Provision of bone conduction hearing implants in England in adults and children: a review of Hospital Episode Statistics data 2012-2021.

OBJECTIVE: Bone conduction hearing implants are a well-established method of hearing rehabilitation in children and adults. This study aimed to review any changes in provision in England. METHODS: The total number of bone conduction hearing implantations performed was analysed from 2012 to 2021 utilising Hospital Episode Statistics data for England. RESULTS: The total number of procedures has increased by 58 per cent. One-stage bone conduction hearing implantations in adults accounts for the largest proportion of this increase (93 per cent of the total). The number performed in children has remained stable and accounts for 73 per cent (n = 433) of all two-stage procedures. CONCLUSION: The data show that bone conduction hearing implant surgery is becoming increasingly popular, particularly in adults. This has correlated with the increase in availability, national recommendations and choice of devices.

[Frankfurt concept of early inpatient rehabilitation after cochlear implant treatment : Feasibility for aftercare. German version]. / Frankfurter Konzept einer stationären Cochleaimplantat-Frührehabilitation : Untersuchung zur Durchführbarkeit als Anschlussheilbehandlung.

BACKGROUND: The Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) clinical practice guideline on cochlear implant (CI) treatment, which was updated in 2020, defined the entire process of CI care for the first time. In the present study, the feasibility and results of very early rehabilitation were examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The intervention group (IG) comprised 54 patients in whom rehabilitation was initiated within 14 (maximally 28) days after implantation. Patients with a significantly longer waiting time were included in the control group (CG, n = 21). In addition to the start and duration of rehabilitation, the speech intelligibility achieved with CI was recorded at different timepoints within a 12-month period. In addition, questionnaires were used to assess the effort of fitting the CI processor and the patients' satisfaction with the outcome as well as the timing of the start of rehabilitation. RESULTS: Median waiting time between implantation and start of rehabilitation was 14 days in the IG and 106 days in the CG; 92.6% of IG patients were able to start rehabilitation within 14 days. The effect of rehabilitation in the IG was 35 and in the CG 25 percentage points (Freiburg monosyllabic test). After 6 and 12 months of CI use, both groups showed comparable results in the test condition in quiet (IG/CG 6 months: 70%/70%; 12 months: 70%/60%, Freiburg monosyllabic test) and in noise (IG/CG 6 months: -1.1-0.85 dB SNR; 12 months: -0.65 dB SNR/0.3 dB SNR, Oldenburg sentence test). Hearing quality assessment scores collected by SSQ (Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale) questionnaire showed better scores in the IG at 6 months, which converged to CG scores at 12 months. The IG was significantly more satisfied with the timing of the start of rehab than the CG. All other data obtained from questionnaires showed no differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: A very early start of inpatient rehabilitation after cochlear implantation was successfully implemented. The rehabilitation was completed within 7 weeks of CI surgery. Comparison of speech recognition test results before and after rehabilitation showed a significant improvement. A clear rehabilitation effect can therefore be demonstrated. Inclusion of CI rehabilitation in the German catalog of follow-up treatments is thus scientifically justified and therefore strongly recommended.

Contribuição do potencial evocado auditivo de estado estável na escolha do implante coclear ou aparelho de amplificação sonora em crianças com perda auditiva / Contribution of auditory steady state evoked potential to the election of cochlear implantation or hearing aid for children with hearing impairment / Contribución del potencial evocado auditivo de estado estable en la elección de implantación coclear o audífono en niños con deficiencia auditiva

Introdução: A deficiência auditiva em crianças prejudica a aquisição e o desenvolvimento da linguagem oral, o que pode ser minimizado com o diagnóstico e a confirmação da surdez nos primeiros meses de vida. O Potencial Evocado auditivo de estado estável (PEAEE) destaca-se diante dos demais potenciais evocados auditivos devido à facilidade de registro, à objetividade das respostas, à estimulação de várias frequências simultaneamente, em ambas as orelhas, além da identificação da audição residual. Objetivo: Verificar a contribuição do PEAEE na definição terapêutica (escolha do implante coclear ou aparelho de amplificação sonora) para a reabilitação auditiva de crianças. Método: Foram analisados os registros de 20 crianças de um mês a três anos de idade com perda auditiva neurossensorial de grau severo ou profundo bilateral e que foram submetidas ao PEAEE e ao potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico frequência específica (PEATE-FE). Ambos realizados nas frequências de 500 Hz e 2000 Hz no equipamento Smart-EP Intelligent Hearing Systems®. Resultados: Houve diferença entre os exames quanto à ocorrência de resíduo auditivo, pois, um número significativo de indivíduos apresentou respostas ausentes no PEATE-FE e respostas presentes no PEAEE. Não ocorreu associação entre a presença de resíduo auditivo, o grau da perda e a idade da criança com o tipo de intervenção terapêutica. Conclusão: A presença de resíduo auditivo, a classificação do grau da perda e a idade da criança não influenciaram na conduta terapêutica final. (AU)

Introduction: Hearing impairment in children debilitates the acquisition and development of oral language, which can be minimized with diagnosis and confirmation of deafness in the first months of life. Auditory Steady State Evoked Potential (ASSEP) analysis stands out from others auditory evoked potentials due to the ease of recording, objectivity of the answers, stimulation of several frequencies simultaneously, in both ears, besides the identification of residual hearing. Purpose: Determine the contribution of the ASSEP for the therapeutic definition (election of cochlear implantation or hearing aid device) in hearing rehabilitation of children. Methods: The records of 20 children aged one month to three years with severe or profound bilateral neurosensory hearing loss, who were submitted to ASSEP and specific frequency brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) analysis were analyzed. Both tests performed at frequencies of 500 Hz and 2000 Hz using the equipment Smart-EP Intelligent Hearing Systems®. Results: There was difference between the exams regarding the occurrence of residual hearing, since a significant number of individuals had absent responses on the BAEP and present responses on the ASSEP. There was no association between the presence of residual hearing, degree of hearing loss and the child's age with the type of therapeutic intervention. Conclusion: The presence of residual hearing, classification of the degree of loss and child's age exerted no influence on the final conduct. (AU)

