Functional Impact of Tinnitus in Patients with Hearing Loss.

Introduction Tinnitus, which is considered the third worst symptom for humans, is a common complaint among people living with hearing loss and may negatively affect the quality of life of those who have it. Objective To analyze the perception of the handicap in patients with tinnitus and hearing loss as well as the possible associations between the variables hearing loss, loudness, onset, frequency and annoyance by tinnitus, and the correlation between the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). Methods A total of 30 patients with complaints of tinnitus and the presence of sensorineural hearing impairment were selected for this cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive study. The loudness of the tinnitus was measured by a VAS and classified as mild, moderate, or severe. The THI was classified as slight, mild, moderate, severe, and catastrophic. Data were submitted to statistical analysis using the Fisher exact test and Spearman correlation coefficient. Results Eleven male (36.7%) and 19 female (63.3%) subjects with a mean age of 56.5 years old were evaluated. There was no significant association between loudness, annoyance, time and frequency of tinnitus, nor between hearing loss and tinnitus. There was a significant association between the variables hearing loss and loudness, and a weak correlation between VAS and THI. Conclusion Tinnitus has a practical impact in the lives of patients with hearing loss in terms of catastrophic, functional, and emotional aspects, regardless of loudness, frequency, or time of onset. Hearing loss was a factor that had an impact on the loudness of tinnitus. There was no statistically significant correlation between VAS and THI.

Speech perception performance of subjects with type I diabetes mellitus in noise / Desempenho da percepção de fala no ruído em indivíduos com diabetes mellitus tipo I

Abstract Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder of various origins that occurs when the pancreas fails to produce insulin in sufficient quantities or when the organism fails to respond to this hormone in an efficient manner. Objective: To evaluate the speech recognition in subjects with type I diabetes mellitus (DMI) in quiet and in competitive noise. Methods: It was a descriptive, observational and cross-section study. We included 40 participants of both genders aged 18-30 years, divided into a control group (CG) of 20 healthy subjects with no complaints or auditory changes, paired for age and gender with the study group, consisting of 20 subjects with a diagnosis of DMI. First, we applied basic audiological evaluations (pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry and immittance audiometry) for all subjects; after these evaluations, we applied Sentence Recognition Threshold in Quiet (SRTQ) and Sentence Recognition Threshold in Noise (SRTN) in free field, using the List of Sentences in Portuguese test. Results: All subjects showed normal bilateral pure tone threshold, compatible speech audiometry and "A" tympanometry curve. Group comparison revealed a statistically significant difference for SRTQ (p = 0.0001), SRTN (p < 0.0001) and the signal-to-noise ratio (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The performance of DMI subjects in SRTQ and SRTN was worse compared to the subjects without diabetes.

Resumo Introdução: O diabetes mellitus (DM) é um distúrbio metabólico crônico de várias origens, que ocorre quando o pâncreas deixa de produzir insulina em quantidade suficiente ou quando o organismo não consegue responder a esse hormônio de maneira eficiente. Objetivo: Avaliar o reconhecimento de fala em indivíduos com diabetes mellitus tipo I (DMI) no silêncio e no ruído competitivo. Método: Estudo descritivo, observacional e transversal. Foram incluídos 40 participantes de ambos os sexos entre 18 e 30 anos, divididos em um grupo controle (GC) de 20 indivíduos saudáveis sem queixas ou alterações auditivas, pareados por idade e sexo com o grupo de estudo, composto por 20 indivíduos com diagnóstico de DMI. Inicialmente aplicou-se uma avaliação audiológica (audiometria tonal, logoaudiometria e imitanciometria) para todos os indivíduos; a seguir, os mesmos foram avaliados para o Limiar de Reconhecimento de Sentenças no Silêncio (LRSS) e Limiar de Reconhecimento de Sentenças no Ruído (LRSR), em campo livre, por meio do teste Lista de Sentenças em Português. Resultados: Todos os participantes apresentaram audiometria tonal dentro dos padrões de normalidade bilateralmente, logoaudiometria compatível e curva timpanométrica do tipo A. A comparação dos grupos revelou uma diferença estatisticamente significante para LRSS (p = 0,0001), LRSR (p < 0,0001) e a relação sinal-ruído (p < 0,0001). Conclusões O desempenho dos indivíduos com DMI para LRSS e LRSR foi pior em comparação com os indivíduos sem diabetes.

