício do IC e ao ruído competitivo. Na avaliação do WHOQOL-bref, os maiores escores foram encontrados nos domínios físico, psicológico e relações sociais. Os grupos pré e pós-lingual não apresentaram diferença em relação aos escores alcançados. Conclusão Os participantes apresentaram alto nível de satisfação com o uso do implante coclear. Quanto maior o tempo de privação sensorial maior o grau de satisfação com o dispositivo. O uso do dispositivo eletrônico de IC reflete melhora na qualidade de vida do indivíduo.

Analysis of electrically evoked compound action potential of the auditory nerve in children with bilateral cochlear implants.

INTRODUCTION: The cochlear implant device has the capacity to measure the electrically evoked compound action potential of the auditory nerve. The neural response telemetry is used in order to measure the electrically evoked compound action potential of the auditory nerve. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the electrically evoked compound action potential, through the neural response telemetry, in children with bilateral cochlear implants. METHODS: This is an analytical, prospective, longitudinal, historical cohort study. Six children, aged 1-4 years, with bilateral cochlear implant were assessed at five different intervals during their first year of cochlear implant use. RESULTS: There were significant differences in follow-up time (p=0.0082) and electrode position (p=0.0019) in the T-NRT measure. There was a significant difference in the interaction between time of follow-up and electrode position (p=0.0143) when measuring the N1-P1 wave amplitude between the three electrodes at each time of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The electrically evoked compound action potential measurement using neural response telemetry in children with bilateral cochlear implants during the first year of follow-up was effective in demonstrating the synchronized bilateral development of the peripheral auditory pathways in the studied population.

Hearing rehabilitation in cerebral palsy: development of language and hearing after cochlear implantation.

INTRODUCTION: Auditory rehabilitation in children with bilateral severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss with cochlear implant has been developed in recent decades; however, the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy still remains a challenge to otolaryngology and speech therapy professionals. OBJECTIVE: To verify the effectiveness of cochlear implants in the development of auditory and language skills in children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: A prospective analytical study. The evaluation of auditory responses to speech test was applied to the children in this study at regular intervals following implantation. Standardized tests that assess and quantify the development of auditory and language skills were administered and speech therapy video records and speech therapy files were analyzed. All children went through individually tailored intensive audiological rehabilitation programs following cochlear implantation. RESULTS: Two participants had gradual auditory and language development when compared to other participants who reached advanced levels in hearing and oral language classifications. CONCLUSION: The use of the Cochlear implant enabled participants to reach advanced stages of hearing and language skills in three of the five participants with cerebral palsy in this study. This electronic device is a viable therapeutic option for children with cerebral palsy to help them achieve complex levels of auditory and language skills.

Hearing Rehabilitation through Bone-Conducted Sound Stimulation: Preliminary Results

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

Analysis of electrically evoked compound action potential of the auditory nerve in children with bilateral cochlear implants / Análise do potencial de ação composto do nervo auditivo evocado eletricamente em crianças usuárias de implante coclear bilateral

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The cochlear implant device has the capacity to measure the electrically evoked compound action potential of the auditory nerve. The neural response telemetry is used in order to measure the electrically evoked compound action potential of the auditory nerve. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the electrically evoked compound action potential, through the neural response telemetry, in children with bilateral cochlear implants. METHODS: This is an analytical, prospective, longitudinal, historical cohort study. Six children, aged 1-4 years, with bilateral cochlear implant were assessed at five different intervals during their first year of cochlear implant use. RESULTS: There were significant differences in follow-up time (p = 0.0082) and electrode position (p = 0.0019) in the T-NRT measure. There was a significant difference in the interaction between time of follow-up and electrode position (p = 0.0143) when measuring the N1-P1 wave amplitude between the three electrodes at each time of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The electrically evoked compound action potential measurement using neural response telemetry in children with bilateral cochlear implants during the first year of follow-up was effective in demonstrating the synchronized bilateral development of the peripheral auditory pathways in the studied population.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: O implante coclear tem a capacidade de medir o potencial de ação composto eletricamente evocado do nervo auditivo (ECAP). Para esta verificação utiliza-se uma medida chamada telemetria de respostas neurais. OBJETIVO: Analisar o potencial de ação composto evocado eletricamente, por meio da neurotelemetria de respostas neurais, em crianças usuárias de implante coclear bilateral. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo analítico, prospectivo, de coorte histórica longitudinal. Foram recrutadas seis crianças, com idades entre de 1-4 anos, usuárias de implante coclear bilateral. Estas crianças foram avaliadas em cinco momentos durante o primeiro ano de uso do implante coclear. RESULTADOS: Houve diferença significativa no tempo de acompanhamento (p = 0,0082) e posição do eletrodo (p = 0,0019) na medida de T-NRT. Houve diferença significativa na interação entre tempo de acompanhamento e posição do eletrodo (p = 0,0143) na medida da amplitude das ondas N1-P1 entre os três eletrodos a cada tempo de acompanhamento. CONCLUSÃO: A mensuração do ECAP por meio da NRT nas crianças com implante coclear bilateral durante o primeiro ano de acompanhamento foi uma medida importante para apresentar o desenvolvimento bilateral da via auditiva periférica de forma sincronizada nesta população estudada.

