Intervención educativa en adultos mayores hipoacúsicos sobre el uso de audífonos para la rehabilitación auditiva / Educative intervention for hearing impaired older adults on the use of hearing aids for auditory rehabilitation / Intervenção educativa em idosos com deficiência auditiva sobre o uso de aparelhos para reabilitação auditiva

RESUMEN Introducción: La educación de los pacientes adultos mayores hipoacúsicos sobre su enfermedad y el uso de audífonos es una exigencia social. Objetivo: Diseñar e implementar una intervención educativa dirigida a la preparación de los pacientes adultos mayores con hipoacusia neurosensorial respecto al uso de audífonos para la rehabilitación auditiva atendidos en el Centro Auditivo "Dr. Mario Velázquez Leal" de la provincia de Guantánamo en el año 2019. Método: Se realizó un pre experimento en 80 pacientes con hipoacusia neurosensorial que utilizaron audífonos. El estímulo consistió en la implementación de una intervención educativa dirigida a su preparación respecto al tema hipoacusia y el uso de audífonos para la rehabilitación auditiva. Resultados: El 88,7 % de los pacientes consideró que la hipoacusia limitaba la calidad de vida y el 87,5 % reconoció que asumía una actitud inadecuada para el control de la discapacidad, lo que indicó la necesidad de educarlos respecto al tema. El 36,2 % de ellos está adecuadamente preparado sobre el tema, luego de la intervención educativa esta proporción se elevó hasta el 93,7 %. Conclusiones: Se identifica que los pacientes adultos mayores con hipoacusia neurosensorial que utilizan audífonos para la rehabilitación auditiva muestran carencias teóricas sobre el tema hipoacusia y uso de audífonos, que son resueltas con el diseño e implementación de una intervención educativa dirigida a su preparación para esta finalidad.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Educating the older hearing impaired patients about their condition and the use of hearing aids is a social requirement. Objective: To design and implement an educative intervention aimed at preparing older adult patients with presence of sensorineural hearing loss regarding the use of hearing aids for auditory rehabilitation attended at the Centro Auditivo "Dr. Mario Velázquez Leal", Guantánamo, in 2019. Method: A pre-experimental study was conducted on 80 patients with sensorineural hearing loss who used hearing aids. The stimulus consisted on the implementation of an educative intervention aimed at preparing them for appearance hearing loss and the use of hearing aids for auditory rehabilitation. Results: The 88.7% of patients considering that hearing loss is a problem in health and 87.5% recognized that they had an inadequate attitude towards the management of their impairment, which revealed the need to educate them on the subject. The 36.2% of patients were adequately prepared on the subject, but after the educative intervention this proportion rose to 93.7%. Conclusions: It is marked that older adult patients with sensorineural hearing loss, who use hearing aids for auditory rehabilitation, demonstrated theoretical deficiencies on the hearing loss and use of hearing aids subject, which are solved with the design and implementation of an educative intervention aimed at preparing the patients for this purpose.

RESUMO Introdução: A educação dos pacientes idosos com deficiência auditiva sobre a sua doença eo uso de aparelhos auditivos é uma exigência social. Objetivo: Projetar e implementar uma intervenção educativa destinada a preparar pacientes idosos com perda auditiva neurossensorial em relação ao uso de aparelhos auditivos para reabilitação auditiva atendidos no Centro Auditivo "Dr. Mario Velázquez Leal" da província de Guantánamo durante 2019. Método: Um pré-experimento foi realizado em 80 pacientes com perda auditiva neurossensorial que usou aparelhos auditivos. O estímulo consistiu na implementação de uma intervenção educacional que visa a sua preparação em relação à questão da perda e do uso de aparelhos auditivos para reabilitação auditiva. Resultados: 88,7% dos pacientes consideraram que a perda auditiva limitou sua qualidade de vida e 87,5% reconheceram que assumiram uma atitude inadequada para controlar a deficiência, o que indicou a necessidade de educá-los sobre o assunto. 36,2% deles estão adequadamente preparados sobre o assunto, após a intervenção educativa essa proporção subiu para 93,7%. Conclusões: Identifica-se que pacientes idosos com perda auditiva neurossensorial usuários de aparelhos para reabilitação auditiva apresentam deficiências teóricas sobre o tema perda auditiva e uso aparelhos auditivos, as quais são sanadas com a concepção e implementação de uma intervenção educativa voltada à sua preparação. para este propósito.

Oral health in the analysis of patients with hearing disabilities / Saúde bucal na análise de pacientes com deficiência auditiva

Objective: To assess the degree of knowledge of deaf and hard of hearing patients about oral health and relate it to clinical and demographic variables. Methods: The target population was schoolchildren from the 6th to the 9th grade of Elementary School and the 1st year of High School. Data collection took place through a structured questionnaire previously validated. The expressed as absolute and percentage frequencies it was analyzed using Fisher's exact test or Pearson's chi-square test (p <0.05). Results: Assessing the relationship between oral health and quality of life, to 53 students, 32.1% of students never reported pain in their teeth, mouth, or jaws, 55.8% never missed school due to problems with their teeth or dental treatments, 71, 2% never avoided smiling or laughing due to problems with teeth or dental treatments, 53.8% never avoided opening their mouths or talking due to problems with teeth or dental treatments. Conclusion: Professional and patient communication should be emphasized with the deaf and hard of hearing to intensify the importance of monitoring with the dental surgeon, carrying out activities to promote, prevent, cure, and rehabilitate oral health.

Objetivo: Avaliar o grau de conhecimento de pacientes portadores de deficiência auditiva sobre a saúde bucal, e relacionar com as variáveis clínicas e demográficas. Métodos: A população alvo foram escolares do 6º ao 9º ano do Ensino Fundamental e do 1º ano do Ensino Médio. A coleta de dados ocorreu de agosto a novembro de 2018, por meio de um questionário estruturado previamente validado. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio do programa SPSS (Statistical Package of the Social Sciences) e expressos em forma de frequência absoluta e percentual e analisados pelo teste exato de Fisher ou qui-quadrado de Pearson (p<0,05). Resultados: Avaliando a relação da saúde bucal com a qualidade de vida de 53 alunos; 32,1% dos alunos nunca relataram dores nos dentes, na boca, ou nos maxilares, 55,8% nunca faltaram à escola devido problemas com os dentes ou tratamentos dentários, 71,2% nunca evitaram sorrir ou rir devido a problemas com os dentes ou tratamentos dentários, 53,8% nunca evitaram abrir a boca ou falar devido a problemas com os dentes ou tratamentos dentários. Conclusão: A comunicação profissional e paciente deve ser enfatizada com os portadores de deficientes auditivos, com o intuito de intensificar a importância do acompanhamento com o cirurgião dentista, realizando atividades de promoção, prevenção, cura e reabilitação à saúde bucal

Development and validation of the protocol for the evaluation of voice in patients with hearing impairment (PEV-SHI) / Desenvolvimento e validação do protocolo de avaliação da voz do deficiente auditivo (PAV-DA)

Abstract Introduction: The voice of individuals with hearing impairment has been widely described, and can be compromised in all levels of the phonatory system. Objective: To develop and validate an instrument for evaluating the voice of this population. Methods: The instrument underwent the validation steps suggested by the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Medical Outcomes Trust. The study sample consisted of seventy-eight Brazilian people with cochlear implants (experimental group) and 78 individuals with normal hearing (control group), divided in groups by age range — children from 3 to 5 years; children from 6 to 10 years and adults from 18 to 46 years. The study sample participated in a voice recording of the sustained vowel /a/, connected speech and spontaneous conversation, in which three voice specialists rated using the proposed instrument. It consists of visual-analog scales of suprasegmental aspects, respiratory-phonatory coordination, resonance, phonation, additional parameters and general vocal perception. Results: Evaluation by an expert committee and a pilot test established content validity. Reliability measures showed excellent test-retest reproducibility for the majority of the parameters. Analysis with the ROC curve showed that perceptual evaluation with the sustained vowel did not strongly differentiate individuals with cochlear implants from those with normal hearing, and the parameter "speech rate" did not differentiate the groups at all. For the connected speech and spontaneous conversation, the majority of the parameters differentiated the experimental group from the control group with an area under the curve ≥0.7. The cutoff values with maximum specificity and sensitivity were 30.5 for mild, 49.0 for moderate and 69.5 for intense deviation. Conclusions: The protocol for the evaluation of voice in subjects with hearing impairment, PEV-SHI, is a reliable and useful tool for assessing the particularities of the voice of individuals with hearing impairment treated with cochlear implants and can be used in research and clinical settings to standardize evaluation and facilitate information exchange among services.

