Hearing performance and voice acoustics of cochlear implanted children / Desempenho auditivo e acústica da voz de crianças com implante coclear

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The voice of hearing-impaired individuals has been described extensively, and exhibits abnormalities in quality, articulation and resonance. Having an understanding of the aspects that may have an impact on voice characteristics of cochlear implant users is important for users and for professionals in this field. OBJECTIVE: To verify the existence of correlation between age, time of device use, voice detection threshold, hearing category score and language category score with acoustic data of voices of cochlear implanted children. METHODS: Retrospective study. Fifty-one children ranging in age from 3 years to 5 years and 11 months who unilaterally used cochlear implants participated. Acoustic analysis of the sustained vowel/a/, sequential speech and spontaneous speech was performed. The results were correlated with demographic data and hearing test results. RESULTS: Children with worse voice detection threshold showed higher frequency in the sustained vowel ( p ≤ 0.001) and in the spontaneous speech ( p ≤ 0.005). CONCLUSION: There was a correlation between the voice detection threshold and the frequency values of the sustained vowel and spontaneous speech of the studied population.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: A voz do indivíduo com deficiência auditiva tem sido amplamente caracterizada, estando comprometida em termos de tipo de voz, articulação e ressonância, sendo que o conhecimento dos aspectos que possam ter impacto nas características vocais de usuários de implante coclear é de suma importância para os usuários e profissionais da área. OBJETIVO: Verificar a existência de correlação entre idade, tempo de uso, limiar de detecção de voz, escore da categoria de audição e escore da categoria de linguagem com dados acústicos de vozes de crianças com implante coclear. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo. Participaram 51 crianças usuárias de implante coclear com idade de 3-5 anos e 11 meses. Foi realizada análise acústica da vogal sustentada/a/, fala encadeada e conversa espontânea. Os resultados foram correlacionados com dados demográficos e resultados de testes auditivos. RESULTADOS: Crianças com pior desempenho no teste de detecção de voz apresentam voz mais aguda na vogal sustentada ( p ≤ 0,001) e na conversa espontânea ( p ≤ 0,005). CONCLUSÃO: Houve correlação entre os limiares de detecção de voz e os valores de frequência na vogal sustentada e conversa espontânea na população estudada.

Hearing performance and voice acoustics of cochlear implanted children.

INTRODUCTION: The voice of hearing-impaired individuals has been described extensively, and exhibits abnormalities in quality, articulation and resonance. Having an understanding of the aspects that may have an impact on voice characteristics of cochlear implant users is important for users and for professionals in this field. OBJECTIVE: To verify the existence of correlation between age, time of device use, voice detection threshold, hearing category score and language category score with acoustic data of voices of cochlear implanted children. METHODS: Retrospective study. Fifty-one children ranging in age from 3 years to 5 years and 11 months who unilaterally used cochlear implants participated. Acoustic analysis of the sustained vowel/a/, sequential speech and spontaneous speech was performed. The results were correlated with demographic data and hearing test results. RESULTS: Children with worse voice detection threshold showed higher frequency in the sustained vowel (p≤0.001) and in the spontaneous speech (p≤0.005). CONCLUSION: There was a correlation between the voice detection threshold and the frequency values of the sustained vowel and spontaneous speech of the studied population.

Efeitos de um programa de ensino de leitura sobre a inteligibilidade da fala de crianças usuárias de implante coclear / Effects of a reading teaching program on the speech intelligibility of children using cochlear implant

Considerando a reabilitação da fala de crianças com deficiência auditiva e usuárias de implante coclear e evidências da possibilidade de transferência de controle de estímulos da leitura para a nomeação, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos de um programa de ensino de leitura de palavras simples sobre a qualidade da fala de duas crianças em testes de leitura de palavras e nomeação de figuras. O procedimento consistiu no ensino de relações condicionais baseadas em seleção de palavras impressas e de composição após a palavra ditada. A nomeação de figuras foi avaliada em um delineamento de linhas de base múltipla. Os resultados mostram melhora na qualidade da fala, se comparados à linha de base, tanto frente a palavras quanto frente a figuras. Futuros estudos, com maior número de participantes e outros delineamentos devem verificar benefícios de programas de ensino ao processo de reabilitação dessa população.

Considering the speech rehabilitation in children with hearing impairment and cochlear implant and the evidence of possible stimuli control transference of reading to naming, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a teaching program for reading simple words on the speech intelligibility of two children in tests of reading words and naming pictures. The procedure consisted of teaching conditional relations based on a selection of printed words and word composition after word dictation. Picture naming was assessed in a multibaseline design. Data showed improvement in the quality of responses when compared to baseline, both in front of words and pictures. Future studies with higher number of participants and other experimental designs may verify the benefits of teaching programs to the rehabilitation process of this population.

Frequency Modulation System and speech perception in the classroom: a systematic literature review.

