Sound Generator: Analysis of the Effectiveness of Noise in the Habituation of Tinnitus.

Introduction Tinnitus is a disorder that affects 10 to 15% of de world's population. Sound therapy performed through hearing aids (HAs) with integrated sound generator (SG) is one of the forms of tinnitus treatment. Objective To analyze the effectiveness of four masking noises in relieving tinnitus in individuals with mild and moderate bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and their influence in speech perception. Methods The participants were 35 individuals with tinnitus and mild and moderate bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, divided into four groups. All groups underwent HA and SG adaptation, being regulated in the combined mode (HA and SG). In group 1 (G1), the white noise stimulus was applied, in group 2 (G2), pink noise was applied, in group 3 (G3), speech noise, and in group 4 (G4), the high tone was applied. All patients were subjected to the following procedures: audiological diagnosis, acuphenometry, tinnitus handicap inventory (THI), visual analogue scale (VAS), and hearing in noise test (HINT). The procedures were performed prior to and after hearing intervention, and after 3 months of use of HA and SG. Results All groups presented a statistically significant difference for the THI, VAS, and HINT pre and postintervention. In the case of the HINT, only pink noise presented a significant difference. However, in the comparation among groups there was no significant difference. Conclusion The present study made it possible to conclude that the four noises were equally effective in relieving tinnitus, with no statistically significant differences between the analyzed groups.

Sound Generator: Analysis of the Effectiveness of Noise in the Habituation of Tinnitus

Abstract Introduction Tinnitus is a disorder that affects 10 to 15% of de world's population. Sound therapy performed through hearing aids (HAs) with integrated sound generator (SG) is one of the forms of tinnitus treatment. Objective To analyze the effectiveness of four masking noises in relieving tinnitus in individuals with mild and moderate bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and their influence in speech perception. Methods The participants were 35 individuals with tinnitus and mild and moderate bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, divided into four groups. All groups underwent HA and SG adaptation, being regulated in the combined mode (HA and SG). In group 1 (G1), the white noise stimulus was applied, in group 2 (G2), pink noise was applied, in group 3 (G3), speech noise, and in group 4 (G4), the high tone was applied. All patients were subjected to the following procedures: audiological diagnosis, acuphenometry, tinnitus handicap inventory (THI), visual analogue scale (VAS), and hearing in noise test (HINT). The procedures were performed prior to and after hearing intervention, and after 3 months of use of HA and SG. Results All groups presented a statistically significant difference for the THI, VAS, and HINT pre and postintervention. In the case of the HINT, only pink noise presented a significant difference. However, in the comparation among groups there was no significant difference. Conclusion The present study made it possible to conclude that the four noises were equally effective in relieving tinnitus, with no statistically significant differences between the analyzed groups.

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

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

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

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

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

Diretrizes para intervenção fonoaudiológica do zumbido / Guidelines for speech and hearing intervention of tinnitus

