Speech Perception Training in Children: The Retention of Benefits and Booster Training.

OBJECTIVES: Speech perception training can be a highly effective intervention to improve perception and language abilities in children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Most studies of speech perception training, however, only measure gains immediately following training. Only a minority of cases include a follow-up assessment after a period without training. A critical unanswered question was whether training-related benefits are retained for a period of time after training has stopped. A primary goal of this investigation was to determine whether children retained training-related benefits 4 to 6 weeks after they completed 16 hours of formal speech perception training. Training was comprised of either auditory or speechreading training, or a combination of both. Also important is to determine if "booster" training can help increase gains made during the initial intensive training period. Another goal of the study was to investigate the benefits of providing home-based booster training during the 4- to 6-week interval after the formal training ceased. The original investigation ( Tye-Murray et al. 2022 ) compared the effects of talker familiarity and the relative benefits of the different types of training. We predicted that the children who received no additional training would retain the gains after the completing the formal training. We also predicted that those children who completed the booster training would realize additional gains. DESIGN: Children, 6 to 12 years old, with hearing loss who had previously participated in the original randomized control study returned 4 to 6 weeks after the conclusion to take a follow-up speech perception assessment. The first group (n = 44) returned after receiving no formal intervention from the research team before the follow-up assessment. A second group of 40 children completed an additional 16 hours of speech perception training at home during a 4- to 6-week interval before the follow-up speech perception assessment. The home-based speech perception training was a continuation of the same training that was received in the laboratory formatted to work on a PC tablet with a portable speaker. The follow-up speech perception assessment included measures of listening and speechreading, with test items spoken by both familiar (trained) and unfamiliar (untrained) talkers. RESULTS: In the group that did not receive the booster training, follow-up testing showed retention for all gains that were obtained immediately following the laboratory-based training. The group that received booster training during the same interval also maintained the benefits from the formal training, with some indication of minor improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically, the present findings are extremely encouraging; the group that did not receive home-based booster training retained the benefits obtained during the laboratory-based training regimen. Moreover, the results suggest that self-paced booster training maintained the relative training gains associated with talker familiarity and training type seen immediately following laboratory-based training. Future aural rehabilitation programs should include maintenance training at home to supplement the speech perception training conducted under more formal conditions at school or in the clinic.

Viva Melhor: Saúde Auditiva dos Adultos

No Brasil, quase dez milhões de brasileiros tem algum tipo de deficiência auditiva, o que representa pouco mais de cinco por cento da população brasileira, segundo o último censo do IBGE, divulgado em 2010. Desse total, cerca de seis milhões estão concentrados em áreas urbanas, como a capital paulista. Veja na reportagem como cuidar da audição.

Universo Infantil: Saúde auditiva dos bebês

A deficiência auditiva pode vir de nascença, mas também pode ser adquirida. Para identificar logo cedo se há algum problema na audição da criança, os cuidados já começam antes mesmo do bebê nascer. Acompanhe na reportagem.

Contribuição do potencial evocado auditivo de estado estável na escolha do implante coclear ou aparelho de amplificação sonora em crianças com perda auditiva / Contribution of auditory steady state evoked potential to the election of cochlear implantation or hearing aid for children with hearing impairment / Contribución del potencial evocado auditivo de estado estable en la elección de implantación coclear o audífono en niños con deficiencia auditiva

Introdução: A deficiência auditiva em crianças prejudica a aquisição e o desenvolvimento da linguagem oral, o que pode ser minimizado com o diagnóstico e a confirmação da surdez nos primeiros meses de vida. O Potencial Evocado auditivo de estado estável (PEAEE) destaca-se diante dos demais potenciais evocados auditivos devido à facilidade de registro, à objetividade das respostas, à estimulação de várias frequências simultaneamente, em ambas as orelhas, além da identificação da audição residual. Objetivo: Verificar a contribuição do PEAEE na definição terapêutica (escolha do implante coclear ou aparelho de amplificação sonora) para a reabilitação auditiva de crianças. Método: Foram analisados os registros de 20 crianças de um mês a três anos de idade com perda auditiva neurossensorial de grau severo ou profundo bilateral e que foram submetidas ao PEAEE e ao potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico frequência específica (PEATE-FE). Ambos realizados nas frequências de 500 Hz e 2000 Hz no equipamento Smart-EP Intelligent Hearing Systems®. Resultados: Houve diferença entre os exames quanto à ocorrência de resíduo auditivo, pois, um número significativo de indivíduos apresentou respostas ausentes no PEATE-FE e respostas presentes no PEAEE. Não ocorreu associação entre a presença de resíduo auditivo, o grau da perda e a idade da criança com o tipo de intervenção terapêutica. Conclusão: A presença de resíduo auditivo, a classificação do grau da perda e a idade da criança não influenciaram na conduta terapêutica final. (AU)

