Auditory attention in individuals with tinnitus.

INTRODUCTION: Tinnitus is characterized by the presence of a sound in the absence of external sound stimulus. In individuals with normal audiometry, it may be associated with auditory attention difficulty, especially in those who report high tinnitus annoyance. OBJECTIVE: To investigate auditory attention ability in individuals with tinnitus complaint. METHODS: Cross-sectional analytical observational study. We evaluated 30 volunteers with normal hearing (up to 25dBHL): 15 with tinnitus (test group) and 15 with no complaints (control group), aged between 18-40 years. The volunteers answered the tinnitus handicap inventory questionnaire and a visual analogue scale. Subsequently, a basic audiological evaluation (meatoscopy, tonal and vocal audiometry, and imittanciometry) and psychoacoustic measures of tinnitus (loudness and pitch) were performed. To evaluate auditory attention, the following tests were performed: auditory cognitive evoked potential (P300), central auditory processing tests (dichotic digits test and speech-in-noise test) and sustained auditory attention ability test. RESULTS: In the tinnitus handicap inventory, individuals with tinnitus had a mean score of 37.78 (±27.05), characterized as moderate degree. In the dichotic digits test (binaural separation), a difference was observed between the groups in both ears. Moreover, there was a difference in the speech-in-noise test in both ears (RE: p=0.044; LE: p=0.019), in P300 (p=0.049) and in total sustained auditory attention ability test (p=0.032). Also, there is a negative correlation between sustained auditory attention ability test, decrease in attentiveness and binaural integration (RE: p=0.044; LE: p=0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with tinnitus had a poorer performance compared to the control group regarding auditory attention ability. Therefore, it is inferred that tinnitus is associated with poor performance in selective and sustained auditory attention in the assessed volunteers. These aspects should be considered for the management of patients with tinnitus.

Central auditory processing in teenagers with non-cholesteatomatous chronic otitis media.

INTRODUCTION: Evidences of possible effects of early age otitis media with effusion in the central auditory processing, emphasize the need to consider such effects also in subjects with chronic otitis media. AIM: To investigate and analyze the impact of non-cholesteatomatous chronic otitis media on central auditory processing in teenagers. METHODS: This is a study in which 68 teenagers were recruited, 34 with a diagnosis of non-cholesteatomatous chronic otitis media (study group) and 34 without otological disease history (control group). The evaluation of the subjects consisted of: anamnesis, pure-tone threshold audiometry, speech audiometry and a behavioral test battery for assessment of central auditory processing. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between the means observed in the study and control groups in all tests performed. An association was found between the control group and subgroups of the study group with unilateral alterations in all tests. An association was shown between the results for the control group and study group for family income, with a greater impact on subjects with a lower income. CONCLUSIONS: Non-cholesteatomatous chronic otitis media affects the central auditory processing in teenagers suffering from the disorder, and monaural low-redundancy hearing is the most affected auditory mechanism. Unilateral conductive changes cause more damage than bilateral ones, and lower family income seems to lead to more changes to the central auditory processing of subjects with non-cholesteatomatous chronic otitis media.

Study of the brainstem auditory evoked potential with speech stimulus in the pediatric population with and without oral language disorders: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: The brainstem auditory evoked potential with speech stimulus, BAEP-speech, has been applied to observe how speech sounds are manifested in the brainstem. This tool can be used in children to assess central auditory processing, allowing preventive and early interventions. OBJECTIVE: To assess the results found in the brainstem auditory evoked potential with speech stimulus in the pediatric population with and without oral language disorders, through a systematic literature review. METHOD: The search was carried out in the scientific databases Portal BVS, Pubmed, Lilacs, Medline, Scielo and Web of Science, OpenGrey.eu, DissOnline, OpenDoar, OAIster and The New York Academy of Medicine. A systematic literature review was performed using the descriptors: auditory evoked potentials, children and their synonyms, combined by the Boolean operators AND and OR. The search filter "age: child" was used. The studies were independently read by peers and, in case of disagreement regarding the inclusion of studies, a third researcher was consulted. Original case-control articles that performed BAEP-speech without competitive noise, carried out in the pediatric population without and with oral language disorders, were included. RESULT: 14 articles published between 2008 and 2019 were included in this review. Methodological variability was observed in the exam, with the syllable / da / being the most frequently used as the stimulus. When performing the average of the groups, it was observed that the population with specific language disorders showed greater latency delays in the sustained portion, lower amplitude values and VA complex slope. The group with phonological disorders had higher values in the transient portion of the responses. CONCLUSION: Children with language disorders of different etiologies have different patterns of BAEP-speech responses when compared to children with typical development.