PURPOSE: This review aimed at presenting the benefits regarding the speech perception in noise shown by children who wear hearing aid devices and/or cochlear implants with the Frequency Modulation (FM) System at school. RESEARCH STRATEGY: A bibliographic survey was conducted in an electronic database with standardized search until the year 2012, and a manual search was performed by using specific keywords. SELECTION CRITERIA: For the selection and evaluation of the scientific studies chosen in the search, criteria were established covering the following aspects: type of study, participants, adopted intervention, and evaluation of results. DATA ANALYSIS: The FM system was verified to improve speech perception and speech threshold in noise in all studies. RESULTS: Regarding the performance as to type, the best results were obtained when children used the personal FM system, followed by the table and the sound field systems. CONCLUSION: After extensive review of national and international literature, it was concluded that the studies indicate the need for further research concerning mainly the impact of the FM system on the school performance of children who have sensory devices coupled to the FM system. Findings in the literature with relation to the publications focused on speech perception in noise did not relate educational and auditory aspects.

Usando o paradigma de equivalência para aumentar a correspondência na fala de crianças com implante coclear na nomeação de figuras e na leitura / Using the equivalence paradigm to increase the correspondence of vocalizations by children with cochlear implant in picture naming and reading

Este estudo investigou os efeitos da formação de relações de equivalência entre palavras faladas, palavras impressas e figuras sobre a correspondência na fala de crianças com implante coclear em tarefas de nomeação de figuras e de leitura oral. Antes do estudo as crianças pronunciavam melhor as palavras quando liam do que quando nomeavam as figuras. Foram ensinados dois conjuntos de três relações entre palavras ditadas e as figuras correspondentes, entre as mesmas palavras ditadas e palavras impressas e entre sílabas ditadas e impressas. Sondas periódicas de nomeação das seis figuras e de leitura das palavras impressas, planejadas de acordo com um delineamento de linha de base múltipla entre conjuntos, eram realizadas antes e depois do ensino de cada tipo de relação condicional e do teste de formação de classes de equivalência de cada conjunto. As vocalizações na nomeação de figuras melhoraram progressivamente para cinco dos seis participantes ao longo do ensino do Conjunto 1 e para todos os participantes depois do ensino do Conjunto 2. Na leitura, as vocalizações também ficaram mais precisas. Os resultados estendem descobertas prévias sobre o potencial de procedimentos baseados no paradigma de equivalência de estímulos para a reabilitação da fala e da compreensão auditiva de indivíduos com implante coclear. (AU)

The present study investigated the effects of strengthening equivalence relations between spoken words, printed words, and pictures to improve the correspondence between vocalizations in picture naming and in reading tasks in children with cochlear implant. Before the study, the children pronounced words better while reading than while naming pictures. The procedure taught two sets of three relations between dictated words and pictures, between the same dictated words and printed words, and between dictated and printed syllables. Periodic probes evaluated the experimental effects according to a multiple baseline design between stimulus sets. Picture naming and reading of all six words were probed before and after teaching each type of relationship and testing for class formation for each stimulus set. Picture naming progressively improved for five of six participants across teaching and probes with Stimulus Set 1, and for all participants across Stimulus Set 2. Reading scores, initially high, also reached perfect or near perfect accuracy. The results extend previous findings on the potential of procedures based on the stimulus equivalence paradigm for improving speech and listening comprehension of children with cochlear implant. (AU)

Frequency Modulation System and speech perception in the classroom: a systematic literature review / Sistema de Frequência Modulada e percepção da fala em sala de aula: revisão sistemática da literatura

PURPOSE: This review aimed at presenting the benefits regarding the speech perception in noise shown by children who wear hearing aid devices and/or cochlear implants with the Frequency Modulation (FM) System at school. RESEARCH STRATEGY: A bibliographic survey was conducted in an electronic database with standardized search until the year 2012, and a manual search was performed by using specific keywords. SELECTION CRITERIA: For the selection and evaluation of the scientific studies chosen in the search, criteria were established covering the following aspects: type of study, participants, adopted intervention, and evaluation of results. DATA ANALYSIS: The FM system was verified to improve speech perception and speech threshold in noise in all studies. RESULTS: Regarding the performance as to type, the best results were obtained when children used the personal FM system, followed by the table and the sound field systems. CONCLUSION: After extensive review of national and international literature, it was concluded that the studies indicate the need for further research concerning mainly the impact of the FM system on the school performance of children who have sensory devices coupled to the FM system. Findings in the literature with relation to the publications focused on speech perception in noise did not relate educational and auditory aspects. .