Processamento Temporal Auditivo em Idosos / Auditory Temporal Processing in Elderly / Procesamiento Temporal Auditivo en Adultos Mayores

Objetivo: avaliar o processamento temporal auditivo em indivíduos idosos e estabelecer comparação com os resultados obtidos frente ao padrão de normalidade estabelecido para adultos jovens. Método foram aplicados os testes TPF, TPD e GIN em 30 indivíduos idosos com idade entre 60 e 84 anos, sendo 23 do sexo feminino e 7 do sexo masculino. Resultados: não foram observadas diferenças significantes nos três testes segundo as variáveis sexo e orelha. Já quanto à variável idade observou-se que com o aumento da idade houve uma diminuição estatisticamente significante no número de acertos dos testes TPD e percentual de acertos do teste GIN, além do aumento do limiar. As médias dos resultados dos testes obtidos na população idosa foram: TPF-47,21%; TPD-56,45%; Limiar GIN-8,07ms; Porcentagem de acertos GIN-44,44%. Conclusão: se comparados com os resultados esperados para indivíduos adultos jovens, o desempenho dos idosos nos testes foi inferior aos padrões estabelecidos.

Objective: to evaluate auditory temporal processing in elderly and to establish a comparison with the results obtained in the reference values set for adults. Methods: Tests DPS, PPS and GIN were administered to 30 elderly individuals, 23 women and 7 men aged between 60 to 84 year. Results: Statistical analysis did not show any significant difference between the three tests and variables ear and gender. It Older age resulted in a statistically significant lower number of correct answers to DPS tests and a lower percentage of correct answers in GIN test, as well as increase in GIN threshold. The average results obtained in the elderly population were TFP-47.21%; TPD-56.45%; GIN-threshold 8.07ms; GIN-percentage of correct answers -44.44%. Conclusion: compared to the results expected for young adults, the scores obtained by the elderly were lower than the reference values in all the tests.

Objetivo: evaluar el procesamiento temporal auditivo en adultos mayores y establecer una comparación con los resultados obtenidos frente al patrón de normalidad establecido para adultos jóvenes. Métodos: las pruebas de TPF, TDP y GIN se aplicaron en 30 adultos mayores, 23 mujeres y 7 hombres, con edad entre 60 y 84 años. Resultados: el análisis estadístico no ha mostrado diferencia significativa entre las tres pruebas según las variables sexo e oído. Sin embargo, en la variable edad se observó que, con su aumento, hubo una reducción estadísticamente significativa en el número de aciertos para las pruebas de TPD y porcentaje de aciertos en la prueba GIN, además del aumento del umbral. Los promedios de los resultados de las pruebas obtenidos en la población de adultos mayores fueron: TPF-47.21%; TPD-56.45%; Umbral GIN-8,07ms; Porcentaje de aciertos GIN-44,44%. Conclusión: si comparados con los resultados esperados para adultos jóvenes, el rendimiento de los adultos mayores fue inferior a los patrones establecidos.

Hearing rehabilitation in cerebral palsy: development of language and hearing after cochlear implantation / Reabilitação auditiva na paralisia cerebral: desenvolvimento da audição e linguagem após implante coclear

INTRODUCTION: Auditory rehabilitation in children with bilateral severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss with cochlear implant has been developed in recent decades; however, the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy still remains a challenge to otolaryngology and speech therapy professionals. OBJECTIVE: To verify the effectiveness of cochlear implants in the development of auditory and language skills in children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: A prospective analytical study. The evaluation of auditory responses to speech test was applied to the children in this study at regular intervals following implantation. Standardized tests that assess and quantify the development of auditory and language skills were administered and speech therapy video records and speech therapy files were analyzed. All children went through individually tailored intensive audiological rehabilitation programs following cochlear implantation. RESULTS: Two participants had gradual auditory and language development when compared to other participants who reached advanced levels in hearing and oral language classifications. CONCLUSION: The use of the Cochlear implant enabled participants to reach advanced stages of hearing and language skills in three of the five participants with cerebral palsy in this study. This electronic device is a viable therapeutic option for children with cerebral palsy to help them achieve complex levels of auditory and language skills. .