Development of auditory and language skills in children using cochlear implants with two signal processing strategies.

INTRODUCTION: The increase in the spectral information offered by the sound processing strategy HiRes 120 has led to great expectations for the pediatric population. Due to a shorter duration of auditory deprivation and higher neural plasticity, children could benefit more substantially from the spectral information of this sound processing strategy. OBJECTIVE: To compare auditory and language skills in Brazilian children with cochlear implants using the HiRes and HiRes 120 sound processing strategies. METHODS: Thirty children, aged 1-3 years, with congenital hearing loss, were divided into two groups, according to the signal processing strategy adjusted at the time of the cochlear implant activation. The assessed children were matched according to chronological age and the time of the cochlear implant use. The auditory and language skills were evaluated longitudinally through the Infant-Toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale and Production Infant Scale Evaluation, carried out before surgery, and 3, 6 and 12 months after device implantation. The Mann-Whitney test was applied for the comparison between the two groups with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: The findings indicated development of hearing and language skills in the first year of cochlear implant use; however, there was no statistically significant difference in the evolution of such skills due to the adjusted processing strategy in the activation of the cochlear implant electrodes. CONCLUSION: The development of auditory and language skills in the assessed children was similar during the entire study period, regardless of which signal processing strategy was used.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Amsterdam inventory for auditory disability and handicap to Brazilian Portuguese.

INTRODUCTION: Patient-reported outcome measures, inventory and or questionnaire, allow patients to present their perspective of the impact of their individual condition on a day-to-day basis, independent of the analysis of test results by the expert clinician. Outcome measures are recommended when there is evidence showing their reliability, validity and sensitivity. There are standardized patient-reported outcome measures for hearing in English language; however, other languages lack these instruments. OBJECTIVE: Adapt the Amsterdam inventory for auditory disability and handicap to Brazilian Portuguese and analyze its validation measures. METHODS: We conducted two studies. In Study 1, we translated and adapted the Amsterdam inventory for auditory disability and handicap to Brazilian Portuguese according to good practice guidelines; this included the pre-test stage. In Study 2, we administered the Portuguese version to adults with and without hearing loss (n=31 and 18, respectively) and analyzed the measures of instrument validation, reliability, and reproducibility. Moreover, we calculated the correlation between pure tone thresholds and scores on the questionnaire. RESULTS: The results obtained in Study 1 demonstrated the feasibility of the translation process and the instrument's cultural adaptation, as well as its applicability, resulting in the Portuguese version of the Amsterdam inventory for auditory disability and handicap. In Study 2, the results revealed construct values for the questions and domains, as well as for the total reliable score. The intra-interviewer test-retest condition showed excellent reproducibility (ICC=0.97). Finally, there was a strong positive correlation (r=0.83) between the mean pure tone threshold and the hearing difficulties values, as measured by the instrument's scores. CONCLUSION: The English version of the Amsterdam inventory for auditory disability and handicap could be translated and adapted to Brazilian Portuguese. An analyses of the validation process yielded reliable, consistent, and stable results.

Speech-in-noise perception ability can be related to auditory efferent pathway function: a comparative study in reading impaired and normal reading children.