Introducción: La deficiencia auditiva en niños hace daño a la adquisición y el desarrollo del lenguaje oral, que se puede minimizar con el diagnóstico y confirmación de la sordera en los primeros meses de vida. El Potencial Evocado de Estado Estable (PEAEE) se destaca de los demás potenciales evocados auditivos por la facilidad de registro, objetividad de las respuestas, estimulación de varias frecuencias simultáneamente, en ambos oídos, además de la identificación de audición residual. Objetivo: Verificar la contribución del PEAEE para la definición de las terapéuticas adoptadas (elección de implantación coclear o audífono) en la rehabilitación auditiva de niños. Método: Fueron analizados los registros de 20 niños de un mes a tres años de edad con pérdida auditiva sensorineural de grado severo o profundo bilateral y que fueron sometidas al PEAEE y al potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico por frecuencia específica (PEATE-FE). Ambos se realizaron en las frecuencias de 500 Hz y 2000 Hz en el equipo Smart-EP Intelligent Hearing Systems®. Resultados: Hubo diferencia entre los exámenes con respecto a la ocurrencia de residuo auditivo, dado que, un número significativo de sujetos presentaron respuestas ausentes en PEATE-FE y respuestas presentes en PEAEE. No hubo asociación entre la presencia de residuo auditivo, el grado de pérdida y la edad del niño con el tipo de intervención terapéutica. Conclusión: La presencia de residuo auditivo, clasificación del grado de pérdida y edad del niño no influyeron en la conducta final. (AU)

Benefícios do treinamento auditivo para idosos usuários de aparelhos de amplificação sonora individual (AASI): Revisão integrativa da literatura / Benefits of hearing training for elderly users of individual sound amplification devices (ISAD): Integrative literature review / Beneficios del entrenamiento auditivo para personas mayores usuarios de dispositivos de amplificación de sonido individuales (DASI): Revisión integradora de la literatura

Introdução: Os Aparelhos de Amplificação Sonora Individual (AASI) são considerados como uma ajuda externa e não solucionam todos os obstáculos de comunicação. Muitos idosos não apresentam bom aproveitamento da amplificação sonora, pois as próteses auditivas não fornecem as habilidades comunicativas ou equivalem à função natural do sistema auditivo. O Treinamento Auditivo tem como princípio desenvolver a neuroplasticidade, promovendo mudanças nas habilidades auditivas e desempenho auditivo mediante estimulação, permitindo que o idoso aprenda a vivenciar os sons de maneira significante. Objetivo: Verificar os benefícios do treinamento auditivo em idosos usuários de AASI. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa. Foram pesquisados artigos nas bases de dados CAPES, SciELO e LILACS, e selecionados aqueles que atendiam aos critérios de inclusão. A questão norteadora que compôs o estudo foi a seguinte: "Quais os benefícios que o treinamento auditivo proporciona aos idosos usuários de próteses auditivas?" Resultados: A partir das combinações dos Descritores em Saúde (DeCS), obteve-se uma amostra de 318 artigos. Após o processo de análise, restaram 6 artigos para responder à questão proposta. Conclusão: O Treinamento Auditivo ocasionou melhora das habilidades de figura-fundo, integração binaural, ordenação e resolução temporal, em idosos usuários de AASI. A associação entre o uso das próteses auditivas e o treinamento auditivo, além de proporcionar audibilidade das informações acústicas, potencializa as habilidades envolvidas no processamento auditivo, independentemente da idade.

Introduction: Individual Sound Amplification Devices (ISAD) are considered an external help and do not solve all communication obstacles. Many elderly people do not present good use of the sound amplification, as hearing aids do not provide communication skills and are not equivalent to the natural function of the auditory system. The principle of Auditory Training is to develop neuroplasticity, promoting changes in auditory skills and auditory performance through stimulation, allowing the elderly to learn to experience sounds in a significant way. Objective: To verify the benefits of auditory training in elderly hearing aid users. Methodology: This is an integrative review. Articles were searched in the CAPES, SciELO and LILACS databases, and those that met the inclusion criteria were selected. The guiding question that composed the study was the following: "What are the benefits that auditory training provides to elderly users of hearing aids?" Results: From the combinations of Health Descriptors, a set of 318 articles was obtained. After the analysis process, 6 articles remained to answer the proposed question. Conclusion: Hearing Training improved figure-ground skills, binaural integration, ordering and temporal resolution in elderly hearing aid users. The association between the use of hearing aids and auditory training, in addition to providing audibility of acoustic information, enhances the skills involved in auditory processing, regardless of age.

Introducción: Los dispositivos de amplificación de sonido individuales se consideran una ayuda externa y no resuelven todos los obstáculos de comunicación. Muchas personas mayores no hacen un buen uso de la amplificación del sonido, ya que los audífonos no brindan habilidades de comunicación o son equivalentes a la función natural del sistema auditivo. El principio del Entrenamiento Auditivo es desarrollar la neuroplasticidad, promoviendo cambios en las habilidades auditivas y el desempeño auditivo a través de la estimulación, permitiendo que las personas mayores aprendan a experimentar los sonidos de manera significativa. Objetivo: Verificar los beneficios del entrenamiento auditivo en usuarios de audífonos de edad avanzada. Metodología: Esta es una revisión integradora. Se realizaron búsquedas de artículos en las bases de datos CAPES, SciELO y LILACS y se seleccionaron aquellos que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. La pregunta orientadora que compuso el estudio fue la siguiente: "¿Cuáles son los beneficios que brinda el entrenamiento auditivo a los usuarios mayores de audífonos?" Resultados: De las combinaciones de Descriptores de Salud (DeCS) se obtuvo una muestra de 318 artículos. Tras el proceso de análisis, quedaron 6 artículos para dar respuesta a la pregunta propuesta. Conclusión: El entrenamiento auditivo mejoró las habilidades de figura-fondo, integración binaural, ordenamiento y resolución temporal en usuarios de audífonos de edad avanzada. La asociación entre el uso de audífonos y el entrenamiento auditivo, además de proporcionar audibilidad de la información acústica, mejora las habilidades involucradas en el procesamiento auditivo, independientemente de la edad.

Aplicabilidade e considerações clínicas do Sistema Contralateral Routing of Signal (CROS): revisão sistemática / Applicability and clinical considerations of the Contralateral Routing of Signal System (CROS): systematic review / Aplicabilidad y consideraciones clínicas del sistema de enrutamiento de señal contralateral (CROS): revisión sistemática

Introdução: O Sistema Contralateral Routing of Signal (CROS) é uma opção de intervenção auditiva com propósito de melhorar a percepção monoaural e minimizar as dificuldades da perda auditiva unilateral. Objetivo: analisar e descrever o público-alvo, o tempo de adaptação, o controle de uso do Sistema CROS, as avaliações utilizadas para medir os seus benefícios, sua efetividade e limitações. Método: Este estudo foi conduzido de acordo com as diretrizes PRISMA. A pesquisa bibliográfica foi realizada através dos bancos de dados científicos online na área da saúde, PubMed e Scopus, foram utilizadas as palavras-chave "Unilateral hearing loss", "Hearing aid", "CROS" e "Contralateral Routing of Signal". Os resultados da pesquisa limitaram-se a artigos científicos experimentais, que abordavam diretamente o sistema CROS, publicados em inglês, português ou espanhol. Resultados: Onze artigos foram selecionados para a revisão do texto completo. Quanto aos usuários do CROS, a faixa etária variou entre nove a 84 anos; prevalência do sexo masculino. Observou-se grande diversidade nas avaliações, sendo realizadas com tempo de uso inferior a 30 dias e superior a seis meses, após adaptação do CROS. Tal avaliação era realizada por meio de questionários não padronizados e avaliações objetivas com estímulos controlados. O uso do CROS proporcionou benefícios na localização sonora, efeito sombra da cabeça e inteligibilidade de fala, porém não mostrou eficácia em situações ruidosas. Conclusão: Por ser um dispositivo, não invasivo, de fácil adaptação e manuseio que traz benefícios imediatos, o CROS deve ser a primeira opção na reabilitação da perda auditiva unilateral.