Introduction: Hearing impairment in children debilitates the acquisition and development of oral language, which can be minimized with diagnosis and confirmation of deafness in the first months of life. Auditory Steady State Evoked Potential (ASSEP) analysis stands out from others auditory evoked potentials due to the ease of recording, objectivity of the answers, stimulation of several frequencies simultaneously, in both ears, besides the identification of residual hearing. Purpose: Determine the contribution of the ASSEP for the therapeutic definition (election of cochlear implantation or hearing aid device) in hearing rehabilitation of children. Methods: The records of 20 children aged one month to three years with severe or profound bilateral neurosensory hearing loss, who were submitted to ASSEP and specific frequency brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) analysis were analyzed. Both tests performed at frequencies of 500 Hz and 2000 Hz using the equipment Smart-EP Intelligent Hearing Systems®. Results: There was difference between the exams regarding the occurrence of residual hearing, since a significant number of individuals had absent responses on the BAEP and present responses on the ASSEP. There was no association between the presence of residual hearing, degree of hearing loss and the child's age with the type of therapeutic intervention. Conclusion: The presence of residual hearing, classification of the degree of loss and child's age exerted no influence on the final conduct. (AU)

Introducción: La deficiencia auditiva en niños hace daño a la adquisición y el desarrollo del lenguaje oral, que se puede minimizar con el diagnóstico y confirmación de la sordera en los primeros meses de vida. El Potencial Evocado de Estado Estable (PEAEE) se destaca de los demás potenciales evocados auditivos por la facilidad de registro, objetividad de las respuestas, estimulación de varias frecuencias simultáneamente, en ambos oídos, además de la identificación de audición residual. Objetivo: Verificar la contribución del PEAEE para la definición de las terapéuticas adoptadas (elección de implantación coclear o audífono) en la rehabilitación auditiva de niños. Método: Fueron analizados los registros de 20 niños de un mes a tres años de edad con pérdida auditiva sensorineural de grado severo o profundo bilateral y que fueron sometidas al PEAEE y al potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico por frecuencia específica (PEATE-FE). Ambos se realizaron en las frecuencias de 500 Hz y 2000 Hz en el equipo Smart-EP Intelligent Hearing Systems®. Resultados: Hubo diferencia entre los exámenes con respecto a la ocurrencia de residuo auditivo, dado que, un número significativo de sujetos presentaron respuestas ausentes en PEATE-FE y respuestas presentes en PEAEE. No hubo asociación entre la presencia de residuo auditivo, el grado de pérdida y la edad del niño con el tipo de intervención terapéutica. Conclusión: La presencia de residuo auditivo, clasificación del grado de pérdida y edad del niño no influyeron en la conducta final. (AU)

Efficacy of auditory verbal therapy in children with cochlear implantation based on auditory performance - A systematic review.

This systematic review focuses on the efficacy of auditory verbal therapy (AVT) in children with cochlear implants based on their auditory performance. The results presented are based on research findings from 2010 to 2021. The systematic review was designed based on the Popular Reporting Systems for the Systematic Review and Analysis of Meta-Analysts (PRISMA), the 2020 revised version, and the Critical Evidence for Clinical Evidence (CATE) checklist. Specific keywords were chosen based on the formulated research question and searched on the following search engines: Google Scholar, Microsoft Academic, PubMed, Semantic Scholar, Cochrane, Science Direct, and BASE. All the searched articles were analysed based on specific exclusion criteria. The results revealed an important progression based on the auditory performance among children with cochlear implantation who received habilitation. The studies highlight that younger the age at implantation better the auditory performance and this may be necessary to allow at least relatively normal organization of auditory pathways in pre-lingual children with hearing impairment. Therefore, regular revitalization of aural-verbal rehabilitation and speech and language therapy is essential for younger children with hearing impairment to achieve the highest level of hearing function. This systematic review highlights importance of assessment of the auditory performance to be considered in the test battery while evaluating children with CI before and after habilitation along with AVT.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Clinical Practice Guideline on Aural Rehabilitation for Adults With Hearing Loss.

BACKGROUND: Hearing loss poses a significant public health challenge as a common chronic condition with many known side effects that are often worse when left untreated. Aural rehabilitation (AR) is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of interventions (e.g., informational counseling and perceptual training) designed to reduce deficits related to hearing loss that may stand alone or be used in combination as part of a holistic plan. PURPOSE: This evidence-based clinical practice guideline is intended to inform the implementation of person-centered AR to adults with hearing loss. Given the well-known benefits of sensory management, it was not included within the scope of this guideline. The recommendations aim to help clinicians, individuals with hearing loss, and other stakeholders make evidence-informed treatment decisions and improve clinical outcomes, as well as provide payers and policymakers with information detailing a comprehensive approach to AR. METHOD: The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and a multidisciplinary panel of subject matter experts prioritized key clinical questions and outcomes that served as the foundation of the guideline. The clinical recommendations were based on a comprehensive systematic review and a meta-analysis of 85 studies published between 1978 and 2021. RECOMMENDATIONS: Given the current state of the evidence, resource considerations, patient acceptability, clinical feasibility, and the overall balance of benefits and harms, ASHA developed several evidence-based recommendations for the provision of AR to adults with hearing loss. Each recommendation is accompanied by a series of key practice points to support its implementation within a person-centered framework.