Introdução: O zumbido está presente em grande parcela das queixas clínicas, podendo ser considerado um problema de saúde pública prejudicial à qualidade de vida (QV) do indivíduo. Proposição: Indicar as diretrizes para intervenção fonoaudiológica do zumbido por meio de avaliação específica, seleção, verificação e validação do aparelho de amplificação sonora individual (AASI) combinado ao gerador de som (GS). Material e Métodos: Foram elegíveis para compor a amostra 40 indivíduos de ambos os sexos com perda auditiva e queixa de zumbido. Os mesmos foram atendidos conforme a demanda clínica e submetidos aos seguintes procedimentos: anamnese e história pregressa da queixa, audiometria de alta frequência (AAF), imitanciometria e acufenometria com a pesquisa dos limiares psicoacústicos de pitch, loudness e limiar mínimo de mascaramento, verificação do GS, além da aplicação das ferramentas Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) e Escala Visual Analógica (EVA). A totalidade da amostra foi adaptada com AASI e GS da marca Siemens, participaram de uma sessão de aconselhamento com apoio de material digital e foram avaliados em duas situações: Avaliação Inicial (antes da adaptação do AASI e GS) e, Avaliação Final (6 meses, após a adaptação). As análises estatísticas realizadas foram descritivas e inferenciais, adotado nível de significância de 5% e realizados o Teste T-Pareado e o teste Correlação de Spearman. Resultados: Houve benefício com uso do AASI combinado ao GS a partir dos valores estatisticamente significantes, e fortes correlações entre os dados da verificação do GS em relação a acufenometria e aos questionários de incômodo/severidade. Em relação a verificação do GS é importante ressaltar que a totalidade da amostra selecionou a estimulação acústica efetiva baseada nos próprios níveis de conforto, comprovado neste estudo ser a intensidade suficiente para prognóstico positivo já que os ruídos dos usuários foram encontrados abaixo dos limiares psicoacústicos da acufenometria. Conclusão: O presente estudo concluiu que a estimulação acústica abaixo do nível do zumbido, torna a terapia acústica efetiva, assegurando a ausência do mascaramento com a melhora do incômodo. Dado este que especifica que a verificação do GS foi efetiva nas medidas em orelha real, e importante na avaliação e intervenção da queixa.(AU)

Introduction: Tinnitus is present in a large part of chronic health complaints, and it is considered a public health problem injurious to the individual's quality of life (QL). Proposition: The aim of this study was to indicate the guidelines for speech and hearing pathology intervention of tinnitus through specific evaluation, selection, verification and validation of the hearing aids (HA) combined with the sound generator (SG). Material and Methods: 40 individuals of both genders with hearing loss and tinnitus complaint were eligible to compose the sample. They were attended according to clinical demand and submitted to the following procedures: anamnesis and previous complaint history, high frequency audiometry (HFA), immittanciometry and acuphenometry with the research of psychoacoustic thresholds of pitch, loudness and minimum masking threshold, SG, in addition to the application of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) tools. The entire sample was adapted with Siemens HA and SG, participated in a counseling session with support of digital material and were evaluated in two situations: Initial Assessment (before the HA and SG adaptation) and Final Assessment (6 months, after adaptation). The statistical analyzes were descriptive and inferential, adopted a significance level of 5% and the T Paired Test and the Spearman Correlation test were performed. Results: The results showed that there was a benefit with the use of HA combined with SG from the statistically significant values and strong correlations between the SG verification data regarding acuphenometry and the nuisance/severity questionnaires. Regarding the verification of SG, it is important highlight that the entire sample selected the effective acoustic stimulation based on the own comfort levels, which was proved in the present study to be sufficient intensity for positive prognosis whereas the users' noises were found below the psychoacoustic thresholds of acuphenometry. Conclusion: The present study concluded that acoustic stimulation below the level of tinnitus makes acoustic therapy effective, ensuring the absence of masking with the improvement of the nuisance. Given this it specifies that the GS verification was effective in the measures in real ear, and important in the evaluation and intervention of the complaint.(AU)

Sound generator associated with the counseling in the treatment of tinnitus: evaluation of the effectiveness / Gerador de som associado a aconselhamento no tratamento de zumbido: avaliação da eficácia

