Language evaluation in children with pre-lingual hearing loss and cochlear implant / Avaliação de linguagem em crianças com deficiência auditiva pré-lingual e implante coclear

Abstract Introduction The cochlear implant is an effective device for children with severe and/or profound prelingual hearing loss, since it provides considerable improvement in oral language acquisition through the auditory pathway. The use of a cochlear implant contributes to the development of auditory perception, favoring the acquisition of the linguistic processes related to communication skills, which might have a positive effect on other areas of development. Objective The aim of this study was to verify the performance of children using cochlear implants for expressive and receptive oral language. Methods This was a prospective cross-sectional study that used the following tests: Child language test in the phonology, vocabulary, fluency and pragmatics areas, and the Peabody picture vocabulary test. Thirty children participated in this study, of both genders, aged between 36 and 72 months, with severe and/or profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, without other impairments and users of unilateral cochlear implant with full electrode insertion for a minimum of 12 months. Results The longer duration of the cochlear implant use, the younger age at surgery and the better performance in the auditory perception of speech influenced the performance in expressive and receptive oral language. Even though when compared to the normative language acquisition process, the results showed that these children had patterns of linguistic skills that are below their chronological age; the results indicate that these children are developing expressive and receptive oral language skills, and this is the outcome that should be taken into account in this study. Conclusion The longer duration of the cochlear implant use, the younger age at surgery and the better performance in the auditory perception of speech influenced the performance in expressive and receptive oral language skills, but not in all the studied semantic categories.

Resumo Introdução O implante coclear é um tratamento eficaz para crianças com deficiência auditiva pré-lingual de grau severo e/ou profundo, uma vez que proporciona melhoria considerável na aquisição da linguagem oral por meio da via auditiva. O uso do implante coclear contribui para o desenvolvimento da percepção auditiva e favorece a aquisição dos processos linguísticos voltados à aquisição de habilidades comunicativas que poderá repercutir positivamente em outras áreas do desenvolvimento. Objetivo Verificar o desempenho de crianças usuárias de implante coclear quanto à linguagem oral expressiva e receptiva. Método Estudo prospectivo transversal onde os seguintes testes foram usados: teste de linguagem infantil nas áreas de fonologia, vocabulário, fluência e pragmática e teste de vocabulário de imagens Peabody. Participaram deste estudo 30 crianças de ambos os sexos de 36 a 72 meses, com deficiência auditiva sensorioneural de grau severo e/ou profundo bilateral, sem outros comprometimentos e usuárias de implante coclear unilateral com inserção total dos eletrodos havia, no mínimo, 12 meses. Resultados O maior tempo de uso do implante coclear, a menor idade na cirurgia e o melhor desempenho na percepção auditiva da fala influenciaram o desempenho na linguagem oral expressiva e receptiva. Embora comparativamente ao processo de aquisição normativo da linguagem os resultados encontrados tenham revelado que essas crianças demonstraram habilidades linguísticas em padrões abaixo de sua idade cronológica, os resultados apontaram que essas crianças estão em evolução da linguagem oral expressiva e receptiva, esse é o resultado que deve ser valorizado neste estudo. Conclusão O maior tempo de uso do implante coclear, a menor idade na cirurgia e o melhor desempenho na percepção auditiva da fala influenciaram o desempenho na linguagem oral expressiva e receptiva, porém não em todas as categorias semânticas estudadas.

Language evaluation in children with pre-lingual hearing loss and cochlear implant.

INTRODUCTION: The cochlear implant is an effective device for children with severe and/or profound prelingual hearing loss, since it provides considerable improvement in oral language acquisition through the auditory pathway. The use of a cochlear implant contributes to the development of auditory perception, favoring the acquisition of the linguistic processes related to communication skills, which might have a positive effect on other areas of development. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify the performance of children using cochlear implants for expressive and receptive oral language. METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study that used the following tests: Child language test in the phonology, vocabulary, fluency and pragmatics areas, and the Peabody picture vocabulary test. Thirty children participated in this study, of both genders, aged between 36 and 72 months, with severe and/or profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, without other impairments and users of unilateral cochlear implant with full electrode insertion for a minimum of 12 months. RESULTS: The longer duration of the cochlear implant use, the younger age at surgery and the better performance in the auditory perception of speech influenced the performance in expressive and receptive oral language. Even though when compared to the normative language acquisition process, the results showed that these children had patterns of linguistic skills that are below their chronological age; the results indicate that these children are developing expressive and receptive oral language skills, and this is the outcome that should be taken into account in this study. CONCLUSION: The longer duration of the cochlear implant use, the younger age at surgery and the better performance in the auditory perception of speech influenced the performance in expressive and receptive oral language skills, but not in all the studied semantic categories.