OBJETIVO: Esta revisão teve como objetivo apresentar os benefícios, em relação à percepção de fala no ruído, que crianças usuárias de aparelho de amplificação sonora individual e/ou implante coclear demonstram com o Sistema de Frequência Modulada (FM) na escola. ESTRATÉGIA DE PESQUISA: Foi realizado levantamento bibliográfico conduzido em base eletrônica de dados com busca padronizada até o ano de 2012 e busca manual, utilizando palavras-chave específicas. CRITÉRIOS DE SELEÇÃO: Para a seleção e avaliação dos estudos científicos levantados na busca, foram estabelecidos critérios contemplando os aspectos: tipo de estudo, participantes, intervenção adotada e avaliação dos resultados. ANÁLISE DOS DADOS: Foi possível verificar que o Sistema de FM melhora a percepção de fala e o limiar de fala no ruído, sendo esses resultados encontrados em todos os estudos. RESULTADOS: Em relação ao desempenho quanto ao tipo, os melhores resultados foram obtidos quando as crianças utilizavam o Sistema de FM pessoal, seguido pelo de mesa e o campo livre. CONCLUSÃO: Após a extensa revisão da literatura nacional e internacional, foi possível concluir que os estudos indicam a necessidade de pesquisas voltadas principalmente ao impacto do Sistema de FM no desempenho escolar de crianças usuárias de dispositivos sensoriais acoplados ao Sistema de FM. O que foi encontrado na literatura específica quanto às publicações voltadas à questão da percepção de fala no ruído não relacionaram os aspectos educacionais e auditivos. .

Munich Music Questionnaire: adaptation into Brazilian Portuguese and application in cochlear implant users.

PURPOSE: To translate the Munich Music Questionnaire (MUMU) to Brazilian Portuguese, to adapt it culturally, and to describe the results obtained among adult users of cochlear implant (CI). METHODS: We translated the questionnaire to Brazilian Portuguese, reviewed the grammatical and idiomatic equivalences (back-translation), and adapted it from a linguistic and cultural perspective. The resulting version of this process was applied among adult CI users through direct interviews. RESULTS: The Brazilian Portuguese version of MUMU was applied to 19 adult CI users with postlingual hearing loss, who had been users of the device for at least one year. The answers to the questionnaire were analyzed by distribution of frequency and percentage of occurrence in each question. The results showed a decrease in the frequency of CI users that listen to music, comparing the period before hearing loss and after the CI. Regarding the role that music played in the life of each participant, the responses did not score change, so the music remained being an important factor in the life of the evaluated subjects, even after the CI. CONCLUSION: The subjective evaluation tool MUMU was translated and culturally adapted to the population studied. In Brazilian Portuguese, it was called Questionário de Música de Munique. The study showed its applicability in the daily monitoring of CI users, thus providing a profile of the activities related to music in everyday life.

Performance of hearing skills in children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder using cochlear implant: a systematic review, / Resultados do desempenho das habilidades auditivas em crianças com o espectro da neuropatia auditiva usuárias de implante coclear: revisão sistemática

Introduction: Currently, there are no doubts about the benefits of cochlear implants for the development of children with severe or profound hearing loss. However, there is still no consensus among researchers and professionals regarding the benefits for the improvement of hearing skills in children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder using cochlear implants. Objective: Review the available evidence in the literature to answer the following: "What is the performance of hearing skills in children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder using cochlear implants?" Methods: Systematic review of the literature through electronic database consultation, considering publications in the period 2002-2013. Results: Twenty-two studies met the criteria and were included in the systematic review. Conclusion: The analyzed studies demonstrated that after cochlear implant surgery, individuals with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder improved their performance of hearing skills and had similar performance to that of children with sensorineural hearing loss using cochlear implant. .

Introdução: Atualmente não restam dúvidas quanto aos benefícios do uso do implante coclear no desenvolvimento da população infantil com perda auditiva de grau severo e/ou profundo. Entretanto, ainda não há um consenso entre pesquisadores e profissionais sobre os seus benefícios para a melhora das habilidades auditivas em crianças com o espectro da neuropatia auditiva usuárias de implante coclear. Objetivo: Revisar a evidência disponível na literatura para responder ao questionamento: "Quais os resultados do desempenho das habilidades auditivas em crianças com o espectro da neuropatia auditiva usuárias de implante coclear?" Método: Revisão sistemática da literatura, a partir da consulta de bases de dados eletrônicas, considerando publicações no período de 2002 a 2013. Resultados: Vinte e dois estudos contemplaram os critérios e foram incluídos na revisão sistemática. Conclusão: Os estudos analisados demonstraram que, após a cirurgia de IC, os indivíduos como espectro da neuropatia auditiva melhoraram o desempenho das habilidades auditivas e apresentaram desempenho semelhante ao de crianças com perda auditiva sensorioneural usuárias de implante coclear. .