Speech perception performance of subjects with type I diabetes mellitus in noise.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder of various origins that occurs when the pancreas fails to produce insulin in sufficient quantities or when the organism fails to respond to this hormone in an efficient manner. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the speech recognition in subjects with type I diabetes mellitus (DMI) in quiet and in competitive noise. METHODS: It was a descriptive, observational and cross-section study. We included 40 participants of both genders aged 18-30 years, divided into a control group (CG) of 20 healthy subjects with no complaints or auditory changes, paired for age and gender with the study group, consisting of 20 subjects with a diagnosis of DMI. First, we applied basic audiological evaluations (pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry and immittance audiometry) for all subjects; after these evaluations, we applied Sentence Recognition Threshold in Quiet (SRTQ) and Sentence Recognition Threshold in Noise (SRTN) in free field, using the List of Sentences in Portuguese test. RESULTS: All subjects showed normal bilateral pure tone threshold, compatible speech audiometry and "A" tympanometry curve. Group comparison revealed a statistically significant difference for SRTQ (p=0.0001), SRTN (p<0.0001) and the signal-to-noise ratio (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The performance of DMI subjects in SRTQ and SRTN was worse compared to the subjects without diabetes.

Monitoring the Hearing Handicap and the Recognition Threshold of Sentences of a Patient with Unilateral Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder with Use of a Hearing Aid

Abstract Introduction Treatment for auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) is not yet well established, including the use of hearing aids (HAs). Not all patients diagnosed with ASND have access to HAs, and in some cases HAs are even contraindicated. Objective To monitor the hearing handicap and the recognition threshold of sentences in silence and in noise in a patient with ASND using an HA. Resumed Report A 47-year-old woman reported moderate sensorineural hearing loss in the right ear and high-frequency loss of 4 kHz in the left ear, with bilateral otoacoustic emissions. Auditory brainstem response suggested changes in the functioning of the auditory pathway (up to the inferior colliculus) on the right. An HA was indicated on the right. The patient was tested within a 3-month period before the HA fitting with respect to recognition threshold of sentences in quiet and in noise and for handicap determination. After HA use, she showed a 2.1-dB improvement in the recognition threshold of sentences in silence, a 6.0-dB improvement for recognition threshold of sentences in noise, and a rapid improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio from +3.66 to -2.4 dB when compared with the same tests before the fitting of the HA. Conclusion There was a reduction of the auditory handicap, although speech perception continued to be severely limited. There was a significant improvement of the recognition threshold of sentences in silence and in noise and of the signal-to-noise ratio after 3 months of HA use.

Monitoring the Hearing Handicap and the Recognition Threshold of Sentences of a Patient with Unilateral Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder with Use of a Hearing Aid.

Introduction Treatment for auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) is not yet well established, including the use of hearing aids (HAs). Not all patients diagnosed with ASND have access to HAs, and in some cases HAs are even contraindicated. Objective To monitor the hearing handicap and the recognition threshold of sentences in silence and in noise in a patient with ASND using an HA. Resumed Report A 47-year-old woman reported moderate sensorineural hearing loss in the right ear and high-frequency loss of 4 kHz in the left ear, with bilateral otoacoustic emissions. Auditory brainstem response suggested changes in the functioning of the auditory pathway (up to the inferior colliculus) on the right. An HA was indicated on the right. The patient was tested within a 3-month period before the HA fitting with respect to recognition threshold of sentences in quiet and in noise and for handicap determination. After HA use, she showed a 2.1-dB improvement in the recognition threshold of sentences in silence, a 6.0-dB improvement for recognition threshold of sentences in noise, and a rapid improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio from +3.66 to -2.4 dB when compared with the same tests before the fitting of the HA. Conclusion There was a reduction of the auditory handicap, although speech perception continued to be severely limited. There was a significant improvement of the recognition threshold of sentences in silence and in noise and of the signal-to-noise ratio after 3 months of HA use.

