Brazilian Scale of Hearing and Language Development: Normality Curve for Infants and Children from 0 to 24 Months Old with Normal Hearing.

Introduction Cochlear implants are currently the most effective technological resource to facilitate access to the hearing world for deaf people. Their use, especially when implanted early in children, reduces the impact of deafness on hearing as well as on the development of spoken language. Objective To validate the first part of the Brazilian Scale of Hearing and Language Development (EDAL-1, in the Portuguese acronym) and to establish the normal curve in infants and children aged between 0 and 24 months old with normal hearing. Method This is an experimental study of a descriptive nature, conducted with 92 infants and children with normal hearing. Every infant/child was evaluated audiologically, and the EDAL-1 was applied to their parents. The responses were categorized by applying the EDAL-1 every 3 months for each child. Results The EDAL-1 was shown to be easily applied by the researcher and easily understood by the parents. It was possible to classify the sample every 3 months and describe the results. The average of the responses found in terms of scores for each age category shows an increasing scale following the evolution of the chronological age: 3 months-34.23 points; 6 months-54.68 points; 9 months-73 points; 12 months-82.5 points; 15 months-87 points; 18 months-91 points; 21 months-92.5 points, and 24 months-95.83 points. Conclusion The normal curve for EDAL-1 was successfully established. The averages can be considered as the standard protocol for normality, serving as a reference for comparison with other populations.

Brazilian scale of hearing and language development: normality curve for infants and children from 0 to 24 months old with normal hearing

Introduction: Cochlear implants are currently the most effective technological resource to facilitate access to the hearing world for deaf people. Their use, especially when implanted early in children, reduces the impact of deafness on hearing as well as on the development of spoken language. Objective: To validate the first part of the Brazilian Scale of Hearing and Language Development (EDAL-1, in the Portuguese acronym) and to establish the normal curve in infants and children aged between 0 and 24 months old with normal hearing. Method: This is an experimental study of a descriptive nature, conducted with 92 infants and children with normal hearing. Every infant/child was evaluated audiologically, and the EDAL-1 was applied to their parents. The responses were categorized by applying the EDAL-1 every 3 months for each child. Results: The EDAL-1 was shown to be easily applied by the researcher and easily understood by the parents. It was possible to classify the sample every 3 months and describe the results. The average of the responses found in terms of scores for each age category shows an increasing scale following the evolution of the chronological age: 3 months-34.23 points; 6 months-54.68 points; 9 months-73 points; 12 months- 82.5 points; 15 months-87 points; 18 months-91 points; 21 months-92.5 points, and 24 months-95.83 points. Conclusion: The normal curve for EDAL-1 was successfully established. The averages can be considered as the standard protocol for normality, serving as a reference for comparison with other populations (AU)

Benefit of Using the Prosthesis with Sound Generators in Individuals with Tinnitus Associated With Mild to Moderately Severe Hearing Loss.

INTRODUCTION: One of the treatments currently available for the remission of tinnitus, when associated with hearing loss is the use of hearing aids with sound generator. Such treatment is based on the capability that the human brain has to get used to a new sound over another. OBJECTIVE: To describe the results found in a group of people who have undergone treatment with sound generators. Method: Audiologic follow-up protocols of 25 adult subjects with hearing loss and complaint of tinnitus were analyzed. It was applied: free field audiometry with hearing aids, Visual Analog Scale to determine the degree of annoyance of the tinnitus and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory to assess tinnitus impact on the quality of life before and after treatment. RESULTS: After the use of hearing aids there was significant improvement in hearing thresholds; there was a significant reduction in the degree of annoyance caused by tinnitus; there was a significant reduction of tinnitus and, consequently, on the quality of life of the respondents. CONCLUSION: This study allowed the verification that the use of hearing aids with sound generator is a good resource for the treatment of tinnitus associated with mild to moderately severe hearing loss.

Description of tinnitus and its relation to discomfort level in a group of elderly hearing aid wearers.