Introducción: El Sistema Contralateral Routing of Signal (CROS) es una opción de intervención auditiva con el propósito de mejorar la percepción monoaural y minimizar las dificultades de la pérdida auditiva unilateral. Objetivo: analizar y describir el público objetivo, el tiempo de adaptación, el control del uso del Sistema CROS, las evaluaciones utilizadas para medir sus beneficios, su efectividad y limitaciones. Metodo: Este estudio se realizó de acuerdo con las pautas PRISMA. La búsqueda bibliográfica se realizó a través de bases de datos científicas online del área de salud, PubMed y Scopus, utilizando las palabras clave "Unilateral hearing loss", "Hearing aid", "CROS" y "Contralateral Routing of Signal". Los resultados de la investigación se limitaron a artículos científicos experimentales, que abordaron directamente el sistema CROS, publicados en inglés, portugués o español. Resultados: Se seleccionaron once artículos para revisión de texto completo. En cuanto a los usuarios de CROS, la edad osciló entre los nueve y los 84 años; prevalencia masculina. Hub gran diversidad en las evaluaciones, realizadas con tiempos de uso de menos de 30 días y más de seis meses tras la adaptación del CROS. Dicha evaluación se realizó mediante cuestionarios no estandarizados y evaluaciones objetivas con estímulos controlados. El uso de CROS proporcionó beneficios en la localización del sonido, el efecto de sombra de la cabeza y la inteligibilidad del habla, pero no fue efectivo en situaciones ruidosas. Conclusión: Al tratarse de un dispositivo no invasivo, de fácil adaptación y manejo que aporta beneficios inmediatos, CROS debería ser la primera opción en la rehabilitación de la hipoacusia unilateral.

Introduction: The system Contralateral Routing of Signal (CROS) is an option of auditory intervention in order to improve the monaural perception and minimize the difficulties of unilateral hearing loss. Objective: to analyze and describe the target users, the adaptation time and the control use of CROS system, the evaluations utilized to measure its benefits, as well as its effectiveness and limitations. Method: This study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The bibliographic research was through the scientific data online banks in the health area, PubMed and Scopus, using the keywords "Unilateral hearing loss", "Hearing aid", "CROS" and "Contralateral Routing of Signal". The results of the research were limited to experimental scientific articles, which address directly the CROS system, published in English, Portuguese or Spanish. Results: Eleven studies were selected to review. The age of CROS users ranged from nine to 84 years and male sex prevalence. There was great diversity in the evaluations being carried out. The performance's evaluation date varied between less than 30 days and more than six months after the adaptation. Such assessments were performed using non-standardized questionnaires and objective evaluations with controlled stimuli. The use of CROS provides benefits in sound localization, head shadow effect and speech intelligibility, but it is not effective in noisy situations. Conclusion: CROS should be the first option in unilateral hearing loss rehabilitation for being a non-invasive, easy adaption, handling dispositive and with good benefits to the client.

Follow-up of children diagnosed with deafness in a neonatal hearing screening program in Manaus / Seguimento de crianças com diagnóstico de surdez em programa de triagem auditiva neonatal em Manaus

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the follow-up of children diagnosed with deafness in neonatal hearing screening and risk factors for hearing loss. METHODS Quantitative, cross-sectional, and retrospective study to evaluate factors associated with hearing loss and the follow-up of cases of children diagnosed with audiological dysfunction, by analyzing electronic medical records of 5,305 children referred to a Specialized Center in Type I Rehabilitation, from January/2016 to February/2020, in the city of Manaus, Amazonas. The statistical study used Pearson's chi-square test and binary logistic regression in which odds ratio scans were obtained with reliability intervals of 95%. RESULTS Of the 5,305 children referred for the otoacoustic emission retest, 366 (6.9%) failed the retest. Children diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss continued in the study, totaling 265 (72.4%). Only 58 (21.9%) children continued in the study to its end, of these 39 had received hearing aids at that point; and 16 (41%) had surgical indication for cochlear implants, of which only 3 (18.7%) had undergone surgery. Among the risk factors for hearing loss, we found 2.6 times more chance of failure in the otoacoustic emissions retest in those children who had a family history of hearing loss and ICU stay. CONCLUSION Although the screening flow reaches a large part of live births, the dropout rates during the process are high, therefore, the socioeconomic and geographic characteristics of regions such as the Amazon should be considered as relevant factors to the evasion of rehabilitation programs of these children. Hospitalization in the neonatal ICU and family history of hearing loss in the investigations could be identified as the main and most important factors for alteration of the otoacoustic emissions retests.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar o seguimento das crianças com diagnóstico de surdez na triagem auditiva neonatal e fatores de risco para deficiência auditiva. MÉTODOS Estudo quantitativo, transversal e retrospectivo para avaliação de fatores associados à perda auditiva e o seguimento dos casos de crianças diagnosticadas com disfunção audiológica, por meio da análise de prontuários eletrônicos de 5.305 crianças encaminhadas a um Centro Especializado em Reabilitação Tipo I, no período de janeiro/2016 a fevereiro/2020, na cidade de Manaus, Amazonas. O estudo estatístico utilizou o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson e por regressão logística binária nos quais foram obtidos odds ratio com intervalos de confiabilidade de 95%. RESULTADOS Das 5.305 crianças encaminhadas para realização do reteste da orelhinha, 366 (6,9%) falharam no reteste. Prosseguiram no estudo as crianças com diagnóstico de perda auditiva neurossensorial, totalizando 265 (72,4%). Permanecendo, no final da pesquisa, apenas 58 (21,9%) crianças, destas 39 receberam aparelho auditivo até o presente estudo; e 16 (41%) já tinham indicação cirúrgica para implante coclear, sendo que apenas três (18,7%) haviam realizado a cirurgia. Dentre os fatores de risco para deficiência auditiva encontramos 2,6 vezes mais chance de falha no reteste da orelhinha naquelas crianças que tinham história familiar de perda auditiva e internação em UTI. CONCLUSÕES Embora o fluxo de triagem alcance boa parte dos nascidos vivos, as taxas de evasão durante o processo são altas, portanto, as características socioeconômicas e geográficas de regiões como a Amazônia devem ser consideradas como fatores relevantes à evasão dos programas de reabilitação dessas crianças. Foi possível identificar que a internação em UTI neonatal e o histórico familiar de perda auditiva presentes nas investigações compõem os principais e mais importantes fatores para alteração dos retestes da orelhinha.