Variabilidade do registro de latência e amplitude do potencial evocado auditivo de Longa Latência (P3) na condição teste e reteste / Variability of registration latency and amplitude of the auditory evoked potential long latency (P3) in the condition test and retest

Objetivo Analisar a variabilidade da amplitude e latência do potencial cognitivo P3 em indivíduos normais, na condição teste e reteste, no período de sete dias. Métodos Foram avaliados 32 sujeitos, com idades entre 18 e 25 anos, 20 do gênero feminino e 12 do gênero masculino, sem queixas auditivas. Todos foram submetidos à avaliação audiológica e potencial evocado auditivo de longa latência. Resultados Os valores médios de latência e amplitude para o P3, obtidos neste estudo, foram de 314,78 ms e 312,40 ms para latência e 5,04 μV e 4,58 μV para amplitude, nas posições Cz e Fz, respectivamente. A média da diferença da latência da onda P3 na condição de reavaliação foi de 10,50 ms (Fz) e 15,25 ms (Cz) para o gênero feminino e de 6,00 ms (Fz) e 5,83 ms (Cz) para o gênero masculino. Conclusão Não houve diferença significativa quando comparadas latência e amplitude, no teste e reteste, com a fixação dos eletrodos em Cz e Fz. Não houve diferença para as latências e amplitude do P3 em todas as seguintes modalidades estudadas: gênero, fixação dos eletrodos (Cz e Fz) e condição teste e reteste. No entanto, para a latência do P3, houve diferença significativa para o gênero feminino, quando comparado em condição de teste e reteste. .

Purpose To analyze the variability of the amplitude and latency of the P3 cognitive potential in normal individuals, the condition test and retest, in the period of 7 days. Methods We evaluated 32 subjects, with ages between 18 and 25 years, 20 females and 12 males, without hearing complaints. Were submitted to audiologic evaluation and cortical potential. Results The mean values of latency and amplitude for the P3 obtained in this study were of 314.78 ms and 312.40 ms for latency and 5.04 μV and 4.58 μV, for amplitude, in positions Cz and Fz, respectively. No significant difference was found when compared to the latency and amplitude, in the test-retest reliability, with the fixing of the electrodes in Cz and Fz. There was no difference for the latency and amplitude of P3 in all the modalities studied: gender, fixation of the electrodes (Cz and Fz) and condition test and retest. For the latency of the P3 in the female gender and condition of test and retest, there was significant difference. Conclusion The mean values of latency and amplitude found in this study were 313.6 ms and 4.81 μV, respectively. The values of latency and amplitude did not vary according to the position of the electrodes (Cz and Fz) and regarding the condition test as retest. There was a significant difference for the female gender when compared in condition test and retest.The mean difference of the latency of P3 in condition of reassessment was 10.50 ms (Fz) and 15.25 ms (Cz) for the female gender and of 6.00 ms (Fz) and 5.83 ms (Cz) for the male gender. .

Audiometric thresholds and auditory processing in children with early malnutrition: a retrospective cohort study / Limiares audiométricos e processamento auditivo em crianças com subnutrição precoce: um estudo retrospectivo de coorte