Use of remote control in the intraoperative telemetry of cochlear implant: multicentric study / Uso do controle remoto na telemetria intraoperatória do implante coclear: estudo multicêntrico

Abstract Introduction: The conventional evaluation of neural telemetry and impedance requires the use of the computer coupled to an interface, with software that provides visualization of the stimulus and response. Recently, a remote control (CR220®) was launched in the market, that allows the performance of intraoperative tests with minimal instrumentation. Objective: To evaluate the agreement of the impedance values and neural telemetry thresholds, and the time of performance in the conventional procedure and by the remote control. Methods: Multicentric prospective cross-sectional study. Intraoperative evaluations of cochlear implants compatible with the use of CR220® were included. The tests were carried out in the 22 electrodes to compare the time of performance in the two situations. The agreement of the neural telemetry threshold values obtained from five electrodes was analyzed, and the agreement of impedance was evaluated by the number of electrodes with altered values in each procedure. Results: There were no significant difference between the impedance values. There was a moderate to strong correlation between the electrically-evoked compound action potential thresholds. The mean time to perform the procedures using the CR220 was significantly lower than that with the conventional procedure. Conclusion: The use of the CR220 provided successful records for impedance telemetry and automatic neural response telemetry.

Resumo Introdução: A avaliação convencional da telemetria neural e de impedâncias implica o uso do computador acoplado a uma interface, o software fornece o estímulo e a visualização das respostas. Recentemente, foi lançado um controle remoto (CR220®), que possibilita testes intraoperatórios com instrumental mínimo. Objetivo: Avaliar a concordância dos valores das impedâncias e dos limiares da telemetria neural e o tempo de execução no procedimento convencional e pelo controle remoto. Método: Estudo prospectivo transversal multicêntrico. Foram incluídas as avaliações intraoperatórias de implante coclear compatível com o uso do CR220®. Os testes foram realizados nos 22 eletrodos para comparar os tempos de execução nas duas situações. Foi analisada a concordância dos valores do limiar da telemetria neural obtidos em cinco eletrodos e a concordância das impedâncias foi avaliada pelo número de eletrodos com valores alterados em cada procedimento. Resultados: Não houve diferença significante entre as impedâncias. Obteve-se moderada a forte correlação entre os limiares do potencial de ação composto eletricamente evocado. O tempo médio para os procedimentos com o CR220 foi significativamente menor do que com o procedimento convencional. Conclusão: O uso do CR220 proporcionou registros bem-sucedidos para a telemetria de impedância e a telemetria automática de respostas neurais.

Electroacoustic verification of frequency modulation systems in cochlear implant users / Verificação eletroacústica de sistemas de frequência modulada em usuários de implante coclear

Abstract Introduction: The frequency modulation system is a device that helps to improve speech perception in noise and is considered the most beneficial approach to improve speech recognition in noise in cochlear implant users. According to guidelines, there is a need to perform a check before fitting the frequency modulation system. Although there are recommendations regarding the behavioral tests that should be performed at the fitting of the frequency modulation system to cochlear implant users, there are no published recommendations regarding the electroacoustic test that should be performed. Objective: Perform and determine the validity of an electroacoustic verification test for frequency modulation systems coupled to different cochlear implant speech processors. Methods: The sample included 40 participants between 5 and 18 year's users of four different models of speech processors. For the electroacoustic evaluation, we used the Audioscan Verifit device with the HA-1 coupler and the listening check devices corresponding to each speech processor model. In cases where the transparency was not achieved, a modification was made in the frequency modulation gain adjustment and we used the Brazilian version of the "Phrases in Noise Test" to evaluate the speech perception in competitive noise. Results: It was observed that there was transparency between the frequency modulation system and the cochlear implant in 85% of the participants evaluated. After adjusting the gain of the frequency modulation receiver in the other participants, the devices showed transparency when the electroacoustic verification test was repeated. It was also observed that patients demonstrated better performance in speech perception in noise after a new adjustment, that is, in these cases; the electroacoustic transparency caused behavioral transparency. Conclusion: The electroacoustic evaluation protocol suggested was effective in evaluation of transparency between the frequency modulation system and the cochlear implant. Performing the adjustment of the speech processor and the frequency modulation system gain are essential when fitting this device.

