QoL, CIs, QALYs, and Individualized Rehabilitation: The Clinical and Practical Benefits of Regularly Assessing the Quality of Life of Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients.

This study aimed to report quality of life (QoL) scores in unilateral cochlear implant (CI) users and to generate guidance for clinicians on using QoL measures to individualize CI counselling and rehabilitation and to increase access to CIs as a mode of rehabilitation. Participants (n = 101) were unilateral CI users with single-sided deafness (SSD; n = 17), asymmetrical hearing loss (AHL; n = 26), or bilateral hearing loss (Uni; n = 58). Generic QoL was assessed via the Health Utilities Index (HUI-3), and disease-specific QoL was assessed via the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing scale (SSQ12) and Nijmegen CI Questionnaire (NCIQ) at preimplantation and at 6 and 12 months of CI use. All groups had significantly increased HUI-3 scores at both intervals. The SSD group showed significant benefit on the SSQ12 at visit 3, the AHL group showed significant benefit on the SSQ12 and most NCIQ subdomains at both intervals, and the Uni group showed significant benefit with both tests at both intervals. Unilateral CI recipients demonstrate improved QoL within the first 12 months of device use. Regular assessment with generic and disease-specific questionnaires has the potential to play an important role in personalizing treatment and possibly in increasing access to CI provision.

Evolution of speech perception in patients with ossified cochlea and short array cochlear implant.

Background: Short array cochlear implant is indicated as rehabilitation in patients with severe to profound deafness, especially when there is cochlear ossification. In these cases, with reduced intracochlear patency, total insertion becomes more difficult, requiring the use of this type of electrode (15 mm). Few studies have been published to evaluate auditory performance, presenting controversial audiological results.Aims/Objectives: To report the speech perception of users of cochlear implants (CI) with short array. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records of patients who underwent surgery for cochlear implantation with a short array, between 2009 and 2020, at the Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of São Paulo (HRAC-USP) was carried out. Results: There was performance evolution in the speech perception tests in the data analysis. Meningitis and congenital hearing loss were the main indications for CI in the sample. Conclusion. CI with a short array is an alternative in the management of patients with a history of cochlear ossification and severe or profound sensorineural hearing loss. Significance: To demonstrate the evolution of speech perception tests with short array cochlear implant in patients with or without ossified cochlea and its characteristics for application in clinical practice.

Using Generic and Disease-Specific Measures to Assess Quality of Life before and after 12 Months of Hearing Implant Use: A Prospective, Longitudinal, Multicenter, Observational Clinical Study.

The primary objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of hearing implant (HI) use on quality of life (QoL) and to determine which QoL measure(s) quantify QoL with greater sensitivity in users of different types of HIs. Participants were adult cochlear implant (CI), active middle ear implant (VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE (VSB)), or active transcutaneous bone conduction implant (the BONEBRIDGE (BB)) recipients. Generic QoL and disease-specific QoL were assessed at three intervals: pre-activation, 6 months of device use, and 12 months of device use. 169 participants completed the study (110 CI, 18VSB, and 41BB). CI users' QoL significantly increased from 0-6 m device use on both the generic- and the disease-specific measures. On some device-specific measures, their QoL also significantly increased between 6 and 12 m device use. VSB users' QoL significantly increased between all tested intervals with the disease-specific measure but not the generic measure. BB users' QoL significantly increased from 0-6 m device use on both the generic- and the disease-specific measures. In sum, HI users experienced significant postoperative increases in QoL within their first 12 m of device use, especially when disease-specific measures were used. Disease-specific QoL measures appeared to be more sensitive than their generic counterparts.