Resumo Introdução: A voz de indivíduos com deficiência auditiva tem sido amplamente descrita e pode estar comprometida em todos os níveis do sistema fonatório. Objetivo: Desenvolver e validar uma ferramenta para avaliar a voz dessa população. Método: A ferramenta foi submetida às etapas de validação sugeridas pelo Scientific Advisory Committee of the Medical Outcomes Trust. A amostra do estudo foi composta por 78 indivíduos brasileiros com implantes cocleares (grupo experimental) e 78 indivíduos com audição normal (grupo controle) divididos em grupos por faixa etária - crianças de 3 a 5 anos; crianças de 6 a 10 anos e adultos de 18 a 46 anos. Os participantes do estudo realizaram uma gravação de voz da vogal /a/ sustentada, fala encadeada e conversa espontânea, que foi avaliada por três especialistas em voz com o instrumento proposto. Este instrumento consistem em escalas visuais analógicas dos aspectos suprassegmentares da voz, coordenação pneumofonoarticulatória, ressoância, fonação, parâmetro adicional e impressão geral da qualidade vocal. Resultados: A avaliação por um comitê de especialistas e um teste-piloto estabeleceram a validade de conteúdo. Medidas de confiabilidade mostraram excelente reprodutibilidade teste-reteste para a maioria dos parâmetros. A análise com a curva ROC mostrou que a avaliação perceptivo-auditiva com a vogal sustentada não diferenciou significantemente os indivíduos com implante coclear daqueles com audição normal e o parâmetro "velocidade de fala" não diferenciou os grupos. Para a fala encadeada e conversa espontânea, a maioria dos parâmetros diferenciou o grupo experimental do grupo controle, com uma área sob a curva ≥ 0,7. Os valores de corte com máxima especificidade e sensibilidade foram 30,5 para desvio discreto, 49,0 para desvio moderado e 69,5 para desvio intenso. Conclusões: O protocolo de avaliação de voz do deficiente auditivo é uma ferramenta confiável e útil para avaliar as particularidades da voz de indivíduos com deficiência auditiva e implante coclear e pode ser utilizada em pesquisas e contextos clínicos para padronizar a avaliação e facilitar a troca de informações entre os serviços.

Applicability of the real ear measurement for audiological intervention of tinnitus / Aplicabilidade das medidas da orelha real na intervenção audiológica do zumbido

Abstract Introduction Tinnitus is present in a large part of chronic health complaints, and it is considered a public health problem injurious to the individual's quality of life. Considering the increase of the world population associated with an increase of life expectancy, tinnitus remains a cause for medical concern, since during aging the occurrence of auditory impairments due to the deterioration of the peripheral auditory structures and central impairs the quality of life. Objective The aim of the present study was to analyze the applicability of real ear measurements for audiological intervention of tinnitus through specific evaluation, selection, verification and validation of the hearing aids combined with the sound generator. Methods Forty individuals of both genders with hearing loss and tinnitus complaints were deemed eligible to compose the sample. They were enrolled according to clinical symptoms and submitted to the following procedures: anamnesis and previous complaint history, high frequency audiometry, immittanciometry and acuphenometry with the research of psychoacoustic thresholds of pitch, loudness and minimum masking threshold, sound generator, in addition to the application of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Visual Analog Scale tools. The entire sample was adapted with Siemens hearing aids and a sound generator, participated in a counseling session with support of digital material and evaluated in two situations: Initial Assessment (before the hearing aids and sound generator adaptation) and Final Assessment (6 months, after adaptation). The statistical analyzes were descriptive and inferential, adopted a significance level of 5% and the T-Paired Test and the Spearman Correlation test were performed. Results The results showed that there was a benefit with the use of hearing aids combined with a sound generator from the statistically significant values and strong correlations between the sound generator verification data regarding acuphenometry and the nuisance/severity questionnaires. Regarding the verification of the sound generator, it is important to highlight that the entire sample selected the effective acoustic stimulation based on the comfort levels, which was proved in the present study to be a sufficient intensity for positive prognosis, whereas the users' noises were found below the psychoacoustic thresholds of acuphenometry. Conclusion The present study concluded that the audiological intervention with any level of sound stimulus is enough to obtain a positive prognosis in the medium term. Data that specifies that the verification of sound generator was effective at the real ear measurements are important in the evaluation and intervention of the complaint. In addition, it points out that the greater the tinnitus perception, the greater its severity, and the greater the nuisance, the higher the psychoacoustics thresholds of frequency and the minimum threshold of masking.

Resumo Introdução O zumbido está presente em grande parte das queixas crônicas de saúde, é considerado um problema de saúde pública, prejudicial à qualidade de vida do indivíduo. Considerando o aumento da população mundial associado ao aumento da expectativa de vida, a tendência é que o zumbido permaneça como um motivo de preocupação, uma vez que com a idade a ocorrência de prejuízos auditivos decorrentes da deterioração das estruturas auditivas periféricas e centrais ocasiona grande impacto negativo na qualidade de vida. Objetivo Analisar a aplicabilidade das medidas da orelha real para a intervenção audiológica do zumbido através de avaliação específica, seleção, verificação e validação do aparelho de amplificação sonora individual combinada ao gerador de som. Método Quarenta indivíduos de ambos os sexos com perda auditiva e queixa de zumbido foram considerados elegíveis para compor a amostra. Eles foram atendidos conforme a demanda clínica e submetidos aos seguintes procedimentos: anamnese e história pregressa da queixa, audiometria de alta frequência, imitanciometria e acufenometria com pesquisa dos limiares psicoacústicos de pitch, loudness e limiar mínimo de mascaramento, gerador de som, além da aplicação das ferramentas tinnitus handicap inventory e escala visual analógica. Toda a amostra recebeu aparelho de amplificação sonora individual e gerador de som, ambos da marca Siemens, participaram de uma sessão de aconselhamento com apoio de material digital e foram avaliados em duas situações: Avaliação inicial (antes da adaptação dos aparelhos de amplificação sonora individual e gerador de som) e Avaliação final (6 meses após a adaptação). As análises estatísticas foram descritivas e inferenciais, adotou-se um nível de significância de 5% com a realização do teste t pareado e o teste de correlação de Spearman. Resultados Os resultados mostraram que houve benefício com o uso de aparelho de amplificação sonora individual combinado ao gerador de som com base nos valores estatisticamente significantes e fortes correlações entre os dados da verificação do gerador de som em relação à acufenometria e os questionários de incômodo/gravidade. Em relação à verificação do gerador de som, é importante destacar que toda a amostra selecionou a estimulação acústica efetiva baseada nos níveis de conforto e no presente estudo demonstraram ser de intensidade suficiente para o prognóstico positivo, enquanto que os ruídos dos usuários estavam abaixo dos limiares psicoacústicos da acufenometria. Conclusão A intervenção audiológica com qualquer nível de estímulo sonoro é suficiente para obter um prognóstico positivo em médio prazo. Os dados que demonstram que a verificação do gerador de som foi efetiva nas medidas da orelha real são importantes na avaliação e intervenção da queixa. Além disso, mostram que quanto maior a percepção do zumbido, maior a sua gravidade; e quanto maior o incômodo, maiores os limiares de frequência psicoacústica e o limiar mínimo de mascaramento.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Amsterdam inventory for auditory disability and handicap to Brazilian Portuguese / Adaptação transcultural do Amsterdam inventory for auditory disability and handicap para o português do Brasil