Resumo Introdução: O sistema de frequência modulada é um dispositivo que ajuda a melhorar a percepção da fala no ruído, e é considerado a abordagem mais benéfica para melhorar o reconhecimento da fala no ruído em usuários de implantes cocleares. De acordo com as diretrizes, é necessário realizar uma verificação no momento da adaptação do sistema de frequência modulada. Embora existam recomendações sobre os testes comportamentais a serem realizados na adaptação do sistema de frequência modulada para usuários de implantes cocleares, não há recomendações publicadas sobre o teste eletroacústico que deve ser realizado. Objetivo: Realizar e validar um teste de verificação eletroacústica para sistemas de frequência modulada acoplados a diferentes processadores de fala de implante coclear. Método: A amostra incluiu 40 participantes com idades entre cinco e 18 anos, usuários de quatro modelos de processadores de fala. Para a avaliação eletroacústica, utilizou-se o dispositivo Audioscan Verifit com o acoplador HA-1 e os dispositivos de verificação de escuta correspondentes a cada modelo de processador de fala. Nos casos em que a transparência não foi alcançada, foi realizada uma modificação no ajuste do ganho do sistema de frequência modulada e, em seguida, aplicou-se a versão brasileira do "Phrases in Noise Test" para avaliar a percepção da fala com ruído competitivo. Resultados: Observou-se que houve transparência entre o sistema de frequência modulada e o implante coclear em 85% dos participantes avaliados. Depois de ajustar o ganho do receptor do sistema de frequência modulada nos outros participantes, os dispositivos mostraram transparência quando o teste de verificação eletroacústica foi repetido. Observou-se também um melhor desempenho na percepção da fala no ruído após um novo ajuste, ou seja, nesses casos a transparência eletroacústica resultou em transparência comportamental. Conclusão: O protocolo de avaliação eletroacústica sugerido foi eficaz para avaliar a transparência entre o sistema de frequência modulada e o implante coclear. A realização do ajuste do processador de fala e o ganho do sistema de frequência modulada são essenciais no momento da adaptação deste dispositivo.

Electroacoustic verification of frequency modulation systems in cochlear implant users.

INTRODUCTION: The frequency modulation system is a device that helps to improve speech perception in noise and is considered the most beneficial approach to improve speech recognition in noise in cochlear implant users. According to guidelines, there is a need to perform a check before fitting the frequency modulation system. Although there are recommendations regarding the behavioral tests that should be performed at the fitting of the frequency modulation system to cochlear implant users, there are no published recommendations regarding the electroacoustic test that should be performed. OBJECTIVE: Perform and determine the validity of an electroacoustic verification test for frequency modulation systems coupled to different cochlear implant speech processors. METHODS: The sample included 40 participants between 5 and 18 year's users of four different models of speech processors. For the electroacoustic evaluation, we used the Audioscan Verifit device with the HA-1 coupler and the listening check devices corresponding to each speech processor model. In cases where the transparency was not achieved, a modification was made in the frequency modulation gain adjustment and we used the Brazilian version of the "Phrases in Noise Test" to evaluate the speech perception in competitive noise. RESULTS: It was observed that there was transparency between the frequency modulation system and the cochlear implant in 85% of the participants evaluated. After adjusting the gain of the frequency modulation receiver in the other participants, the devices showed transparency when the electroacoustic verification test was repeated. It was also observed that patients demonstrated better performance in speech perception in noise after a new adjustment, that is, in these cases; the electroacoustic transparency caused behavioral transparency. CONCLUSION: The electroacoustic evaluation protocol suggested was effective in evaluation of transparency between the frequency modulation system and the cochlear implant. Performing the adjustment of the speech processor and the frequency modulation system gain are essential when fitting this device.

Use of remote control in the intraoperative telemetry of cochlear implant: multicentric study.

