Analysis of age criteria for provision of the personal frequency-modulated system: An integrative review / Análise do critério de idade para fornecimento do sistema de frequência modulada: uma revisão integrativa

ABSTRACT Purpose: to critically analyze whether the legislation regarding the Personal Frequency-Modulated (FM) System device encompasses most of the students with hearing impairment to facilitate the development of skills required for communication, literacy, and learning. Methods: a legislative analysis of the norms regarding the use of the Personal Frequency-Modulated (FM) System device. Relevant legislations were searched on public databases such as the Planalto and the Ministry of Health portals. Brazilian laws, ordinances, and relevant guidelines were consulted as well. Literature Review: Ordinance n. 1,274 of June 25, 2013, the CONITEC Report on FM in 2020 and GM/MS Ordinance No. 2,465, of September 27, 2021, which regulate the Personal Modulated Frequency System device, were identified. Conclusion: the initial ordinance of 2013, which regulated the Personal Frequency-Modulated (FM) System, was revised and updated, because it did not include children under six years of age, who are in the peak phase of oral language learning.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar criticamente se a legislação garantidora do dispositivo Sistema de Frequência Modulada Pessoal abrange a população adequada de escolares com deficiência auditiva no critério idade, de forma a favorecer o desenvolvimento das habilidades necessárias para a comunicação, a alfabetização e a aprendizagem dessas crianças. Métodos: trata-se de uma análise legislativa das normas referentes ao uso do dispositivo Sistema de Frequência Modulada Pessoal. Para a busca da legislação pertinente, foram utilizados bancos de dados públicos, tais como: o portal do Planalto e o portal do Ministério da Saúde. Foram consultadas as leis, portarias e diretrizes Brasileiras no que se refere ao uso do Dispositivo Sistema de Frequência Modulada Pessoal. Revisão da Literatura: foram identificadas na Revisão de Literatura a Portaria n. 1.274 de 25 de junho de 2013, o Relatório do CONITEC sobre o FM no ano de 2020 e a Portaria GM/MS Nº 2.465, de 27 de setembro de 2021 que regulamentam o dispositivo Sistema de Frequência Modulada Pessoal. Conclusão: é evidente que a portaria inicial de 2013, a qual regulamentava o fornecimento do Sistema FM, foi revista e atualizada, uma vez que não contemplava crianças menores de 6 anos, em fase de máxima aprendizagem da linguagem oral, pré-alfabetização e letramento, mesmo que estivessem inseridas em instituições escolares.

Effectiveness of an online continuing education course in infant hearing health for primary care professionals.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of an online continuing education course on infant hearing health for primary care professionals. DESIGN: A prospective longitudinal study with interrupted time series pre-test/post-test design. The effectiveness of the online course was assessed by comparing pre- vs. post-training performance and analysing responses to evaluations of the quality of the course. STUDY SAMPLE: The sample comprised individuals enrolled between September 2018 and August 2019 in a Ministry of Health course, "Actions in primary care for the early identification of hearing impairment" offered on the AVASUS platform. RESULTS: Of the 2908 individuals registered, 1842 (63.3%) completed the course. Their ages ranged from 18 to 77 years, and 67.4% of them were females. Students and doctors were overrepresented among the enrollees. All Brazilian states were included in the sample. Comparisons of pre- and post-training performances showed a significant improvement in knowledge, and 99.3% of the participants provided positive comments regarding the quality of the course. CONCLUSIONS: The course is an effective distance learning tool on infant hearing health for primary care professionals. The online course circumvents the limitations posed by geographical barriers and also facilitates decentralisation.

Contralateral Masking in the Measurement of Auditory Brainstem Responses with Air-Conducted Tone Burst Stimuli in Individuals with Unilateral Hearing Loss.