List of words to evaluate speech perception: recording and verification of applicability / Lista de palavras como procedimento de avaliação da percepção dos sons da fala: gravação e verificação da aplicabilidade

ABSTRACT Purpose: to record the "List of Words to Evaluate the Speech Perception of Children with Hearing Loss" which is standardized for live speech presentation and verify its clinical applicability. Methods: recording: acoustic standards were used, three recordings of each word and analysis by judges. The list was recorded in silence at 60 decibels (dB) and signal noise relation of +10 dB. Participants: 30 children in the age range from five years to 10 years and 11 months, with no auditory and language disorders. The procedure was performed in live and recorded speech. Wilcoxon's, paired t and Spearman's correlation coefficient tests (p-value significantly less or equal to 0.05), were applied. Results: the comparison of performance for recognition of words and phonemes between live and recorded speech resulted in a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.05), in all conditions analyzed. The results were higher in the silence condition. There was no statistically significant difference between the time of application in the recorded speech when compared in silence and noise (p=0.064). Conclusion: the recording and application of the procedure that analyzes recognition of phonemes and words proved to be viable in recorded speech in silence and noise.

RESUMO Objetivo: realizar a gravação da "Lista de palavras como procedimento de avaliação da percepção dos sons da fala para crianças deficientes auditivas", a qual é padronizada para aplicação à viva-voz, e verificar sua aplicabilidade. Métodos: gravação: utilizou-se critérios acústicos, três gravações de cada palavra e análise de juízes. A lista foi gravada na condição de silêncio a 60 decibéis (dB) e ruído relação sinal/ruído + 10 dB. Participantes: 30 crianças com idade entre cinco e 10 anos e 11 meses, sem alterações auditivas e de linguagem. Procedimento realizado nas condições viva voz e gravação. Foram aplicados os testes estatísticos Wilcoxon, t pareado e coeficiente de correlação de Spearman (valor de p significante menor ou igual a 0,05). Resultados: a comparação do desempenho para reconhecimento de fonemas e palavras entre as situações viva voz e gravação resultou em diferença estatisticamente significativa (p ≤ 0,05) em todas condições analisadas. Os resultados foram superiores na situação de silêncio. Não houve diferença significativa entre o tempo de aplicação na condição gravada comparando com silêncio e ruído (p=0,064). Conclusão: a gravação e aplicação do procedimento da lista que analisa reconhecimento de palavras e fonemas mostrou-se viável na condição de gravação no silêncio e ruído.

Teleducation about Cleft Lip and Palate: An Interdisciplinary Approach in the Promotion of Health

Introduction The Young Doctor Project (YDP) uses Telehealth and Interactive Teleducation instruments to promote the integration of different areas of health and to build knowledge. This methodology can also foster public awareness on various issues related to health. In this context, the objective of this study was to emphasize cleft lip and palate (CLP), which is one of the most common birth defects in Brazil. Objective The study aimed to apply a model of education regarding CLP, based on the dynamics of the YDP, and to evaluate the participants' knowledge acquired after participating in the YDP. Methods The participants were 41 students, 13 to 15 years of age and at the eight- and ninth-grade levels in a private elementary school in Bauru (Brazil). To analyze the performance of the participants, a questionnaire was administered before and after the completion of the training program. The training program was structured in three steps using: (1) interactive teleducation classes, (2) a cybertutor, and (3) practical activities. Results There was a statistically significant difference between the pre- and postparticipation questionnaire results. The improved performance of participants is evidenced by the increase in the rate of correct answers on all issues. Conclusion The YDP on CLP was applied in the school setting following the three steps recommended by the project, and, after the implementation of the training program, there was a significant increase in participants' knowledge of CLP. The YDP on CLP proved an effective tool in promoting health education. .

Teleducation about Cleft Lip and Palate: An Interdisciplinary Approach in the Promotion of Health.