Factors associated with change in the need for recovery and subjective listening effort in employees with hearing loss receiving aural rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: Compared to normally-hearing employees, those with hearing loss suffer from higher Need For Recovery (NFR) after work. The aims of this study are to assess the NFR of employees with hearing loss before and after aural rehabilitation and to examine to what extent change in the NFR can be explained by changes in subjective listening effort, personal adjustments, communication strategies, auditory work demands, and self-reported hearing ability. METHODS: We included patients who received aural rehabilitation in two audiological centers in the Netherlands because of hearing complaints in their work situation. Outcomes were measured by questionnaires at baseline and 3 month follow-up. The NFR before and after the rehabilitation was compared with a t test. Hierarchical multiple analyses were performed. RESULTS: In total, 60 patients (aged 22-63, working hours ≥8 per week) participated in the study, of which 50 completed the follow-up questionnaires. The NFR was significantly lower after the aural rehabilitation (M = 45.03) compared to before the aural rehabilitation (M = 51.89), t = -3.43, p < 0.01). Change in NFR could best be explained by the change in personal adjustments (R2 = 0.45, B = -1.23, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The NFR of employees with hearing loss can be improved by aural rehabilitation, but this study shows that current practices reduce the NFR only in part of the employees. Therefore, improving current practices should be considered and evaluated, for example by applying a different combination of rehabilitation components. Especially, interventions that affect personal adjustments may be promising to further reduce the NFR in employees with hearing loss.

Phonological Awareness and Working Memory in Mandarin-Speaking Preschool-Aged Children With Cochlear Implants.

PURPOSE: Cochlear implants (CIs) provide significant benefits for profoundly deaf children in their language and cognitive development. However, it remains unclear whether Mandarin-speaking young children with early implantation can develop age-equivalent phonological awareness (PA) skill and working memory (WM) capacity as their normal hearing (NH) peers. The aim of this study was to investigate PA and WM in preschool-aged children with or without hearing loss and to examine the relationship between the two basic skills. METHOD: The data were collected from 16 Mandarin-speaking preschoolers with CIs and 16 age-matched children with NH. All preschool participants were instructed to complete four phonological detection tasks and four digit span tasks. Linear mixed-effects modeling was performed to evaluate PA and WM performances between two groups across different tasks. RESULTS: CI preschoolers showed comparable performances on par with NH controls in phonological detections and visual digit spans. In addition, Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between phonological detections and auditory digit spans in preschool-aged children with CIs. CONCLUSION: With early implantation, the congenitally deaf children were capable of developing age-appropriate PA skill and WM capacity, which have practical implications for aural rehabilitation in this special pediatric population.

Retomando los sonidos: Prevención de la hipoacusia y rehabilitación auditiva en las personas mayores

[RESUMEN]. La hipoacusia representa una de las principales causas de discapacidad a nivel mundial y su prevalencia aumenta a medida que se envejece. Representa un tipo de discapacidad que, en la mayoría de los casos, puede ser potencialmente prevenible y tratable, por lo que su prevención, identificación temprana y rehabilitación integral deberían ser algunos de los puntos de acción a nivel local ya que se ha relacionado con numerosos desenlaces adversos en salud, incluyendo los dominios físico, mental, social y económico de las personas mayores. El objetivo de este artículo es resaltar la importancia de la prevención de la hipoacusia y promover su rehabilitación a lo largo del curso de vida, especialmente en personas mayores, y describir estrategias que se han planteado desde la Organización Mundial de la Salud y la Organización Panamericana de la Salud.

[ABSTRACT]. Hearing loss is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and its prevalence increases with age, though in most cases, this disability is potentially preventable and treatable. Thus, its prevention, early identification, and comprehensive rehabilitation should be points of action at the local level, since hearing loss has been linked to numerous adverse health outcomes affecting the physical, mental, social, and economic conditions of older people. The objective of this article is to highlight the importance of hearing loss prevention, promote rehabilitation throughout the life course, especially in older people, and describe strategies put forth by the World Health Organization and Pan American Health Organization.

[RESUMO]. A perda auditiva representa uma das principais causas de incapacidade em todo o mundo e sua prevalência aumenta com a idade. Representa um tipo de deficiência que, na maioria dos casos, é potencialmente prevenível e tratável e, por essa razão, sua prevenção, identificação precoce e reabilitação integral devem ser alguns dos pontos de ação no âmbito local, considerando que está relacionada a inúmeros desfechos adversos de saúde, incluindo os domínios físico, mental, social e econômico das pessoas idosas. O objetivo deste artigo é ressaltar a importância da prevenção da perda auditiva e de sua reabilitação ao longo da vida, especialmente nas pessoas idosas, e descrever estratégias propostas pela Organização Mundial da Saúde e pela Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde.

Benefícios do treinamento auditivo para idosos usuários de aparelhos de amplificação sonora individual (AASI): Revisão integrativa da literatura / Benefits of hearing training for elderly users of individual sound amplification devices (ISAD): Integrative literature review / Beneficios del entrenamiento auditivo para personas mayores usuarios de dispositivos de amplificación de sonido individuales (DASI): Revisión integradora de la literatura

Introdução: Os Aparelhos de Amplificação Sonora Individual (AASI) são considerados como uma ajuda externa e não solucionam todos os obstáculos de comunicação. Muitos idosos não apresentam bom aproveitamento da amplificação sonora, pois as próteses auditivas não fornecem as habilidades comunicativas ou equivalem à função natural do sistema auditivo. O Treinamento Auditivo tem como princípio desenvolver a neuroplasticidade, promovendo mudanças nas habilidades auditivas e desempenho auditivo mediante estimulação, permitindo que o idoso aprenda a vivenciar os sons de maneira significante. Objetivo: Verificar os benefícios do treinamento auditivo em idosos usuários de AASI. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa. Foram pesquisados artigos nas bases de dados CAPES, SciELO e LILACS, e selecionados aqueles que atendiam aos critérios de inclusão. A questão norteadora que compôs o estudo foi a seguinte: "Quais os benefícios que o treinamento auditivo proporciona aos idosos usuários de próteses auditivas?" Resultados: A partir das combinações dos Descritores em Saúde (DeCS), obteve-se uma amostra de 318 artigos. Após o processo de análise, restaram 6 artigos para responder à questão proposta. Conclusão: O Treinamento Auditivo ocasionou melhora das habilidades de figura-fundo, integração binaural, ordenação e resolução temporal, em idosos usuários de AASI. A associação entre o uso das próteses auditivas e o treinamento auditivo, além de proporcionar audibilidade das informações acústicas, potencializa as habilidades envolvidas no processamento auditivo, independentemente da idade.