BACKGROUND: Contralateral noise masking is an important aspect of auditory brainstem response (ABR) measurements. PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study is to determine how contralateral white noise (WN) masking influences the amplitude and the latency of V wave generated during ABR measurements, using tone burst (TB), in adult ears with normal hearing (NH). The secondary aim of this study is to ascertain the need of contralateral masking in ABR measurements with the TB stimuli using a 3A insertion earphone, and to propose the applicability of WN masking in unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (USNHL). RESEARCH DESIGN: It is a cross-sectional observational and descriptive study. STUDY SAMPLE: Experiment 1: Thirty individuals, without any otologic, psychological, or neurological dysfunction, were selected. Experiment 2: Fifteen individuals with previous audiological diagnoses of severe and profound USNHL were considered. INTERVENTION: The study involves ABR TB at specific frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Experiment 1: The evaluation was performed at the fixed intensity of 80 dB nHL (decibel normalized hearing level) on the tested ear, followed by the application of simultaneous masking to the nontested ear, intensity ranged from 0 to 80 dB. Experiment 2: ABR threshold measurements were first performed on the ear with hearing loss (HL) at the frequencies of 1, 2, and 4 kHz. The results were subsequently confirmed using contralateral masking. RESULTS: Experiment 1: At any given frequency, there were no statistically significant differences in the amplitude and latency of V wave with increase in the intensities of WN masking. Experiment 2: Cross-hearing was observed at least once in all frequencies analyzed through the occurrence of V wave. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the contralateral WN masking at the maximum intensity of 80 dB does not affect the amplitude and latency of V wave of the ABR TB at 1, 2, and 4 kHz. Contralateral masking for the ABR TB presented using 3A insertion earphones is necessary at 1, 2, and 4 kHz in individuals with severe or profound degrees of USNHL and at intensities of 15, 20, and 10 dB above the ABR threshold of the nontested ear.

Unilateral and asymmetric hearing loss in childhood. / Perda auditiva unilateral e assimétrica na infância.

PURPOSE: To describe unilateral and bilateral asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss in children and its etiological, audiological and demographic characteristics. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study developed in the Seção de Implante Coclear of Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofaciais, through the analysis of medical records. RESULTS: Data from 1152 patients were analyzed: 424 (37%) adolescents, adults or elderly, and 728 (63%) children, of whom 691 (95%) had bilateral symmetrical hearing loss, and 37 (5%) had unilateral hearing loss (n=10) or bilateral asymmetric (n=27) sensorineural hearing loss. The mean age at diagnosis of unilateral sensorineural hearing loss was 33.58±21.69 months, and for asymmetric bilateral it was 33.12±21.69 months, with a prevalence of 1.4% and 3.7%, respectively. The highest risk indicator for hearing loss for both groups was the family history of permanent deafness, which began in childhood. The majority of the relatives of children with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss presented the highest low socioeconomic classification (50%), while children with bilateral asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss were also be subdivided into upper (37%) and lower (37%). CONCLUSION: We observed a greater occurrence of asymmetric bilateral sensorineural hearing loss compared to unilateral hearing loss, as well as the hereditary risk indicator, with a predominance of the deep ear and female preponderance in both groups. Although neonatal hearing screening provides early identification of unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, the age at the audiological diagnosis is still above the recommended level. In addition, the majority of the children's family members presented a low level of income.

OBJETIVO: Descrever a perda auditiva sensorioneural unilateral e bilateral assimétrica em crianças quanto às características etiológicas, audiológicas e demográficas. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo transversal, desenvolvido na Seção de Implante Coclear do Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofaciais, por meio da análise de prontuários. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados os dados de 1152 pacientes, sendo 424 (37%) adolescentes, adultos ou idosos e 728 (63%) crianças, dentre as quais, 691 (95%) apresentavam perda auditiva bilateral simétrica e 37 (5%) perda auditiva sensorioneural unilateral (n=10) ou bilateral assimétrica (n=27). A idade média ao diagnóstico na perda auditiva sensorioneural unilateral foi de 33,58±21,69 meses e na bilateral assimétrica de 33,12±21,69 meses, com prevalência de 1,4% e 3,7%, respectivamente. O indicador de risco para a deficiência auditiva de maior ocorrência para ambos os grupos foi o de antecedente familiar. A maioria dos familiares das crianças com perda auditiva sensorioneural unilateral apresentaram a classificação socioeconômica baixa superior (50%), enquanto que as crianças com perda auditiva sensorioneural bilateral assimétrica se subdividiram igualmente em baixa superior (37%) e média inferior (37%). CONCLUSÃO: Houve uma maior prevalência da perda auditiva sensorioneural bilateral assimétrica em relação à unilateral, bem como do indicador de risco de hereditariedade, com predomínio do grau profundo na pior orelha e preponderância do sexo feminino, em ambos os grupos. Apesar de a triagem auditiva neonatal propiciar a identificação precoce da perda auditiva sensorioneural unilateral, a idade no diagnóstico audiológico ainda se encontra acima do recomendado. Adicionalmente, a maioria dos familiares das crianças apresentou nível de rendimento baixo.