Reabilitação da perda auditiva em pacientes oncológicos: fatores de influência na adesão ao uso do aparelho de amplificação / Rehabilitation of hearing loss in cancer patients: influencing factors in adherence to the use of hearing aids

INTRODUÇÃO: O tratamento do câncer pode desencadear perda auditiva, exigindo a monitorização e a adaptação de aparelho de amplificação sonora individual (AASI) para auxiliar na reabilitação auditiva quando necessário. OBJETIVO: analisar quais fatores podem influenciar na adesão ao uso do AASI em pacientes que passaram por tratamento oncológico. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo observacional de corte transversal aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade do Vale do Itajaí, sob parecer consubstanciado nº 2.777.076. Foram selecionados indivíduos participantes do acompanhamento de rotina do Serviço Ambulatorial de Saúde Auditiva (SASA/UNIVALI) com registro de diagnóstico e tratamento de câncer e pareados por idade e grau de perda auditiva com participantes sem histórico de tratamento de câncer. Dados quanto ao histórico do câncer, resultados da aplicação dos questionários de levantamento de dificuldades auditivas e uso do AASI (IOI-HA) foram coletados em prontuário. Foram aplicados o teste de zonas mortas da cóclea (teste TEN), índice de inteligibilidade de fala (SII) e realizada a leitura do datalogging na visita de rotina para acompanhamento anual no serviço. As perdas auditivas foram classificadas tanto pelo Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE ­NCI) como pela classificação do Sistema de Conselhos de Fonoaudiologia. Os dados foram analisados pelos testes T de Student e correlação de Spearman. RESULTADOS: A amostra contou com 30 participantes, sendo 15 participantes alocados no grupo estudo (GE) composto por usuários de AASI com registro de diagnóstico e tratamento de câncer e um grupo controle (GC) composto por 15 usuários de AASI, sem histórico de câncer, com idade média de 62,4.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer treatment can induce hearing loss, requiring monitoring and adaptation of an hearing aids to assist in auditory rehabilitation when necessary. OBJECTIVE: to analyze which factors can influence the adherence to the use of hearing aids in patients who underwent cancer treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective observational cross-sectional study approved by the Research Ethics Committee of University of Vale do Itajaí, under protocol number 2,777,076. Individuals participating in the routine follow-up of the Hearing Health Outpatient Service (SASA/UNIVALI) with a record of cancer diagnosis and treatment were selected and matched by age and degree of hearing loss with those without a history of cancer treatment. Data regarding cancer history, results of questionnaires for surveying hearing difficulties and hearing aid use (IOI-HA) were collected from medical records. Cochlear dead regions test (TEN test) and speech intelligibility index (SII) were applied, and the datalogging was taken during the routine visit for annual follow-up at the service. Hearing losses were classified both by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE ­NCI) and by the classification of the Speech Therapy Council System. Data were analyzed by Student's t-test and Spearman's correlation. RESULTS: Thirty participants were selected, with 15 participants allocated to the study group (SG) composed of hearing aid users with a record of cancer diagnosis and treatment, and 15 hearing aid users allocated to a control group (CG), with no history of cancer, with a mean age of 62.4 years (EG) and 61.4 years in the (CG) respectively, and similar distribution of sex. In both groups, moderate high frequency sensorineural hearing loss prevailed, with the use of binaural hearing aids for more than five years. Cochlear unresponsive (dead) regions were found at all frequencies from 50010 to 4000Hz, in both ears and in both groups. There was no statistical difference between the groups in the SII values. Even participants with unresponsive zones showed hearing aid use for more than 7 hours/day, although the control group showed hearing aid use for more hours. There was also no statistical difference in the IOI-HA, with a positive perception of benefit and satisfaction with the hearing aid in both groups. There was no correlation between datalogging and SII in both groups. In the SII and in the IOI-HA, participants with no unresponsive zones presented higher scores than those with unresponsive zones. CONCLUSION: Both groups were similar in audiological findings and presence of cochlear dead (unresponsive) regions, however, participants without a history of cancer showed greater adherence to hearing devices. Adherence to use was not influenced by the SII score or to the presence of unresponsive regions in the cochlea. The presence of unresponsive regions in the cochlea influenced the speech intelligibility index and user satisfaction with their hearing aid. Participants who use the hearing aid for a longer time judge their emotional and social aspects better.

Saúde auditiva nas Coordenadorias Regionais de Saúde do estado do Rio Grande do Sul: regulação de acesso, desafios e perspectivas / Hearing health care in the Regional Health Coordinating Bodies in Rio Grande do Sul: access regulation, challenges, and perspectives

RESUMO Objetivo compreender a dinâmica da regulação de acesso, os desafios e as perspectivas da atuação das Coordenadorias Regionais de Saúde do Rio Grande do Sul (CRS/RS) em saúde auditiva. Métodos estudo exploratório, transversal, de natureza censitária e análise descritiva. Envolveu os responsáveis pela regulação dos procedimentos de saúde auditiva nas CRS/RS, entrevistados quanto à formação profissional, identificação dos procedimentos disponíveis e respectiva oferta, sistemática da regulação de acesso e outras ações em saúde auditiva. Resultados participaram 15 profissionais, todas mulheres, de 16 das 18 CRS/RS existentes, entre 30 e 47 anos de idade: 13 fonoaudiólogas e duas fisioterapeutas, graduadas entre 1997 e 2012; 13 possuíam pós-graduação. Sobre a regulação nas CRS/RS, 13 utilizavam o Sistema Nacional de Regulação e três a realizavam manualmente; 12 utilizavam o protocolo disponibilizado pela Secretaria Estadual de Saúde/RS; dez CRS/RS regulavam procedimentos de Triagem Auditiva Neonatal e 16, de avaliação e diagnóstico, bem como de reabilitação. Verificou-se demanda reprimida para todos os procedimentos (maior para reabilitação auditiva) em 12 CRS/RS. Todas as CRS/RS realizavam uma ou mais ações promotoras da saúde auditiva, como vigilância, apoio matricial e atividades de educação em saúde. Conclusão a regulação de acesso em saúde auditiva é realizada de forma qualificada na maioria das CRS/RS. A oferta de procedimentos é insuficiente, sobretudo em reabilitação auditiva, que implica exclusiva atuação fonoaudiológica por meio de tecnologias leves e leve-duras.