Introduction The Young Doctor Project (YDP) uses Telehealth and Interactive Teleducation instruments to promote the integration of different areas of health and to build knowledge. This methodology can also foster public awareness on various issues related to health. In this context, the objective of this study was to emphasize cleft lip and palate (CLP), which is one of the most common birth defects in Brazil. Objective The study aimed to apply a model of education regarding CLP, based on the dynamics of the YDP, and to evaluate the participants' knowledge acquired after participating in the YDP. Methods The participants were 41 students, 13 to 15 years of age and at the eight- and ninth-grade levels in a private elementary school in Bauru (Brazil). To analyze the performance of the participants, a questionnaire was administered before and after the completion of the training program. The training program was structured in three steps using: (1) interactive teleducation classes, (2) a cybertutor, and (3) practical activities. Results There was a statistically significant difference between the pre- and postparticipation questionnaire results. The improved performance of participants is evidenced by the increase in the rate of correct answers on all issues. Conclusion The YDP on CLP was applied in the school setting following the three steps recommended by the project, and, after the implementation of the training program, there was a significant increase in participants' knowledge of CLP. The YDP on CLP proved an effective tool in promoting health education.

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 ...

Fonoaudiologia como opção de carreira universitária: estudo exploratórioSpeech Language Pathology and Audiology as a higher education option: exploratory study / Speech language pathology and audiology as a higher education option: exploratory study

Objetivo identificar junto aos alunos dos Cursos de Fonoaudiologia: fatores que levaram a esta escolha de carreira e informações que gostariam de ter recebido sobre esta profissão antes do exame vestibular. Métodos estudo exploratório, descritivo, transversal. Discentes dos cursos de graduação em Fonoaudiologia oferecidos pela Universidade de São Paulo nos campi de Bauru, São Paulo e Ribeirão Preto e egressos do campus de Bauru foram convidados a preencher anonimamente, um questionário online composto por 10 questões a respeito de suas opções de carreira universitária e sobre as fontes e suficiência de informação a respeito da profissão Fonoaudiologia quando da inscrição no exame vestibular. Resultados responderam ao questionário 201 sujeitos (144 graduandos e 57 egressos). A Fonoaudiologia foi a primeira opção de carreira para 119 (59,2%) dos participantes. O interesse pela profissão foi o motivador de escolha para 42% dos participantes e o status da universidade, a relação candidato/vaga e a influencia de familiares, dentre outros, para 58% dos respondentes. Os guias de profissões foram as principais fontes de informação sobre a carreira. Cerca de 80% dos sujeitos não estavam satisfeitos com as informações que receberam antes do vestibular, a maioria indicando que gostariam de saber mais sobre o campo de atuação do fonoaudiólogo. Conclusão fatores não relacionados à afinidade ou pendor pela profissão levam à opção pela carreira Fonoaudiologia para a maioria dos participantes. Há necessidade de intensificar a veiculação de informações sobre a profissão, sobretudo o seu campo de atuação para candidatos ao exame vestibular. .

Purpose to identify factors that led Speech and Language Pathology and Audiology students to choose the career as well as the information they would have liked to receive before entering College. Methods exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional study. SLP-Audiology students of undergraduate courses in the University of São Paulo (Bauru, São Paulo and Ribeirão Preto campus) and graduate students (Bauru campus) were asked to complete, anonymously, an online questionnaire consisting of 10 questions about their career choices and about the sources and adequacy of information regarding the SLP-Audiology profession before college entrance examination. Results the questionnaire was answered 201 individuals (144 undergraduates and 57 graduates). SLP-Audiology was the first career option for 119 (59.2%) of the participants. Interest in the profession was the motivator of choice for 42% of the participants. For 58% of respondents, the University status, the candidate/vacancy ratio and the influence of family members, among others, led to the SLP-Audiology career choice. Profession guides were the main sources of information and 80% of respondents were not satisfied with the information received before entering College, most indicating they would like to learn more about the areas where SLP-Audiologists can work. Conclusion factors unrelated to career affinity where the motivator for the choice of SLP-Audiology profession for most participants. There is need to intensify the information process about this career especially among high school students. .

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.

Use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for monitoring patients using cochlear implants.