Perda auditiva unilateral e assimétrica na infância / Unilateral and asymmetric hearing loss in childhood

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever a perda auditiva sensorioneural unilateral e bilateral assimétrica em crianças quanto às características etiológicas, audiológicas e demográficas. Método Estudo retrospectivo transversal, desenvolvido na Seção de Implante Coclear do Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofaciais, por meio da análise de prontuários. Resultados Foram analisados os dados de 1152 pacientes, sendo 424 (37%) adolescentes, adultos ou idosos e 728 (63%) crianças, dentre as quais, 691 (95%) apresentavam perda auditiva bilateral simétrica e 37 (5%) perda auditiva sensorioneural unilateral (n=10) ou bilateral assimétrica (n=27). A idade média ao diagnóstico na perda auditiva sensorioneural unilateral foi de 33,58±21,69 meses e na bilateral assimétrica de 33,12±21,69 meses, com prevalência de 1,4% e 3,7%, respectivamente. O indicador de risco para a deficiência auditiva de maior ocorrência para ambos os grupos foi o de antecedente familiar. A maioria dos familiares das crianças com perda auditiva sensorioneural unilateral apresentaram a classificação socioeconômica baixa superior (50%), enquanto que as crianças com perda auditiva sensorioneural bilateral assimétrica se subdividiram igualmente em baixa superior (37%) e média inferior (37%). Conclusão Houve uma maior prevalência da perda auditiva sensorioneural bilateral assimétrica em relação à unilateral, bem como do indicador de risco de hereditariedade, com predomínio do grau profundo na pior orelha e preponderância do sexo feminino, em ambos os grupos. Apesar de a triagem auditiva neonatal propiciar a identificação precoce da perda auditiva sensorioneural unilateral, a idade no diagnóstico audiológico ainda se encontra acima do recomendado. Adicionalmente, a maioria dos familiares das crianças apresentou nível de rendimento baixo.

ABSTRACT Purpose To describe unilateral and bilateral asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss in children and its etiological, audiological and demographic characteristics. Methods Retrospective cross-sectional study developed in the Seção de Implante Coclear of Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofaciais, through the analysis of medical records. Results Data from 1152 patients were analyzed: 424 (37%) adolescents, adults or elderly, and 728 (63%) children, of whom 691 (95%) had bilateral symmetrical hearing loss, and 37 (5%) had unilateral hearing loss (n=10) or bilateral asymmetric (n=27) sensorineural hearing loss. The mean age at diagnosis of unilateral sensorineural hearing loss was 33.58±21.69 months, and for asymmetric bilateral it was 33.12±21.69 months, with a prevalence of 1.4% and 3.7%, respectively. The highest risk indicator for hearing loss for both groups was the family history of permanent deafness, which began in childhood. The majority of the relatives of children with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss presented the highest low socioeconomic classification (50%), while children with bilateral asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss were also be subdivided into upper (37%) and lower (37%). Conclusion We observed a greater occurrence of asymmetric bilateral sensorineural hearing loss compared to unilateral hearing loss, as well as the hereditary risk indicator, with a predominance of the deep ear and female preponderance in both groups. Although neonatal hearing screening provides early identification of unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, the age at the audiological diagnosis is still above the recommended level. In addition, the majority of the children's family members presented a low level of income.

O uso do mascaramento contralateral na pesquisa do potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico por condução aérea: revisão sistemática / Use of contralateral masking in air-conduction auditory brainstem response: systematic review

RESUMO Objetivos analisar criticamente a necessidade do uso do mascaramento contralateral na pesquisa do potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico (PEATE) por condução aérea, na perda auditiva sensorioneural unilateral ou bilateral assimétrica, por meio de uma revisão sistemática da literatura. Estratégia de pesquisa foram consultadas as bases de dados eletrônicas PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, ADOLEC, IBECS, SciELO, Web of Science, Scopus e Embase, bem como os anais do Encontro Internacional de Audiologia e do Congresso Brasileiro de Fonoaudiologia, além das bases de instituições com pós-graduação em Fonoaudiologia, utilizando os descritores Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem, Perceptual Masking e Hearing Loss, Sensorineural. Critérios de seleção foram selecionados os estudos com níveis de evidência de 1 a 5, publicados em português, inglês ou espanhol, até janeiro de 2018. Os artigos deveriam abordar a necessidade do uso do mascaramento contralateral na pesquisa do PEATE por condução aérea, em indivíduos com perda auditiva sensorioneural unilateral ou bilateral assimétrica. Resultados foram encontrados 334 estudos, sendo que oito artigos contemplaram os critérios preestabelecidos. Os estudos incluídos foram controversos quanto ao uso do mascaramento contralateral. Conclusão não existe um consenso quanto à necessidade do uso do mascaramento contralateral no PEATE por condução aérea, em indivíduos com perda auditiva sensorioneural unilateral. No entanto, a maioria dos estudos direcionou para a sua utilização na pesquisa do PEATE com estímulo clique em indivíduos com perda auditiva sensorioneural unilateral de graus severo e profundo.

