Complications and audiological results of percutaneous bone-anchored hearing devices.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the post-operative complications and audiological results related to percutaneous bone-anchored hearing devices. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 44 patients with bilateral conductive or mixed hearing loss who were implanted with unilateral Baha Connect or Ponto devices. A generalised linear model for repeated measurements was used. RESULTS: Twenty patients were Baha Connect users, and 24 were implanted with Ponto devices. Twenty-seven patients experienced complications. No fewer complications were found in the group of patients using longer abutments. When we compared the frequency of complications between Ponto and Baha Connect users, there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.90). Free-field hearing thresholds were statistically significantly improved when we compared pre- and post-operative results (p < 0.001). Average speech perception also improved (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Despite percutaneous bone-anchored hearing devices having a high rate of complications, they provide significant audiological benefits.

Ações socioeducativas em saúde auditiva para jovens utilizando educação híbrida / Social-educational hearing health activities based on blended learning / Actividades socioeducativas en salud auditiva basadas en la educación híbr

Introdução: O uso frequente de música amplificada pelos jovens traz a reflexão da importância de projetos de promoção de saúde auditiva, visando a conscientização dos jovens e mudança de comportamento. Objetivo: promover o aprendizado sobre o tema, avaliar o conhecimento sobre saúde auditiva e multiplicar o conhecimento adquirido junto à comunidade. Métodos: foi realizado uma ação socioeducativa em saúde auditiva com 12 alunos do sétimo ano do Ensino Fundamental II de uma Escola Publica no Sudeste do Brasil. A ação foi organizada com base em educação híbrida (encontros presenciais e uso do AIA), utilizando a metodologia do Projeto Jovem Doutor. Para a avaliação, os alunos responderam a um questionário sobre conhecimento prévio, comportamento auditivo e um questionário situação-problema. O AIA foi avaliado por meio da Ficha de Pesquisa Motivacional, foi realizada a análise do Impacto através de um questionário para os professores. Resultados: observou-se que houve mudança no comportamento dos alunos no que diz respeito ao tempo de uso e volume dos fones de ouvido, verificou-se que 100% melhoraram seu conhecimento sobre os riscos de altas intensidades sonoras para a audição. Ao avaliarmos o AIA, a análise descritiva evidenciou que os valores da média de melhor desempenho foram para as dimensões organizado e fácil de usar. Na última etapa, 802 pessoas foram envolvidas, nas atividades interativas em sala de aula e nos Espaços Culturais em saúde auditiva, criando uma cadeia produtiva em saúde. Conclusão: Por meio desta ação, foi possível atingir diretamente os jovens, promovendo o aprendizado, mudança de comportamento e melhora na qualidade de vida desses jovens. (AU)

Introduction: young people often listen to amplified music, which calls attention to the importance of projects to promote their hearing health, raise their awareness, and change their behaviors. Objective:to promote learning on the topic, assess knowledge on hearing health, and spread acquired knowledge to the community. Methods: a hearing health social-educational program was carried out with 12 seventh graders at a public school in Southeastern Brazil. The program was organized for blended learning (in-person meetings and virtual learning environment [VLE] activities), using the Young Doctor Project methodology. For the assessment, students answered a questionnaire on their previous knowledge and auditory behavior, as well as a problem-situation questionnaire. VLE was assessed with a motivational survey sheet, and the impact of the program was analyzed through a questionnaire administered to the teachers. Results: there were changes in the students' behaviors regarding the time and volume at which they used the earphones. Also, 100% of them improved their knowledge of the risks high sound levels pose to hearing. The VLE descriptive analysis indicated that the mean values of the "organized" and "easy to use" domains had the best performances. The last stage involved 802 people in the classroom interactive activities and hearing health cultural spaces, which created a health production chain.Conclusion: the program directly reached young people, promoting their learning, behavior changes, and improved quality of life. (AU)

