Do the minimum and maximum comfortable stimulation levels influence the cortical potential latencies or the speech recognition in adult cochlear implant users?

INTRODUCTION: Cochlear implants (CI) programming is based on both the measurement of the minimum levels required to stimulate the auditory nerve and the maximum levels to generate loud, yet comfortable loudness. Seeking for guidance in the adequacy of this programming, the cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEP) have been gaining space as an important tool in the evaluation of CI users, providing information on the central auditory system. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of mishandling of electrical stimulation levels on speech processor programming on hearing thresholds, speech recognition and cortical auditory evoked potential in adult CI users. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective cross-sectional study, with a sample of adult unilateral CI users of both sexes, aged at least 18 years, post-lingual deafness, with minimum experience of 12 months of device use. Selected subjects should have average free field hearing thresholds with cochlear implant equal to or better than 34 dBHL and monosyllable recognition different from 0%. Individuals who could not collaborate with the procedures or who had no CAEP recordings were excluded. Participants were routinely programmed, and the map was named MO (optimized original map). Then three experimentally wrong maps were made: optimized original map with 10 current units below the maximum comfort level (C), named MC- (map minus C); optimized original map with minus 10 current units at minimum threshold level (T), named MT- (map minus T) and optimized original map with 10 current units above minimum level (T), named MT + (map plus T). In all programs, participants underwent free-field auditory thresholds from 250Hz to 6000Hz, recorded sentences and monosyllabic recognition tests presented at 65dB SPL in quiet and in noise, and free field CAEP evaluation. All tests were performed in an acoustically treated booth, in a randomized order of map presentation. Data were compared by Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: Thirty individuals were selected and signed an informed consent form. The MC- map provided worsening of all free field thresholds, quiet and noise speech recognition, and P1 wave latency delay with significant difference from the results with the MO map. The MT- map worsened the hearing thresholds and statistically significantly reduced the P2 wave latency; MT+ map improved free field thresholds except 6000Hz, worsening speech recognition, without statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that maximum levels below the optimal thresholds lead to worse cochlear implant performance in both hearing thresholds and speech recognition tests in quiet and noise, increasing CAEP component P1 latency. On the other hand, the manipulation of minimum threshold levels showed alteration in audibility without significant impact on speech recognition.

The influence of stimulation levels on auditory thresholds and speech recognition in adult cochlear implant users.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the influence of minimum and maximum stimulation levels on auditory thresholds and speech recognition abilities in adult cochlear implant users. Method: Fifteen adults implanted with a Cochlear® device with over 12 months listening experience. Participants underwent routine programming for optimization of minimum (T) and maximum comfort (C) stimulation levels, which was saved in Program 1 (MO). Three further maps were constructed artificially adjusting the measured levels: Program 2 - MO with 10 fewer electrical current units at C level (MC-); Program 3 - MO with 10 fewer electric current units at T level (MT-); and Program 4 - MO with 10 more electric current units at T level (MT+). Sound field thresholds, recorded sentence recognition and monosyllable tests were presented in quiet and in noise. Results: There were significantly better thresholds at 1, 3, 4, and 6 kHz frequencies in MT+ and worse in MC-. A statistically significant difference was observed for sentences in quiet and monosyllables in quiet and noise with changing C levels, with worsening of the results for MC- program. Conclusion: The results suggest that T levels above the behavioural threshold provided an improvement in sound field thresholds but did not influence performance on speech recognition tests in quiet and in noise. In contrast, C levels below the behavioural comfort level worsened sound field thresholds and led to poorer performance in tests of sentence recognition in quiet and monosyllable recognition in quiet and in noise.

Cortical Auditory Evoked Potentials with Simple (Tone Burst) and Complex (Speech) Stimuli in Children with Cochlear Implant.

Introduction The registry of the component P1 of the cortical auditory evoked potential has been widely used to analyze the behavior of auditory pathways in response to cochlear implant stimulation. Objective To determine the influence of aural rehabilitation in the parameters of latency and amplitude of the P1 cortical auditory evoked potential component elicited by simple auditory stimuli (tone burst) and complex stimuli (speech) in children with cochlear implants. Method The study included six individuals of both genders aged 5 to 10 years old who have been cochlear implant users for at least 12 months, and who attended auditory rehabilitation with an aural rehabilitation therapy approach. Participants were submitted to research of the cortical auditory evoked potential at the beginning of the study and after 3 months of aural rehabilitation. To elicit the responses, simple stimuli (tone burst) and complex stimuli (speech) were used and presented in free field at 70 dB HL. The results were statistically analyzed, and both evaluations were compared. Results There was no significant difference between the type of eliciting stimulus of the cortical auditory evoked potential for the latency and the amplitude of P1. There was a statistically significant difference in the P1 latency between the evaluations for both stimuli, with reduction of the latency in the second evaluation after 3 months of auditory rehabilitation. There was no statistically significant difference regarding the amplitude of P1 under the two types of stimuli or in the two evaluations. Conclusion A decrease in latency of the P1 component elicited by both simple and complex stimuli was observed within a three-month interval in children with cochlear implant undergoing aural rehabilitation.