ABSTRACT Purpose Critically analyze the need to use contralateral masking in the measurement of Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) by air conduction on unilateral or bilateral asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss by means of a systematic literature review. Research strategies A search was conducted at the PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, ADOLEC, IBECS, SciELO, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase electronic databases, proceedings of the International Meeting of Audiology and the Brazilian Congress of Speech-language Pathology and Audiology, and bases of institutions with Graduate Studies Programs in Speech-language Pathology and Audiology, using the following descriptors: Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brainstem, Perceptual Masking, Hearing Loss, and Sensorineural. Selection criteria Studies with levels of evidence from 1 to 5 published in Portuguese, English or Spanish until January 2018 were selected. The articles should address the need to use contralateral masking in the measurement of air-conduction ABR in individuals with unilateral or bilateral asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss. Results A total of 334 studies were found, and eight of them met the pre-established criteria. The studies included in the review were controversial as to the need for contralateral masking. Conclusion There is no consensus on the need to use contralateral masking in the measurement of ABR by air conduction in individuals with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss; however, most studies report the use of contralateral masking in the measurement of ABR with click stimulus in individuals with severe and profound unilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

Acoustic Reflex Testing in Neonatal Hearing Screening and Subsequent Audiological Evaluation.

Purpose: The aims of the study were to examine the acoustic reflex screening and threshold in healthy neonates and those at risk of hearing loss and to determine the effect of birth weight and gestational age on acoustic stapedial reflex (ASR). Method: We assessed 18 healthy neonates (Group I) and 16 with at least 1 risk factor for hearing loss (Group II); all of them passed the transient evoked otoacoustic emission test that assessed neonatal hearing. The test battery included an acoustic reflex screening with activators of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz and broadband noise and an acoustic reflex threshold test with all of them, except for the broadband noise activator. Results: In the evaluated neonates, the main risk factors were the gestational age at birth and a low birth weight; hence, these were further analyzed. The lower the gestational age at birth and birth weight, the less likely that an acoustic reflex would be elicited by pure-tone activators. This effect was significant at the frequencies of 0.5, 1, and 2 kHz for gestational age at birth and at the frequencies of 1 and 2 kHz for birth weight. When the broadband noise stimulus was used, a response was elicited in all neonates in both groups. When the pure-tone stimulus was used, the Group II showed the highest acoustic reflex thresholds and the highest percentage of cases with an absent ASR. The ASR threshold varied from 50 to 100 dB HL in both groups. Group II presented higher mean ASR thresholds than Group I, this difference being significant at frequencies of 1, 2, and 4 kHz. Conclusions: Birth weight and gestational age at birth were related to the elicitation of the acoustic reflex. Neonates with these risk factors for hearing impairment were less likely to exhibit the acoustic reflex and had higher thresholds.

Prevenção da perda auditiva no contexto escolar frente ao ruído de lazer / Prevention in a school environment of hearing loss due to leisure noise