Abstract Introduction Patient-reported outcome measures, inventory and or questionnaire, allow patients to present their perspective of the impact of their individual condition on a day-to-day basis, independent of the analysis of test results by the expert clinician. Outcome measures are recommended when there is evidence showing their reliability, validity and sensitivity. There are standardized patient-reported outcome measures for hearing in English language; however, other languages lack these instruments. Objective Adapt the Amsterdam inventory for auditory disability and handicap to Brazilian Portuguese and analyze its validation measures. Methods We conducted two studies. In Study 1, we translated and adapted the Amsterdam inventory for auditory disability and handicap to Brazilian Portuguese according to good practice guidelines; this included the pre-test stage. In Study 2, we administered the Portuguese version to adults with and without hearing loss (n = 31 and 18, respectively) and analyzed the measures of instrument validation, reliability, and reproducibility. Moreover, we calculated the correlation between pure tone thresholds and scores on the questionnaire. Results The results obtained in Study 1 demonstrated the feasibility of the translation process and the instrument's cultural adaptation, as well as its applicability, resulting in the Portuguese version of the Amsterdam inventory for auditory disability and handicap. In Study 2, the results revealed construct values for the questions and domains, as well as for the total reliable score. The intra-interviewer test-retest condition showed excellent reproducibility (ICC = 0.97). Finally, there was a strong positive correlation (r = 0.83) between the mean pure tone threshold and the hearing difficulties values, as measured by the instrument's scores. Conclusion The English version of the Amsterdam inventory for auditory disability and handicap could be translated and adapted to Brazilian Portuguese. An analyses of the validation process yielded reliable, consistent, and stable results.

Resumo Introdução Medidas de resultados relatados pelo paciente, inventários e/ou questionários, permitem que os pacientes apresentem suas perspectivas do impacto de sua condição no dia a dia, independentemente da análise dos resultados dos testes realizados pelo especialista. Esses instrumentos são recomendados quando há evidências que mostram sua confiabilidade, validade e sensibilidade. Existem medidas de resultados relatados pelo paciente padronizadas para a audição em língua inglesa; no entanto, esses instrumentos não existem em outras línguas. Objetivo Adaptar o Amsterdam inventory for auditory disability and handicap para o português brasileiro e avaliar suas medidas de validação. Método Realizamos dois estudos. No estudo 1, traduzimos e adaptamos o Amsterdam inventory for auditory disability and handicap para o português brasileiro de acordo com as diretrizes de boas práticas; inclusive a fase de pré-teste. No estudo 2, aplicamos a versão em português em adultos com e sem perda auditiva (n = 31 e 18, respectivamente) e analisamos as medidas de validação, confiabilidade e reprodutibilidade do instrumento. Além disso, calculamos a correlação entre os limiares de tons puros e os escores do questionário. Resultados Os resultados obtidos no estudo 1 demonstraram a viabilidade do processo de tradução e adaptação cultural do instrumento, assim como sua aplicabilidade, proporcionaram a versão em português da Amsterdam inventory for auditory disability and handicap. No estudo 2, os resultados revelaram valores de constructo para as questões e domínios, bem como para o escore total confiável. A condição de teste-reteste intraentrevistador mostrou excelente reprodutibilidade (CCI = 0,97). Por fim, houve forte correlação positiva (r = 0,83) entre o limiar médio de tom puro e os valores das dificuldades auditivas, medidos pelos escores do instrumento. Conclusão A versão em inglês do Amsterdam inventory for auditory disability and handicap foi traduzida e adaptada para o português brasileiro. Uma análise do processo de validação produziu resultados confiáveis, consistentes e estáveis.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Amsterdam inventory for auditory disability and handicap to Brazilian Portuguese.

INTRODUCTION: Patient-reported outcome measures, inventory and or questionnaire, allow patients to present their perspective of the impact of their individual condition on a day-to-day basis, independent of the analysis of test results by the expert clinician. Outcome measures are recommended when there is evidence showing their reliability, validity and sensitivity. There are standardized patient-reported outcome measures for hearing in English language; however, other languages lack these instruments. OBJECTIVE: Adapt the Amsterdam inventory for auditory disability and handicap to Brazilian Portuguese and analyze its validation measures. METHODS: We conducted two studies. In Study 1, we translated and adapted the Amsterdam inventory for auditory disability and handicap to Brazilian Portuguese according to good practice guidelines; this included the pre-test stage. In Study 2, we administered the Portuguese version to adults with and without hearing loss (n=31 and 18, respectively) and analyzed the measures of instrument validation, reliability, and reproducibility. Moreover, we calculated the correlation between pure tone thresholds and scores on the questionnaire. RESULTS: The results obtained in Study 1 demonstrated the feasibility of the translation process and the instrument's cultural adaptation, as well as its applicability, resulting in the Portuguese version of the Amsterdam inventory for auditory disability and handicap. In Study 2, the results revealed construct values for the questions and domains, as well as for the total reliable score. The intra-interviewer test-retest condition showed excellent reproducibility (ICC=0.97). Finally, there was a strong positive correlation (r=0.83) between the mean pure tone threshold and the hearing difficulties values, as measured by the instrument's scores. CONCLUSION: The English version of the Amsterdam inventory for auditory disability and handicap could be translated and adapted to Brazilian Portuguese. An analyses of the validation process yielded reliable, consistent, and stable results.

Development and validation of the protocol for the evaluation of voice in patients with hearing impairment (PEV-SHI).

INTRODUCTION: The voice of individuals with hearing impairment has been widely described, and can be compromised in all levels of the phonatory system. OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate an instrument for evaluating the voice of this population. METHODS: The instrument underwent the validation steps suggested by the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Medical Outcomes Trust. The study sample consisted of seventy-eight Brazilian people with cochlear implants (experimental group) and 78 individuals with normal hearing (control group), divided in groups by age range - children from 3 to 5 years; children from 6 to 10 years and adults from 18 to 46 years. The study sample participated in a voice recording of the sustained vowel /a/, connected speech and spontaneous conversation, in which three voice specialists rated using the proposed instrument. It consists of visual-analog scales of suprasegmental aspects, respiratory-phonatory coordination, resonance, phonation, additional parameters and general vocal perception. RESULTS: Evaluation by an expert committee and a pilot test established content validity. Reliability measures showed excellent test-retest reproducibility for the majority of the parameters. Analysis with the ROC curve showed that perceptual evaluation with the sustained vowel did not strongly differentiate individuals with cochlear implants from those with normal hearing, and the parameter "speech rate" did not differentiate the groups at all. For the connected speech and spontaneous conversation, the majority of the parameters differentiated the experimental group from the control group with an area under the curve ≥0.7. The cutoff values with maximum specificity and sensitivity were 30.5 for mild, 49.0 for moderate and 69.5 for intense deviation. CONCLUSIONS: The protocol for the evaluation of voice in subjects with hearing impairment, PEV-SHI, is a reliable and useful tool for assessing the particularities of the voice of individuals with hearing impairment treated with cochlear implants and can be used in research and clinical settings to standardize evaluation and facilitate information exchange among services.