INTRODUCTION: The conventional evaluation of neural telemetry and impedance requires the use of the computer coupled to an interface, with software that provides visualization of the stimulus and response. Recently, a remote control (CR220®) was launched in the market, that allows the performance of intraoperative tests with minimal instrumentation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the agreement of the impedance values and neural telemetry thresholds, and the time of performance in the conventional procedure and by the remote control. METHODS: Multicentric prospective cross-sectional study. Intraoperative evaluations of cochlear implants compatible with the use of CR220® were included. The tests were carried out in the 22 electrodes to compare the time of performance in the two situations. The agreement of the neural telemetry threshold values obtained from five electrodes was analyzed, and the agreement of impedance was evaluated by the number of electrodes with altered values in each procedure. RESULTS: There were no significant difference between the impedance values. There was a moderate to strong correlation between the electrically-evoked compound action potential thresholds. The mean time to perform the procedures using the CR220 was significantly lower than that with the conventional procedure. CONCLUSION: The use of the CR220 provided successful records for impedance telemetry and automatic neural response telemetry.

Use of FM System in cochlear implant. / Uso do Sistema FM em implante coclear.

PURPOSE: To verify the use of the Frequency Modulation System (FM) and its benefit for cochlear implant users. METHODS: Analysis of medical records of 113 users of Cochlear Implants (CI) adapted with FM System kits between September 2013 and September 2015 after publication of the Administrative Rule 1.274 of 6/25/2013, regarding the results of the speech perception tests (SPT) and the Listening Inventory For Education - Revised (LIFE-R) and Classroom Participation Questionnaire (CPQ). RESULTS: The use of the FM System in the classroom was effective for 47.15% of the patients, while 21.42% did not use it. There was no correlation between the use of the FM System and the age group of patients. The results of the SPT regarding noise were statistically better with the use of FM System. Regarding the questionnaires, the score obtained in the LIFE-R in the situation "after use of the FM System" was statistically better for the item "listening situations in the classroom" and in the CPQ, for the items "teacher understanding" and "positive aspects", when compared to the situation "without using the FM System". CONCLUSION: Patients benefitting from the concession of the FM System made use of the device in the classroom and improvement in both speech perception in noisy environments and subjective impression of the understanding of teachers' speech in the classroom was observed after the use of the FM System.

Uso do Sistema FM em implante coclear / Use of FM System in cochlear implant

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar o uso do Sistema de Frequência Modulada (FM) e o benefício deste dispositivo em usuários de implante coclear. Método Análise de prontuários dos 113 usuários de Implante Coclear (IC), adaptados com kits de Sistema FM, entre setembro de 2013 e 2015, após publicação da Portaria 1.274 de 25/6/2013, referentes aos resultados dos testes de percepção de fala (TPF) e dos questionários Listening Inventory For Education – Revised (LIFE-R) e Classroom Participation Questionnaire (CPQ). Resultados O uso do Sistema FM em sala de aula foi efetivo por 47,15% dos pacientes, enquanto 21,42% não o utilizaram. Não houve correlação entre o uso do Sistema FM e a faixa etária dos pacientes. Os resultados nos TPF no ruído foram estatisticamente melhores com o uso do FM. Em relação aos questionários, a pontuação obtida na situação “após uso do Sistema FM”, no questionário LIFE-R, foi estatisticamente melhor para o item “situações de escuta em sala de aula” e, no questionário CPQ, para os itens “compreensão dos professores e aspectos positivos”, quando comparada a da situação “sem uso do Sistema FM”. Conclusão Os pacientes beneficiados com a concessão do Sistema FM fizeram uso do dispositivo em sala de aula e mostraram melhora tanto na percepção da fala no ruído quanto na impressão subjetiva da compreensão da fala do professor em sala de aula, após o uso do Sistema FM.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the use of the Frequency Modulation System (FM) and its benefit for cochlear implant users. Methods Analysis of medical records of 113 users of Cochlear Implants (CI) adapted with FM System kits between September 2013 and September 2015 after publication of the Administrative Rule 1.274 of 6/25/2013, regarding the results of the speech perception tests (SPT) and the Listening Inventory For Education - Revised (LIFE-R) and Classroom Participation Questionnaire (CPQ). Results The use of the FM System in the classroom was effective for 47.15% of the patients, while 21.42% did not use it. There was no correlation between the use of the FM System and the age group of patients. The results of the SPT regarding noise were statistically better with the use of FM System. Regarding the questionnaires, the score obtained in the LIFE-R in the situation “after use of the FM System” was statistically better for the item “listening situations in the classroom” and in the CPQ, for the items “teacher understanding” and “positive aspects”, when compared to the situation “without using the FM System”. Conclusion Patients benefitting from the concession of the FM System made use of the device in the classroom and improvement in both speech perception in noisy environments and subjective impression of the understanding of teachers’ speech in the classroom was observed after the use of the FM System.