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar os hábitos e atitudes de jovens em idade escolar com relação ao uso de estéreos pessoais e avaliar o nível de conhecimento sobre os efeitos nocivos da exposição à música amplificada na audição, antes e após uma palestra educativa. Métodos Participaram 58 estudantes do ensino fundamental e médio, entre 10 e 17 anos de idade. Foi realizada palestra educativa, mediante aula expositiva dialogada, utilizando recursos audiovisuais. Para avaliação foram aplicados dois questionários no formato online, antes e após 15 dias da palestra. Realizou-se, também, análise descritiva. Resultados A maioria dos escolares relatou fazer uso de estéreos pessoais com fone de ouvido, acima da intensidade média do equipamento e por período inferior a três horas diárias. A queixa mais frequente foi o zumbido. Após a palestra educativa, houve diferença no conhecimento sobre o conceito de perda auditiva e de que música em intensidade elevada, em momentos de lazer, pode causar perda auditiva. Também houve diferença na intensidade utilizada para ouvir música com fone de ouvido, que foi reduzida. Conclusão Grande parte dos escolares possuía conhecimento prévio a respeito dos prejuízos da música amplificada, para a audição e, ainda assim, alguns referiram hábitos inadequados. A palestra educativa revelou mudanças significativas em apenas alguns aspectos investigados, evidenciando a necessidade de estruturar ações contínuas na prevenção de perdas auditivas nessa população. A inclusão da escola e da família nas ações educativas e a continuidade dessas ações são fundamentais para mudanças efetivas de hábitos e atitudes das crianças e adolescentes.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the habits and attitudes of school-age youths regarding the use of personal music players, and assess their knowledge level about the harmful effects to the hearing of exposure to amplified music before and after an educational lecture. Methods A total of 58 elementary and middle school students aged 10 to 17 years participated in the study. We presented an educational lecture using an expository dialogue format with audiovisual resources. To evaluate the students, we applied two online questionnaires before and 15 days after the lecture. Descriptive analysis was also performed. Results Most students reported using personal music players with earphones above the mean intensity of the equipment and for fewer than 3 hours a day. The most frequent complaint was tinnitus. After the educational lecture, there were differences in knowledge about the concept of hearing loss and the fact that high-intensity music in moments of leisure may cause hearing loss. There was also a difference in the intensity used to listen to music with earphones, which decreased. Conclusion Most students had prior knowledge of the harmful effect of amplified music on hearing and even then, some indicated inadequate habits. The educational lecture showed significant changes in only some of the aspects investigated, reflecting a need to structure continuous actions towards hearing loss prevention in this population. The inclusion of the school and the family in educational actions and the continuity of these actions are fundamental to effective changes in habits and attitudes among children and adolescents.

Acoustic reflex on newborns: the influence of the 226 and 1,000 Hz probes.

PURPOSE: To analyze the occurrence of acoustic reflex and its threshold on newborns using the 226 and 1,000 Hz probes. METHODS: Thirty-six newborns with "PASS" results in newborn hearing screening and tympanogram with one or two peaks for both probe tones were included. Group I comprised 20 full-term newborns without risk indicator for hearing loss, and Group II comprised 16 newborns with at least one risk indicator. The study about ipsilateral acoustic reflex thresholds was conducted in 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 Hz. RESULTS: The groups presented the acoustic reflex thresholds between 50 and 100 dB for both probe tones. In the comparison between the probes, there were differences in all frequencies evaluated in Group I, with the lowest threshold mean for the 1,000 Hz probe. In Group II, differences were detected at 2,000 Hz. The mean acoustic reflex thresholds were similar in both groups for the 226 Hz probe. There was a difference for the 1,000 Hz probe in all tested frequencies. The percentage of response was higher in both groups for the 1,000 Hz probe. The kappa test showed extremely poor agreement in the comparison of results between both probes. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of acoustic reflex was higher in newborns and its thresholds were lower with the 1,000 Hz probe both for healthy newborns and for newborns at risk.

Acoustic reflex on newborns: the influence of the 226 and 1,000 Hz probes / A influência da sonda de 226 e 1.000 Hz no registro do reflexo acústico em neonatos

PURPOSE: To analyze the occurrence of acoustic reflex and its threshold on newborns using the 226 and 1,000 Hz probes. METHODS: Thirty-six newborns with "PASS" results in newborn hearing screening and tympanogram with one or two peaks for both probe tones were included. Group I comprised 20 full-term newborns without risk indicator for hearing loss, and Group II comprised 16 newborns with at least one risk indicator. The study about ipsilateral acoustic reflex thresholds was conducted in 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 Hz. RESULTS: The groups presented the acoustic reflex thresholds between 50 and 100 dB for both probe tones. In the comparison between the probes, there were differences in all frequencies evaluated in Group I, with the lowest threshold mean for the 1,000 Hz probe. In Group II, differences were detected at 2,000 Hz. The mean acoustic reflex thresholds were similar in both groups for the 226 Hz probe. There was a difference for the 1,000 Hz probe in all tested frequencies. The percentage of response was higher in both groups for the 1,000 Hz probe. The kappa test showed extremely poor agreement in the comparison of results between both probes. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of acoustic reflex was higher in newborns and its thresholds were lower with the 1,000 Hz probe both for healthy newborns and for newborns at risk. .