Munich Music Questionnaire: adaptation into Brazilian Portuguese and application in cochlear implant users / Munich Music Questionnaire: adaptação para a língua portuguesa e aplicação em usuários de implante coclear

PURPOSE: To translate the Munich Music Questionnaire (MUMU) to Brazilian Portuguese, to adapt it culturally, and to describe the results obtained among adult users of cochlear implant (CI). METHODS: We translated the questionnaire to Brazilian Portuguese, reviewed the grammatical and idiomatic equivalences (back-translation), and adapted it from a linguistic and cultural perspective. The resulting version of this process was applied among adult CI users through direct interviews. RESULTS: The Brazilian Portuguese version of MUMU was applied to 19 adult CI users with postlingual hearing loss, who had been users of the device for at least one year. The answers to the questionnaire were analyzed by distribution of frequency and percentage of occurrence in each question. The results showed a decrease in the frequency of CI users that listen to music, comparing the period before hearing loss and after the CI. Regarding the role that music played in the life of each participant, the responses did not score change, so the music remained being an important factor in the life of the evaluated subjects, even after the CI. CONCLUSION: The subjective evaluation tool MUMU was translated and culturally adapted to the population studied. In Brazilian Portuguese, it was called Questionário de Música de Munique. The study showed its applicability in the daily monitoring of CI users, thus providing a profile of the activities related to music in everyday life. .

OBJETIVOS: Traduzir e adaptar, culturalmente, para a língua portuguesa o questionário Munich Music Questionnaire (MUMU) e descrever os resultados obtidos em adultos usuários de implante coclear (IC). MÉTODOS: Foi realizada tradução do questionário para a língua portuguesa, revisão das equivalências gramatical e idiomática (traduções reversas) e adaptação linguística e cultural. A versão resultante desse processo foi aplicada em adultos usuários de IC por meio de entrevista dirigida. RESULTADOS: Com a obtenção do Questionário de Música de Munique na língua portuguesa, o mesmo foi aplicado em 19 adultos usuários de IC com deficiência auditiva adquirida no período pós-lingual, com um tempo mínimo de uso de um ano do dispositivo. As respostas do questionário foram analisadas pela distribuição da frequência e porcentagem de ocorrência em cada questão. Os resultados evidenciaram uma diminuição na frequência com que os implantados ouviam música ao comparar o período anterior à perda auditiva e após o IC. Quanto ao papel que a música desempenhou na vida de cada participante, as repostas não pontuaram mudança, de forma que a música continuou sendo importante na vida dos sujeitos avaliados, mesmo após o IC. CONCLUSÃO: O instrumento de avaliação subjetiva MUMU foi traduzido e adaptado, culturalmente, para a população estudada. Em língua portuguesa, sua denominação foi Questionário de Música de Munique. O estudo permitiu verificar a sua aplicabilidade na rotina clínica de acompanhamento de usuários de IC, estabelecendo, assim, um perfil das atividades ligadas à música no dia a dia. .

An initial study of voice characteristics of children using two different sound coding strategies in comparison to normal hearing children.

OBJECTIVE: To compare some perceptual and acoustic characteristics of the voices of children who use the advanced combination encoder (ACE) or fine structure processing (FSP) speech coding strategies, and to investigate whether these characteristics differ from children with normal hearing. DESIGN: Acoustic analysis of the sustained vowel /a/ was performed using the multi-dimensional voice program (MDVP). Analyses of sequential and spontaneous speech were performed using the real time pitch. Perceptual analyses of these samples were performed using visual-analogic scales of pre-selected parameters. STUDY SAMPLE: Seventy-six children from three years to five years and 11 months of age participated. Twenty-eight were users of ACE, 23 were users of FSP, and 25 were children with normal hearing. RESULTS: Although both groups with CI presented with some deviated vocal features, the users of ACE presented with voice quality more like children with normal hearing than the users of FSP. CONCLUSIONS: Sound processing of ACE appeared to provide better conditions for auditory monitoring of the voice, and consequently, for better control of the voice production. However, these findings need to be further investigated due to the lack of comparative studies published to understand exactly which attributes of sound processing are responsible for differences in performance.

Performance of hearing skills in children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder using cochlear implant: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Currently, there are no doubts about the benefits of cochlear implants for the development of children with severe or profound hearing loss. However, there is still no consensus among researchers and professionals regarding the benefits for the improvement of hearing skills in children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder using cochlear implants. OBJECTIVE: Review the available evidence in the literature to answer the following: "What is the performance of hearing skills in children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder using cochlear implants?" METHODS: Systematic review of the literature through electronic database consultation, considering publications in the period 2002-2013. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies met the criteria and were included in the systematic review. CONCLUSION: The analyzed studies demonstrated that after cochlear implant surgery, individuals with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder improved their performance of hearing skills and had similar performance to that of children with sensorineural hearing loss using cochlear implant.