ABSTRACT Purpose To understand the dynamics of access regulation, the challenges, and perspectives of the performance of the Regional Health Coordinating Bodies of Rio Grande do Sul (RHCB/RS) in hearing health care. Methods This is an exploratory, cross-sectional, census study and the analysis is descriptive. It involved those responsible for the regulation of hearing health care procedures in RHCB/RS, interviewed about professional training, identification of available procedures and their respective offer, access regulation systematics, and other actions in hearing health care. Results 15 professionals participated, all were women, from 16 of the 18 existing RHCB/RS, aged between 30 and 47; 13 speech-language pathologists and audiologists and two physiotherapists, who graduated between 1997 and 2012; and 13 had post -graduate degrees. Regarding regulation in RHCB/RS, 13 used the National Regulation System and three performed it manually; 12 used the protocol provided by the State Health Department/RS; ten RHCB/RS regulated procedures for Neonatal Hearing Screening and 16 for assessment and diagnosis, as well as auditory rehabilitation. There is a repressed demand for all procedures (greater for auditory rehabilitation) in 12 RHCB/RS. All RHCB/RS performed one or more actions to promote hearing health care such as surveillance, matrix support, and health education. Conclusion The access regulation in hearing health care is performed in a qualified way in most RHCB/RS; the offer of procedures is insufficient, especially in auditory rehabilitation, which includes exclusive speech-language pathologists and audiologists' performance through soft and soft-hard technologies.

Correspondência entre alvo e saída da prótese auditiva segundo as regras prescritivas NAL-NL1 e NAL-NL2 / Correspondência entre alvo e saída da prótese auditiva segundo as regras prescritivas NAL-NL1 e NAL-NL2

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar comparativamente os alvos prescritos pelas regras NAL (National Acoustic Laboratories) não lineares com a resposta da prótese auditiva obtida por meio das mensurações com microfone-sonda no ajuste de uso efetivo, de acordo com o grau da perda auditiva. Método Participaram do estudo 67 usuários experientes de próteses auditivas. Todos foram reavaliados quando compareceram às sessões de acompanhamento periódico. Nesse momento, realizou-se avaliação audiológica, registrando-se as horas de uso do dispositivo e realizando-se a resposta com prótese auditiva (REAR - Real Ear Aided Response). Resultados Observou-se que 80% das próteses auditivas de todos os grupos atingiram a faixa analisada, com exceção do grupo de perda moderada. Também foi realizada a análise da porcentagem de orelhas cuja resposta com prótese auditiva estivesse em ±5 dB para as frequências baixas e ±8 dB nas altas frequências e observou-se que menos de 80% dos ajustes atingiram esta faixa. Intervalos de confiança foram construídos para verificar a faixa de adaptação de preferência dos usuários experientes. Conclusão A faixa de ±10 dB demonstra ser a de preferência dos usuários. Porém, para usuários experientes, sugere-se que a faixa de adaptação encontre-se na faixa de ±3 nas frequências baixas e médias e ±7 na região de altas frequências.

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare the targets prescribed by the non-linear NAL with the real ear aided response - REAR obtained through probe microphone in the setting of effective use according to the degree of hearing loss. Methods 67 experienced hearing aid users participated in the study. All were reassessed when attending follow-up sessions. At that moment, they were asked whether they had any complaints with respect to the amplification. An audiological evaluation was performed, the hours of use of the device were recorded and the new probe microphone measurement was taken. Results The percentage of ears with REAR within ± 10dB of the prescriptive target was verified. It was observed that 80% of the hearing aids of all groups reached the analyzed range, with the exception of the moderate hearing loss group. We also performed the analysis of the percentage of ears whose hearing aid response was within ± 5 dB for the low frequencies and ± 8 dB for the high frequencies, and it was observed that less than 80% of the adjustments reached this range. Confidence intervals were constructed to verify the preference fit to target of experienced users. Conclusion The range of ±10dB proves to be the users' preference. For experienced users, it is suggested that the adaptation phase be found in the range of ±3 in the low and medium frequencies and ±7 in the high frequency region

Totally implantable active middle-ear implants: a large, single-surgeon cohort.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate hearing outcomes and device safety in a large, single-surgeon experience with the totally implantable active middle-ear implants. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series review of 116 patients with moderate-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss undergoing implantation of active middle-ear implants. RESULTS: Mean baseline unaided pure tone average improved from 57.6 dB before surgery to 34.1 dB post-operatively, signifying a mean gain in pure tone average of 23.5 dB (p = 0.0002). Phonetically balanced maximum word recognition score improved slightly from 70.5 per cent to 75.8 per cent (p = 0.416), and word recognition score at a hearing level of 50 dB values increased substantially from 14.4 per cent to 70.4 per cent (p < 0.0001). Both revision and explant rates were low and dropped with increasing surgeon experience over time. CONCLUSION: This study showed excellent post-operative hearing results with active middle-ear implants with regard to pure tone average and word recognition score at a hearing level of 50 db. Complication rates in this case series were significantly lower with increasing experience of the surgeon. Active middle-ear implants should be considered in appropriate patients with moderate-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss who have struggled with conventional amplification and are good surgical candidates.

Desenvolvimento de um módulo adaptativo para o Sistema de Treinamento das Habilidades Auditivas / Adaptive module development for Sistema de Treinamento das Habilidades Auditivas - SisTHA / Desarrollo de un módulo adaptativo para el Sistema de Entrenamiento de Habilidades Auditivas

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver um modelo conceitual e implementar um módulo adaptativo de treinamento auditivo para o Sistema de Treinamento das Habilidades Auditivas (SisTHA) para adultos e idosos usuários de aparelho auditivo. Métodos: Foi implementado um modelo de treinamento auditivo baseado no perfil do usuário, nas suas restrições socioemocionais e queixas auditivas iniciais, e em seu desempenho ao longo do treinamento. Os questionários Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Adult (HHIA), Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Eldery (HHIE) e de queixas auditivas foram aplicados antes e depois do treinamento. Resultados: Foram implementadas melhorias de responsividade da interface e navegabilidade no SisTHA. O modelo adaptativo foi utilizado para definir o protocolo de treinamento resultando em quatro algoritmos para detecção de perfil, definição do treinamento, treinamento e medição de desempenho. Conclusão: Em futuros ensaios clínicos usando os grupos adaptativo e padrão espera-se avaliar se o treinamento adaptativo possui maior efetividade sobre o padronizado.

Objective: To develop a conceptual model and implement an adaptive hearing training module for the Hearing Skills Training System (SisTHA) for adults and elderly hearing aid users. Methods: A hearing training model based on the user's profile, psychosocial restrictions and initial hearing complaints, and their performance throughout the training was implemented. The Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Adult (HHIA), Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE) and Hearing Complaints questionnaires were applied before and after training. Results: Improvements in SisTHA interface responsiveness and navigability was implemented. The adaptive model was used to define the training protocol resulting in four algorithms for profile detection, training definition, training and performance measurement. Conclusion: Future clinical trials will be performed using the adaptive and standard groups to evaluate the possibility of adaptive training is more effective than the standardized ones.