Introduction: Individual Sound Amplification Devices (ISAD) are considered an external help and do not solve all communication obstacles. Many elderly people do not present good use of the sound amplification, as hearing aids do not provide communication skills and are not equivalent to the natural function of the auditory system. The principle of Auditory Training is to develop neuroplasticity, promoting changes in auditory skills and auditory performance through stimulation, allowing the elderly to learn to experience sounds in a significant way. Objective: To verify the benefits of auditory training in elderly hearing aid users. Methodology: This is an integrative review. Articles were searched in the CAPES, SciELO and LILACS databases, and those that met the inclusion criteria were selected. The guiding question that composed the study was the following: "What are the benefits that auditory training provides to elderly users of hearing aids?" Results: From the combinations of Health Descriptors, a set of 318 articles was obtained. After the analysis process, 6 articles remained to answer the proposed question. Conclusion: Hearing Training improved figure-ground skills, binaural integration, ordering and temporal resolution in elderly hearing aid users. The association between the use of hearing aids and auditory training, in addition to providing audibility of acoustic information, enhances the skills involved in auditory processing, regardless of age.

Introducción: Los dispositivos de amplificación de sonido individuales se consideran una ayuda externa y no resuelven todos los obstáculos de comunicación. Muchas personas mayores no hacen un buen uso de la amplificación del sonido, ya que los audífonos no brindan habilidades de comunicación o son equivalentes a la función natural del sistema auditivo. El principio del Entrenamiento Auditivo es desarrollar la neuroplasticidad, promoviendo cambios en las habilidades auditivas y el desempeño auditivo a través de la estimulación, permitiendo que las personas mayores aprendan a experimentar los sonidos de manera significativa. Objetivo: Verificar los beneficios del entrenamiento auditivo en usuarios de audífonos de edad avanzada. Metodología: Esta es una revisión integradora. Se realizaron búsquedas de artículos en las bases de datos CAPES, SciELO y LILACS y se seleccionaron aquellos que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. La pregunta orientadora que compuso el estudio fue la siguiente: "¿Cuáles son los beneficios que brinda el entrenamiento auditivo a los usuarios mayores de audífonos?" Resultados: De las combinaciones de Descriptores de Salud (DeCS) se obtuvo una muestra de 318 artículos. Tras el proceso de análisis, quedaron 6 artículos para dar respuesta a la pregunta propuesta. Conclusión: El entrenamiento auditivo mejoró las habilidades de figura-fondo, integración binaural, ordenamiento y resolución temporal en usuarios de audífonos de edad avanzada. La asociación entre el uso de audífonos y el entrenamiento auditivo, además de proporcionar audibilidad de la información acústica, mejora las habilidades involucradas en el procesamiento auditivo, independientemente de la edad.

Conheça os tratamentos e as ações sobre saúde auditiva disponíveis no SUS

Na semana da celebração do Dia Mundial da Audição, o Ministério da Saúde reforça o alerta para a importância do diagnóstico precoce de doenças que podem afetar o sistema auditivo. É essencial protegê-lo e para isso o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) oferece de forma integral e gratuita procedimentos que vão desde o Teste da Orelhinha até a reabilitação auditiva.

Aplicabilidade e considerações clínicas do Sistema Contralateral Routing of Signal (CROS): revisão sistemática / Applicability and clinical considerations of the Contralateral Routing of Signal System (CROS): systematic review / Aplicabilidad y consideraciones clínicas del sistema de enrutamiento de señal contralateral (CROS): revisión sistemática

Introdução: O Sistema Contralateral Routing of Signal (CROS) é uma opção de intervenção auditiva com propósito de melhorar a percepção monoaural e minimizar as dificuldades da perda auditiva unilateral. Objetivo: analisar e descrever o público-alvo, o tempo de adaptação, o controle de uso do Sistema CROS, as avaliações utilizadas para medir os seus benefícios, sua efetividade e limitações. Método: Este estudo foi conduzido de acordo com as diretrizes PRISMA. A pesquisa bibliográfica foi realizada através dos bancos de dados científicos online na área da saúde, PubMed e Scopus, foram utilizadas as palavras-chave "Unilateral hearing loss", "Hearing aid", "CROS" e "Contralateral Routing of Signal". Os resultados da pesquisa limitaram-se a artigos científicos experimentais, que abordavam diretamente o sistema CROS, publicados em inglês, português ou espanhol. Resultados: Onze artigos foram selecionados para a revisão do texto completo. Quanto aos usuários do CROS, a faixa etária variou entre nove a 84 anos; prevalência do sexo masculino. Observou-se grande diversidade nas avaliações, sendo realizadas com tempo de uso inferior a 30 dias e superior a seis meses, após adaptação do CROS. Tal avaliação era realizada por meio de questionários não padronizados e avaliações objetivas com estímulos controlados. O uso do CROS proporcionou benefícios na localização sonora, efeito sombra da cabeça e inteligibilidade de fala, porém não mostrou eficácia em situações ruidosas. Conclusão: Por ser um dispositivo, não invasivo, de fácil adaptação e manuseio que traz benefícios imediatos, o CROS deve ser a primeira opção na reabilitação da perda auditiva unilateral.