Introducción: El uso frecuente de música amplificada por parte de los jóvenes, trae la reflexión sobre la importancia de los proyectos de promoción de la salud auditiva, orientados a la sensibilización de los jóvenes y al cambio de comportamiento. Objetivo: promover el aprendizaje sobre el tema de la salud auditiva, evaluar conocimientos y multiplicar los conocimientos adquiridos en la comunidade. Métodos: una acción socioeducativa en salud auditiva con 12 alumnos del séptimo año de la Escuela Primaria II de una escuela pública del sudeste de Brasil. La acción se organizó y basó en la educación híbrida (encuentros presenciales y uso del entorno de aprendizaje interactivo), utilizando la metodología del Proyecto Doctor Joven. Para la evaluación, los estudiantes respondieron un cuestionario sobre conocimientos previos, comportamiento auditivo y un cuestionario de situación problema. La entorno de aprendizaje interactivo se evaluó mediante el Formulario de Investigación Motivacional, el análisis de Impacto se realizó en un cuestionario para docentes. Resultados: se observó que hubo un cambio en el comportamiento de los estudiantes con respecto al tiempo de uso y volumen del audífono, se encontró que el 100% mejoró sus conocimientos sobre los riesgos de alta intensidad sonora para audiencia. Al evaluar el entorno de aprendizaje interactivo, el análisis descriptivo mostró que los valores del promedio de mejor desempeño fueron para las dimensiones organizadas y fáciles de usar. Durante la etapa final, 802 personas se involucraron en actividades interactivas en el aula y en los Espacios Culturales en salud auditiva, creando una cadena productiva en salud. Conclusión: A través de esta acción se logró llegar directamente a los jóvenes, promoviendo el aprendizaje, el cambio de comportamiento y mejorando la calidad de vida de estos jóvenes. (AU)

Surgical results of transcutaneous bone-anchored hearing aid comparing the C-shaped and linear incision techniques.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to compare the operative time and postoperative complication outcomes for bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) implants using two different techniques: the C-shaped incision technique and the linear incision technique. METHODS: An analysis was carried out of 38 patients implanted with transcutaneous BAHAs during a 4-year period in a single otolaryngology department. RESULTS: The implantation was carried out under general anesthesia. Operative time was significant lower with the linear technique compared to the C-shaped technique (76.55 min, SD 16.75 vs. 93.17 min, SD 19.82; p = 0.007). There was no difference in postoperative complications between the two techniques. CONCLUSIONS: The use of linear incision for transcutaneous BAHA system implantation is associated with a reduced surgery time compared to the C-shaped technique, with no increase in postoperative complications.

Retrospective analysis of skin complications related to bone-anchored hearing aid implant: association with surgical technique, quality of life, and audiological benefit / Análise retrospectiva de complicações cutâneas relacionadas ao implante de prótese auditiva óssea: associação com técnica cirúrgica, qualidade de vida e benefício audiológico

Abstract Introduction: The bone-anchored hearing aid is an effective form of auditory rehabilitation. Due to the nature of the implant, the most common complications are skin related. A number of alternative surgical implantation techniques have been used to reduce the frequency and severity of skin complications, including the U-shaped graft and the linear incision. Objective: To assess skin complications and their association with surgical technique, quality of life, and audiological benefit in patients with bone-anchored hearing aids. Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary referral center in Bogotá, Colombia. Patients who had been fitted with a bone-anchored hearing aid implant (unilaterally or bilaterally) for at least 6 months were included in the study. The Holgers classification was used to classify skin complications (Grade 0 = none; Grade 1 = erythema; Grade 2 = erythema and discharge; Grade 3 = granulation tissue; and Grade 4 = inflammation/infection resulting in the removal of the abutment). The Glasgow Benefit Inventory questionnaire was used to determine quality of life, and the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit questionnaire was used to determine the subjective audiological benefit. Results: A total of 37 patients were included in the study (30 with unilateral implants and 7 with bilateral implant). Of the 44 implants evaluated, 31 (70.3%) were associated with skin complications (7 [15.9%] Grade 1; 4 [9.1%] Grade 2; 15 [34.1%] Grade 3, 5 [11.4%] Grade 4). The U-shaped graft was statistically associated with major complications (Grades 3 and 4) compared with the linear incision technique (p = 0.045). No statistically significant differences were found between Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit scores and severity of complications. Similarly, no differences were found between Glasgow Benefit Inventory physical health questions and skin complications. Conclusion: Despite the high frequency, skin complications did not seem to affect quality of life or subjective audiological benefits of patients with bone-anchored hearing aids.