INTRODUÇÃO: A reabilitação auditiva em crianças com deficiência auditiva neurossensorial severa a profunda bilateral com o Implante Coclear foi consagrado nas últimas décadas, contudo, ainda permanece um desafio para a otorrinolaringologia e a fonoaudiologia a reabilitação do portador de paralisia cerebral. OBJETIVO: Verificar a efetividade do Implante Coclear no desenvolvimento das habilidades auditivas e de linguagem em crianças com paralisia cerebral. MÉTODO: Estudo analítico prospectivo. Foram aplicados testes padronizados que avaliam e quantificam o desenvolvimento das habilidades auditivas e de linguagem. Foram analisadas as filmagens das terapias fonoaudiológicas e os registros descritos ao término de cada sessão de terapia. RESULTADOS: As crianças analisadas apresentaram desenvolvimento auditivo e de linguagem satisfatório quando comparado às demais crianças que alcançaram níveis mais complexos nas categorias de audição e evolução significativa no desenvolvimento da linguagem oral. CONCLUSÃO: O uso do Implante Coclear favoreceu o alcance de etapas avançadas das habilidades de audição e linguagem em três das cinco crianças com paralisia cerebral desse estudo. Esse dispositivo eletrônico tem sido uma opção terapêutica viável para que crianças com paralisia cerebral alcancem etapas complexas no que se refere às habilidades auditivas e de linguagem. .

O envolvimento do pai no processo de (re)habilitação auditiva de seu filho deficiente auditivo / Fathers' involvement in the process of audiological (re)habilitation of his hearing impaired child

Introdução: A intervenção fonoaudiológica associada ao uso sistemático de dispositivos auditivos pode trazer um prognóstico favorável ao desenvolvimento de crianças com deficiência auditiva, sendo fundamental a participação da família neste processo. Observa-se, na prática clínica, que a mãe é a acompanhante mais regular nos atendimentos fonoaudiológicos, comparando-se à frequência do pai. Desta forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o envolvimento do pai na vida do seu filho com deficiência auditiva. Método: Foi aplicado um questionário com 10 pais de crianças portadoras de deficiência auditiva neurossensorial bilateral, usuárias de aparelho de amplificação sonora e/ou implante coclear. Resultados: A maioria dos participantes mencionou apresentar sentimentos negativos na suspeita e no diagnóstico, ter recebido orientações sobre opções de comunicação, observar que os dispositivos auditivos auxiliam na comunicação com a criança, acompanhar regularmente ou ocasionalmente o filho na terapia fonoaudiológica, ter modificado a forma de lidar com seu filho após o diagnóstico e acreditar em possibilidades positivas para o filho no futuro. Todos relataram perceber melhora no desenvolvimento da criança com a terapia fonoaudiológica, utilizar a fala para se comunicar com a criança, e receber apoio emocional de familiares, amigos e/ou profissionais. Conclusão: Foi possível observar relativa participação destes pais na vida de seus filhos quanto à suspeita, ao diagnóstico e à intervenção da deficiência auditiva. Portanto, cabe ao fonoaudiólogo reconhecer a importância do pai na vida da criança e procurar inserí-lo cada vez mais no processo de (re)habilitação.

Introduction: Therapeutic intervention associated with systematic use of auditory devices may mean a favorable prognostic to the development of hearing impaired children, and family participation is crucial in the process. It turns out, from clinical practice, that the mother is the more regular companion to therapeutic sessions, when compared with the frequency of the father’s presence. The goal of this study is to discuss the father’s involvement in the life of their hearing impaired child. Methods: A questionnaire was given to 10 fathers of children with bilateral neurossensorial hearing impairment, users of hearing aids and/or cochlear implants. Results: Most of respondents stated that they have presented negative feelings on suspicion and diagnosis, received orientations about options of communication, observed that devices help them communicate with their child, accompanied regularly or occasionally their child to therapy, modified the way of dealing with their child after the diagnosis, and believed in positive possibilities for their child in the future. All have reported that they have noticed improvements in their child’s development after therapy, used speech to communicate with the child, and received psychological support from family, friends and/or professionals. Conclusion: We could observe a relative participation of these fathers as to suspicion, diagnosis and intervention in relation to hearing impairment. Therefore, the speech therapist must recognize the father’s relevance in their child’s life and try to introduce them more and more into the process of (re)habilitation.