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Malnutrition is one of the causes of changes in cell metabolism. The inner ear has few energy reserves and high metabolism. The aim of this study was to analyze whether malnutrition at an early age is related to impairment of auditory processing abilities and hearing abnormalities. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective cohort study conducted in a tertiary public hospital. METHODS: 45 children participated, divided as follows: G1, children diagnosed with malnutrition in their first two years of life; G2, children without history of malnutrition but with learning difficulties; G3, children without history of malnutrition and without learning difficulties. Tympanometry, pure-tone audiometry and the Staggered Spondaic Word (SSW) test (auditory processing) were performed. Statistical inferences were made using the Kruskal-Wallis test (α = 5%) and the test of equality of proportions between two samples (α = 1.7%). RESULTS: None of the 45 children participating in this study presented hearing deficiencies. However, at six of the eight frequencies analyzed, the children in G1 presented hearing thresholds lower than those of the other groups. In the auditory processing evaluation test, it was observed that 100% of the children in G1 presented abnormal auditory processing and that G1 and G2 had similar proportions of abnormalities (P-values: G1/G2 = 0.1; G1/G3 > 0.001; G2/G3 = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition at an early age caused lowering of the hearing levels, although this impairment could not be considered to be a hearing deficiency. Every child in this group presented abnormalities in auditory processing abilities. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A subnutrição é uma das causas das alterações no metabolismo celular. A orelha interna possui poucas reservas energéticas e alto metabolismo. O objetivo deste estudo foi de analisar se a subnutrição em idade precoce está relacionada a prejuízos em habilidades do processamento auditivo e a alterações auditivas. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo conduzido em hospital público terciário. MÉTODOS: Participaram 45 crianças divididas em: G1, crianças que tiveram o diagnóstico de subnutrição nos dois primeiros anos de vida; G2, crianças sem histórico de subnutrição, mas com dificuldades de aprendizagem; G3, crianças sem histórico de subnutrição e sem dificuldades escolares. Realizou-se a timpanometria, audiometria tonal limiar e o teste de SSW [Staggered Spondaic Word] (processamento auditivo). Para a inferência estatística, usou-se o Kruskal-Wallis (α = 5%) e o teste igualdade de proporções entre duas amostras (α = 1,7%). RESULTADOS: Nenhuma das 45 crianças participantes neste estudo apresentou deficiência auditiva, porém em seis das oito frequências avaliadas, as crianças do G1 apresentaram limiares auditivos rebaixados quando comparadas às de outros grupos. No teste que avaliou o processamento auditivo, constatou-se que 100% das crianças do G1 possuem alteração do processamento auditivo, e que G1 e G2 possuem proporção semelhante de presença de alterações (valor de P: G1/G2 = 0,1; G1/G3 = > 0,001; G2/G3 = 0,008). CONCLUSÕES: A subnutrição em idade precoce causou rebaixamento nos níveis de audição, apesar de este prejuízo auditivo não ser considerado como deficiência auditiva. Todas as crianças ...

Audiometric thresholds and auditory processing in children with early malnutrition: a retrospective cohort study.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Malnutrition is one of the causes of changes in cell metabolism. The inner ear has few energy reserves and high metabolism. The aim of this study was to analyze whether malnutrition at an early age is related to impairment of auditory processing abilities and hearing abnormalities. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective cohort study conducted in a tertiary public hospital. METHODS: 45 children participated, divided as follows: G1, children diagnosed with malnutrition in their first two years of life; G2, children without history of malnutrition but with learning difficulties; G3, children without history of malnutrition and without learning difficulties. Tympanometry, pure-tone audiometry and the Staggered Spondaic Word (SSW) test (auditory processing) were performed. Statistical inferences were made using the Kruskal-Wallis test (α = 5%) and the test of equality of proportions between two samples (α = 1.7%). RESULTS: None of the 45 children participating in this study presented hearing deficiencies. However, at six of the eight frequencies analyzed, the children in G1 presented hearing thresholds lower than those of the other groups. In the auditory processing evaluation test, it was observed that 100% of the children in G1 presented abnormal auditory processing and that G1 and G2 had similar proportions of abnormalities (P-values: G1/G2 = 0.1; G1/G3 > 0.001; G2/G3 = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition at an early age caused lowering of the hearing levels, although this impairment could not be considered to be a hearing deficiency. Every child in this group presented abnormalities in auditory processing abilities.

Time after birth in relation to failure rate in newborn hearing screening.