Objetivo: El objetivo de esta investigación fue desarrollar y evaluar un módulo de entrenamiento auditivo adaptativo para el Sistema de Entrenamiento de las Capacidades Auditivas (SisTHA) para adultos y ancianos usuarios de audífonos. Métodos: un modelo de entrenamiento auditiva basado en el perfil del usuario, sus restricciones psicosociales y quejas iniciales de audición y su desempeño a lo largo del entrenamiento fue puesto en ejecución. Los cuestionarios Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Adult (HHIA), Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Eldery (HHIE) y quejas auditivas había sido aplicado antes y después del entrenamiento. Resultados: se han implementado mejoras en la capacidad de respuesta y navegabilidad de la interfaz SisTHA. El modelo adaptativo fue utilizado para definir el protocolo de entrenamiento que resultó en cuatro algoritmos para la detección de perfil, definición de entrenamiento, entrenamiento y medición de rendimiento. Conclusión: en futuros ensayos clínicos que usen los grupos adaptativos y estándar, se espera evaluar si el entrenamiento adaptativo es más efectivo que los estandarizados.

Efeito do treinamento musical em idosos candidatos ao uso de próteses auditivas / Effect of musical training in older adults candidates to the use of hearing aids / Efecto de la formación musical en ancianos candidatos al uso de audífonos

Introdução: Associação entre adaptação de próteses auditivas e treinamento auditivo pode melhorar a comunicação do indivíduo e reduzir os déficits funcionais. Objetivo: verificar o benefício na qualidade de vida, sintomas depressivos, aspectos cognitivos, resolução temporal e limitação em atividades de vida em idosos com perda auditiva, após adaptação de próteses auditivas associadas ou não ao treinamento auditivo musical. Métodos: Grupo Experimental - GE: cinco idosos (64 a 79 anos) e Grupo Controle - GC: cinco idosos (62 a 77 anos), todos com perda auditiva neurossensorial simétrica de grau moderado. Foram submetidos à anamnese, miniteste de triagem cognitiva CASI-S, avaliação audiológica incluindo Índice Porcentual de Reconhecimento de Fala (IPRF), Client-Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI), resolução temporal (teste GIN), triagem para sintomas depressivos (EDG-15), questionários de qualidade de vida (SF-36) e de autoavaliação para próteses auditivas (QI-AASI). Todos receberam próteses auditivas, e apenas o GE, o treinamento auditivo musical. Avaliação realizada em três momentos: antes da adaptação das próteses auditivas; 11 semanas após a adaptação das mesmas, sendo o GE submetido ao treinamento musical por sete semanas; e quatro meses depois. Resultados: Não houve diferença entre grupos segundo idade, escolaridade e triagem cognitiva. Todos apresentaram melhores limiares no teste de resolução temporal após a intervenção. Os escores dos testes de qualidade de vida e sintomas depressivos não foram significantemente diferentes entre grupos e avaliações. Conclusão: O uso efetivo de próteses auditivas, associado ou não ao treinamento musical, melhorou a resolução temporal. Não houve melhora significativa na qualidade de vida, sintomas depressivos, cognição e COSI.

Introduction: Association between hearing aid fitting and auditory training can improve an individual's communication and reduce functional deficits. Objective: to verify benefit in quality of life, depressive symptoms, cognitive aspects, temporal resolution, and limitation in daily activities for elderly people with hearing loss, after adaptation of hearing aids associated or not with musical auditory training. Methods: Experimental Group - EG: five elderly (64 to 79 years old) and Control Group - CG: five elderly (62 to 77 years old), all with moderate symmetric sensorineural hearing loss. They underwent anamnesis, cognitive screening CASI-S, audiological evaluation including Percentage Index of Speech Recognition (PISR), Client-Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI), temporal resolution (GIN), screening for depressive symptoms (GDS-15), quality of life questionnaires (SF-36) and IOI-HA self-assessment. All received hearing aids but only the EG received the auditory musical training. Evaluation performed in three moments: before the fitting of the hearing aids; 11 weeks after their adaptation, with the EG undergoing musical training for seven weeks; and four months later. Results: There was no difference between groups according to age, education, and cognitive screening. All had better thresholds in the GIN after the intervention. The GDS-15 and SF-36 scores were not significantly different between groups and assessments. Conclusion: Using hearing aids associated or not with musical training improved temporal resolution. There was no improvement in the quality of life, depressive symptoms, cognition, and COSI scale.

Introducción: Asociación entre adaptación de prótesis auditivas y entrenamiento auditivo puede mejorar la comunicación del individuo y reducir los déficits funcionales. Objetivo: verificar el beneficio en la calidad de vida, síntomas depresivos, aspectos cognitivos, resolución temporal y limitación de la vida de las personas mayores con hipoacusia, tras adaptación de audífonos asociada o no al entrenamiento auditivo musical. Métodos: Grupo Experimental ­ GE: cinco ancianos (64 a 79 años) y Grupo Control - GC: cinco ancianos (62 a 77 años) todos con hipoacusia neurosensorial simétrica moderada. Fueron sometidos a la anamnesis, miniprueba de triaje cognitiva CASI-S, evaluación audiológica incluyendo Índice Porcentual de Reconocimiento de Habla (IPRH), Client-Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI), resolución temporal (prueba GIN), classificación para síntomas depresivos (EDG-15), cuestionarios de calidad de vida (SF-36) y autoevaluación de audífonos (QI-AASI). Todos recibieron los audífonos, sólo el GE, el entrenamiento auditivo musical. Evaluación realizada en tres momentos: antes de la adaptación de los audífonos; 11 semanas después de la adaptación de las mismas siendo el GE sometido al entrenamiento musical por siete semanas; y cuatro meses después. Resultados: No hubo diferencia entre grupos según edad, escolaridad y triaje cognitivo. Todos presentaron mejores umbrales en la prueba de resolución temporal después de la intervención. Los resultados de las pruebas de calidad de vida y los síntomas depresivos no fueron significativamente diferentes entre grupos y evaluaciones. Conclusión: Usar audífonos asociados o no con entrenamiento musical mejoró la resolución temporal. No hubo mejora significativa en la calidad de vida, síntomas depresivos, cognición y COSI.