Applicability of the real ear measurement for audiological intervention of tinnitus.

INTRODUCTION: Tinnitus is present in a large part of chronic health complaints, and it is considered a public health problem injurious to the individual's quality of life. Considering the increase of the world population associated with an increase of life expectancy, tinnitus remains a cause for medical concern, since during aging the occurrence of auditory impairments due to the deterioration of the peripheral auditory structures and central impairs the quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to analyze the applicability of real ear measurements for audiological intervention of tinnitus through specific evaluation, selection, verification and validation of the hearing aids combined with the sound generator. METHODS: Forty individuals of both genders with hearing loss and tinnitus complaints were deemed eligible to compose the sample. They were enrolled according to clinical symptoms and submitted to the following procedures: anamnesis and previous complaint history, high frequency audiometry, immittanciometry and acuphenometry with the research of psychoacoustic thresholds of pitch, loudness and minimum masking threshold, sound generator, in addition to the application of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Visual Analog Scale tools. The entire sample was adapted with Siemens hearing aids and a sound generator, participated in a counseling session with support of digital material and evaluated in two situations: Initial Assessment (before the hearing aids and sound generator adaptation) and Final Assessment (6 months, after adaptation). The statistical analyzes were descriptive and inferential, adopted a significance level of 5% and the T-Paired Test and the Spearman Correlation test were performed. RESULTS: The results showed that there was a benefit with the use of hearing aids combined with a sound generator from the statistically significant values and strong correlations between the sound generator verification data regarding acuphenometry and the nuisance/severity questionnaires. Regarding the verification of the sound generator, it is important to highlight that the entire sample selected the effective acoustic stimulation based on the comfort levels, which was proved in the present study to be a sufficient intensity for positive prognosis, whereas the users' noises were found below the psychoacoustic thresholds of acuphenometry. CONCLUSION: The present study concluded that the audiological intervention with any level of sound stimulus is enough to obtain a positive prognosis in the medium term. Data that specifies that the verification of sound generator was effective at the real ear measurements are important in the evaluation and intervention of the complaint. In addition, it points out that the greater the tinnitus perception, the greater its severity, and the greater the nuisance, the higher the psychoacoustics thresholds of frequency and the minimum threshold of masking.

Auditory findings associated with Zika virus infection: an integrative review / Achados auditivos associados à infecção pelo Zika vírus: uma revisão integrativa

Abstract Introduction: Possible associations between Zika virus infection and hearing loss were observed during the epidemic in the Americas. Objective: To describe the auditory alterations, pathogenesis and recommendations for follow-up in individuals with prenatal or acquired Zika virus infection. Methods: Bibliographic research conducted in March/2018-April/2019 at the main available databases. Article selection, data extraction and quality evaluation were carried out by two independent reviewers. Studies containing auditory evaluation of patients with congenital or acquired Zika virus infection; and/or hypotheses or evidences on the pathophysiology of auditory impairment associated with Zika virus; and/or recommendations on screening and follow-up of patients with auditory impairment by Zika virus were included. Results: A total of 27 articles were selected. Sensorineural and transient hearing loss were reported in six adults with acquired Zika virus infection. Of the 962 studied children, 482 had microcephaly and 145 had diagnostic confirmation of Zika virus; 515 of the 624 children with auditory evaluation performed only screening tests with otoacoustic emissions testing and/or automated click-stimuli auditory brainstem response testing. Studies in prenatally exposed children were very heterogeneous and great variations in the frequency of altered otoacoustic emissions and automated click-stimuli auditory brainstem response occurred across the studies. Altered otoacoustic emissions varied from 0% to 75%, while altered automated click-stimuli auditory brainstem response varied from 0% to 29.2%. Sensorineural, retrocochlear or central origin impairment could not be ruled out. One study with infected mice found no microscopic damage to cochlear hair cells. Studies on the pathogenesis of auditory changes in humans are limited to hypotheses and recommendations still include points of controversy. Conclusion: The available data are still insufficient to understand the full spectrum of the involvement of the auditory organs by Zika virus, the pathogenesis of this involvement or even to confirm the causal association between auditory involvement and virus infection. The screening and follow-up recommendations still present points of controversy.

Resumo Introdução: Possíveis associações entre a infecção pelo Zika vírus e perda auditiva foram observadas durante a epidemia nas Américas. Objetivo: Descrever as alterações auditivas, a patogênese e as recomendações de seguimento em indivíduos com infecção por Zika vírus pré-natal ou adquirida. Método: Uma pesquisa bibliográfica foi realizada em março/2018 a abril/2019 nas principais bases de dados disponíveis. A seleção dos artigos, extração de dados e avaliação de qualidade foram realizadas por dois revisores independentes. Estudos com avaliação auditiva de pacientes com infecção por Zika vírus congênita ou adquirida; e/ou hipóteses ou evidências sobre a fisiopatologia do comprometimento auditivo associado ao Zika vírus; e/ou recomendações sobre triagem e seguimento de pacientes com comprometimento auditivo pelo Zika vírus foram incluídos na pesquisa. Resultados: Um total de 27 artigos foram selecionados. Perdas auditivas neurossensorial e transitória foram relatadas em seis adultos com infecção pelo Zika vírus adquirida. Das 962 crianças estudadas, 482 apresentavam microcefalia e 145 tinham confirmação diagnóstica do Zika vírus; 515 das 624 crianças com avaliação auditiva haviam realizado apenas testes de triagem com teste de emissões otoacústicas e/ou teste de potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico automático com estímulo clique. Estudos em crianças expostas no período pré-natal foram muito heterogêneos e grandes variações na frequência de emissões otoacústicas e potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico automático alterados ocorreram ao longo dos estudos; alterações nas emissões otoacústicas variaram de 0% a 75%, enquanto as alterações no potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico automático variaram de 0% a 29,2%. Não foi possível descartar comprometimento neurossensorial, retrococlear ou de origem central. Um estudo com camundongos infectados não encontrou dano microscópico nas células ciliadas da cóclea. Estudos sobre a patogênese das alterações auditivas em humanos estão limitados a hipóteses e recomendações ainda apresentam pontos de controvérsia. Conclusão: Os dados disponíveis ainda são insuficientes para compreender todo o espectro do envolvimento dos órgãos auditivos pelo Zika vírus, a patogênese desse envolvimento ou até mesmo para confirmar a associação causal entre o envolvimento auditivo e a infecção pelo vírus. As recomendações de triagem e seguimento ainda apresentam pontos de controvérsia.

Auditory findings associated with Zika virus infection: an integrative review.

INTRODUCTION: Possible associations between Zika virus infection and hearing loss were observed during the epidemic in the Americas. OBJECTIVE: To describe the auditory alterations, pathogenesis and recommendations for follow-up in individuals with prenatal or acquired Zika virus infection. METHODS: Bibliographic research conducted in March/2018-April/2019 at the main available databases. Article selection, data extraction and quality evaluation were carried out by two independent reviewers. Studies containing auditory evaluation of patients with congenital or acquired Zika virus infection; and/or hypotheses or evidences on the pathophysiology of auditory impairment associated with Zika virus; and/or recommendations on screening and follow-up of patients with auditory impairment by Zika virus were included. RESULTS: A total of 27 articles were selected. Sensorineural and transient hearing loss were reported in six adults with acquired Zika virus infection. Of the 962 studied children, 482 had microcephaly and 145 had diagnostic confirmation of Zika virus; 515 of the 624 children with auditory evaluation performed only screening tests with otoacoustic emissions testing and/or automated click-stimuli auditory brainstem response testing. Studies in prenatally exposed children were very heterogeneous and great variations in the frequency of altered otoacoustic emissions and automated click-stimuli auditory brainstem response occurred across the studies. Altered otoacoustic emissions varied from 0% to 75%, while altered automated click-stimuli auditory brainstem response varied from 0% to 29.2%. Sensorineural, retrocochlear or central origin impairment could not be ruled out. One study with infected mice found no microscopic damage to cochlear hair cells. Studies on the pathogenesis of auditory changes in humans are limited to hypotheses and recommendations still include points of controversy. CONCLUSION: The available data are still insufficient to understand the full spectrum of the involvement of the auditory organs by Zika virus, the pathogenesis of this involvement or even to confirm the causal association between auditory involvement and virus infection. The screening and follow-up recommendations still present points of controversy.