Cortical Auditory Evoked Potentials with Simple (Tone Burst) and Complex (Speech) Stimuli in Children with Cochlear Implant

Abstract Introduction The registry of the component P1 of the cortical auditory evoked potential has been widely used to analyze the behavior of auditory pathways in response to cochlear implant stimulation. Objective To determine the influence of aural rehabilitation in the parameters of latency and amplitude of the P1 cortical auditory evoked potential component elicited by simple auditory stimuli (tone burst) and complex stimuli (speech) in children with cochlear implants. Method The study included six individuals of both genders aged 5 to 10 years old who have been cochlear implant users for at least 12 months, and who attended auditory rehabilitation with an aural rehabilitation therapy approach. Participants were submitted to research of the cortical auditory evoked potential at the beginning of the study and after 3 months of aural rehabilitation. To elicit the responses, simple stimuli (tone burst) and complex stimuli (speech) were used and presented in free field at 70 dB HL. The results were statistically analyzed, and both evaluations were compared. Results There was no significant difference between the type of eliciting stimulus of the cortical auditory evoked potential for the latency and the amplitude of P1. There was a statistically significant difference in the P1 latency between the evaluations for both stimuli, with reduction of the latency in the second evaluation after 3 months of auditory rehabilitation. There was no statistically significant difference regarding the amplitude of P1 under the two types of stimuli or in the two evaluations. Conclusion A decrease in latency of the P1 component elicited by both simple and complex stimuli was observed within a three-month interval in children with cochlear implant undergoing aural rehabilitation.

Perfil mercadológico do fonoaudiólogo atuante na área de Audiologia Clínica / Market profile of speech and language therapist in the area of Audiology Clinic

OBJETIVO: investigar o perfil mercadológico do fonoaudiólogo atuante na área de audiologia clínica da cidade de Fortaleza, buscando identificar a formação em nível de pós-graduação, quantificar a faixa salarial, analisar o nível de satisfação do profissional e avaliar a jornada de trabalho e o vínculo empregatício desse profissional. MÉTODO: estudo transversal, realizado no período de fevereiro a abril de 2010, tendo-se aplicado um questionário acerca da atuação fonoaudiológica na área de Audiologia Clínica em 30 fonoaudiólogos, 29 (96,7%) do gênero feminino e um (3,3%) do gênero masculino, com idade média de 31,4 anos, variando entre 24 e 44 anos de idade, na cidade de Fortaleza, Ceará. O questionário abrangeu os seguintes itens: dados de formação acadêmica, remuneração, área de atuação, setor de atuação, jornada de trabalho em horas semanais, vínculo empregatício e nível de satisfação com a área de atuação. Os dados foram organizados e analisados estatisticamente por meio do teste de igualdade de duas proporções. RESULTADOS: treze (43,3%) dos fonoaudiólogos que atuam com Audiologia Clínica recebem entre quatro a seis salários mínimos. Vinte e quatro (80%) fonoaudiólogos atuantes na área da Audiologia Clínica são autônomos, quatro (13,3%) tem Carteira de Trabalho assinada e dois (6,7%) são pessoas jurídicas. Dezesseis (53,3%) dos fonoaudiólogos estão satisfeitos com a sua profissão. CONCLUSÃO: o fonoaudiólogo atuante na área de Audiologia Clínica na cidade de Fortaleza apresenta, predominantemente, curso de especialização, renda salarial entre quatro e seis salários mínimos, com jornada de trabalho de 10 a 20 horas semanais. A maioria são profissionais autônomos e sentem-se satisfeitos com sua atuação profissional.

PURPOSE: to investigate the market profile of speech therapist professional working in the area of clinical audiology in Fortaleza, identifying the postgraduate level, professional salary range, the level of satisfaction, working hours and employment contract of this professional. METHOD: a cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2010. A questionnaire about the professional’s performance in the area of Clinical Audiology was applied in 30 speech and hearing therapists, 29 (96.7%) females and one (3.3%) male, with average age of 31.4 years, ranging between 24 and 44 year old, in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará. The questionnaire consisted of the following items: academic history, salary range, acting area, acting department, working hours per week, employment contract and professional level of satisfaction. Data were organized and statistically analyzed by the test of equality of two proportions. RESULTS: thirteen (43.3%) of the clinical speech and hearing therapists earn between 4 to 6 minimum wages. Twenty-four (80%) interviewees working in the area of Clinical Audiology are self-employed four (13.3%) have formal contract and two (6.7%) are corporate entities. Sixteen (53.3%) of the speech and hearing therapists are satisfied with their job. CONCLUSION: the professional working in the area of Clinical Audiology in the city of Fortaleza presents, predominantly, specialization course, salary range from 4 to 6 minimum wages and 10 to 20 working hours per week. Most speech and hearing therapists are self-employed and are satisfied with their career.