Hearing Status and Aural Rehabilitative Profile of 878 Patients With Sporadic Vestibular Schwannoma.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To examine the hearing status and aural rehabilitative profile in a national cohort of patients with sporadic vestibular schwannoma (VS). STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of Acoustic Neuroma Association members diagnosed with sporadic VS was performed from February 2017 through January 2019. Self-reported results were used to determine the aural rehabilitative profile of respondents. RESULTS: Among survey respondents, 62.2% (546/878) were not using any hearing-assistive device at time of survey. For the 37.8% (332/878) that were utilizing hearing-assistive devices, 32.8% (109/332) reported using a behind-the-ear hearing aid, 23.8% (79/332) used a contralateral routing of signal (CROS) hearing aid, and 21.7% (72/332) used a bone conduction device. Notably, 41.9% (278/663) of patients who previously underwent tumor treatment reported utilizing a hearing rehabilitation device at some point during VS management compared to 27.0% (58/215) of those undergoing observation with serial imaging (P < .001). Of 275 patients with functional hearing in the ipsilateral ear, 26.5% (73/275) reported having used at least one type of hearing device; 24.0% (66/275) reported use of a conventional hearing aid, 0.7% (2/275) a CROS aid, and 0.4% (1/275) a bone conduction device. Among respondents reporting ipsilateral nonfunctional hearing, 44.9% (258/575) reported having used at least one type of hearing device; 13.0% (75/575) a CROS aid, and 12.3% (71/575) a bone conduction device. CONCLUSIONS: Even among a cohort with presumably elevated literacy surrounding hearing rehabilitation options, few patients with a history of unilateral vestibular schwannoma ultimately use hearing assistive devices long-term, suggesting that most patients sufficiently adjust to unilateral hearing loss or are unsatisfied with the benefits achieved with current device options. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:1378-1381, 2021.

Middle Ear Implant in a Patient With Fibrous Dysplasia: An Alternative for Hearing Restoration.

We propose middle ear implants (MEI) as alternative hearing restoration option for patients with fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone (FDTB). A 60-year-old man presented with unilateral right-sided conductive hearing loss (CHL) and FDTB. The Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) MEI was implanted in the right ear. Preoperatively, the right side had a pure tone average (PTA) threshold of 67 dB, speech reception threshold (SRT) = 75 dB HL, and speech discrimination score (SDS) = 54% at 80 dB HL presentation level. Postoperative aided PTA threshold of the right ear was 28 db, aided SRT = 30 db, and SDS = 96% at 65dB HL. After excluding cholesteatoma, VSB provides an alternative hearing restoration technique for adults with FDTB and CHL due to stenosis of the external auditory canal and/or ossicular crowding.

Therapeutic effects of photobiomodulation in the speech-language-hearing clinic: an integrative literature review / Efeitos terapêuticos da fotobiomodulação na clínica fonoaudiológica: uma revisão integrativa da literatura

ABSTRACT Purpose: to conduct a literature review on the therapeutic effects of photobiomodulation applicable to speech-language-hearing therapy. Methods: the databases searched were the Cochrane Library, Virtual Health Library, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) via PubMed, and Web of Science/ISI.The selected articles were original ones whose abstracts were available and that evaluated the therapeutic effect of photobiomodulation in situations related to speech-language-hearing practice. Results: the sample comprised 23 articles, most of them being indexed in PubMed. The fields of health with the largest number of publications were Physical Therapy and Medicine. The sample size ranged from1 to 99 people, aged 15 to 77 years, and the most applied wavelength was the infrared one. Most of the studies had positive photobiomodulation application results - although in a few publications the effects of this treatment modality were assessed in a combination with rehabilitation exercises. Conclusion: photobiomodulation benefits different disorders treated by speech-language-hearing therapists, however, there is a broad methodological diversity, lacking specific protocols for the ideal dosimetry for each disorder.

RESUMO Objetivo: realizar revisão de literatura sobre efeitos terapêuticos da fotobiomodulação aplicáveis à Fonoaudiologia. Métodos: foram utilizadas as bases de dados Biblioteca Cochrane, Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval Sistem online (Medline) via PuBmed e Web of Science/ISI. Foram selecionados artigos originais e com resumos disponíveis que avaliaram o efeito terapêutico da fotobiomodulação em situações relacionadas à prática fonoaudiológica. Resultados: a amostra consistiu em 23 artigos, a maioria indexada na PubMed. As áreas da Saúde com maior número de publicações foram Fisioterapia e Medicina. O tamanho das amostras variou de 1 a 99 indivíduos, faixas etárias entre 15 e 77 anos e o comprimento de onda mais aplicado foi o infravermelho. A maioria das pesquisas evidenciou resultados positivos da aplicação da fotobiomodulação, embora, em poucas publicações tenham sido avaliados os efeitos dessa modalidade de tratamento associados a exercícios de reabilitação. Conclusão: a fotobiomodulação traz benefícios em diferentes distúrbios tratados por fonoaudiólogos, no entanto, há grande diversidade metodológica e ausência de protocolos específicos da dosimetria ideal para cada distúrbio.

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.

Electrocochleography in Cochlear Implant Users with Residual Acoustic Hearing: A Systematic Review.

(1) Objectives: This study reviews the use of electrocochleography (ECoG) as a tool for assessing the response of the peripheral auditory system and monitoring hearing preservation in the growing population of cochlear implant (CI) users with preserved hearing in the implanted ear. (2) Methods: A search was conducted in PubMed and CINAHL databases up to August 2020 to locate articles related to the ECoG measured during or after the cochlear implant (CI) surgery for monitoring purposes. Non-English articles, animal studies, literature reviews and editorials, case reports, and conference papers were excluded. The quality of studies was evaluated using the National Institute of Health (NIH) "Study Quality Assessment Tool for Case Series Studies". (3) Results: A total 30 articles were included for the systematic review. A total of 21 articles were intraoperative ECoG studies, while seven articles were postoperative studies. Two studies were conducted ECoG both during and after the surgery. Intraoperative ECoG studies focused on monitoring changes in ECoG response amplitudes during and/or after electrode insertion and predicting the scalar location of the electrode array. Postoperative ECoG studies focused on using the ECoG measurements to estimate behavioral audiometric thresholds and monitor pathophysiological changes related to delayed onset hearing loss postimplant. (4) Conclusions: ECoG is feasible to provide real-time feedback intraoperatively and has a potential clinical value to monitor the status of hearing preservation postoperatively in this CI population with residual acoustic hearing.

The French Cochlear Implant Registry (EPIIC): Perception and language results in infants with cochlear implantation under the age of 24 months.