Introducción: El Sistema Contralateral Routing of Signal (CROS) es una opción de intervención auditiva con el propósito de mejorar la percepción monoaural y minimizar las dificultades de la pérdida auditiva unilateral. Objetivo: analizar y describir el público objetivo, el tiempo de adaptación, el control del uso del Sistema CROS, las evaluaciones utilizadas para medir sus beneficios, su efectividad y limitaciones. Metodo: Este estudio se realizó de acuerdo con las pautas PRISMA. La búsqueda bibliográfica se realizó a través de bases de datos científicas online del área de salud, PubMed y Scopus, utilizando las palabras clave "Unilateral hearing loss", "Hearing aid", "CROS" y "Contralateral Routing of Signal". Los resultados de la investigación se limitaron a artículos científicos experimentales, que abordaron directamente el sistema CROS, publicados en inglés, portugués o español. Resultados: Se seleccionaron once artículos para revisión de texto completo. En cuanto a los usuarios de CROS, la edad osciló entre los nueve y los 84 años; prevalencia masculina. Hub gran diversidad en las evaluaciones, realizadas con tiempos de uso de menos de 30 días y más de seis meses tras la adaptación del CROS. Dicha evaluación se realizó mediante cuestionarios no estandarizados y evaluaciones objetivas con estímulos controlados. El uso de CROS proporcionó beneficios en la localización del sonido, el efecto de sombra de la cabeza y la inteligibilidad del habla, pero no fue efectivo en situaciones ruidosas. Conclusión: Al tratarse de un dispositivo no invasivo, de fácil adaptación y manejo que aporta beneficios inmediatos, CROS debería ser la primera opción en la rehabilitación de la hipoacusia unilateral.

Introduction: The system Contralateral Routing of Signal (CROS) is an option of auditory intervention in order to improve the monaural perception and minimize the difficulties of unilateral hearing loss. Objective: to analyze and describe the target users, the adaptation time and the control use of CROS system, the evaluations utilized to measure its benefits, as well as its effectiveness and limitations. Method: This study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The bibliographic research was through the scientific data online banks in the health area, PubMed and Scopus, using the keywords "Unilateral hearing loss", "Hearing aid", "CROS" and "Contralateral Routing of Signal". The results of the research were limited to experimental scientific articles, which address directly the CROS system, published in English, Portuguese or Spanish. Results: Eleven studies were selected to review. The age of CROS users ranged from nine to 84 years and male sex prevalence. There was great diversity in the evaluations being carried out. The performance's evaluation date varied between less than 30 days and more than six months after the adaptation. Such assessments were performed using non-standardized questionnaires and objective evaluations with controlled stimuli. The use of CROS provides benefits in sound localization, head shadow effect and speech intelligibility, but it is not effective in noisy situations. Conclusion: CROS should be the first option in unilateral hearing loss rehabilitation for being a non-invasive, easy adaption, handling dispositive and with good benefits to the client.

"When that understanding is there, you work much better together": the role of family in audiological rehabilitation for older adults.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of adults with hearing impairment and family members regarding the role of family in audiological rehabilitation. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive methodology was used. STUDY SAMPLE: A total of 37 people participated, 24 older adults with hearing impairment and 13 family members (11 spouses and 2 adult children). Four focus group interviews were conducted with the adults with hearing impairment, and 3 with family members. RESULTS: Five key themes emerged from analysis of the transcripts: (1) knowledge and understanding of hearing impairment and treatment; (2) the role of family members in rehabilitation is complex and multifaceted; (3) audiologists have an influential role in facilitating family member involvement; (4) the role of communication in rehabilitation; and (5) outcomes of family member involvement. Importantly, although perceptions were generally very positive, there was some uncertainty about the role of family. CONCLUSIONS: Audiologists have a key role in facilitating family involvement in audiological rehabilitation that is identified by adults with hearing impairment and their families. Although participants reported limited involvement in audiological rehabilitation currently, they identified potential for involvement in areas such as goal setting and decision-making.

Barriers and facilitators to delivery of group audiological rehabilitation programs: a survey based on the COM-B model.

OBJECTIVE: To canvas the views of Australia-based hearing healthcare clinicians regarding group audiological rehabilitation practices. DESIGN: A national cross-sectional self-report survey. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. STUDY SAMPLE: Sixty-two Australia-based hearing healthcare clinicians, with experience working in an adult rehabilitation setting. RESULTS: Clinicians appeared to positively view the provision of group audiological rehabilitation services, yet were limited in their ability to deliver these services due to organisational barriers. Although some organisational barriers were non-modifiable by the clinician (such as group AR services not prioritised within their workplace, a lack of support from colleagues/managers, lack of resources, and a lack of funding for the delivery of group AR services), others were within the clinicians' ability to change (such as habit formation for recommending these services during clinical appointments). Participants expressed a desire for resources to assist them in delivering group AR, including downloadable lesson plans and information sheets for clients, clinician training videos and client educational videos. Clinicians called for increased diversity in program offerings, specifically relating to the emotional, relational and social impacts of hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide a framework for the development of interventional studies to increase the utilisation of group audiological rehabilitation services.