OBJETIVO: Verificar a ocorrência e o limiar do reflexo acústico em neonatos utilizando a sonda de 226 e 1.000 Hz. MÉTODOS: Trinta e seis neonatos com resultado "PASS" na triagem auditiva neonatal e timpanogramas com um ou dois picos para os dois tons de sonda. O Grupo I foi composto por 20 neonatos a termo sem indicador de risco para deficiência auditiva e o Grupo II, por 16 neonatos com pelo menos um indicador de risco. A pesquisa dos limiares do reflexo acústico ipsilateral foi realizada em 500, 1.000, 2.000 e 4.000 Hz. RESULTADOS: Os grupos apresentaram limiar do reflexo acústico entre 50 e 100 dB para ambos os tons de sonda. Na comparação entre as sondas, houve diferença em todas as frequências avaliadas no Grupo I, com a média de limiares menor com a sonda de 1.000 Hz. No Grupo II, foi detectada diferença em 2.000 Hz. Com a sonda de 226 Hz, os limiares médios do reflexo acústico foram semelhantes nos dois grupos. Com a sonda de 1.000 Hz, houve diferença em todas as frequências avaliadas. A porcentagem de presença de resposta foi maior para ambos os grupos para a sonda de 1.000 Hz. O teste kappa revelou concordância extremamente pobre na comparação dos resultados entre as duas sondas. CONCLUSÃO: A ocorrência de reflexo acústico em neonatos foi maior e os limiares menores com a utilização da sonda de 1.000 Hz, tanto para neonatos saudáveis como para os neonatos de risco. .

Capacitação de agentes comunitários de saúde na área de saúde auditiva infantil: retenção da informação recebida / Community health workers training on infant hearing health: information retention

OBJETIVO: verificar a retenção das informações sobre saúde auditiva infantil por agentes comunitários de saúde que participaram de um curso de capacitação. MÉTODOS: participaram do estudo 24 agentes comunitários de saúde que haviam sido capacitados por meio de um Cybertutor, sistema de ensino baseado na web. O conteúdo programático desta capacitação envolveu informações que versaram desde a prevenção à reabilitação da deficiência auditiva. Imediatamente após a capacitação, os agentes comunitários de saúde responderam um questionário de múltipla escolha contendo 20 questões, divididas em domínios (1: conceitos gerais; 2: tipo, prevenção e causas da deficiência auditiva; 3: técnicas de detecção e identificação da deficiência auditiva; 4: aspectos gerais da deficiência auditiva). Os agentes comunitários de saúde responderam novamente o questionário decorridos 15 meses da capacitação. O nível de retenção das informações foi analisado comparando o desempenho nos dois momentos por meio do teste de Wilcoxon e adotando-se nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: houve uma redução significante (p=0,03) em percentual, do conhecimento geral dos agentes comunitários de saúde sobre saúde auditiva infantil (73,5±8,4/66,7±12,5). Na análise por domínios foi possível constatar uma piora nos domínios 1(76,4±14,7/58,3±22,5), 2 (72,9±30,3/64,6±19,4) e 3 (69,4±14,5/68,8±17,2), sendo significante para o domínio 1 (p=0,012). No que se refere ao domínio 4, observou-se discreta melhora (76,0±11,6/78,1±11,2). CONCLUSÃO: houve redução significante, em percentual, do conhecimento geral dos agentes comunitários de saúde sobre saúde auditiva infantil, demonstrando a importância da educação continuada para estes profissionais. .

PURPOSE: to investigate the information retention provided to Community Health Workers on infant hearing health training. METHODS: the sample was composed of 24 Community Health Workers prior trained through a cybertutor, a based web education system. The content was ranging from prevention to rehabilitation of hearing impairment. Immediately after training, the Community Health Workers answered a multiple choice questionnaire with 20 questions, divided into domains (1: general concepts; 2: type, prevention and causes of hearing impairment; 3: Techniques of identification and diagnosis of the hearing impairment; 4: general aspects of hearing impairment). The same questionnaire was applied one more time after 15 months. The information retention level was analyzed comparing performance in the evaluations by the Wilcoxon test and the significance level adopted was 5%. RESULTS: it was verified a significant decrease (p = 0.03) in percentage, of the Community Health Workers general knowledge on infant hearing health (73,5±8,4/66,7±12,5). In the analysis by domains it was possible to see a worsening in 1(76,4±14,7/58,3±22,5), 2 (72,9±30,3/64,6±19,4) and 3 (69,4±14,5/68,8±17,2) domains, it was significant in 1 domain (p = 0.012). Regarding to 4 domain, there was a slight improvement (76,0±11,6/78,1±11,2). CONCLUSION: it was observed significant decrease of the Community Health Workers knowledge on infant hearing health, which demonstrates that the community health workers training should occur continuously. .