Resumo Introdução: A prótese auditiva óssea (BAHA, do inglês Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid) é uma forma eficaz de reabilitação auditiva. Devido à natureza do implante, as complicações mais comuns são relacionadas à pele. Várias técnicas opcionais de implantação cirúrgica têm sido usadas para reduzir a frequência e a gravidade das complicações cutâneas, inclusive o enxerto em forma de U e a incisão linear. Objetivo: Avaliar as complicações cutâneas e sua associação com a técnica cirúrgica, qualidade de vida e benefício audiológico em pacientes com BAHAs. Método: Estudo retrospectivo feito em um centro terciário de referência em Bogotá, Colômbia. Os pacientes que receberam um implante de BAHA (unilateral ou bilateralmente) durante pelo menos seis meses foram incluídos no estudo. A classificação de Holgers foi usada para classificar as complicações cutâneas (Grau 0 = nenhuma, Grau 1 = eritema, Grau 2 = eritema e secreção, Grau 3 = tecido de granulação e Grau 4 = inflamação/infecção, resultou na remoção da estrutura de apoio). O questionário Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) foi usado para determinar a qualidade de vida e o questionário Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) foi usado para determinar o benefício audiológico subjetivo. Resultados: Foram incluídos 37 pacientes (30 com implantes unilaterais e sete com implantes bilaterais). Dos 44 implantes avaliados, 31 (70,3%) foram associados às complicações cutâneas (sete [15,9%] Grau 1; quatro [9,1%] Grau 2; 15 [34,1%] Grau 3 e cinco [11,4%] Grau 4). O enxerto em forma de U foi estatisticamente associado a complicações maiores (Graus 3 e 4) em comparação com a técnica de incisão linear (p = 0,045). Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os escores APHAB e gravidade das complicações. Do mesmo modo, não foram encontradas diferenças entre as questões de saúde física pelo questionário GBI e complicações cutâneas. Conclusão: Apesar da alta frequência, as complicações cutâneas não parecem afetar a qualidade de vida ou os benefícios audiológicos subjetivos de pacientes com BAHAs.

Retrospective analysis of skin complications related to bone-anchored hearing aid implant: association with surgical technique, quality of life, and audiological benefit.

INTRODUCTION: The bone-anchored hearing aid is an effective form of auditory rehabilitation. Due to the nature of the implant, the most common complications are skin related. A number of alternative surgical implantation techniques have been used to reduce the frequency and severity of skin complications, including the U-shaped graft and the linear incision. OBJECTIVE: To assess skin complications and their association with surgical technique, quality of life, and audiological benefit in patients with bone-anchored hearing aids. METHODS: This was a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary referral center in Bogotá, Colombia. Patients who had been fitted with a bone-anchored hearing aid implant (unilaterally or bilaterally) for at least 6 months were included in the study. The Holgers classification was used to classify skin complications (Grade 0=none; Grade 1=erythema; Grade 2=erythema and discharge; Grade 3=granulation tissue; and Grade 4=inflammation/infection resulting in the removal of the abutment). The Glasgow Benefit Inventory questionnaire was used to determine quality of life, and the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit questionnaire was used to determine the subjective audiological benefit. RESULTS: A total of 37 patients were included in the study (30 with unilateral implants and 7 with bilateral implant). Of the 44 implants evaluated, 31 (70.3%) were associated with skin complications (7 [15.9%] Grade 1; 4 [9.1%] Grade 2; 15 [34.1%] Grade 3, 5 [11.4%] Grade 4). The U-shaped graft was statistically associated with major complications (Grades 3 and 4) compared with the linear incision technique (p=0.045). No statistically significant differences were found between Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit scores and severity of complications. Similarly, no differences were found between Glasgow Benefit Inventory physical health questions and skin complications. CONCLUSION: Despite the high frequency, skin complications did not seem to affect quality of life or subjective audiological benefits of patients with bone-anchored hearing aids.

Otologic manifestations of Larsen syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and discuss otologic manifestations of Larsen syndrome, based on a case report and a systematic review of the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a PubMED database search, and we selected studies reporting otolaryngologic manifestations secondary to Larsen syndrome. The selected articles were read in full, and three researchers independently extracted data from the studies. In parallel, we report the case of a 14-year-old patient who had hearing loss secondary to Larsen syndrome. RESULTS: Fifteen studies met our selection criteria. Seven studies reported hearing loss in patients with Larsen syndrome (4 had conductive hearing loss and 3 had mixed hearing loss). The conductive hearing loss may be secondary to ossicular malformations and/or middle ear effusions. Other causes for conductive hearing loss are mesenchymal remnants in the middle ear, Eustachian tube dysfunction, and cleft palate. Surgical management of the hearing loss is possible in selected cases, although the surgical and anesthetic risks should be considered. Hearing aids seem to be safe and effective treatment options for the hearing loss secondary to Larsen syndrome. CONCLUSION: Although rare, patients with Larsen syndrome may have hearing loss. The most frequent type of deficit is conductive, either secondary to malformation of the ossicles or middle ear effusion. Possible surgical correction of these abnormalities should be weighed against the anesthetic risks of these patients.