Follow-up of children diagnosed with deafness in a neonatal hearing screening program in Manaus / Seguimento de crianças com diagnóstico de surdez em programa de triagem auditiva neonatal em Manaus

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the follow-up of children diagnosed with deafness in neonatal hearing screening and risk factors for hearing loss. METHODS Quantitative, cross-sectional, and retrospective study to evaluate factors associated with hearing loss and the follow-up of cases of children diagnosed with audiological dysfunction, by analyzing electronic medical records of 5,305 children referred to a Specialized Center in Type I Rehabilitation, from January/2016 to February/2020, in the city of Manaus, Amazonas. The statistical study used Pearson's chi-square test and binary logistic regression in which odds ratio scans were obtained with reliability intervals of 95%. RESULTS Of the 5,305 children referred for the otoacoustic emission retest, 366 (6.9%) failed the retest. Children diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss continued in the study, totaling 265 (72.4%). Only 58 (21.9%) children continued in the study to its end, of these 39 had received hearing aids at that point; and 16 (41%) had surgical indication for cochlear implants, of which only 3 (18.7%) had undergone surgery. Among the risk factors for hearing loss, we found 2.6 times more chance of failure in the otoacoustic emissions retest in those children who had a family history of hearing loss and ICU stay. CONCLUSION Although the screening flow reaches a large part of live births, the dropout rates during the process are high, therefore, the socioeconomic and geographic characteristics of regions such as the Amazon should be considered as relevant factors to the evasion of rehabilitation programs of these children. Hospitalization in the neonatal ICU and family history of hearing loss in the investigations could be identified as the main and most important factors for alteration of the otoacoustic emissions retests.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar o seguimento das crianças com diagnóstico de surdez na triagem auditiva neonatal e fatores de risco para deficiência auditiva. MÉTODOS Estudo quantitativo, transversal e retrospectivo para avaliação de fatores associados à perda auditiva e o seguimento dos casos de crianças diagnosticadas com disfunção audiológica, por meio da análise de prontuários eletrônicos de 5.305 crianças encaminhadas a um Centro Especializado em Reabilitação Tipo I, no período de janeiro/2016 a fevereiro/2020, na cidade de Manaus, Amazonas. O estudo estatístico utilizou o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson e por regressão logística binária nos quais foram obtidos odds ratio com intervalos de confiabilidade de 95%. RESULTADOS Das 5.305 crianças encaminhadas para realização do reteste da orelhinha, 366 (6,9%) falharam no reteste. Prosseguiram no estudo as crianças com diagnóstico de perda auditiva neurossensorial, totalizando 265 (72,4%). Permanecendo, no final da pesquisa, apenas 58 (21,9%) crianças, destas 39 receberam aparelho auditivo até o presente estudo; e 16 (41%) já tinham indicação cirúrgica para implante coclear, sendo que apenas três (18,7%) haviam realizado a cirurgia. Dentre os fatores de risco para deficiência auditiva encontramos 2,6 vezes mais chance de falha no reteste da orelhinha naquelas crianças que tinham história familiar de perda auditiva e internação em UTI. CONCLUSÕES Embora o fluxo de triagem alcance boa parte dos nascidos vivos, as taxas de evasão durante o processo são altas, portanto, as características socioeconômicas e geográficas de regiões como a Amazônia devem ser consideradas como fatores relevantes à evasão dos programas de reabilitação dessas crianças. Foi possível identificar que a internação em UTI neonatal e o histórico familiar de perda auditiva presentes nas investigações compõem os principais e mais importantes fatores para alteração dos retestes da orelhinha.

Reabilitação da perda auditiva em pacientes oncológicos: fatores de influência na adesão ao uso do aparelho de amplificação / Rehabilitation of hearing loss in cancer patients: influencing factors in adherence to the use of hearing aids