Cochlear implant in postlingual children: functional results 10 years after the surgery.

UNLABELLED: The benefits of cochlear implants (CI) for communication skills are obtained over the years. There are but a few studies regarding the long-term outcomes in postlingual deaf children who grew up using the electronic device. AIM: To assess the functional results in a group of postlingual children, 10 years after using a CI. METHODS: Ten postlingual deaf children, implanted before 18 years of age, participated in this study. We assessed: sentence recognition and speech intelligibility. We documented: device use and function and the patient's academic/occupational status. STUDY DESIGN: series. RESULTS: The mean scores were 73% for sentence recognition in silence and 40% in noise. The average write-down intelligibility score was 92% and the average rating-scale intelligibility score was 4.15. There were no cases of device failure. Regarding educational/vocational status, three subjects graduated from the University. Five quit education after completing high school. Eight subjects had a professional activity. CONCLUSION: This study showed that cochlear implantation is a safe and reliable procedure. The postlingual profoundly hearing-impaired children after 10 years of CI use developed satisfactory levels regarding speech perception and intelligibility, and completed at least high school and were inserted in the labor market.

Implante coclear em crianças pós-linguais: resultados funcionais após 10 anos da cirurgia / Cochlear implant in postlingual children: functional results 10 years after the surgery

Os benefícios do implante coclear (IC) às habilidades comunicativas são obtidos ao longo de anos de uso. Há poucos estudos sobre os resultados a longo prazo em crianças pós-linguais que cresceram usando o dispositivo. OBJETIVO: Reportar os resultados funcionais em crianças pós-linguais, após 10 anos de uso do dispositivo. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Dez crianças pós-linguais, implantadas antes dos 18 anos, participaram deste estudo. Foram avaliadas: a percepção da fala para sentenças e a inteligibilidade de fala. Informações sobre o uso/funcionamento do dispositivo e nível acadêmico/ocupacional foram documentadas. Desenho científico: Estudo de série. RESULTADOS: O reconhecimento para sentenças no silêncio foi igual a 73% e, no ruído, 40%. Para o método de transcrição, a média de acertos foi igual a 92% e, na escala de inteligibilidade, 4.15. Não houve falhas no dispositivo interno. Três participantes haviam concluído o ensino superior e, outros cinco, o ensino médio. Oito participantes estavam empregados. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo mostrou que o IC é um procedimento seguro e confiável. As crianças pós-linguais após 10 anos de uso do IC alcançaram resultados funcionais em relação à percepção e a inteligibilidade da fala, concluíram ao menos o ensino superior e estavam inseridas no mercado de trabalho.

The benefits of cochlear implants (CI) for communication skills are obtained over the years. There are but a few studies regarding the long-term outcomes in postlingual deaf children who grew up using the electronic device. AIM: To assess the functional results in a group of postlingual children, 10 years after using a CI. METHODS: Ten postlingual deaf children, implanted before 18 years of age, participated in this study. We assessed: sentence recognition and speech intelligibility. We documented: device use and function and the patient's academic/occupational status. Study design: series. RESULTS: The mean scores were 73% for sentence recognition in silence and 40% in noise. The average write-down intelligibility score was 92% and the average rating-scale intelligibility score was 4.15. There were no cases of device failure. Regarding educational/vocational status, three subjects graduated from the University. Five quit education after completing high school. Eight subjects had a professional activity. CONCLUSION: This study showed that cochlear implantation is a safe and reliable procedure. The postlingual profoundly hearing-impaired children after 10 years of CI use developed satisfactory levels regarding speech perception and intelligibility, and completed at least high school and were inserted in the labor market.