[Hearing rehabilitation in Treacher Collins Syndrome with bone anchored hearing aid]. / Reabilitação auditiva na Síndrome de Treacher Collins por meio de prótese auditiva ancorada no osso.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of hearing rehabilitation with bone anchored hearing aid in a patient with Treacher Collins syndrome. CASE DESCRIPTION: 3 years old patient, male, with Treacher Collins syndrome and severe complications due to the syndrome, mostly related to the upper airway and hearing. He had bilateral atresia of external auditory canals, and malformation of the pinna. The initial hearing rehabilitation was with bone vibration arch, but there was poor acceptance due the discomfort caused by skull compression. It was prescribed a model of bone-anchored hearing aid, in soft band format. The results were evaluated through behavioral hearing tests and questionnaires Meaningful Use of Speech Scale (Muss) and Infant-Toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (IT-Mais). COMMENTS: The patient had a higher acceptance of the bone-anchored hearing aid compared to the traditional bone vibration arch. Audiological tests and the speech and auditory skills assessments also showed better communication and hearing outcomes. The bone-anchored hearing aid is a good option in hearing rehabilitation in this syndrome.

Validación del protocolo para la medición del efecto de oclusión durante el proceso de selección de audífonos / Validation of protocol for measuring the effect of occlusion during the selection process hearing

Se presenta en este proyecto, los resultados de la validación del protocolo para la medición del efecto de oclusión durante el proceso de adaptación de audífonos diseñado en el año 2008. Se realizaron ajustes a los nueve apartados planteados en la versión original del protocolo y del formato de registro. Por medio de la técnica de validación por jueces expertos se revisaron el formato de registro y los procedimientos incluidos en el protocolo ya ajustado, obteniendo un CVR entre 0.80 y 1. Adicionalmente se correlacionaron los datos obtenidos de la aplicación del protocolo y del reporte audiológico previo con el fin de establecer el nivel de convergencia de estas dos mediciones, siendo el reporte audiológico el criterio definido para determinar la validez del instrumento. A partir de una muestra de 30 sujetos seleccionados por medio de muestreo por conveniencia se aplicó el coeficiente phi (dada la escala de medida de ambas mediciones) obteniendo un valor de 0.40. Se relacionaron igualmente los antecedentes personales, los antecedentes otológicos y los hallazgos otoscópicos con los resultados de la aplicación del protocolo, encontrando que existe una fuerte relación entre la presencia de oclusión y la presencia de rinitis. Se recomienda para futuras investigaciones aplicar el protocolo en una población más grande con el fin de seguir hallando evidencia al respecto de la validez de las inferencias hechas por el instrumento.

We present in this project, the results of the protocol validation for occlusion effect measurement during the process of adaptation of hearing aids designed in the year 2008. Initially, adjustments were made to the nine sections established in the original version of the protocol and record format. By means of the validation technique, expert judges revised the record format and the procedures included in the protocol, obtaining a CVR between 0.80 and 1 The collected data in the protocol and the previous audiological report were correlated with the purpose to establish the convergence level of these two measurements, the audiological report is considered the define criterion. From a sample of 30 subjects selected by means of convenience sampling, it was applied the coefficient phi (given a measurement scale for both measurements) of 0.40. The personal background, otologic background and otologic findings were correlated with the protocol application results, finding a strong relation between the presence of occlusion and the presence of rhinitis. It is recommended for future investigations to apply the protocol in a bigger population in order to keep on finding evidence regarding the validity of the inference done by the instrument.

Efeito nas mudanças temporárias dos limiares auditivos durante o uso de próteses auditivas de alta potência / Effect in the temporary threshold shifts duringthe use of the high power hearing aids

As mudanças temporárias induzidas nos limiares auditivos (TTS) foram utilizadas para investigar se o fenômeno conhecido por treinamento ou desenvolvimento da resistência pode ser demonstrado nas orelhas com perdas auditivas neurossensoriais durante o uso regular de próteses auditivas de alta potencia.