INTRODUCTION: Evaluating quality of life for tinnitus patients has been an interest of several specialties that have seen the negative impact that the disorder has on people. OBJECTIVE: To assess and qualify tinnitus in a group of elderly hearing aid wearers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 53 elderly patients with tinnitus without remission after wearing hearing aids. All subjects were submitted to: a medical evaluation, an audiological evaluation, acuphenometry, an investigation of tinnitus annoyance level and quality of life. RESULTS: There were 20 men and 33 women. The mean age was 72.5 years. The sample was mostly characterized by having sensorineural hearing loss (84%), moderate to moderately severe (86%) and downward sloping (82%). With respect to the description of the tinnitus sound, the most common were a hissing sound (93%) of average pitch (84%). Regarding the subjects' perception of tinnitus, it was found that subjects had varying levels of annoyance: mild (25%), moderate (33%), severe (22%), most severe (20%). Men are more bothered by tinnitus than women. Most of the sample reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their quality of life. CONCLUSION: It was possible to evaluate and qualify tinnitus in the sample. Although tinnitus is a frequent audiological symptom that interferes in the life of the elderly, in the sample it did not weigh heavily in terms of quality of life.

Access to hearing health service in Curitiba-PR for the elderly with hearing loss and tinnitus.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of complaints of hearing loss and tinnitus in a group of seniors and their access to hearing health services in the city of Curitiba. METHOD: 578 elderly, attending general practice clinic of two public hospitals in the city. Three questionnaires were applied: for user identification, to check for hearing loss/tinnitus and on access to hearing health services. RESULTS: Of the 578 subjects, 187 (31%) had hearing complaints and 112 (20%) had tinnitus; of these, 72% have never had an audiological evaluation, 12% received treatment for tinnitus without success, 16% reported having hearing aids, 14% had hearing aid devices managed by SUS; 76% of the sample showed the desire to carry out an assessment and be awarded hearing aids; 37% did not know where to seek help. CONCLUSION: The number of individuals with hearing complaints in the studied group is significant, as is the number of people with hearing complaints such as tinnitus who have never had a hearing examination. The access of people to public programs is deficient in this group.

Investigação das falhas técnicas verificadas em próteses auditivas de usuários de um programa público de saúde auditiva / Investigação das falhas técnicas verificadas em próteses auditivas de usuários de um programa público de saúde auditiva

Objetivo analisar as falhas técnicas em próteses auditivas de um grupo de usuários do Programa de Saúde Auditiva de uma Universidade em Curitiba. Métodos analisou-se o relatório técnico de 104 próteses de usuários que compareceram ao serviço para a consulta de acompanhamento. Resultados o relatório apontou para defeitos em: 21% receptor; 15% caixa; 12% suspensão; 9% microfone; 2% amplificador. Com relação à causa provável do defeito: 58% desgaste em função do tempo de uso; 25% umidade; 23% mau uso. Quanto ao valor dos consertos: mínimo de R$44,00 para revisão e limpeza (36%) e máximo de R$900,00 para substituição de peças (9,6%); 21% da amostra teve o orçamento realizado entre R$100,00 e R$500,00; 37% dos aparelhos foram substituídos. Conclusão Os defeitos detectados deveram-se a problemas de manuseio entre os usuários recentes, e desgaste entre os usuários mais antigos. .

Purpose to analyze the technical problems in hearing aids for a user group Program Hearing Health at a university in Curitiba. Methods we analyzed the technical report of 104 implants users who attended the service for follow-up visit. Results the report pointed to defects: 21% receiver, 15% cash, 12% suspension; microphone 9%, 2% amplifier. With regard to the probable cause of the defect: 58% wear a function of time of use, 25% humidity, 23% misuse. As the value of repairs: minimum of R$ 44.00 for review and cleaning (36%) and maximum of R$ 900.00 for replacement parts (9.6%), 21% of the sample was held between the budget R$ 100, 00 and R$ 500.00, 37% of the devices were replaced. Conclusion the defects were due to handling problems among recent users, and burnout among older users. .