Frequency of GJB2 mutations in patients with nonsyndromic hearing loss from an ethnically characterized Brazilian population / Frequência de mutações de GJB2 em pacientes com perda auditiva não sindrômica em uma população brasileira etnicamente caracterizada

Abstract Introduction: In different parts of the world, mutations in the GJB2 gene are associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss, and the homozygous 35delG mutation (p.Gly12Valfs*2) is a major cause of hereditary hearing loss. However, the 35delG mutation is not equally prevalent across ethnicities, making it important to study other mutations, especially in multiethnic countries such as Brazil. Objective: This study aimed to identify different mutations in the GJB2 gene in patients with severe to profound nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss of putative genetic origin, and who were negative or heterozygote for the 35delG mutation. Methods: Observational study that analyzed 100 ethnically characterized Brazilian patients with nonsyndromic severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss, who were negative or heterozygote for the 35delG mutation. GJB2 mutations were detected by DNA-based sequencing in this population. Participants' ethnicities were identified as Latin European, Non-Latin European, Jewish, Native, Turkish, Afro-American, Asian and Others. Results: Sixteen participants were heterozygote for the 35delG mutation; 14 participants, including three 35delG heterozygote's, had nine different alterations in the GJB2 gene. One variant, p.Ser199Glnfs*9, detected in two participants, was previously unreported. Three variants were pathogenic (p.Trp172*, p.Val167Met, and p.Arg75Trp), two were non-pathogenic (p.Val27Ile and p.Ile196Thr), and three variants were indeterminate (p.Met34Thr, p.Arg127Leu, and p.Lys168Arg). Three cases of compound heterozygosity were detected: p.[(Gly12Valfs*2)];[(Trp172*)], p.[(Gly12Valfs*2)](;)[(Met34Thr)], and p.[(Gly12Valfs*2)(;)[(Ser199Glnfs*9)]). Conclusion: This study detected previously unclassified variants and one case of previously unreported compound heterozygosity.

Resumo Introdução: Em diferentes partes do mundo, mutações do gene GJB2 estão associadas a perda auditiva não sindrômica e a mutação homozigótica 35delG (p.Gly12Valfs*2) é uma das principais causas de perda auditiva hereditária. No entanto, a mutação 35delG não é igualmente prevalente em todas as etnias, faz com que seja importante estudar outras mutações, especialmente em países multiétnicos, como o Brasil. Objetivo: Identificar diferentes mutações no gene GJB2 em pacientes com perda auditiva neurossensorial grave ou profunda não sindrômica de origem genética putativa e negativos ou heterozigotos para a mutação 35delG. Método: Estudo observacional que analisou 100 pacientes brasileiros caracterizados etnicamente, com perda auditiva neurossensorial grave ou profunda não sindrômica, negativos ou heterozigotos para a mutação 35delG. As mutações de GJB2 foram detectadas por sequenciamento baseado no DNA nessa população. As etnias dos participantes foram identificadas como latino-europeia, não latino-europeia, judaica, nativa, turca, negra, asiática e outras. Resultados: Dezesseis participantes eram heterozigotos para a mutação 35delG e 14, incluindo três heterozigotos para 35delG, apresentaram nove alterações no gene GJB2. Uma variante, p.Ser199Glnfs*9, detectada em dois participantes, não havia sido relatada anteriormente. Três variantes eram patogênicas (p.Trp172*, p.Val167Met, e p.Arg75Trp), duas não patogênicas (p.Val27Ile e p.Ile196Thr) e três indeterminadas (p.Met34Thr, p.Arg127Leu, e p.Lys168Arg). Três casos de heterozigosidade composta foram detectados: p.[(Gly12Valfs*2)];[(Trp172*)], p.[(Gly12Valfs*2)](;)[(Met34Thr)], e p.[(Gly12Valfs*2)(;)[(Ser199Glnfs*9)]). Conclusão: Este estudo detectou variantes não classificadas anteriormente e um caso de heterozigosidade composta ainda não relatada.

Frequency of GJB2 mutations in patients with nonsyndromic hearing loss from an ethnically characterized Brazilian population.

INTRODUCTION: In different parts of the world, mutations in the GJB2 gene are associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss, and the homozygous 35delG mutation (p.Gly12Valfs*2) is a major cause of hereditary hearing loss. However, the 35delG mutation is not equally prevalent across ethnicities, making it important to study other mutations, especially in multiethnic countries such as Brazil. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify different mutations in the GJB2 gene in patients with severe to profound nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss of putative genetic origin, and who were negative or heterozygote for the 35delG mutation. METHODS: Observational study that analyzed 100 ethnically characterized Brazilian patients with nonsyndromic severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss, who were negative or heterozygote for the 35delG mutation. GJB2 mutations were detected by DNA-based sequencing in this population. Participants' ethnicities were identified as Latin European, Non-Latin European, Jewish, Native, Turkish, Afro-American, Asian and Others. RESULTS: Sixteen participants were heterozygote for the 35delG mutation; 14 participants, including three 35delG heterozygote's, had nine different alterations in the GJB2 gene. One variant, p.Ser199Glnfs*9, detected in two participants, was previously unreported. Three variants were pathogenic (p.Trp172*, p.Val167Met, and p.Arg75Trp), two were non-pathogenic (p.Val27Ile and p.Ile196Thr), and three variants were indeterminate (p.Met34Thr, p.Arg127Leu, and p.Lys168Arg). Three cases of compound heterozygosity were detected: p.[(Gly12Valfs*2)];[(Trp172*)], p.[(Gly12Valfs*2)](;)[(Met34Thr)], and p.[(Gly12Valfs*2)(;)[(Ser199Glnfs*9)]). CONCLUSION: This study detected previously unclassified variants and one case of previously unreported compound heterozygosity.

Cochlear implantation in autistic children with profound sensorineural hearing loss / Implante coclear em crianças autistas com perda auditiva neurossensorial profunda

Abstract Introduction Cochlear implants have become the method of choice for the treatment of severe-to-profound hearing loss in both children and adults. Its benefits are well documented in the pediatric and adult population. Also deaf children with additional needs, including autism, have been covered by this treatment. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the benefits from cochlear implantation in deafened children with autism as the only additional disability. Methods This study analyzes data of six children. The follow-up time was at least 43 months. The following data were analyzed: medical history, reaction to music and sound, Ling's six sounds test, onomatopoeic word test, reaction to spoken child's name, response to requests, questionnaire given to parents, sound processor fitting sessions and data. Results After cochlear implantation each child presented other communication skills. In some children, the symptoms of speech understanding were observed. No increased hyperactivity associated with daily use cochlear implant was observed. The study showed that in autistic children the perception is very important for a child's sense of security and makes contact with parents easier. Conclusion Our study showed that oral communication is not likely to be a realistic goal in children with cochlear implants and autism. The implantation results showed benefits that varied among those children. The traditional methods of evaluating the results of cochlear implantation in children with autism are usually insufficient to fully assess the functional benefits. These benefits should be assessed in a more comprehensive manner taking into account the limitations of communication resulting from the essence of autism. It is important that we share knowledge about these complex children with cochlear implants.