OBJECTIVE: To verify and correlate the rate of failure in the newborn hearing screening in relation to the time of life of the newborn when the procedure is carried out. METHODS: The study focused on babies born on a maternity, from October/2010 to March/2011. Newborns possessing one or more risk indicators for auditory impairment as described by the JCIH, 2007 or with time of life longer than 60 h were excluded. An automated transient evoked otoacoustic emission equipment was used. The "pass" criterion adopted was: signal to noise ratio greater than 6dB and a minimum signal level of -5dbNPS in at least three frequencies. Babies were divided in three groups: GI: fewer than 24 h old, GII: between 24 and 36 h, and GIII: more than 36 h. RESULTS: 890 babies were included, 52% male and 48% female. Of all newborns, 70% passed the test and 30% failed. Regarding gender, 30% female and 31% male failed the test. 35% of the newborns were in GI, 53% in GII and 12% in GIII. Comparing the three groups simultaneously, we conclude that there is evidence of differences between them (P value <0.001). When compared two by two, we conclude that the distributions of GII and GIII may be considered the same (P=0.443), but both are different from GI (P<0.001). We noticed that in GII and GIII, the proportion of patients who presented de "pass" result is much higher than that of patients who presented this result in GI. The result of logistic regression shows that with the passing of each hour after birth, a newborn's chance of failing the test decreases by 5%. CONCLUSION: We have concluded that the failure rate in the newborn hearing screening was much higher in the newborns screened within 24 h from birth, deviating statistically from the newborns screened between 24 and 36 h. There was no statistically significant difference between the latter two time brackets.

Habilidades auditivas e medidas da imitância acústica em crianças de 4 a 6 anos de idade / Auditory abilities and acoustic immittance measures in children from 4 to 6 year old

OBJETIVO: avaliar o desempenho em habilidades auditivas e as condições de orelha média de crianças de 4 a 6 anos de idade. MÉTODO: foram aplicados os testes de detecção sonora (audiômetro pediátrico em 20dBNA), a Avaliação Simplificada do Processamento Auditivo (ASPA) e as medidas de imitância acústica (handtymp com tom de 226Hz) em 61 crianças com média de idade de 5,65 anos. Para comparar os resultados das provas de habilidades auditivas e das medidas da imitância acústica foi aplicado o teste exato de Fisher com nível de significância de p< 0,05. RESULTADOS: houve alteração em pelo menos uma das habilidades auditivas investigadas em 24,6% das crianças. Houve alteração timpanométrica em 34,4% das crianças e 64% foram classificadas no critério "falha" para a pesquisa do reflexo acústico ispilateral. As crianças mais jovens apresentaram maior ocorrência de alterações de orelha média, mas não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre as diferentes idades para as provas realizadas. CONCLUSÃO: as crianças mais jovens apresentaram maior ocorrência de alterações nas provas de habilidades auditivas e nas medidas de imitância acústica. Programas de investigação e acompanhamento das condições de orelha média e das habilidades auditivas em idade pré-escolar e escolar podem eliminar ou minimizar intercorrências que alterariam o desenvolvimento sócio-linguístico.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the performance of auditory abilities and conditions in the middle ear of children from 4 to 6 year old. METHOD: we applied the tests in order to detect sound (pediatric audiometer in 20dBHL), the Simplified Assessment of Auditory Processing (SAAP) and the acoustic immittance measures (handtymp with a probe of 226Hz). In order to compare the results from the tests of auditory abilities and measures of acoustic impedance we applied Fisher's exact test with significance level of p <0.05. RESULTS: the study involved 61 children with a mean age of 5.65 years. There was some alteration in at least one of the investigated auditory skills in 24.6% of the children. Tympanometry was altered in 34.4% of the children and 64% were classified on the "fail" criterion for the measure of ipsilateral acoustic reflex. Younger children had higher incidence of middle ear disorders, but with no significant statistical difference between different ages as for the tests. CONCLUSION: younger children showed a higher occurrence of alterations in the tests of auditory abilities and measures of acoustic immittance. Research and monitoring programs for the conditions of the middle ear and auditory skills in preschool and school age can eliminate or minimize events that would alter the socio-linguistic development.

A report of extended high frequency audiometry thresholds in school-age children with no hearing complaints.

The aim of the study was to establish the extended high frequency thresholds (EHF) of school-age children with no hearing complaints. The study was conducted on 50 children aged 8 to 12 years with pure tone thresholds (0.5, 1 and 2 kHz) of 15 dB HL or less, with normal speech discrimination and tympanometry and with the presence of contralateral acoustic reflexes of 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz. The children were tested for EHF at frequencies of 9, 10, 11.2, 12.5, 14 and 16 kHz. No significant differences were found between the right and left ear for female and male groups. The results allowed us to group the children into a single sample with mean thresholds (dB) of 8.6 (9 kHz), 6.2 (10 kHz), 8.2 (11.2 kHz), 7.1 (12.5 kHz), 0.4 (14 kHz), and -3.6 (16 kHz). We conclude that, for school-age children, the extended EHF below 15 dBHL could be used as an indication of normal hearing sensitivity.