INTRODUCTION: Deficient auditory processing can cause problems with speech perception and affect the development and evolution of reading skills. The efferent auditory pathway has an important role in normal auditory system functions like speech-in-noise perception, but there is still no general agreement on this. OBJECTIVE: To study the performance of the efferent auditory system in a group of children with reading impairment in comparison with normal reading and evaluation of its relationship with speech-in-noise perception. METHODS: A total of 53 children between the ages of 8-12 years were selected for the study of which 27 were with reading impairment and 26 were normal reading children. Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions suppression and auditory recognition of words-in-noise test were performed for all the children. RESULTS: The average amplitude of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions suppression showed a significant difference between the two groups in the right (p=0.004) and in the left ear (p=0.028). Assessment of the relationship between transient evoked otoacoustic emissions suppression and monaural auditory recognition of words-in-noise scores showed a significant moderate negative relationship only in the right ear (p=0.034, r=-0.41) of the normal reading children. Binaural auditory recognition of words-in-noise scores were significantly correlated with the amplitude of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions suppression in the right ear (p<0.001, r=-0.75) and in the left ear (p<0.001, r=-0.64) of normal reading children. In the reading impaired group, ?a weaker correlation was observed between binaural auditory recognition of words-in-noise scores and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions suppression in the right (p=0.003, r=-0.55) and in the left ear (p=0.012, r=-0.47). CONCLUSIONS: Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions suppression pattern in the reading impaired group was different compared with normal reading children, and this difference could be related to efferent system performance. Words-in-noise scores in children with impaired reading were lower than in normal reading children. In addition, a relationship was found between transient evoked otoacoustic emissions suppression and words-in-noise scores in both normal and impaired reading children.

Self-perceived body image, dissatisfaction with body weight and nutritional status of Brazilian adolescents: a nationwide study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the agreement and risk factors for underestimation and overestimation between nutritional status and self-perceived body image and to assess the prevalence and associated factors for dissatisfaction with body weight among Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: Students aged 12-17 years participating in the Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents ("ERICA"), a multicenter, cross-sectional, school-based country-wide study, were included (n=71,740). Variables assessed as covariates were sex, age, skin color, socioeconomic status, and common mental disorders (screened by the General Health Questionnaire, GHQ-12). Multinomial logistic regression was used to explore the association between covariates and combinations between self-perceived body image and body mass index (agreement, underestimation and overestimation). The associations between dissatisfaction with body weight and exposure variables were investigated using multivariable Poisson regression models. RESULTS: Approximately 66% students rightly matched their body mass index with self-perceived weight (kappa coefficient was 0.38 for boys and 0.35 for girls). Agreement was higher among younger students and adolescents from low income households. Male sex, older age, and GHQ-12 score ≥3 were associated with weight overestimation. Prevalence of dissatisfaction with body weight was 45.0% (95% CI: 44.0-46.0), and higher among girls, older adolescents, those with underweight or overweight/obesity, as well as those who were physically inactive and with GHQ-12 ≥3. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the sample rightly self-perceived their body image according to body mass index. Students with body image misperception and those dissatisfied with their weight were more likely to present a positive screening for common mental disorders.

Evidências de validade e fidedignidade do Teste de Fala Comprimida com Figuras / Evidence of validity and reliability of the Compressed Speech Test with Figures

RESUMO Objetivo Buscar evidências de validade e fidedignidade para o Teste de Fala Comprimida com Figuras. Método O estudo foi subdividido em três etapas: validação de construto, critério e fidedignidade. Todos os participantes tinham idade entre 6:00 e 8:11. Para o construto, aplicou-se o Fala Comprimida com Figuras e o teste padrão ouro Fala Comprimida Adaptado em crianças com desenvolvimento fonológico típico. Para análise de critério, aplicou-se o Fala Comprimida com Figuras em dois grupos, com desenvolvimento fonológico típico (G1) e atípico (G2). Por fim, os protocolos de aplicação passaram pela análise de duas Fonoaudiólogas, com experiência na área do Processamento Auditivo Central, buscando obter uma análise de fidedignidade interavaliadores. Resultados O teste de correlação indicou um construto quase perfeito (Rho=0,843 para orelha direita e Rho=0,823 para orelha esquerda). Na análise de critério, percebeu-se que ambos os grupos apresentaram resultados satisfatórios (G1 = 99,6 a 100%; G2 = 96 a 96,5%). Já a análise de fidedignidade demonstrou que o protocolo é de fácil análise, pois ambos os profissionais apresentaram respostas unânimes. Conclusão Foi possível obter evidências de validade e fidedignidade para o instrumento de Fala Comprimida com Figuras. A análise de construto evidenciou que o instrumento mede a mesma variável que o teste padrão outro, com correlação quase perfeita. Na análise de critério, ambos os grupos apresentaram desempenho semelhante, demonstrando que o instrumento não parece diferenciar populações com e sem transtorno fonológico leve. A análise de fidedignidade interavaliador demonstrou que o protocolo é de fácil análise e pontuação.