Resumo Introdução Os implantes Cocleares tornaram-se o metodo de escolha para o tratamento da perda auditiva severa a profunda em crianças e adultos. Seus beneficios estao bem documentados nas populaçoes pediatrica e adulta. Tambem as crianças surdas com necessidades adicionais, incluindo autismo, tem sido incluidas nesse tratamento. Objetivo O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar os beneficios do implante coclear em crianças surdas com autismo como unica deficiencia adicional. Método Esse estudo analisa os dados de seis crianças. O tempo de seguimento foi de pelo menos 43 meses. Foram analisados os seguintes dados: historico medico, a reaçao a musica e ao som, teste dos seis sons de Ling, teste de palavra onomatopaica, reaçao ao nome falado da criança, resposta a pedidos, questionario aplicado aos pais, sessoes de ajustes e dados do processador de som. Resultados Apos o implante coclear, cada criança apresentou outras habilidades de comunicaçao. Em algumas crianças, foram observados sinais de compreensao da fala. Nao foi observado aumento de hiperatividade associada com o uso diario de implante coclear. O estudo mostrou que em crianças autistas a percepçao e muito importante para a sensaçao de segurança da criança e torna o contato com os pais mais facil. Conclusão Nosso estudo mostrou que a comunicaçao oral nao e uma meta realistica provavel em crianças com implantes cocleares e autismo. Os resultados do implante mostraram beneficios variaveis entre as crianças. Os metodos tradicionais de avaliaçao dos resultados do implante coclear em crianças com autismo sao geralmente insuficientes para avaliar plenamente os beneficios funcionais. Esses beneficios devem ser avaliados de forma mais abrangente, tendo em conta as limitaçoes de comunicaçao resultantes da essencia do autismo. E importante que compartilhemos conhecimentos sobre essas complexas crianças com implantes cocleares.

Efetividade na adesão a reabilitação auditiva em crianças: Grupo de Adesão Familiar e terapia inicial / Effectiveness in adherence to auditory rehabilitation in children: Family adherence group and initial therapy / Eficacia em la adherencia a la rehabilitación auditiva em niños: Grupo de la família adhesión y la terapia inicial

Introdução: O diagnóstico precoce da deficiência auditiva em crianças e a intervenção são determinantes para o desenvolvimento. Uso do AASI; expectativas dos familiares e sua implicação com o tratamento são fatores importantes para o prognóstico. Objetivo: O objetivo foi verificar a efetividade da adesão à reabilitação auditiva, a consistência de uso do AASI, a participação nas terapias e nos grupo na fase inicial do processo terapêutico (ADAPTI), num serviço da Rede Municipal de Saúde de São Paulo. Método: A pesquisa foi realizada em crianças com deficiência auditiva atendidas em um serviço da Rede Municipal, seus responsáveis e terapeutas. Este estudo teve caráter descritivo quanti/qualitativo. Caracterizamos os sujeitos do ponto de vista demográfico, audiológico, da consistência de uso do AASI e da efetividade na adesão. Resultados: As 25 crianças foram organizadas em cinco grupos. Dessas, 13 eram do gênero feminino e 12 do masculino. Vinte e quatro tinham perda auditiva sensorioneural. Uma tinha perda condutiva com AASI adaptado com vibrador ósseo. Dez tinham suspeita/presença de outros comprometimentos. Os classificamos conforme o desfecho do ADAPTI. Diferentes prognósticos interferiram nas orientações, desinteressando os pais com demandas diferentes. Discussão: O grupo de Apoio Familiar (GrAF) foi um facilitador no processo. Grupos mais homogêneos levam maior empatia entre os participantes e maior probabilidade de adesão. A distância e o SII 65 dB são fatores que parecem afetar a adesão. Conclusão: Grupos homogêneos propiciaram maior adesão; As atividades propiciaram discussões que promovem adesão ao tratamento; O GrAF foi considerado um facilitador. A distância e o SII 65 dB parecem afetar a adesão.

Introduction: Early diagnosis of hearing loss in children and intervention, are determinants for the development. Use of hearing aids; Family members' expectations and their implication with treatment are important factors for the prognosis. Objective: This study verified the effectiveness of adherence to rehabilitation, the consistency of the use of hearing aids, participation in the therapies and in the initial phase of the therapeutic process (ADAPTI), in a Municipal Health Service of São Paulo. Method: The research was carried out with hearing impaired children attending a Municipal Health Service, their parents and therapists. This study was quanti/qualitative. We characterize the patients from a demographic, audiological point of view, the consistency of the use of the hearing aids and the effectiveness of adherence. Results: The 25 children were organized into five groups. Of these, 13 were female and 12 male. Twenty four had sensorineural hearing loss. One had conductive loss and the hearing aids were adapted with bone vibrator. Ten had suspicion/presence of other compromises. We classified them according to the ADAPTI outcome. Different prognoses interfered in the orientations, disinterested parents with different demands. Discussion: The group was a facilitator in the process. More homogenous groups lead to greater empathy among participants and greater likelihood of adherence. Distance and SII 65 dB are factors that appear to affect adherence. Conclusion: Homogeneous groups provided greater adhesion; the activities provided discussions that promote adherence to treatment; the group was considered a facilitator. The distance and SII 65 dB seem to affect adhesion.

Introducción: El diagnóstico precoz de lahipoacusia y la intervención son cruciales para el desarrollo. El uso de audífonos; expectativas de la familia y su relación com tratamento son factores importantes para el pronóstico. Objetivo: Verificar la eficacia de la adherencia a la rehabilitación auditiva, el uso de la audición, la participación em la terapia y el grupo al inicio del processo terapéutico (ADAPTI), um servicio de la ciudad de San Pablo de la Salud. Método: El estudio se llevó a cabo em niños com audición asistió a unservicio de la red municipal, sus agentes y los terapeutas. Este estúdio fue cuantitativo/cualitativo. Los sujetos em el punto de vista audiológico demográfica, el uso de la audicióncoherencia y laeficacia de lasayudas de miembros. Resultados: 25 niños se organizaronen cinco grupos. 13 eranmujeres y 12 hombres. 24 tenían una pérdida auditiva neurosensorial. Una perdida conductora con vibrador óseo. Diez habían sospechado/presencia de otros compromisos. Los clasificamos como el resultado de ADAPTI. Diferentes prognósticos han interferido em las directrices, los padres con diferentes demandas. Discusión: El grupo fue un facilitador em el proceso. Grupos más homogéneos tienen una mayor empatía entre los participantes y los más propensos a unirse. La distancia y el SII 65 dB son factores que parecen afectar e lcumplimiento. Conclusión: grupos homogéneos, mostró una mayor adherencia; Las actividades se hanllevado a buenas discusiones; El grupo fue considerado un facilitador. La distancia y el SII 65 dB parecenafectar el cumplimiento.

Cochlear implantation in autistic children with profound sensorineural hearing loss.