Identification of Serologic Markers for School-Aged Children With Congenital Rubella Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) case identification is challenging in older children since laboratory markers of congenital rubella virus (RUBV) infection do not persist beyond age 12 months. METHODS: We enrolled children with CRS born between 1998 and 2003 and compared their immune responses to RUBV with those of their mothers and a group of similarly aged children without CRS. Demographic data and sera were collected. Sera were tested for anti-RUBV immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgG avidity, and IgG response to the 3 viral structural proteins (E1, E2, and C), reflected by immunoblot fluorescent signals. RESULTS: We enrolled 32 children with CRS, 31 mothers, and 62 children without CRS. The immunoblot signal strength to C and the ratio of the C signal to the RUBV-specific IgG concentration were higher (P < .029 for both) and the ratio of the E1 signal to the RUBV-specific IgG concentration lower (P = .001) in children with CRS, compared with their mothers. Compared with children without CRS, children with CRS had more RUBV-specific IgG (P < .001), a stronger C signal (P < .001), and a stronger E2 signal (P ≤ .001). Two classification rules for children with versus children without CRS gave 100% specificity with >65% sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: This study was the first to establish classification rules for identifying CRS in school-aged children, using laboratory biomarkers. These biomarkers should allow improved burden of disease estimates and monitoring of CRS control programs.

Parental perspectives of children using cochlear implant / Perspectivas dos pais de crianças usuárias de implante coclear

PURPOSE: To evaluate the parents' perspective with regard to evolution of their child with cochlear implant (CI). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional prospective study conducted at the Centro de Pesquisas Audiológicas of Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofaciais of Universidade de São Paulo. The selection of the sample was performed from the spontaneous demand, among the months from July to December 2011. The final sample comprised 50 parents or guardians of children using CI, with minimum 1 year and maximum of 3 years of device use. The translated and adapted to Brazilian Portuguese version of the questionnaire "Perspectives of parents of children with cochlear implants" was applied. This instrument consists of 74 questions and allows quantification of the parents' perspective on subscales that illustrate the situation of the child and family. Each question has five options scored from one to five responses. The Spearman test for comparison of results between the subscales was applied. RESULTS: The social relationships, self-sufficiency, and communication subscales showed the highest mean score, whereas the worst score was for child support subscale, reflecting the independence and autonomy of the patients. The correlation between the child subscales was realized, and the results showed themselves significant and positive for communication subscale of communication with all others subscales. The family subscales also had a positive correlation with the communication, education, and self-sufficiency. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that parents have good expectations regarding communication, independence, and social participation of children after CI surgery, and this questionnaire is a useful tool for use in clinical practice. .

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a perspectiva dos pais em relação ao implante coclear (IC) sobre a evolução da criança usuária do IC. MÉTODOS: Tratou-se de um estudo prospectivo transversal desenvolvido no Centro de Pesquisas Audiológicas do Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofaciais da Universidade de São Paulo. A seleção da casuística foi realizada a partir da demanda espontânea entre os meses de julho e dezembro de 2011. A amostra final foi composta por 50 pais ou responsáveis de crianças usuárias de IC com no mínimo um ano e máximo de três anos de uso do dispositivo. Foi aplicado o questionário Crianças com implante coclear: perspectivas dos pais, traduzido e adaptado para o Português Brasileiro. Este instrumento é composto por 74 questões e permite a quantificação da perspectiva dos pais em subescalas que ilustram a situação da criança e da família. Cada pergunta apresenta cinco opções de respostas pontuadas de um a cinco. Foi aplicado o Teste de Spearman para comparação dos resultados entre as subescalas. RESULTADOS: As subescalas relação social, autossuficiência e comunicação foram as que apresentaram maior média de pontuação. Já a pior pontuação foi da subescala de apoio à criança, reflexo da independência e autonomia dos pacientes. Quando realizada a correlação entre as subescalas relacionadas à criança, observou-se resultado estatisticamente significante e positivo da subescala de comunicação com todas as demais. As subescalas da família também apresentaram correlação positiva com a comunicação, educação e autossuficiência. CONCLUSÃO: Estes resultados demonstram que os pais apresentam boas expectativas ...

A relação mãe-bebê com deficiência auditiva no processo de diagnóstico / The relationship of mother-baby hearing-impaired in the diagnosis process / La relación entre la madre y el bebé con pérdida auditiva en el proceso de diagnóstico

O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender a vivência de mães diante do processo de diagnóstico da deficiência auditiva do bebê. Participaram desta pesquisa sete mães de bebês diagnosticados com perda auditiva profunda, no Centro de Pesquisas Audiológicas do HRAC-USP. De acordo com a abordagem qualitativa, a análise dos resultados baseou-se no método fenomenológico. O estudo revelou que o diagnóstico da deficiência auditiva em um filho interfere negativamente na trajetória de vida das mães participantes. Entretanto, após a intervenção da equipe, elas puderam encarar a situação por uma nova perspectiva, a partir da elaboração do diagnóstico. Como a presença de sentimentos negativos nas mães constitui potencial fator de risco na relação mãe-bebê, identificar os fatores dessa relação que interferem de modo negativo no desenvolvimento da criança ajuda essa mãe no processo de aceitação do diagnóstico e, consequentemente, no estabelecimento de uma relação saudável com o seu filho.(AU)