Abstract Introduction: The relations between the tinnitus and the hearing loss are due to the sensory deprivation caused by hearing loss, since this is followed by the functional and structural alteration of the auditory system as a whole. The cochlear lesions are accompanied by a reduction in the activity of the cochlear nerve, and the neural activity keeps increased in mainly all the central auditory nervous system to compensate this deficit. Objective: This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of the sound generator (SG) associated with the counseling in the treatment of the tinnitus in individuals with and without hearing loss regarding the improvement of the nuisance through Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Methods: The sample consisted of 30 individuals of both genders divided into two groups: Group 1 (G1) was comprised of 15 individuals with tinnitus and normal hearing, adapted to SG; Group 2 (G2) was comprised of 15 individuals with complaints of hearing acuity and tinnitus, adapted with SG and an individual hearing aid device (HA). Both groups underwent the following procedures: anamnesis and history of complaint, high frequency audiometry (HFA), imitanciometry, acuphenometry with the survey of psychoacoustic pitch and loudness thresholds and application of the tools THI and VAS. All of them were adapted with HA and Siemens SG and participated in a session of counseling. The individuals were assessed in three situations: initial assessment (before the adaptation of the HA and SG), monitoring and final assessment (6 months after adaptation). Results: The comparison of the tinnitus nuisance and handicap in the three stages of assessment showed a significant improvement for both groups. Conclusion: The use of the SG was similarly effective in the treatment of the tinnitus in individuals with and without hearing loss, causing an improvement of the nuisance and handicap.

Resumo Introdução: As relações entre o zumbido e a perda de audição advêm da privação sensorial causada pela perda auditiva, uma vez que essa é seguida pela alteração estrutural e funcional do sistema auditivo no seu conjunto. As lesões cocleares são acompanhadas por uma redução da atividade do nervo coclear e a atividade neuronal mantém-se aumentada em principalmente todo o Sistema Nervoso Auditivo Central para compensar esse déficit. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a eficácia do Gerador de Som (GS) associado ao aconselhamento no tratamento do zumbido em indivíduos com e sem perda auditiva em relação à melhoria do incômodo por meio do Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) e da Escala Analógica Visual (VAS). Método: A amostra consistiu em 30 indivíduos de ambos os sexos, divididos em dois grupos: Grupo 1 (G1) foi composto por 15 indivíduos com zumbido e audição normal, adaptados ao GS; o Grupo 2 (G2) consistiu em 15 indivíduos com queixas de acuidade auditiva e zumbido, adaptado com GS e um aparelho auditivo individual (AA). Ambos os grupos foram submetidos aos seguintes procedimentos: anamnese e história da queixa, Audiometria de Alta Frequência (AAF), imitanciometria, acufenometria com o levantamento de limiares psicoacústicos de Frequência e Altura e aplicação das ferramentas THI e VAS. Todos eles receberam adaptação de AA e GS Siemens e participaram de uma sessão de aconselhamento. Os indivíduos foram avaliados em três situações: Avaliação Inicial (antes da adaptação do AA e GS), Monitoramento e Avaliação Final (seis meses após a adaptação). Resultados: A comparação do incômodo do zumbido e deficiência nas três fases de avaliação mostrou uma melhoria significativa nos dois grupos. Conclusão: O uso de GS foi igualmente eficaz no tratamento do zumbido nos indivíduos com e sem a perda de audição, causando uma melhoria da perturbação e da deficiência.

Sound generator associated with the counseling in the treatment of tinnitus: evaluation of the effectiveness.

INTRODUCTION: The relations between the tinnitus and the hearing loss are due to the sensory deprivation caused by hearing loss, since this is followed by the functional and structural alteration of the auditory system as a whole. The cochlear lesions are accompanied by a reduction in the activity of the cochlear nerve, and the neural activity keeps increased in mainly all the central auditory nervous system to compensate this deficit. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of the sound generator (SG) associated with the counseling in the treatment of the tinnitus in individuals with and without hearing loss regarding the improvement of the nuisance through Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). METHODS: The sample consisted of 30 individuals of both genders divided into two groups: Group 1 (G1) was comprised of 15 individuals with tinnitus and normal hearing, adapted to SG; Group 2 (G2) was comprised of 15 individuals with complaints of hearing acuity and tinnitus, adapted with SG and an individual hearing aid device (HA). Both groups underwent the following procedures: anamnesis and history of complaint, high frequency audiometry (HFA), imitanciometry, acuphenometry with the survey of psychoacoustic pitch and loudness thresholds and application of the tools THI and VAS. All of them were adapted with HA and Siemens SG and participated in a session of counseling. The individuals were assessed in three situations: initial assessment (before the adaptation of the HA and SG), monitoring and final assessment (6 months after adaptation). RESULTS: The comparison of the tinnitus nuisance and handicap in the three stages of assessment showed a significant improvement for both groups. CONCLUSION: The use of the SG was similarly effective in the treatment of the tinnitus in individuals with and without hearing loss, causing an improvement of the nuisance and handicap.