INTRODUCTION: Cochlear implants have become the method of choice for the treatment of severe-to-profound hearing loss in both children and adults. Its benefits are well documented in the pediatric and adult population. Also deaf children with additional needs, including autism, have been covered by this treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the benefits from cochlear implantation in deafened children with autism as the only additional disability. METHODS: This study analyzes data of six children. The follow-up time was at least 43 months. The following data were analyzed: medical history, reaction to music and sound, Ling's six sounds test, onomatopoeic word test, reaction to spoken child's name, response to requests, questionnaire given to parents, sound processor fitting sessions and data. RESULTS: After cochlear implantation each child presented other communication skills. In some children, the symptoms of speech understanding were observed. No increased hyperactivity associated with daily use cochlear implant was observed. The study showed that in autistic children the perception is very important for a child's sense of security and makes contact with parents easier. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that oral communication is not likely to be a realistic goal in children with cochlear implants and autism. The implantation results showed benefits that varied among those children. The traditional methods of evaluating the results of cochlear implantation in children with autism are usually insufficient to fully assess the functional benefits. These benefits should be assessed in a more comprehensive manner taking into account the limitations of communication resulting from the essence of autism. It is important that we share knowledge about these complex children with cochlear implants.

Hearing function after betahistine therapy in patients with Ménière's disease / Função auditiva após terapia com beta-histina em pacientes com doença de Ménière

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Preventing or reversing hearing loss is challenging in Ménière's disease. Betahistine, as a histamine agonist, has been tried in controlling vertigo in patients with Ménière's disease, but its effectiveness on hearing problems is not known. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of betahistine on hearing function in not-previously-treated patients with Ménière's disease and to define possible contributors in this regard. METHODS: A total of 200 not-previously-treated patients with definite unilateral Ménière's disease received betahistine by mouth (initial dose, 16 mg three times a day; maintenance dose, 24-48 mg daily in divided doses). Changes in indicators of hearing status before and six months after treatment were documented. Hearing loss was considered as the mean hearing level >25 dB HL at five frequencies. RESULTS: The mean duration of disease was 3.37 years. Six months after treatment the mean hearing level decreased by 6.35 dB compared to that at the baseline (p < 0.001). Both patients' age and the duration of disease correlated negatively with the improvement in hearing function. Post treatment hearing loss was independently associated with age, the initial hearing level and the chronicity of disease. The corresponding optimal cut-off points for predicating a persistent hearing loss 6 months after treatment were 47 years, 38 dB HL, and 1.4 years, respectively. CONCLUSION: Oral betahistine was significantly effective in preventing/reversing hearing deterioration in patients with Ménière's disease. Age, the hearing level on admission, and the disease duration were independent predictors of hearing status after treatment.

Resumo Introdução: Prevenir ou reverter a perda auditiva é um desafio na doença de Ménière. A betahistina, um agonista de histamina, tem sido testada no controle de vertigem em pacientes com doença de Ménière, mas sua eficácia em problemas de audição ainda não é conhecida. Objetivo: Analisar o efeito da betahistina na função auditiva em pacientes com doença de Ménière não tratados previamente, e definir possíveis contribuintes a esse respeito. Método: Um total de 200 pacientes sem tratamento prévio, e com diagnóstico definido de doença de Ménière unilateral, recebeu beta-histina por via oral (dose inicial de 16 mg três vezes ao dia; dose de manutenção de 24-48 mg por dia, em doses divididas). Alterações dolimiar auditivo antes e após seis meses de tratamento foram documentadas. Considerou-se como perda auditiva uma média do nível de audição > 25 dB NA em cinco frequências. Resultados: A média de duração da doença foi de 3,37 anos. Seis meses após o tratamento, a média do limiar auditivo diminuiu em 6,35 dB, em comparação com o valor da linha de base (p < 0,001). Tanto a idade dos pacientes quanto a duração da doença apresentaram correlação negativa com a melhora da função auditiva. A perda auditiva após o tratamento foi independentemente associada à idade, ao nível inicial de audição e à cronicidade da doença. Os pontos de corte ótimos correspondentes para prever uma perda auditiva persistente seis meses após o tratamento foram 47 anos, 38 dB HL e 1,4 ano, respectivamente. Conclusão: A betahistina oral foi significantemente eficaz na prevenção/reversão da deterioração auditiva em pacientes com doença de Ménière. Idade, nível de audição na admissão e duração da doença foram fatores preditivos independentes da condição auditiva após o tratamento.

Hearing function after betahistine therapy in patients with Ménière's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Preventing or reversing hearing loss is challenging in Ménière's disease. Betahistine, as a histamine agonist, has been tried in controlling vertigo in patients with Ménière's disease, but its effectiveness on hearing problems is not known. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of betahistine on hearing function in not-previously-treated patients with Ménière's disease and to define possible contributors in this regard. METHODS: A total of 200 not-previously-treated patients with definite unilateral Ménière's disease received betahistine by mouth (initial dose, 16mg three times a day; maintenance dose, 24-48mg daily in divided doses). Changes in indicators of hearing status before and six months after treatment were documented. Hearing loss was considered as the mean hearing level >25dB HL at five frequencies. RESULTS: The mean duration of disease was 3.37 years. Six months after treatment the mean hearing level decreased by 6.35dB compared to that at the baseline (p<0.001). Both patients' age and the duration of disease correlated negatively with the improvement in hearing function. Post treatment hearing loss was independently associated with age, the initial hearing level and the chronicity of disease. The corresponding optimal cut-off points for predicating a persistent hearing loss 6 months after treatment were 47 years, 38dB HL, and 1.4 years, respectively. CONCLUSION: Oral betahistine was significantly effective in preventing/reversing hearing deterioration in patients with Ménière's disease. Age, the hearing level on admission, and the disease duration were independent predictors of hearing status after treatment.

Teleaudiologia: análise da comunicação profissional/paciente no processo de seleção e adaptação de aparelhos de amplificação sonora individuais via teleconsulta / Teleaudiology: analysis of the professional/patient communication in the selection process and hearing aid fitting via teleconsultation

Pesquisas demonstraram que a teleconsulta síncrona com vídeo interativo e compartilhamento remoto de aplicativos pode ser utilizada com sucesso na programação e verificação de aparelhos de amplificação sonora individuais (AASIs). Entretanto, esta consulta, mediada via tecnologia de informação e comunicação, pode dificultar a efetiva comunicação profissional/paciente, com consequente impacto negativo na compreensão e retenção da informação, adesão e bem-estar psicológico do paciente durante o tratamento. Este estudo comparou a comunicação nas consultas para adaptação do AASI realizadas face a face e a distância. Participaram do estudo 60 deficientes auditivos, com idades entre 50 e 89 anos (média=69), candidatos ao uso do AASI, divididos em dois grupos conforme a modalidade de atendimento: face a face (n=30) e teleconsulta (n=30). Estes participantes foram atendidos por cinco fonoaudiólogas com experiência na adaptação do AASI e, nas teleconsultas, por mais quatro facilitadores. O software TeamViewer 10© foi utilizado para a transmissão de áudio e vídeo e compartilhamento de dados (conexão via LAN USP, velocidade de 384 Kbps), entre o computador localizado no ambiente de teste, onde estavam o paciente e facilitador, e o ambiente remoto, onde estava a fonoaudióloga. Assim, a fonoaudióloga conduziu os procedimentos de programaçã e verificação do AASI à distância, com auxílio do facilitador. Todas as consultas foram gravadas em formato de vídeo. Dois avaliadores independentes analisaram os vídeos e atribuíram uma pontuação de 0 a 24 pontos para a comunicação ocorrida nas consultas, de acordo com a Escala Global de Pontuação de Consultas (Global Consultation Rating Scale GCRS). Pontuações maiores indicam resultados mais favoráveis. Em média, a duração das teleconsultas foi 10 minutos maior que a das consultas presenciais. Problemas técnicos ocorreram em 27% das teleconsultas, sendo necessário interrompê-las e reiniciá-las. A pontuação média da GCRS foi de 15,3...