This study is aimed at understanding the everyday life of mothers after learning about their children's hearing impairment diagnoses. Seven mothers whose babies were diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the Audiological Research Center with the HRAC-USP, participated in this research. Based on qualitative approach, the analysis of the results adopted the phenomenological method. The study showed that children's hearing impairment diagnoses negatively interfered with the life-path of mothers participating, however, following the intervention of the team, they were able to face the situation with a new perspective, from the elaboration of the diagnosis. Negative feelings within mother-baby relation could pose a potential risk factor, thus, identifying the factors of this relation which negatively interfere with the child's development may help the mother in the acceptance of the diagnosis process, and, consequently, in the establishment of a healthy relationship with her child.(AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue comprender las vivencias de madres ante el proceso de diagnóstico de deficiencia auditiva del bebé. Participaron de esta pesquisa siete mamás de bebés diagnosticados con pérdida auditiva profunda, en el Centro de Pesquisas Audiológicas del HRAC-USP. El análisis de resultados se basó en el método fenomenológico. El estudio reveló que el proceso diagnóstico de deficiencia auditiva en un niño interfiere negativamente en la trayectoria de vida de las madres participantes. Sin embargo, después de la intervención, fueron capaces de ver la situación desde una nueva perspectiva, a partir de la compresión del diagnóstico. Como la presencia de sentimientos negativos en las madres es un factor de riesgo potencial de la relación madre-hijo, identificar los factores de la relación, que interfieren negativamente en el desarrollo del niño, pueden ayudar los padres en el proceso de diagnóstico de la aceptación y, por tanto, el establecimiento de una relación saludable con su hijo.(AU)

A relação mãe-bebê com deficiência auditiva no processo de diagnóstico / The relationship of mother-baby hearing-impaired in the diagnosis process / La relación entre la madre y el bebé con pérdida auditiva en el proceso de diagnóstico

O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender a vivência de mães diante do processo de diagnóstico da deficiência auditiva do bebê. Participaram desta pesquisa sete mães de bebês diagnosticados com perda auditiva profunda, no Centro de Pesquisas Audiológicas do HRAC-USP. De acordo com a abordagem qualitativa, a análise dos resultados baseou-se no método fenomenológico. O estudo revelou que o diagnóstico da deficiência auditiva em um filho interfere negativamente na trajetória de vida das mães participantes. Entretanto, após a intervenção da equipe, elas puderam encarar a situação por uma nova perspectiva, a partir da elaboração do diagnóstico. Como a presença de sentimentos negativos nas mães constitui potencial fator de risco na relação mãe-bebê, identificar os fatores dessa relação que interferem de modo negativo no desenvolvimento da criança ajuda essa mãe no processo de aceitação do diagnóstico e, consequentemente, no estabelecimento de uma relação saudável com o seu filho.

This study is aimed at understanding the everyday life of mothers after learning about their children's hearing impairment diagnoses. Seven mothers whose babies were diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the Audiological Research Center with the HRAC-USP, participated in this research. Based on qualitative approach, the analysis of the results adopted the phenomenological method. The study showed that children's hearing impairment diagnoses negatively interfered with the life-path of mothers participating, however, following the intervention of the team, they were able to face the situation with a new perspective, from the elaboration of the diagnosis. Negative feelings within mother-baby relation could pose a potential risk factor, thus, identifying the factors of this relation which negatively interfere with the child's development may help the mother in the acceptance of the diagnosis process, and, consequently, in the establishment of a healthy relationship with her child.

El objetivo de este estudio fue comprender las vivencias de madres ante el proceso de diagnóstico de deficiencia auditiva del bebé. Participaron de esta pesquisa siete mamás de bebés diagnosticados con pérdida auditiva profunda, en el Centro de Pesquisas Audiológicas del HRAC-USP. El análisis de resultados se basó en el método fenomenológico. El estudio reveló que el proceso diagnóstico de deficiencia auditiva en un niño interfiere negativamente en la trayectoria de vida de las madres participantes. Sin embargo, después de la intervención, fueron capaces de ver la situación desde una nueva perspectiva, a partir de la compresión del diagnóstico. Como la presencia de sentimientos negativos en las madres es un factor de riesgo potencial de la relación madre-hijo, identificar los factores de la relación, que interfieren negativamente en el desarrollo del niño, pueden ayudar los padres en el proceso de diagnóstico de la aceptación y, por tanto, el establecimiento de una relación saludable con su hijo.

Cochlear Implant: the complexity involved in the decision making process by the family.