Avaliação audiológica em crianças com baixo nível de exposição cumulativa ao chumbo / Audiological evaluation in children with cumulative low-level of lead exposure

Objetivo verificar a ocorrência de perda auditiva sensorioneural em crianças com baixo nível de exposição cumulativa ao chumbo. Métodos 156 crianças intoxicadas por chumbo, 94 do sexo masculino e 62 do sexo feminino, na faixa etária entre 18 meses a 14 anos e 5 meses, foram submetidas a análise longitudinal do nível de Plumbemia em sangue, bem como audiometria tonal liminar e emissões otoacústicas evocadas por estímulo transiente. Resultados a população pesquisada apresentou um valor médio de Plumbemia estimada de 12,2±5,7mg/dL (faixa entre 2,4-33mg/dL); todas as crianças apresentaram resposta normal na audiometria tonal liminar em 20 dBNA nas frequências testadas, 0,5; 1; 2 e 4 kHz, para ambas as orelhas; as emissões otoacústicas evocadas por estímulo transiente estiveram presentes para todas as frequências bilateralmente, nas 79 crianças pesquisadas. Conclusão não foi constatada perda auditiva sensorioneural em crianças com histórico de baixo nível de exposição cumulativa por chumbo, assim como não foi encontrada lesão de células ciliadas externas na cóclea, mesmo que subclínicas. .

Purpose to verify the occurrence of sensorineural hearing loss in children with low level of cumulative lead exposure. Methods 156 lead-poisoned children, 94 males and 62 females, ranging in age from 18 months old to 14 years and 5 months old were subjected to analysis of longitudinal lead level in blood as well as pure tone audiometry and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions. Results the population studied had a mean estimated blood lead level of 12,2±5,7mg/dL (range between 2,4 and 33mg/dL); all children had a normal response in pure tone audiometry at 20 dBHL in the frequencies tested, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz, in both ears; the transient evoked otoacoustic emissions were presented for all frequencies bilaterally in 79 children surveyed. Conclusion there has been no hearing loss in children with a history of low cumulative lead exposure, as there was no injury of cochlear outer hair cells, even if subclinical. .

The influence of speech stimuli contrast in cortical auditory evoked potentials.

UNLABELLED: Studies about cortical auditory evoked potentials using the speech stimuli in normal hearing individuals are important for understanding how the complexity of the stimulus influences the characteristics of the cortical potential generated. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the cortical auditory evoked potential and the P3 auditory cognitive potential with the vocalic and consonantal contrast stimuli in normally hearing individuals. METHOD: 31 individuals with no risk for hearing, neurologic and language alterations, in the age range between 7 and 30 years, participated in this study. The cortical auditory evoked potentials and the P3 auditory cognitive one were recorded in the Fz and Cz active channels using consonantal (/ba/-/da/) and vocalic (/i/-/a/) speech contrasts. DESIGN: A crosssectional prospective cohort study. RESULTS: We found a statistically significant difference between the speech contrast used and the latencies of the N2 (p = 0.00) and P3 (p = 0.00) components, as well as between the active channel considered (Fz/Cz) and the P3 latency and amplitude values. These correlations did not occur for the exogenous components N1 and P2. CONCLUSION: The speech stimulus contrast, vocalic or consonantal, must be taken into account in the analysis of the cortical auditory evoked potential, N2 component, and auditory cognitive P3 potential.