Researches have shown that the synchronous teleconsultation with interactive video and remote application sharing can be used successfully in programming and verification of hearing aids (HAs). However, this consultation, mediated via information and communication technology and communication, may difficult the effective communication professional/patient, with consequent negative impact on patients comprehension and retention of information, adherence and psychological welfare of the patient during the treatment. This study compared the communication in HA fitting consultations performed face-to-face and at distance. Participated in this study 60 hearing impaired, aged between 50 and 89 years (average=69), candidates to the HA use, divided into two groups according to the attendance modality: face to face (n=30) and teleconsultation (n=30). These participants were attended by five audiologists with expertise in hearing aid fitting and, in the teleconsultations, for another four facilitators. The TeamViewer software 10© was used to transmit audio and video and data sharing (connection via LAN USP, 384 Kbps speed), amongst the computer located in the test environment, where were the patient and the facilitator, and the remote environment, where was the audiologist. Thus, the audiologists conducted the programming procedures and examination of the hearing aid at the distance, with the facilitators assistance. All consultations were recorded in video format. Two independent examiners evaluated the videos and assigned a score of 0 to 24 points for communication occurred in the consultations, according to the Global Consultation Rating Scale GCRS. Higher scores indicate better results. On average, the duration of the teleconsultation was 10 minutes longer than the face to face consultations. Technical problems occurred in 27% of teleconsultation, being necessary to interrupt and restart them. The average score of the GCRS was 15.3...

Teleaudiologia: análise da comunicação profissional/paciente no processo de seleção e adaptação de aparelhos de amplificação sonora individuais via teleconsulta / Teleaudiology: analysis of the professional/patient communication in the selection process and hearing aid fitting via teleconsultation

Pesquisas demonstraram que a teleconsulta síncrona com vídeo interativo e compartilhamento remoto de aplicativos pode ser utilizada com sucesso na programação e verificação de aparelhos de amplificação sonora individuais (AASIs). Entretanto, esta consulta, mediada via tecnologia de informação e comunicação, pode dificultar a efetiva comunicação profissional/paciente, com consequente impacto negativo na compreensão e retenção da informação, adesão e bem-estar psicológico do paciente durante o tratamento. Este estudo comparou a comunicação nas consultas para adaptação do AASI realizadas face a face e a distância. Participaram do estudo 60 deficientes auditivos, com idades entre 50 e 89 anos (média=69), candidatos ao uso do AASI, divididos em dois grupos conforme a modalidade de atendimento: face a face (n=30) e teleconsulta (n=30). Estes participantes foram atendidos por cinco fonoaudiólogas com experiência na adaptação do AASI e, nas teleconsultas, por mais quatro facilitadores. O software TeamViewer 10© foi utilizado para a transmissão de áudio e vídeo e compartilhamento de dados (conexão via LAN USP, velocidade de 384 Kbps), entre o computador localizado no ambiente de teste, onde estavam o paciente e facilitador, e o ambiente remoto, onde estava a fonoaudióloga. Assim, a fonoaudióloga conduziu os procedimentos de programaçã e verificação do AASI à distância, com auxílio do facilitador. Todas as consultas foram gravadas em formato de vídeo. Dois avaliadores independentes analisaram os vídeos e atribuíram uma pontuação de 0 a 24 pontos para a comunicação ocorrida nas consultas, de acordo com a Escala Global de Pontuação de Consultas (Global Consultation Rating Scale GCRS). Pontuações maiores indicam resultados mais favoráveis. Em média, a duração das teleconsultas foi 10 minutos maior que a das consultas presenciais. Problemas técnicos ocorreram em 27% das teleconsultas, sendo necessário interrompê-las e reiniciá-las. A pontuação média da GCRS foi de 15,3...

Researches have shown that the synchronous teleconsultation with interactive video and remote application sharing can be used successfully in programming and verification of hearing aids (HAs). However, this consultation, mediated via information and communication technology and communication, may difficult the effective communication professional/patient, with consequent negative impact on patients comprehension and retention of information, adherence and psychological welfare of the patient during the treatment. This study compared the communication in HA fitting consultations performed face-to-face and at distance. Participated in this study 60 hearing impaired, aged between 50 and 89 years (average=69), candidates to the HA use, divided into two groups according to the attendance modality: face to face (n=30) and teleconsultation (n=30). These participants were attended by five audiologists with expertise in hearing aid fitting and, in the teleconsultations, for another four facilitators. The TeamViewer software 10© was used to transmit audio and video and data sharing (connection via LAN USP, 384 Kbps speed), amongst the computer located in the test environment, where were the patient and the facilitator, and the remote environment, where was the audiologist. Thus, the audiologists conducted the programming procedures and examination of the hearing aid at the distance, with the facilitators assistance. All consultations were recorded in video format. Two independent examiners evaluated the videos and assigned a score of 0 to 24 points for communication occurred in the consultations, according to the Global Consultation Rating Scale GCRS. Higher scores indicate better results. On average, the duration of the teleconsultation was 10 minutes longer than the face to face consultations. Technical problems occurred in 27% of teleconsultation, being necessary to interrupt and restart them. The average score of the GCRS was 15.3...

A prevalência de perdas auditivas em crianças e adolescentes com câncer / The prevalence of hearing loss in children and adolescents with cancer

O tratamento do câncer infantil provoca diversos efeitos colaterais, como a ototoxicidade, que é capaz de lesar estruturas da orelha interna e pode levar à perda auditiva. OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de perda auditiva em crianças e adolescentes com câncer, utilizando três classificações: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Pediatric Oncology Group Toxicity (POGT) e Perda Auditiva Bilateral (PAB). Forma de Estudo: Transversal. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Analisou-se 94 pacientes atendidos entre 2003 e 2004. Os indivíduos foram submetidos à inspeção visual do meato acústico externo e avaliação audiológica. Para caracterização da amostra utilizou-se a estatística descritiva e para a análise da concordância da perda auditiva nas três classificações foi utilizada a estatística Kappa. RESULTADOS: Houve prevalência de perda auditiva de 42,5 por cento pela ASHA, 40,4 por cento pela POGT e 12,8 por cento pela PAB. A concordância para POGT e PAB, e para PAB e ASHA foi fraca (respectivamente, k=0,36 e k=0,33). A concordância entre ASHA e POGT foi quase perfeita (k=0,96). CONCLUSÕES: A perda de audição é um efeito colateral importante nos pacientes com câncer. A monitorização auditiva é fundamental, pois possibilita detecção precoce e revisão do tratamento. Recomenda-se adotar uma classificação que contemple perdas auditivas leves, como proposta pela ASHA.

The treatment of cancer in children has several side effects, including ototoxicity. Inner ear structures may be affected and hearing loss may ensue. AIM: To estimate the prevalence of hearing loss in patients with cancer using the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the Pediatric Oncology Group Toxicity (POGT), and the Bilateral Hearing Loss (PAB) criteria. Study design: a prospective study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 94 patients admitted between 2003 and 2004 were analyzed. Visual inspection of the external auditory meatus and an audiologic evaluation were done. Descriptive statistics was used to characterize the sample, and Kappa statistics was used to investigate concordance of hearing loss in the three types of classification. RESULTS: The prevalence of hearing loss was 42.5 percent using ASHA, 40.4 percent using POGT, and 12.8 percent using PAB. The concordance of hearing loss was weak for POGT and PAB (k=0.36) and for PAB and ASHA (k=0.33). The concordance between ASHA and POGT was almost perfect (k=0.96). CONCLUSIONS: Hearing loss is an important side effect of the treatment of cancer in children. Periodic audiology monitoring is recommended to detect early hearing loss and to revise the treatment if necessary. Adoption of a classification system that detects mild hearing loss (ASHA) is recommended.