Aplicabilidade da orientação fonoaudiológica associada ao uso de aparelho de amplificação sonora individual na redução do zumbido / Applicability of the speech-language and hearing pathologist orientation associated with the use of amplification in the reduction of tinnitus

RESUMO Introdução Com frequência, o zumbido tem sido relatado associado ás queixas auditivas. Objetivo Verificar a aplicabilidade da orientação fonoaudiológica associada ao uso de aparelho de amplificação sonora individual (AASI), na redução da sensação do zumbido. Métodos Foram selecionados pacientes com queixa de zumbido associado à perda auditiva. O estudo foi desenvolvido em duas etapas: Avaliação inicial - após o encaminhamento do paciente para adaptação de AASI e Avaliação final - após três meses de uso efetivo do AASI. Os participantes foram divididos em três grupos: Grupo A (oito indivíduos adaptados com AASI, sem orientação referente ao zumbido), Grupo B (oito indivíduos adaptados com AASI, com orientação verbal referente ao zumbido) e Grupo C (oito indivíduos adaptados com AASI, com orientação verbal sobre o material de apoio referente ao zumbido). Os participantes responderam ao questionário Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) no primeiro momento e após três meses de uso efetivo do AASI, para mensurar a modificação do incômodo do sintoma em seu escore total e nos três domínios. Para análise estatística, foram utilizados testes, adotando-se nível de significância inferior a 5%. Resultados Todos os grupos apresentaram redução da sensação de incômodo do zumbido, sendo que melhores resultados foram observados quando o paciente recebeu algum tipo de orientação a respeito. Além disso, observou-se que houve diferença significativa entre os grupos apenas no domínio "emocional" do questionário THI, em que o grupo C apresentou melhor resultado na diminuição da sensação do incômodo do zumbido, do que os grupos A e B (p<0,05). Conclusão A orientação fonoaudiológica associada ao uso do AASI pode favorecer a redução da sensação do zumbido. Registro clinical trials: 4939

ABSTRACT Introduction Tinnitus has often been reported associated with auditory complaints. Purpose To verify the applicability of the speech-language and hearing pathologist orientation associated with the use of hearing aids (HAs) in the reduction of the tinnitus sensation. Methods Patients with tinnitus associated with hearing loss were selected. The study was developed in two stages: initial evaluation - after patient referral for HA adaptation and final evaluation - after three months of effective use of HAs. The groups were divided into three groups: Group A (8 individuals adapted to HA without orientation for tinnitus), Group B (8 individuals adapted with HA with verbal orientation for tinnitus), and Group C (8 individuals adapted to HA with verbal orientation associated with tinnitus support material). The sample responded to the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) at the first moment and after three months of effective use of the HA to measure a handicap modification for symptoms in its total score and in the three domains. For statistical analysis, applied tests were performed, adopting a level of significance less than 5%. Results All groups presented improvement in tinnitus, and better results were observed when the patient received guidance regarding tinnitus. In addition, it was observed that there was significant difference between the groups for only one emotional domain of the THI, in which group C presented better results than groups A and B (p<0.05). Conclusion The spech-language and hearing therapist orientation associated with the use of hearing aids may favor the reduction of tinnitus sensation. Clinical trials 4939

Correlação entre percepção de fala e zumbido antes e após o uso de amplificação / Correlation between speech perception and tinnitus before and after the use of hearing aids