Perfil mercadológico do profissional fonoaudiólogo atuante na área de triagem auditiva escolar / Market profile of speech therapist professional working in the area of school hearing screening

OBJETIVO: identificar o perfil mercadológico do profissional fonoaudiólogo atuante na área de triagem auditiva escolar na cidade de Fortaleza, determinando o nível de pós-graduação, faixa salarial do profissional, tempo de atuação, nível de satisfação, jornada de trabalho e vinculo empregatício. MÉTODO: um instrumento de coletas de dados foi aplicado em 6 fonoaudiólogos atuantes na área de triagem auditiva escolar (TAE). Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística com cruzamento de variáveis. RESULTADOS: observou - se que dos profissionais entrevistados, 6 (100%) possuíam especialização e nenhum apresentou mestrado ou doutorado. Destes, 5 (83,3%) recebíam de 4 a 6 salários mínimos com carga horária de 30 a 40 horas semanais, com nível de satisfação ótimo. CONCLUSÃO: tal estudo mostrou média salarial de 4 a 6 salários mínimos e jornada de trabalho de 30 a 40 horas, com 4 profissionais contratados e 2 terceirizados. Todos os fonoaudiólogos apresentaram especialização e o nível de satisfação profissional ótimo foi o mais prevalente.

PURPOSE: to identify the market profile of speech therapist professional working in the area of school hearing screening in the city of Fortaleza, determining the postgraduate level, the professional wage range, acting time, level of satisfaction, working hours and employment contract. METHOD: an instrument of data collection was applied in six speech therapists working in the area of school hearing screening (SHS). Collected data were statistically analyzed with variable crossing. RESULTS: it was observed that 06 interviewed professionals (100%) had specialization courses, presenting no masters or doctorate degrees. Five (83.3%) received 4 to 6 minimum wages with 30 to 40 hours per week, with great professional satisfaction. CONCLUSION: this study showed an average wage of 4 to 6 minimum wages and 30 to 40 working hours per week, with 4 contracted professionals and 2 outsourced. All speech therapists had specialization course and the great satisfaction level was the most prevalent.

Fatores de risco para perda auditiva em idosos / Risk factors for hearing loss in elderly

Objetivo: Identificar os fatores de risco relacionados à perda auditiva sensorioneural em idosos. Métodos: Casuística constituída por 60 pacientes idosos separados em dois grupos: o Grupo de Caso, composto por 30 idosos, 21 do sexo feminino e 9 do sexo masculino, com idade mínima de 60 anos de idade, apresentando perda auditiva sensorioneural; e o Grupo Controle, composto por 30 idosos, pareados por gênero e idade, apresentando audição normal. Os pacientes foram submetidos à anamnese audiológica e audiometria tonal. O comprometimento auditivo foi definido de acordo com média de limiar maior que 35dBNA, nas frequências de 1000, 2000 e 4000 Hz, na melhor orelha. Resultados: As razões de chances estatisticamente significantes foram: a) para história audiológica: exposição a ruído e história familiar de surdez; b) para situações de dificuldade auditiva: televisão, igreja, telefone, ambiente silencioso, localizar sons, dificuldade com vozes e ambiente ruidoso; c) para história otológica: zumbido, otorréia e nauseas; e d) para história médica: problemas visuais, fumo, álcool, problemas na tireóide e doenças renais. Conclusão: Os achados do estudo evidenciaram, para a perda auditiva sensorioneural no idoso, fatores de risco relacionados à história audiológica, otológica e médica, e às situações de dificuldade auditiva.

Objective: To identify risk factors related to sensorineural hearing loss in elderly. Methods: The sample consisted of 60 selected elderly, divided into two groups: the Case Group, composed by 30 individuals, 21 females and 9 males, aged at least 60 years, presenting sensorineural hearing loss, and the Control Group, composed by 30 individuals matched on gender and age, with normal hearing. The patients were submitted to audiological anamnesis and tonal audiometry. The hearing impairment was defined according to average threshold greater than 35dBNA, in the frequencies of 1,000; 2,000 and 4,000 Hz, in the best ear. Results: Statistically significant odds ratios were: a) to audiological history: noise exposure and family history of deafness; b) to situations involving hearing difficulty: television, church, telephone, silent environment, spatial location of sound, difficulty with voices and noisy environment; c) to otologic history: tinnitus, otorrhea and nausea; and d) to medical history: visual problems, smoke, alcohol, thyroid problems and kidney disease. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlighted, for sensorineural hearing loss, risk factors related to audiologic, otologic and medical history, and to situations involving hearing difficulty.