INTRODUÇÃO: O tratamento do câncer pode desencadear perda auditiva, exigindo a monitorização e a adaptação de aparelho de amplificação sonora individual (AASI) para auxiliar na reabilitação auditiva quando necessário. OBJETIVO: analisar quais fatores podem influenciar na adesão ao uso do AASI em pacientes que passaram por tratamento oncológico. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo observacional de corte transversal aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade do Vale do Itajaí, sob parecer consubstanciado nº 2.777.076. Foram selecionados indivíduos participantes do acompanhamento de rotina do Serviço Ambulatorial de Saúde Auditiva (SASA/UNIVALI) com registro de diagnóstico e tratamento de câncer e pareados por idade e grau de perda auditiva com participantes sem histórico de tratamento de câncer. Dados quanto ao histórico do câncer, resultados da aplicação dos questionários de levantamento de dificuldades auditivas e uso do AASI (IOI-HA) foram coletados em prontuário. Foram aplicados o teste de zonas mortas da cóclea (teste TEN), índice de inteligibilidade de fala (SII) e realizada a leitura do datalogging na visita de rotina para acompanhamento anual no serviço. As perdas auditivas foram classificadas tanto pelo Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE ­NCI) como pela classificação do Sistema de Conselhos de Fonoaudiologia. Os dados foram analisados pelos testes T de Student e correlação de Spearman. RESULTADOS: A amostra contou com 30 participantes, sendo 15 participantes alocados no grupo estudo (GE) composto por usuários de AASI com registro de diagnóstico e tratamento de câncer e um grupo controle (GC) composto por 15 usuários de AASI, sem histórico de câncer, com idade média de 62,4.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer treatment can induce hearing loss, requiring monitoring and adaptation of an hearing aids to assist in auditory rehabilitation when necessary. OBJECTIVE: to analyze which factors can influence the adherence to the use of hearing aids in patients who underwent cancer treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective observational cross-sectional study approved by the Research Ethics Committee of University of Vale do Itajaí, under protocol number 2,777,076. Individuals participating in the routine follow-up of the Hearing Health Outpatient Service (SASA/UNIVALI) with a record of cancer diagnosis and treatment were selected and matched by age and degree of hearing loss with those without a history of cancer treatment. Data regarding cancer history, results of questionnaires for surveying hearing difficulties and hearing aid use (IOI-HA) were collected from medical records. Cochlear dead regions test (TEN test) and speech intelligibility index (SII) were applied, and the datalogging was taken during the routine visit for annual follow-up at the service. Hearing losses were classified both by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE ­NCI) and by the classification of the Speech Therapy Council System. Data were analyzed by Student's t-test and Spearman's correlation. RESULTS: Thirty participants were selected, with 15 participants allocated to the study group (SG) composed of hearing aid users with a record of cancer diagnosis and treatment, and 15 hearing aid users allocated to a control group (CG), with no history of cancer, with a mean age of 62.4 years (EG) and 61.4 years in the (CG) respectively, and similar distribution of sex. In both groups, moderate high frequency sensorineural hearing loss prevailed, with the use of binaural hearing aids for more than five years. Cochlear unresponsive (dead) regions were found at all frequencies from 50010 to 4000Hz, in both ears and in both groups. There was no statistical difference between the groups in the SII values. Even participants with unresponsive zones showed hearing aid use for more than 7 hours/day, although the control group showed hearing aid use for more hours. There was also no statistical difference in the IOI-HA, with a positive perception of benefit and satisfaction with the hearing aid in both groups. There was no correlation between datalogging and SII in both groups. In the SII and in the IOI-HA, participants with no unresponsive zones presented higher scores than those with unresponsive zones. CONCLUSION: Both groups were similar in audiological findings and presence of cochlear dead (unresponsive) regions, however, participants without a history of cancer showed greater adherence to hearing devices. Adherence to use was not influenced by the SII score or to the presence of unresponsive regions in the cochlea. The presence of unresponsive regions in the cochlea influenced the speech intelligibility index and user satisfaction with their hearing aid. Participants who use the hearing aid for a longer time judge their emotional and social aspects better.

Saúde auditiva nas Coordenadorias Regionais de Saúde do estado do Rio Grande do Sul: regulação de acesso, desafios e perspectivas / Hearing health care in the Regional Health Coordinating Bodies in Rio Grande do Sul: access regulation, challenges, and perspectives

RESUMO Objetivo compreender a dinâmica da regulação de acesso, os desafios e as perspectivas da atuação das Coordenadorias Regionais de Saúde do Rio Grande do Sul (CRS/RS) em saúde auditiva. Métodos estudo exploratório, transversal, de natureza censitária e análise descritiva. Envolveu os responsáveis pela regulação dos procedimentos de saúde auditiva nas CRS/RS, entrevistados quanto à formação profissional, identificação dos procedimentos disponíveis e respectiva oferta, sistemática da regulação de acesso e outras ações em saúde auditiva. Resultados participaram 15 profissionais, todas mulheres, de 16 das 18 CRS/RS existentes, entre 30 e 47 anos de idade: 13 fonoaudiólogas e duas fisioterapeutas, graduadas entre 1997 e 2012; 13 possuíam pós-graduação. Sobre a regulação nas CRS/RS, 13 utilizavam o Sistema Nacional de Regulação e três a realizavam manualmente; 12 utilizavam o protocolo disponibilizado pela Secretaria Estadual de Saúde/RS; dez CRS/RS regulavam procedimentos de Triagem Auditiva Neonatal e 16, de avaliação e diagnóstico, bem como de reabilitação. Verificou-se demanda reprimida para todos os procedimentos (maior para reabilitação auditiva) em 12 CRS/RS. Todas as CRS/RS realizavam uma ou mais ações promotoras da saúde auditiva, como vigilância, apoio matricial e atividades de educação em saúde. Conclusão a regulação de acesso em saúde auditiva é realizada de forma qualificada na maioria das CRS/RS. A oferta de procedimentos é insuficiente, sobretudo em reabilitação auditiva, que implica exclusiva atuação fonoaudiológica por meio de tecnologias leves e leve-duras.

ABSTRACT Purpose To understand the dynamics of access regulation, the challenges, and perspectives of the performance of the Regional Health Coordinating Bodies of Rio Grande do Sul (RHCB/RS) in hearing health care. Methods This is an exploratory, cross-sectional, census study and the analysis is descriptive. It involved those responsible for the regulation of hearing health care procedures in RHCB/RS, interviewed about professional training, identification of available procedures and their respective offer, access regulation systematics, and other actions in hearing health care. Results 15 professionals participated, all were women, from 16 of the 18 existing RHCB/RS, aged between 30 and 47; 13 speech-language pathologists and audiologists and two physiotherapists, who graduated between 1997 and 2012; and 13 had post -graduate degrees. Regarding regulation in RHCB/RS, 13 used the National Regulation System and three performed it manually; 12 used the protocol provided by the State Health Department/RS; ten RHCB/RS regulated procedures for Neonatal Hearing Screening and 16 for assessment and diagnosis, as well as auditory rehabilitation. There is a repressed demand for all procedures (greater for auditory rehabilitation) in 12 RHCB/RS. All RHCB/RS performed one or more actions to promote hearing health care such as surveillance, matrix support, and health education. Conclusion The access regulation in hearing health care is performed in a qualified way in most RHCB/RS; the offer of procedures is insufficient, especially in auditory rehabilitation, which includes exclusive speech-language pathologists and audiologists' performance through soft and soft-hard technologies.