Screening, diagnosing and treating deafness: the knowledge and conduct of doctors serving in neonatology and/or pediatrics in a tertiary teaching hospital.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Infant hearing deficiency is a human disorder with devastating effects and serious implications for the development of speech and language. Early diagnosis of hearing loss should be the objective of a multidisciplinary team, and early-intervention programs should immediately follow this. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and conduct of pediatricians and pediatric residents in a tertiary teaching hospital regarding deafness. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Eighty-eight questionnaires were randomly distributed to pediatricians and pediatric residents. RESULTS: Thirty-six questionnaires were analyzed. Most respondents (61.1%) were residents in pediatrics and/or neonatology. Eighty-three percent of them performed special procedures on babies presenting a high risk of deafness, and 55% reported that they had no knowledge of techniques for screening hearing. Most of them were unaware of the classifications of level and type of hearing loss. According to 47.2% of them, infants could begin to use a hearing aid at six months of age. Most of them reported that infants could undergo hearing rehabilitation during the first six months of life, and all respondents stated 's responsibilities. CONCLUSIONS: Even though most of the participants followed special procedures with babies presenting a high risk of deafness, they did not routinely investigate hearing. All respondents believed that it is a doctor's responsibility to be concerned about child communication.

Screening, diagnosing and treating deafness: the knowledge and conduct of doctors serving in neonatology and/or pediatrics in a tertiary teaching hospital / Avaliação, diagnóstico e tratamento da surdez: conhecimento e conduta de médicos com atuação em neonatologia e/ou pediatria de um hospital-escola terciário

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Infant hearing deficiency is a human disorder with devastating effects and serious implications for the development of speech and language. Early diagnosis of hearing loss should be the objective of a multidisciplinary team, and early-intervention programs should immediately follow this. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and conduct of pediatricians and pediatric residents in a tertiary teaching hospital regarding deafness. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Eighty-eight questionnaires were randomly distributed to pediatricians and pediatric residents. RESULTS: Thirty-six questionnaires were analyzed. Most respondents (61.1 percent) were residents in pediatrics and/or neonatology. Eighty-three percent of them performed special procedures on babies presenting a high risk of deafness, and 55 percent reported that they had no knowledge of techniques for screening hearing. Most of them were unaware of the classifications of level and type of hearing loss. According to 47.2 percent of them, infants could begin to use a hearing aid at six months of age. Most of them reported that infants could undergo hearing rehabilitation during the first six months of life, and all respondents stated 's responsibilities. CONCLUSIONS: Even though most of the participants followed special procedures with babies presenting a high risk of deafness, they did not routinely investigate hearing. All respondents believed that it is a doctor's responsibility to be concerned about child communication.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A deficiência auditiva na criança é uma das desordens humanas cujo impacto tem efeito devastador produzindo sérias conseqüências no desenvolvimento da fala e linguagem. O diagnóstico precoce da perda auditiva deve ser objetivo de uma equipe interdisciplinar e ser seguido imediatamente por programas de intervenção precoce. O objetivo foi investigar o conhecimento e condutas de pediatras e residentes em pediatria de um hospital-escola terciário em relação à surdez. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal, hospital terciário do Estado de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Oitenta e oito questionários distribuídos para pediatras e residentes em pediatria. RESULTADOS: Analisados 36 questionários. A maioria dos entrevistados (61,1 por cento) foi de residentes em pediatria e/ou neonatologia. Oitenta e três por cento realizavam alguma conduta especial com bebês de alto risco para surdez, e 55 por cento referiram não ter conhecimento sobre técnicas de triagem auditiva. A maioria desconhecia as classificações de grau e tipo de perda auditiva. Para 47,2 por cento, a criança poderia utilizar o aparelho auditivo a partir de seis meses. A maioria referiu que a criança poderia realizar reabilitação auditiva nos primeiros seis meses de vida e todos os entrevistados responderam que é função do médico ter preocupação com a comunicação da criança. CONCLUSÕES: Mesmo a maioria adotando condutas especiais com bebês de alto risco para surdez, não se investigava rotineiramente a audição. Todos os entrevistados julgaram ser função do médico se preocupar com a comunicação da criança.