PURPOSE: To characterize the profile of patients with cochlear implant as proposed by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth (ICF-CY). METHODS: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional retrospective study, which examined 30 medical records of patients using the cochlear implant of Centro de Pesquisas Audiológicas; To characterize the profile of the patients, the ICF-CY was used. Regarding the assessment, researchers relied on procedures performed in clinical routine, besides information registered in the medical record. After reviewing the information, it was related to codes from the ICF-CY; with the addition of a qualifier afterwards. RESULTS: Overall, 55 codes from the ICF were related to the instruments to characterize this population. Regarding the Body Functions field, most participants did not have disabilities related to reception and expression of oral language and auditory functions, with only written language disabilities being found. These same findings were observed in the Activity and Participation Field. Regarding environmental factors, noise and the non-availability of technology resources to assist in the auditory comprehension of noise were characterized as a barrier, as well as the absence of speech therapy. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that most of the participating children showed no deficiency in the body functions, with difficulties being only reported in relation to school performance. Environmental factors (noise, non-availability of technological resources, absence of speech therapy) were characterized as a barrier. The need to expand assessments in the clinical routine was also noted.

O uso da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde para acompanhamento de pacientes usuários de Implante Coclear / Use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for monitoring patients using Cochlear Implants

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar o perfil dos pacientes usuários de Implante Coclear a partir do proposto pela Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde para Crianças e Jovens (CIF-CJ). MÉTODOS: Tratou-se de um estudo descritivo, retrospectivo transversal, em que foram analisados 30 prontuários de pacientes usuários de Implante Coclear do Centro de Pesquisas Audiológicas. Para caracterização do perfil dos pacientes, foi utilizada a CIF-CJ. Para avaliação, os pesquisadores basearam-se em procedimentos realizados na rotina clínica, além de informações registradas no prontuário. Após a revisão dessas informações, estas foram relacionadas com o código da CIF-CJ, sendo acrescido posteriormente um qualificador. RESULTADOS: No total, 55 códigos da CIF foram relacionados com os instrumentos para caracterização desta população. Com relação ao domínio Funções do Corpo, a maioria dos participantes não apresentava deficiência quanto aos aspectos relacionados à recepção e expressão da linguagem oral e funções auditivas, sendo apenas encontrada deficiência na linguagem escrita. Esse mesmo achado foi observado no domínio Atividade e Participação. Quanto aos Fatores Ambientais, o ruído e a não disponibilidade de recursos tecnológicos para auxiliar na compreensão auditiva no ruído foram caracterizados como barreira, além da não realização da terapia fonoaudiológica. CONCLUSÃO: Este trabalho permitiu-nos concluir que a maioria das crianças participantes não apresentou deficiência nas Funções do Corpo, sendo observadas apenas dificuldades no desempenho escolar. Os fatores ambientais (ruído, não disponibilidade de recursos tecnológicos, não realização da terapia fonoaudiológica) foram caracterizados como barreira. Notou-se também a necessidade de ampliar as avaliações na rotina clínica.

PURPOSE: To characterize the profile of patients with cochlear implant as proposed by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth (ICF-CY). METHODS: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional retrospective study, which examined 30 medical records of patients using the cochlear implant of Centro de Pesquisas Audiológicas; To characterize the profile of the patients, the ICF-CY was used. Regarding the assessment, researchers relied on procedures performed in clinical routine, besides information registered in the medical record. After reviewing the information, it was related to codes from the ICF-CY; with the addition of a qualifier afterwards. RESULTS: Overall, 55 codes from the ICF were related to the instruments to characterize this population. Regarding the Body Functions field, most participants did not have disabilities related to reception and expression of oral language and auditory functions, with only written language disabilities being found. These same findings were observed in the Activity and Participation Field. Regarding environmental factors, noise and the non-availability of technology resources to assist in the auditory comprehension of noise were characterized as a barrier, as well as the absence of speech therapy. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that most of the participating children showed no deficiency in the body functions, with difficulties being only reported in relation to school performance. Environmental factors (noise, non-availability of technological resources, absence of speech therapy) were characterized as a barrier. The need to expand assessments in the clinical routine was also noted.