Resultados a longo prazo com o uso do implante coclear em crianças: revisão sistemática / Long-term results by using cochlear implants on children: systematic review

INTRODUÇÃO: Os benefícios do Implante coclear (IC) nos primeiros anos de uso em crianças já foram detalhadamente descritos na literatura. Porém, são escassos os estudos que relatam os resultados após longos períodos de uso do dispositivo. OBJETIVO: Revisar a evidência disponível na literatura para responder ao questionamento: "O Implante Coclear contribuiu de modo efetivo para o desenvolvimento das habilidades comunicativas em adolescentes e adultos jovens que cresceram usando este dispositivo?". MÉTODO: Para responder ao questionamento proposto, foi realizada a revisão sistemática da literatura. Diversas bases de dados eletrônicas e anais de congressos foram selecionados para localizar a evidência referente aos resultados do uso prolongado do IC. Os títulos potencialmente relevantes para responder ao objetivo da revisão sistemática foram recuperados e revisados usando um protocolo de análise dos dados. Para cada artigo incluído na presente revisão sistemática foi realizada a resenha em uma ficha protocolar e a classificação segundo o nível de evidência e grau de recomendação. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Quinze estudos contemplaram os critérios e foram incluídos na revisão sistemática. Os resultados descritos mostraram que a primeira geração de crianças implantadas alcançou níveis de competência linguística e acadêmica similares aos indivíduos com audição normal da mesma idade. COMENTÁRIOS FINAIS: O IC foi contribuiu de maneira efetiva para o desenvolvimento de habilidades comunicativas funcionais em adolescentes e jovens adultos que cresceram usando o dispositivo eletrônico.

INTRODUCTION: Cochlear Implant (CI) benefits given to children in the first years of usage have been thoroughly described in literature. Nonetheless, studies reporting the results after the device has been long used are scarce. OBJECTIVE: Review the available evidence in literature to answer the query: "Did Cochlear Implant effectively contribute to develop the communication abilities in children and young adults who grew up with this device? METHOD: To answer the suggested query, a systematic literature review was performed. Several electronic databases and congress records have been selected to find the evidence regarding the long-term CI results. The likely significant titles to answer the objective of the systematic review were retrieved and reviewed by using a data analysis protocol. For every article encompassed in the present systematic review, short notes were made on a filing card as well as the classification, according to evidence level and degree of recommendation. DATA SYNTHESIS: Fifteen studies fulfilled the requirements and were included in the systematic review. The achieved results showed that the first generation of implanted children reached levels of linguistic and academic proficiency similar to normal hearing individuals at the same age. FINAL COMMENTS: CI effectively contributed to develop the functional communication abilities in children and young adults who grew up with this electronic device.

Audição e inteligibilidade da fala de crianças após 10 anos da cirurgia de implante coclear / Audition and speech intelligibility in children after ten years of cochlear implant surgery

As habilidades comunicativas de crianças portadoras de deficiência auditiva (DA) pré-lingual, submetidas à cirurgia do implante coclear (IC) desenvolvem-se ao longo dos anos de uso do dispositivo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o desempenho alcançado por adolescentes e jovens adultos com, no mínimo, dez anos de experiência com o IC, em relação à audição e à inteligibilidade de fala e, considerando o tipo de DA, o tempo de privação sensorial auditiva e o tipo de dispositivo. Participaram deste estudo, 61 adolescentes e jovens adultos portadores de DA pré-lingual, que receberam diferentes tipos de IC em média, aos 3 anos e 10 meses de idade. Reconhecimento da lista de palavras dissílabas, Teste Hint adaptativo e reconhecimento das sentenças Hint no silêncio e no ruído foram os procedimentos utilizados para avaliar o desempenho de audição. A inteligibilidade da fala dos participantes foi avaliada por dois julgadores sem experiência com deficientes auditivos, usando o método de transcrição e a escala de inteligibilidade de 5 pontos. Após 10 anos de experiência com o IC, 53 participantes (86,9%) alcançaram habilidade de reconhecimento auditivo em conjunto aberto. Os resultados médios obtidos na lista de palavras dissílabas foram de 49,4%; teste Hint adaptativo, a média dos resultados no silêncio foi igual a 54,7dB e, no ruído, 10,7 dB e; os valores médios de porcentagem nas sentenças Hint no silêncio 54% e no ruído, 33,3%. Quanto à inteligibilidade de fala dos participantes, a média de acertos no método de transcrição foi igual a 76,2%. Na escala de inteligibilidade, a pontuação média correspondeu a 3,3 pontos. Melhores desempenhos de audição no silêncio e no ruído foram correlacionados ao menor tempo de privação sensorial auditiva...