Extratympanic electrocochleography in the diagnosis of auditory neuropathy/auditory dyssynchrony.

UNLABELLED: The brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) is being extensively used as a method for the evaluation of cochlear function in individuals with diagnosis of auditory neuropathy/auditory dyssynchrony (AN/AD). In the absence of otoacoustic emissions, many cases of AN/AD have been diagnosed by the presence of CM identified in the BAEP. AIM: to demonstrate the clinical applicability of extratympanic electrocochleography (ET-Ecochg) in the differential diagnosis of AN/AD compared to the BAEP. METHOD: a 4-year-old child with a diagnosis of AN/AD seen at the Audiological Research Center was submitted to ET-Ecochg with a 2000 Hz tone burst in rarefaction and condensation polarities. RESULTS: the ET-Ecochg exam was illustrated. Using an appropriate protocol, it was possible to demonstrate CM and to confirm it in the Ecochg, with a recording quality superior to that obtained in the BAEP. CONCLUSION: ET-Ecochg permitted a more detailed analysis of CM compared to the BAEP, thus showing clinical applicability for the investigation of cochlear function in AN/AD.

Eletrococleografia extratimpânica na neuropatia/dessincronia auditiva: [revisão] / Extratympanic electrocochleography in the diagnosis of auditory neuropathy/auditory dyssynchrony: [review]

O potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico (PEATE) vem sendo amplamente utilizado como método para avaliação da função coclear em indivíduos com diagnóstico de neuropatia/dessincronia auditiva (NA/DA). Na ausência das emissões otoacústicas, muitos casos de NA/DA foram diagnosticados pela presença do microfonismo coclear (MC) identificado no PEATE. OBJETIVO: Demonstrar a aplicabilidade clínica da eletrococleografia extratimpânica (Ecog-ET) no diagnóstico diferencial da NA/DA quando comparada ao PEATE. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Uma criança com 4 anos de idade, com diagnóstico de NA/DA atendida no Centro de Pesquisas Audiológicas realizou a Ecog-ET com tone burst de 2000Hz nas polaridades de rarefação e condensação. RESULTADOS: Ilustrou-se o registro da Ecog-ET. Com a utilização de protocolo apropriado, o MC pode ser evidenciado e confirmado na Ecog, com qualidade de registro superior ao obtido no PEATE. CONCLUSÃO: A Ecog-ET permitiu uma análise mais detalhada do MC quando comparada ao PEATE tendo, portanto aplicabilidade clínica na investigação da função coclear na NA/DA.

The brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) is being extensively used as a method for the evaluation of cochlear function in individuals with diagnosis of auditory neuropathy/auditory dyssynchrony (AN/AD). In the absence of otoacoustic emissions, many cases of AN/AD have been diagnosed by the presence of CM identified in the BAEP. AIM: to demonstrate the clinical applicability of extratympanic electrocochleography (ET-Ecochg) in the differential diagnosis of AN/AD compared to the BAEP. METHOD: a 4-year-old child with a diagnosis of AN/AD seen at the Audiological Research Center was submitted to ET-Ecochg with a 2000 Hz tone burst in rarefaction and condensation polarities. RESULTS: the ET-Ecochg exam was illustrated. Using an appropriate protocol, it was possible to demonstrate CM and to confirm it in the Ecochg, with a recording quality superior to that obtained in the BAEP. CONCLUSION: ET-Ecochg permitted a more detailed analysis of CM compared to the BAEP, thus showing clinical applicability for the investigation of cochlear function in AN/AD.

A eletrococleografia na neuropatia/dessincronia auditiva / The electrococleography in the auditory neuropathy/auditory dysynchrony

Este estudo avaliou a função coclear e neural em indivíduos com neuropatia/dessincronia auditiva. Vinte e seis orelhas foram analisadas: grupo controle (n=10) e grupo estudo (n=16). Os grupos apresentaram resultados semelhantes em relação à amplitude do microfonismo coclear. No grupo estudo, o microfonismo coclear teve início atrasado, mas sem diferença estatisticamente significante. Houve diferenças estatísticas em relação aos parâmetros de término e duração do microfonismo coclear...