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o grau de incômodo do zumbido, por meio do questionário Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) e correlacionar com a percepção da fala, utilizando o Hearing in Noise Test (HINT), antes e após adaptação de Aparelho de Amplificação Sonora Individual (AASI) Métodos Participaram da pesquisa 27 indivíduos com perda auditiva sensorioneural bilateral, zumbido bilateral contínuo (no mínimo, seis meses) e sem experiência prévia com amplificação. Os indivíduos responderam a anamnese, ao questionário THI e realizaram o HINT, foram adaptados com AASI e, após três meses, realizaram novamente as avaliações. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise estatística. Resultados O THI pré e pós-adaptação de AASI indicou benefício com amplificação em relação à diminuição da sensação do zumbido. O HINT pré e pós-adaptação de AASI não obteve diferença significativa. Houve diferença na correlação do THI e HINT antes da adaptação do AASI. Conclusão Houve melhora em relação ao grau de incômodo do zumbido, após a adaptação do AASI. Não houve correlação significativa entre a percepção de fala, antes e após a utilização do AASI. Registro clinical trials: 3949

ABSTRACT Purpose To assess the degree of annoyance of tinnitus through the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and correlate it with the perception of speech using the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) before and after the fitting of a hearing aid (HA). Methods There were 27 patients with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, continuous bilateral tinnitus (minimum six months) without experience of amplification. The subjects answered the anamnesis, the THI questionnaire, underwent a HINT, were fitted with hearing aids, and were again evaluated after three months. The results were statistically analyzed. Results Pre and post THI adaptation of hearing aids indicated benefits from amplification in relation to decreased sensation of tinnitus. The pre and post HINT adaptation of hearing aids presented a significant difference. There were differences in the correlation between the THI and HINT before the fitting of the hearing aids. Conclusion There was an improvement in the degree of tinnitus annoyance after the fitting of the hearing aids. There was no significant correlation between speech perception before and after the use of hearing aids. Clinical trials: 394

Open fitting: performance verification of receiver in the ear and receiver in the aid / Adaptação aberta: verificação do desempenho RITE e RITA

OBJECTIVE: To verify the receiver in the ear and receiver in the aid adaptations by measuring in situ the speech perception and users' level of satisfaction. METHODS: The study was approved by the research ethics committee (Process: 027/2011). Twenty subjects older than 18 years with audiological diagnosis of mild and moderate bilateral descending sensorineural hearing loss were evaluated. The subjects were divided into two groups, where G1 (group 1) was fitted with open-fit hearing aids with the built-in receiver unit (receiver in the ear) and G2 (group 2) was fitted with open-fit hearing aids with RITE. A probe microphone measurement was performed to check the gain and output provided by the amplification and for assessment of speech perception with Hearing in Noise Test with and without hearing aids. After a period of six weeks of use without interruption, the subjects returned for follow-up and answered the Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life questionnaire, and were again subjected to Hearing in Noise Test. RESULTS: Both groups presented better test results for speech recognition in the presence of noise. CONCLUSION: Groups 1 and 2 were satisfied with the use of hearing aids and improved speech recognition in silent and noisy situations with hearing aids. .

OBJETIVO: Estudo clínico prospectivo para verificar as adaptações RITE e RITA por meio da mensuração in situ da percepção da fala e satisfação dos usuários. MÉTODO: Estudo aprovado pelo CEP (Processo no 027/2011). Foram avaliados 20 indivíduos maiores de 18 anos com diagnóstico audiológico de perda auditiva sensorioneural descendente bilateral de graus leve e moderado. Os indivíduos foram divididos em dois grupos, onde o G1 (grupo 1) foi adaptado com AASI open-fit com receptor no próprio aparelho (RITA) e o G2 (grupo 2) foi adaptado com AASI open-fit com receptor no canal (RITE). Foi realizada a medida com microfone-sonda para verificação do ganho e saída do AASI e avaliação da percepção da fala com Hearing in Noise Test (HINT), sem e com AASI. Após um período de seis semanas de uso sem interrupções, o individuo retornou para acompanhamento e respondeu ao questionário SADL (Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life Scale) e realizou o HINT. RESULTADOS: Os grupos apresentaram melhores resultados no teste de reconhecimento da fala com presença de ruído. CONCLUSÃO: Os grupos 1 e 2 apresentaram satisfação com o uso do AASI e melhora no reconhecimento de fala nas situações de silêncio e ruído com o uso de AASI. .