OBJECTIVE: Multi-centre study of the National French Registry (EPIIC) of patients with cochlear implants, focusing on infants who were operated-on under the age of 24 months between 2012 and 2016. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 615 profoundly deaf infants, who received cochlear implants (CIs) before their second birthday, were included in the registry by different CI centers. Epidemiological, surgical, speech therapy and school, follow-up data were included in the registry, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months thereafter. The following parameters were studied: type of implantation (uni- or bilateral), complications, cause of deafness, category of auditory perception (CAP), Open-set word recognition score (OSW), speech intelligibility rating, lexical comprehension with EVIP (Peabody), communication mode and type of schooling. Bilateral simultaneous CI (BiCI) and unilateral CI (UniCI) groups were compared. RESULTS: There were 744 implantations. The explantation-reimplantation rate, within the four-year follow-up, was just 3.6%. Mean implantation age was 16.0 months, and similar in the two groups (BiCI/UniCI). A total of 51% of children had their first implant between 12 and 18 months, and 15% before 12 months. Implantation was unilateral in 52% of cases. Fifty-six percent of the bilateral procedures were sequential, with a mean delay of 16.8 months for the second implantation. The cause of deafness was unknown in 52% of cases. Of the 48% (297/615) of attributed cases, 32% had clear genetic causes. The remaining deafness was due to cytomegalovirus (CMV, 8%), inner-ear malformation (5%) and meningitis (3%). The main complications were from infections (47%) and internal device failure (25%). Four years post-operation, 84% of the UniCI and 75% of BiCl groups had a CAP≥5, and 83% of UniCl and 100% BiCI had OSW≥80%. Furthermore 74% of UniCI and 77% of BiCI communicated orally and 85% of UniCI and 90% of BiCI integrated into mainstream schooling. CONCLUSION: The French Registry of cochlear implants (EPIIC) is the only such national registry in the world. Our analysis illustrates the immediate benefits of, either single or double, cochlear implantation for language, perception skills and schooling.

Quality, Readability, and Suitability of Hearing Health-Related Materials: A Descriptive Review.

Objectives The objective of this descriptive review was to determine the quality, readability, and suitability of ear and hearing health information and materials for patients and their significant others. Method A literature search was conducted between August 2018 and April 2019 in the databases CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, and PsychInfo. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to shortlist studies. Data regarding quality, suitability, and readability were extracted from the included studies. Data were assessed qualitatively. Results There were 34 studies included in this review. Of those, eight examined quality, 33 assessed readability, and four investigated the suitability of materials. The range of materials assessed included diagnostic reports, patient education materials (PEMs), patient-reported outcome measures, and websites. Quality elements were examined in studies focusing on website information. Findings indicated that most websites were of poor quality. Suitability was examined in studies focusing on PEMs such as hearing aid user guides. Findings indicated that most of the existing materials were not suitable for the intended populations. The reading grade level of information across all four categories was found to be higher than the recommended fifth or sixth reading grade level for health-related materials. Revisions of some diagnostic reports and PEMs showed that improvements are possible. Conclusions This review suggests that ear- and hearing-related materials generally have lower quality and suitability with higher readability (more difficult to read). Development of materials that are suitable, of high quality, and at the appropriate readability levels is required to improve accessibility of ear- and hearing-related materials.

Impacto do enquadre terapêutico em grupo nas necessidades de famílias de crianças com deficiência auditiva / Impact of the therapeutic group setting on the needs of families of children with hearing loss / Impacto del encuadre terapéutico en grupo en las necesidades de familias de niños con deficiencia auditiva

Introdução: Evidências na área da (re)habilitação auditiva infantil têm indicado a potencial ação transformadora da família como um fator robusto no prognóstico do tratamento. Fundamenta-se ainda que as intervenções devam basear-se na avaliação das necessidades das famílias. Objetivo: avaliar o impacto do enquadre terapêutico de grupo na diminuição das necessidades de familiares de crianças com deficiência auditiva. Método: estudo de intervenção realizado em um serviço de saúde auditiva do SUS, durante o período de seis meses, em que um grupo de 10 famílias de crianças com deficiência auditiva na faixa etária de 1 ano e 4 meses a 5 anos e 3 meses, usuárias de AASI ou IC, responderam ao Inventário das Necessidades Familiares nos momentos pré e pós intervenção, tendo o delineamento da intervenção sido realizado a partir das necessidades evidenciadas pelo instrumento aplicado. As sessões contaram com situações de dinâmicas de grupo, simulações, treino de habilidades e rodas de conversa. Realizada a análise estatística descritiva e indutiva, além da avaliação qualitativa, que contou com um grupo focal. Resultados: destacaram-se como tópicos de maior necessidade das famílias a comunicação com a criança com deficiência auditiva, assuntos sobre a perda auditiva e dispositivos auxiliares à audição, em especial, quanto ao implante coclear. A idade dos responsáveis e a escolaridade, bem como a idade cronológica e auditiva das crianças foram consideradas na análise de diminuição das necessidades de informações pelas famílias. Conclusão: houve impacto positivo do enquadre terapêutico em grupo nas necessidades dos familiares de crianças com deficiência auditiva.

Introduction: Evidences from pediatric auditory (re)habilitation has indicated the potential transformative action of the family as a robust factor in the prognosis of treatment. It is also argued that interventions should be based on the assessment of the family needs. Objective: to evaluate the impact of the therapeutic group setting on reducing the needs of the families of hearing impaired children. Method: an intervention study performed at a government hearing service during a six-month period, in which a group of 10 families of children with hearing loss aged from 1 year and 4 months to 5 years and 3 months, hearing aids or cochlear implant users, responded to the Family Needs Inventory in the pre- and post-intervention moments, and the design of the intervention was made based on the needs evidenced by the instrument applied. The sessions included situations of group dynamics, simulations, skills training and conversation group. Descriptive and inductive statistical analysis was performed, in addition to the qualitative evaluation, which included a focus group. Results: the most important topics for families were communication with the hearing impaired child, hearing loss and electronic devices issues, especially regarding cochlear implantation. The age and the educational status of parents, as well as the chronological and auditory age of the children were considered in the analysis of the reduction of the information needs by the families. Conclusion: there was a positive impact of the therapeutic group setting on the needs of the families of children with hearing impairment.

Introducción: Evidencias en el área de la (re) habilitación auditiva infantil han indicado la potencial acción transformadora de la familia en el pronóstico del tratamiento. Se fundamenta también que las intervenciones deben basarse en la evaluación de las necesidades de las familias. Objetivo: evaluar el impacto del encuadre terapéutico de grupo en la disminución de las necesidades de familiares de niños con pérdida auditiva. Método: estudio de intervención realizado en un servicio de salud auditiva del gobierno, durante el período de seis meses, en que un grupo de familias de niños con deficiencia auditiva en el grupo de edad especifico, usuarias de audífonos o implante coclear, respondieron al Inventario de las Necesidades Familiares en los momentos pre y post intervención, siendo la intervención realizado a partir de las necesidades evidenciadas por el instrumento aplicado. Las sesiones contaron con situaciones de dinámica de grupo, simulaciones, entrenamiento de habilidades y ruedas de conversación. Se realizó el análisis estadístico descriptivo e inductivo, además de la evaluación cualitativa, que contó con un grupo focal. Resultados: se destacaron como temas de mayor necesidad de las familias la comunicación, asuntos sobre la pérdida auditiva y dispositivos auxiliares a la audición. La edad y la escolaridad de los responsables, así como la edad cronológica y auditiva de los niños fueron considerados en el análisis de disminución de las necesidades de información por las familias. Conclusión: hubo un impacto positivo del encuadre terapéutico en grupo en las necesidades de los familiares de niños con deficiencia auditiva.