This study evaluated the cochlear and neural functions in individuals with auditory neuropathy/dyssynchrony.. Twenty-six ears were analyzed: the control group (n=10) and the study group (n=16). The groups present similar results in relation to the amplitude of the cochlear microphonic. In the study group, the cochlear microphonic had a late beginning but with no statistical significance. There were statistical differences in relation to the ending and duration parameters of the cochlear microphonic...

Identificação de sentenças sintéticas (SSI) e reflexo acústico contralateral / Synthetic sentence identification (SSI) and contralateral acoustic stapedius reflex

TEMA: estudo da relação do reflexo acústico contralateral na habilidade auditiva de fechamento auditivo. OBJETIVO: analisar a identificação do sinal de fala em presença de sons competitivos em sujeitos com ausência do reflexo acústico contralateral. MÉTODO: aplicação do teste de identificação de sentenças sintéticas (SSI) nas condições mensagem competitiva contralateral (SSI-MCC), na relação sinal-ruído de 0 e -40dB e mensagem competitiva ipsilateral (SSI-ICM), na relação sinal-ruído de 0, -10, -15 e -20dB, em 43 adultos-jovens (grupo A = 21 sujeitos com presença do reflexo acústico contralateral em todas as freqüências pesquisadas e grupo B = 22 sujeitos com ausência do reflexo na freqüência de 500Hz, em todas as freqüências pesquisadas ou ainda em algumas das freqüências pesquisadas, mas que incluísse 500Hz), de ambos os sexos sem queixas auditivas, otológicas ou de aprendizagem. RESULTADOS: o limiar do reflexo acústico esteve acima de 100dB NA em 59 por cento dos indivíduos do grupo B e em 14 por cento dos indivíduos do grupo A, todos os indivíduos apresentaram desempenho de acordo com o padrão de normalidade sugerido pela literatura especializada para o teste SSI, o desempenho do grupo B no teste SSI-ICM foi inferior ao grupo A em todas as relações sinal-ruído utilizadas, embora a diferença não tenha sido estatisticamente significante, o grupo B que apresentou limiar do reflexo acústico superior a 100dB NA ou ausência do reflexo acústico também foi o que apresentou pior desempenho no teste SSI. CONCLUSAO: a ausência do reflexo acústico contralateral parece interferir na identificação do sinal de fala na presença de ruídos competitivos.

[Synthetic sentence identification (SSI) and contralateral acoustic stapedius reflex]. / Identificação de sentenças sintéticas (SSI) e reflexo acústico contralateral.

BACKGROUND: The study of the relationship of the contralateral acoustic reflex with the auditory skill of closure. AIM: To analyze the identification of a speech signal in the presence of competitive sounds in subjects with absence of contralateral acoustic reflex. METHOD: Application of the synthetic sentence identification (SSI) test under the conditions of competitive contralateral message (SSI-CCM), with the signal-to-noise ratio of 0 and -40dB, and ipsilateral competitive message (SSI-ICM), with the signal-to-noise ratio of 0, -10, -15 and -20dB, in 43 young adults (group A = 21 subjects with contralateral acoustic reflex present in all of the investigated frequencies, and group B = 22 subjects with contralateral reflex absent at the frequency of 500Hz, or in all of the investigated frequencies, or still in some of the investigated frequencies necessarily including 500Hz), of both gender, with no hearing, otologic or learning disabilities. RESULTS: The acoustic reflex threshold was above 100dB NA in 59% of the individuals in group B and in 14% of the individuals in group A. All subjects performed according to the normal pattern suggested in the specialized literature for the SSI test. The performance of group B in the SSI-ICM test was inferior to that of group A for all the signal-to-noise ratios used, although the difference was not statistically significant. Group B, which presented an acoustic reflex threshold higher than 100dB NA or the absence of the acoustic reflex, was also the group that presented the worse performance in the SSI test. CONCLUSION: The absence of the contralateral acoustic reflex seems to interfere in the identification of the speech signal in the presence of competitive noises.