Open fitting: performance verification of receiver in the ear and receiver in the aid.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the receiver in the ear and receiver in the aid adaptations by measuring in situ the speech perception and users' level of satisfaction. METHODS: The study was approved by the research ethics committee (Process: 027/2011). Twenty subjects older than 18 years with audiological diagnosis of mild and moderate bilateral descending sensorineural hearing loss were evaluated. The subjects were divided into two groups, where G1 (group 1) was fitted with open-fit hearing aids with the built-in receiver unit (receiver in the ear) and G2 (group 2) was fitted with open-fit hearing aids with RITE. A probe microphone measurement was performed to check the gain and output provided by the amplification and for assessment of speech perception with Hearing in Noise Test with and without hearing aids. After a period of six weeks of use without interruption, the subjects returned for follow-up and answered the Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life questionnaire, and were again subjected to Hearing in Noise Test. RESULTS: Both groups presented better test results for speech recognition in the presence of noise. CONCLUSION: Groups 1 and 2 were satisfied with the use of hearing aids and improved speech recognition in silent and noisy situations with hearing aids.

Degree of satisfaction among hearing aid users

Introduction: Hearing loss (HL) is defined as the complete or partial loss of hearing ability. Aims: To characterize (1) the degree of satisfaction among adult and elderly hearing aid (HA) users who were treated by a public hearing health service and (2) the relationship between satisfaction and the variables of gender, age, degree of HL, and type of HA. Method: The clinical and experimental study included the administration of the Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life (SADL) questionnaire to 110 patients who had used HAs for more than 3 months and were 18 years of age or older. Results: Test patients were sex-balanced (48% were women) and had a mean age of 67 years. A relatively high incidence of sensorineural moderate HL was detected in the study patients (66%) and device B was the most commonly used HA type (48%). No significant differences were evident between HA satisfaction and sex. The importance placed on services/costs and personal image varied between age groups. Correlation was evident at all levels between user satisfaction and amplification. Decreased satisfaction was observed in individuals with severe and/or profound HL. The type of HA used yielded statistically significant differences in the positive effects referring. Conclusion: No correlations were evident between the different factors proposed. HA users exhibited high levels of satisfaction in all SADL areas...

Degree of satisfaction among hearing aid users.

INTRODUCTION: Hearing loss (HL) is defined as the complete or partial loss of hearing ability. AIMS: To characterize (1) the degree of satisfaction among adult and elderly hearing aid (HA) users who were treated by a public hearing health service and (2) the relationship between satisfaction and the variables of gender, age, degree of HL, and type of HA. METHOD: The clinical and experimental study included the administration of the Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life (SADL) questionnaire to 110 patients who had used HAs for more than 3 months and were 18 years of age or older. RESULTS: Test patients were sex-balanced (48% were women) and had a mean age of 67 years. A relatively high incidence of sensorineural moderate HL was detected in the study patients (66%) and device B was the most commonly used HA type (48%). No significant differences were evident between HA satisfaction and sex. The importance placed on services/costs and personal image varied between age groups. Correlation was evident at all levels between user satisfaction and amplification. Decreased satisfaction was observed in individuals with severe and/or profound HL. The type of HA used yielded statistically significant differences in the positive effects referring. CONCLUSION: No correlations were evident between the different factors proposed. HA users exhibited high levels of satisfaction in all SADL areas.