OBJECTIVE: to understand the meanings the family attributes to the phases of the decision-making process on a cochlear implant for their child. METHOD: qualitative research, using Symbolic Interactionism and Grounded Theory as the theoretical and methodological frameworks, respectively. Data collection instrument: semistructured interview. Nine families participated in the study (32 participants). RESULTS: knowledge deficit, difficulties to contextualize benefits and risks and fear are some factors that make this process difficult. Experiences deriving from interactions with health professionals, other cochlear implant users and their relatives strengthen decision making in favor of the implant. CONCLUSION: deciding on whether or not to have the implant involves a complex process, in which the family needs to weigh gains and losses, experience feelings of accountability and guilt, besides overcoming the risk aversion. Hence, this demands cautious preparation and knowledge from the professionals involved in this intervention.

Cochlear Implant: the complexity involved in the decision making process by the family / Implante coclear: a complexidade envolvida no processo de tomada de decisão pela família / Implante Coclear: la complejidad comprendida en el proceso de la toma de decisiones por la familia

OBJECTIVE: to understand the meanings the family attributes to the phases of the decision-making process on a cochlear implant for their child. METHOD: qualitative research, using Symbolic Interactionism and Grounded Theory as the theoretical and methodological frameworks, respectively. Data collection instrument: semistructured interview. Nine families participated in the study (32 participants). RESULTS: knowledge deficit, difficulties to contextualize benefits and risks and fear are some factors that make this process difficult. Experiences deriving from interactions with health professionals, other cochlear implant users and their relatives strengthen decision making in favor of the implant. CONCLUSION: deciding on whether or not to have the implant involves a complex process, in which the family needs to weigh gains and losses, experience feelings of accountability and guilt, besides overcoming the risk aversion. Hence, this demands cautious preparation and knowledge from the professionals involved in this intervention. .

OBJETIVO: compreender os significados atribuídos pela família às etapas do processo de tomada decisão para o implante coclear no filho. MÉTODO: pesquisa qualitativa, tendo o Interacionismo Simbólico e a Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados como referenciais teórico e metodológico, respectivamente. Instrumento de coleta de dados: entrevista semiestruturada. Participaram do estudo nove famílias (32 participantes). RESULTADOS: déficit de conhecimento, dificuldades em contextualizar benefícios e riscos, e medo são alguns dificultadores desse processo. Experiências advindas das interações estabelecidas com profissionais de saúde, outros usuários de implante coclear e seus familiares fortalecem a tomada de decisão para o implante. CONCLUSÃO: decidir ou não pelo implante envolve um processo complexo, em que a família precisa pesar ganhos e perdas, vivenciar sentimentos de responsabilização e culpabilidade, além de superar a aversão aos riscos. Assim, demanda cauteloso preparo e conhecimento dos profissionais envolvidos nessa intervenção. .

OBJETIVO: comprender los significados atribuidos por la familia a las etapas del proceso de la toma de decisiones para el implante coclear en el hijo. MÉTODO: investigación cualitativa, teniendo el Interaccionismo Simbólico y la Teoría Fundamentada en los Datos como los referenciales teórico y metodológico, respectivamente. El instrumento de recolección de datos fue la entrevista semiestructurada. Participaron del estudio nueve familias (32 participantes). RESULTADOS: déficit de conocimiento, dificultades en contextualizar beneficios y riesgos, y miedo, son algunos de los dificultadores de este proceso. Las experiencias provenientes de las interacciones establecidas con profesionales de salud, de otros usuarios de implante coclear y de sus familiares, fortalecen la toma de decisiones para el implante. CONCLUSIÓN: decidirse o no por el implante constituye en un proceso complejo, en que la familia necesita evaçiar las ganancias y pérdidas, experimentar sentimientos de responsabilidad y de culpa, además de superar la aversión a riesgos. Así, exige una cautelosa preparación y conocimiento de los profesionales que participan en esta intervención. .

Falhas técnicas dos aparelhos de amplificação sonora individual dispensados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde / Technica failuree of hearing aids provided by the national health system

Objetivo : investigar quais as principais falhas técnicas dos aparelhos de amplificação sonora individual fornecidos nos serviços do Sistema Único de Saúde.Métodos : foram analisadas as falhas técnicas dos aparelhos de amplificação sonora individual em cinco serviços credenciados pelo Ministério da Saúde, entre janeiro e maio de 2009, utilizando-se estatística descritiva.Resultados : as principais falhas técnicas encontradas nos dispositivos foram 37.44% de falha no amplificador, seguidas de 25.59% de falha no microfone. Os aparelhos de amplificação sonora individual retroauriculares e de categoria tecnológica A são os que apresentam maior ocorrência de falha técnica. O tempo de vida útil dos aparelhos de amplificação sonora individual sem apresentar defeito foi de 22 meses, em média. Na maior parte da população estudada, o custo para o conserto destes dispositivos foi entre R$500,00 e R$ 1000,00. Dos casos analisados, 51.82% entraram em contato com o serviço de saúde auditiva para buscar atendimento e verificar o problema e em 61% dos casos os aparelhos de amplificação sonora individual ainda estavam no prazo de garantia e foram consertados pela assistência técnica sem custo adicional para o paciente.Conclusão : a principal falha encontrada refere-se à falha do amplificador. Os AASI retroauricular e de categoria tecnológica A são os que apresentam maior ocorrência de falha técnica.