The communication skills of prelingually deafened children, underwent cochlear implant (CI) surgery, develop over the years of device use. The aim of this work was to study the performance achieved by teenagers and young adults with at least ten years of IC experience with regard to speech perception and speech intelligibility and, considering the type of hearing loss, duration of deafness, and type of device. Participated of this study, 61 teenagers and young adults prelingually deafened, who received different types of CI, on average at 3 years and 10 months of age. Recognition of two-syllable word list, test Hint and recognition of Hint sentence in quiet and noise were the procedures used to evaluate the hearing performance. The speech intelligibility of the participants was evaluated by two judges, using the writedown intelligibility method and a 5-points intelligibility rating-scale. After 10 years of experience with CI, 53 participants (86,9%) achieved open-set speech recognition. The average results obtained in the two-syllable word list were 49, 4%; in the test Hint in quiet, the average results were 54,7 dB in quiet and 10,7 dB in noise and; the mean percentage of Hint sentences in quiet was 54% and in noise, 33,3%. Regarding the speech intelligibility of the participants, the average write-down intelligibility score was 76,2% and the average rating-scale intelligibility score was 3,3 points. Better speech performances in quiet and in noise were correlated with shorter duration of deafness...

Longitudinal study of the ecap measured in children with cochlear implants.

UNLABELLED: In children with cochlear implant (CI), the recording of the electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) of the auditory nerve represents an option to assess changes in auditory nerve responses and the interaction between the electrode bundle and the neural tissue over time. AIM: To study ECAP in children during the first year of CI use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ECAP characteristics have been analyzed in 13 children implanted younger than three years of age. Series study. RESULTS: During the first year of CI use there was a significant statistical raise in the N1 peak amplitude, in basal electrodes, between the second and third return visits. There were not any significant differences obtained for N1 peak, latency, slope, p-NRT or recovery time, in the return visits. CONCLUSION: During the first year of CI use, the electrical stimulation provided by the intracochlear electrodes did not cause significant changes to ECAP characteristics, except for an increase in N1 peak amplitude.

Avaliação longitudinal do ECAP registrado em crianças usuárias de implante coclear / Longitudinal study of the ecap measured in children with cochlear implants

Em crianças usuárias de Implante Coclear (IC), o registro do potencial de ação composto do nervo auditivo evocado eletricamente (ECAP) representa uma maneira de avaliar as modificações nas respostas neurais e entre o feixe de eletrodos e o tecido neural ao longo do tempo. OBJETIVO: Estudar o ECAP em crianças ao longo do primeiro ano de uso do IC. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: As características do ECAP foram analisadas em 13 crianças, implantadas com idades inferiores a três anos de idade. Estudo de série. RESULTADOS: Houve aumento estatisticamente significante na amplitude do pico N1, nos eletrodos basais, entre o segundo e o terceiro retorno. Não foram obtidas diferenças significantes para: a latência do pico N1, o slope, o p-NRT e o período de recuperação entre os retornos. Nos três retornos, a maioria dos sujeitos apresentou tempo de recuperação entre 1000 e 2000µs. CONCLUSÃO: Ao longo do primeiro ano de uso do IC, a estimulação elétrica liberada pelos eletrodos intracocleares não causou alterações significativas às características do ECAP, exceto pelo aumento da amplitude do pico N1.

In children with cochlear implant (CI), the recording of the electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) of the auditory nerve represents an option to assess changes in auditory nerve responses and the interaction between the electrode bundle and the neural tissue over time. AIM: To study ECAP in children during the first year of CI use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ECAP characteristics have been analyzed in 13 children implanted younger than three years of age. Series study. RESULTS: During the first year of CI use there was a significant statistical raise in the N1 peak amplitude, in basal electrodes, between the second and third return visits. There were not any significant differences obtained for N1 peak, latency, slope, p-NRT or recovery time, in the return visits. CONCLUSION: During the first year of CI use, the electrical stimulation provided by the intracochlear electrodes did not cause significant changes to ECAP characteristics, except for an increase in N1 peak amplitude.

[Speech perception in cochlear implant users: two programming situations]. / Percepção de fala em usuários de implante coclear: duas situações de programação.

BACKGROUND: In order to shorten the programming process of cochlear implanted (CI) children it is possible to establish the T level (threshold level) as being 10% of the C level (most comfortable level). AIM: To compare the results of speech perception tests using the map of the real thresholds levels and the map corresponding to 10% of the C level. MRTHODS: A list of monosyllables and sentences were used with 30 CI individuals in two programming situations. RESULTS: no difference was found between the results in the speech tests in the two programming situations. CONCLUSION: The use of the map with the T level corresponding to 10% of the C level can be an option to program young children, especially for those who do not respond to the investigation of the real T levels.