Influência dos contrastes de fala nos potenciais evocados auditivos corticais / The influence of speech stimuli contrast in cortical auditory evoked potentials

Estudos voltados aos potenciais evocados auditivos com estímulos de fala em indivíduos ouvintes são importantes para compreender como a complexidade do estímulo influencia nas características do potencial cognitivo auditivo gerado. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar o potencial evocado auditivo cortical e o potencial cognitivo auditivo P3 com estímulos de contrastes vocálico e consonantal em indivíduos com audição normal. MÉTODO: Participaram deste estudo 31 indivíduos sem alterações auditivas, neurológicas e de linguagem na faixa etária de 7 a 30 anos. Os potenciais evocados auditivos corticais e cognitivo auditivo P3 foram registrados nos canais ativos Fz e Cz utilizando-se os contrastes de fala consonantal (/ba/-/da/) e vocálico (/i/-/a/). Desenho: Estudo de coorte, transversal e prospectivo. RESULTADOS: Houve diferença entre o contraste de fala utilizado e as latências dos componentes N2 (p = 0,00) e P3 (p = 0,00), assim como entre o canal ativo considerado (Fz/Cz) e os valores de latência e amplitude de P3. Estas diferenças não ocorreram para os componentes exógenos N1 e P2. CONCLUSÃO: O contraste do estímulo de fala, vocálico ou consonantal, deve ser considerado na análise do potencial evocado cortical, componente N2, e do potencial cognitivo auditivo P3.

Studies about cortical auditory evoked potentials using the speech stimuli in normal hearing individuals are important for understanding how the complexity of the stimulus influences the characteristics of the cortical potential generated. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the cortical auditory evoked potential and the P3 auditory cognitive potential with the vocalic and consonantal contrast stimuli in normally hearing individuals. METHOD: 31 individuals with no risk for hearing, neurologic and language alterations, in the age range between 7 and 30 years, participated in this study. The cortical auditory evoked potentials and the P3 auditory cognitive one were recorded in the Fz and Cz active channels using consonantal (/ba/-/da/) and vocalic (/i/-/a/) speech contrasts. Design: A crosssectional prospective cohort study. RESULTS: We found a statistically significant difference between the speech contrast used and the latencies of the N2 (p = 0.00) and P3 (p = 0.00) components, as well as between the active channel considered (Fz/Cz) and the P3 latency and amplitude values. These correlations did not occur for the exogenous components N1 and P2. CONCLUSION: The speech stimulus contrast, vocalic or consonantal, must be taken into account in the analysis of the cortical auditory evoked potential, N2 component, and auditory cognitive P3 potential.

Triagem auditiva neonatal: um estudo na cidade de Curitiba - PR / Newborn hearing screening: a study in Curitiba-PR

OBJETIVO: verificar a prática de Triagem Auditiva Neonatal na cidade de Curitiba-PR. MÉTODOS: inicialmente foi realizado um levantamento do número de maternidades e/ou hospitais com maternidades existentes na cidade de Curitiba, mediante a consulta no Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde. Constatou-se a existência de um total de 59 hospitais cadastrados, sendo que três destes são maternidades e 18 são hospitais com maternidade. A partir do levantamento feito, foi estabelecido um contato com o profissional responsável por cada uma das instituições, sendo questionado quanto à existência de um programa de Triagem Auditiva Neonatal e para aqueles que o apresentavam foi entregue um questionário a fim de obter informações a respeito do referido serviço. RESULTADOS: constatou-se que apenas 23,8 por cento das maternidades realizam Triagem Auditiva Neonatal, sendo que destas, 20 por cento é universal para neonatos a termo e 80 por cento universal para neonatos de alto risco. A triagem em todos os serviços é realizada com Emissões Otoacústicas Evocadas por Estímulo Transiente. CONCLUSÃO: mediante o estudo realizado verificou-se que a lei número 14588 - 22/12/2004 não está sendo rigorosamente cumprida. Apesar da demanda aliada à importância da detecção precoce, a Triagem Auditiva Neonatal não é realizada em todas as maternidades existentes e mesmo naquelas nas quais há um fonoaudiólogo e a triagem auditiva é realizada, esta não é universal.

PURPOSE: to check the practice of newborn hearing screening in Curitiba-PR. METHODS: a survey was initially conducted to check the number of existing maternities and hospitals with maternities included in the National Register of Health's Establishments. We found that 59 hospitals were registered; three are maternities and 18 are hospitals that include a maternity. We asked each of the professionals in charge for the institution if some kind of newborn hearing screening was conducted and, for those who had the service, a questionnaire was given in order to collect information on the program. RESULTS: we found that 23.8 percent of the institutions perform newborn hearing screening. In 20 percent of them, this service is universal for full term babies, while in 80 percent of them it is available for premature/high risk babies. All of the services use Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAE). CONCLUSION: we concluded that the Brazilian law number 14588 - 22/12/2004 is not being followed. Despite of the need and the importance for early detection of hearing loss, hearing screening is not accomplished in all maternities. In places where such screening takes place, it is not universal.