Correspondência entre alvo e saída da prótese auditiva segundo as regras prescritivas NAL-NL1 e NAL-NL2 / Correspondência entre alvo e saída da prótese auditiva segundo as regras prescritivas NAL-NL1 e NAL-NL2

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar comparativamente os alvos prescritos pelas regras NAL (National Acoustic Laboratories) não lineares com a resposta da prótese auditiva obtida por meio das mensurações com microfone-sonda no ajuste de uso efetivo, de acordo com o grau da perda auditiva. Método Participaram do estudo 67 usuários experientes de próteses auditivas. Todos foram reavaliados quando compareceram às sessões de acompanhamento periódico. Nesse momento, realizou-se avaliação audiológica, registrando-se as horas de uso do dispositivo e realizando-se a resposta com prótese auditiva (REAR - Real Ear Aided Response). Resultados Observou-se que 80% das próteses auditivas de todos os grupos atingiram a faixa analisada, com exceção do grupo de perda moderada. Também foi realizada a análise da porcentagem de orelhas cuja resposta com prótese auditiva estivesse em ±5 dB para as frequências baixas e ±8 dB nas altas frequências e observou-se que menos de 80% dos ajustes atingiram esta faixa. Intervalos de confiança foram construídos para verificar a faixa de adaptação de preferência dos usuários experientes. Conclusão A faixa de ±10 dB demonstra ser a de preferência dos usuários. Porém, para usuários experientes, sugere-se que a faixa de adaptação encontre-se na faixa de ±3 nas frequências baixas e médias e ±7 na região de altas frequências.

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare the targets prescribed by the non-linear NAL with the real ear aided response - REAR obtained through probe microphone in the setting of effective use according to the degree of hearing loss. Methods 67 experienced hearing aid users participated in the study. All were reassessed when attending follow-up sessions. At that moment, they were asked whether they had any complaints with respect to the amplification. An audiological evaluation was performed, the hours of use of the device were recorded and the new probe microphone measurement was taken. Results The percentage of ears with REAR within ± 10dB of the prescriptive target was verified. It was observed that 80% of the hearing aids of all groups reached the analyzed range, with the exception of the moderate hearing loss group. We also performed the analysis of the percentage of ears whose hearing aid response was within ± 5 dB for the low frequencies and ± 8 dB for the high frequencies, and it was observed that less than 80% of the adjustments reached this range. Confidence intervals were constructed to verify the preference fit to target of experienced users. Conclusion The range of ±10dB proves to be the users' preference. For experienced users, it is suggested that the adaptation phase be found in the range of ±3 in the low and medium frequencies and ±7 in the high frequency region

Tamizaje auditivo: consideraciones para su implementación

En el Informe mundial sobre la audición, la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) ha estimado que en el 2050 casi 2.500 millones de personas tendrán algún grado de pérdida auditiva, de las cuales al menos 700 millones necesitarán servicios de rehabilitación. El Informe mundial sobre la audición recomienda que los Estados Miembros de la OMS adopten medidas políticas urgentes y basadas en pruebas para prevenir, identificar y rehabilitar la pérdida auditiva. La detección de la pérdida auditiva y enfermedades del oído en momentos específicos hace parte importante de esta estrategia. En esta publicación, el Tamizaje auditivo: consideraciones para su implementación se basa en las recomendaciones formuladas en el Informe mundial sobre la audición. Su objetivo es proporcionar a los Estados Miembros una orientación técnica para el establecimiento de los programas basados ​​en la evidencia para el tamizaje auditivo en diferentes grupos de edad y con el objetivo de facilitar las intervenciones tempranas para las enfermedades del oído y la pérdida auditiva en: los recién nacidos y lactantes; la población infantil, en especial en el entorno preescolar y escolar; las personas mayores, y las personas expuestas al ruido, a sustancias químicas ototóxicas y a medicamentos ototóxicos, factores que aumentan el riesgo de sufrir pérdida de audición.

Incorporating Patient Narratives to Enhance Audiological Care and Clinical Research Outcomes.

Purpose The engagement of patients as key stakeholders in their experience of care processes is a critical component of quality improvement efforts for both clinical care and translational research. Increasingly, health care systems are soliciting input from patients on care processes and experiences through surveys, patient interviews, and patient video narratives. The purpose of this viewpoint article is twofold: (a) to describe the increasing role of patient narratives about their experiences with adverse health conditions to inform patient-centered research and quality improvement efforts and (b) to present three patient narratives that highlight the real-world impacts of hearing loss and tinnitus, the life enhancing impacts of aural rehabilitation, and the importance of prospective ototoxicity monitoring in individuals with complex health conditions. Conclusion Patient narratives provide individual patient perspectives that can be used to build awareness of the range of experiences and impact of hearing disorders, and to explore patient preferences for when and how to implement hearing-related clinical services.