Purpose : to investigate about repair issues of hearing aids at National Health System.Methods : it was analyzed hearing aids technical failures whose patients had showed complaints concerning the device on five different services considering the period from January to May 2009, analyzed by descriptive statistic.Results : the main technical failures found were: 37.44% of failures on amplifier, 25.59% of failures on microphone. Related to the device’s technological sort and category it’s verified that the behind the ear hearing aids and of category A presented higher technical failure incidence. It’s also observable that the devices presented utility life of 22 months on average before presenting any technical failure. In the majority of the population studied, the cost for the repair of these devices was between R $ 500,00 and $ 1000.00. From the perception of hearing aids failure by the patient, 51.82% contacted the service seeking for care and 61% of analyzed hearing aids were still on guarantee term and they were fixed by technical assistance without additional cost to patient.Conclusion : the main technical failure found was failures on amplifier. The behind the ear hearing aids and of category A presented higher technical failure incidence.

Parental perspectives of children using cochlear implant.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the parents' perspective with regard to evolution of their child with cochlear implant (CI). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional prospective study conducted at the Centro de Pesquisas Audiológicas of Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofaciais of Universidade de São Paulo. The selection of the sample was performed from the spontaneous demand, among the months from July to December 2011. The final sample comprised 50 parents or guardians of children using CI, with minimum 1 year and maximum of 3 years of device use. The translated and adapted to Brazilian Portuguese version of the questionnaire "Perspectives of parents of children with cochlear implants" was applied. This instrument consists of 74 questions and allows quantification of the parents' perspective on subscales that illustrate the situation of the child and family. Each question has five options scored from one to five responses. The Spearman test for comparison of results between the subscales was applied. RESULTS: The social relationships, self-sufficiency, and communication subscales showed the highest mean score, whereas the worst score was for child support subscale, reflecting the independence and autonomy of the patients. The correlation between the child subscales was realized, and the results showed themselves significant and positive for communication subscale of communication with all others subscales. The family subscales also had a positive correlation with the communication, education, and self-sufficiency. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that parents have good expectations regarding communication, independence, and social participation of children after CI surgery, and this questionnaire is a useful tool for use in clinical practice.

Avaliação do desenvolvimento cognitivo e afetivo-social de crianças com perda auditiva / Evaluation of cognitive and social-affective development of children with hearing loss

OBEJTIVO: avaliar o nível de desenvolvimento cognitivo e afetivo-social de crianças com diagnóstico de deficiência auditiva. MÉTODO: participaram do estudo 50 crianças com diagnóstico de deficiência auditiva, com idade média de 16,1 meses, de ambos os gêneros. Empregou-se a entrevista semi-estruturada com os pais para a obtenção da história de vida da criança, a Escala de Desenvolvimento Comportamental e a Escala de Avaliação da Reação de Retração do Bebê. RESULTADO: o estudo identificou 80% das crianças com perda auditiva profunda bilateral. O Quociente de Desenvolvimento na normalidade ocorreu em 76% da amostra, sendo as funções da linguagem e pessoal-social, as mais prejudicadas. Os níveis de ajustamento afetivo e interacional foram caracterizados pelas reações de alarme para problemas de interação pessoal-social. CONCLUSÃO: as competências defasadas de habilidades verbais e não-verbais mostraram implicações no desenvolvimento cognitivo, sugestivas da condição da criança com perda auditiva e dos fatores de risco associados, com limitação circunstancial a trocas comunicativas que promovem o desenvolvimento de competências adaptativas e o fortalecimento da auto-estima para as relações.

PURPOSE: the objective of this study was to evaluate the level of cognitive, affective and social development of children diagnosed with hearing loss. METHOD: the study included 50 children diagnosed with hearing loss, with a mean age of 16.1 months, both genders. We applied a semi-structured interview with parents for the life history of the child, Scale Development and Behavioral Assessment Scale Reaction Baby Retraction. RESULTS: the study identified 80% of children with bilateral profound hearing loss. Quotient of normal development occurred in 76% of the sample and the most affected functions were language and personal-social. The affective and interactional levels adjustment were characterized by the alarm reactions for personal problems and social interaction. CONCLUSION: the dephased verbal and nonverbal competences showed implications on cognitive development, suggesting the hearing loss condition and associated risk factors, with limited situational communicative exchanges that promote the development of adaptive skills and increased the self-esteem on the relationships.