ABSTRACT Purpose To seek evidence of validity and reliability for the Compressed Speech Test with Figures. Methods The study was subdivided into three stages: construct validation, criteria and reliability. All participants were aged between 6:00 and 8:11. For the construct, Compressed Speech with Figures and the gold standard Adapted Compressed Speech test were applied to children with typical phonological development. For criterion analysis, Compressed Speech with Figures was applied in two groups, with typical (G1) and atypical (G2) phonological development. Finally, the application protocols underwent analysis by two Speech Therapists, with experience in the area of Central Auditory Processing, seeking to obtain an inter-evaluator reliability analysis. Results The correlation test indicated an almost perfect construct (correlation 0.843 for the right ear and 0.823 for the left ear). In the criterion analysis, it was noticed that both groups presented satisfactory results (G1 = 99.6 to 100%; G2 = 96 to 96.5%). The reliability analysis demonstrated that the protocol is easy to analyze, as both professionals presented unanimous responses. Conclusion It was possible to obtain evidence of validity and reliability for the Compressed Speech with Figures instrument. The construct analysis showed that the instrument measures the same variable as the gold standard test, with an almost perfect correlation. In the criterion analysis, both groups presented similar performance, demonstrating that the instrument does not seem to differentiate populations with and without mild phonological disorder. The inter-evaluator reliability analysis demonstrated that the protocol is easy to analyze and score.

Procedures for central auditory processing screening in schoolchildren.

INTRODUCTION: Central auditory processing screening in schoolchildren has led to debates in literature, both regarding the protocol to be used and the importance of actions aimed at prevention and promotion of auditory health. Defining effective screening procedures for central auditory processing is a challenge in Audiology. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the scientific research on central auditory processing screening and discuss the effectiveness of the procedures utilized. METHODS: A search was performed in the SciELO and PUBMed databases by two researchers. The descriptors used in Portuguese and English were: auditory processing, screening, hearing, auditory perception, children, auditory tests and their respective terms in Portuguese. INCLUSION CRITERIA: original articles involving schoolchildren, auditory screening of central auditory skills and articles in Portuguese or English. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: studies with adult and/or neonatal populations, peripheral auditory screening only, and duplicate articles. After applying the described criteria, 11 articles were included. RESULTS: At the international level, central auditory processing screening methods used were: screening test for auditory processing disorder and its revised version, screening test for auditory processing, scale of auditory behaviors, children's auditory performance scale and Feather Squadron. In the Brazilian scenario, the procedures used were the simplified auditory processing assessment and Zaidan's battery of tests. CONCLUSION: At the international level, the screening test for auditory processing and Feather Squadron batteries stand out as the most comprehensive evaluation of hearing skills. At the national level, there is a paucity of studies that use methods evaluating more than four skills, and are normalized by age group. The use of simplified auditory processing assessment and questionnaires can be complementary in the search for an easy access and low-cost alternative in the auditory screening of Brazilian schoolchildren. Interactive tools should be proposed, that allow the selection of as many hearing skills as possible, validated by comparison with the battery of tests used in the diagnosis.

Tinnitus evaluation: relationship between pitch matching and loudness, visual analog scale and tinnitus handicap inventory.

INTRODUCTION: Tinnitus is a subjective auditory symptom usually associated with a sound, even in the absence of external sound sources. Its diagnosis is complex, and some of the forms of measurement alone or in combination, include self-assessment questionnaires, such as the tinnitus handicap inventory, the visual analog scale and/or pitch and loudness matching. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlation among three tinnitus measurement methods: tinnitus handicap inventory, visual analog scale and pitch and loudness matching. METHODS: The study consisted of 148 patients complaining of chronic tinnitus. An otorhinolaryngological evaluation, anamnesis directed to tinnitus, audiometry (pure tone and speech), imitanciometry, tinnitus handicap inventory, visual analog scale, and pitch and loudness matching were performed. The study was registered in the Ethics Committee of the Institution with no. 0129/12. RESULTS: Regarding the frequency of tinnitus handicap inventory responses, a higher occurrence of the mild degree was observed. An average of 6 points was observed on the visual analog scale. The mean loudness matching in the right ear was 20dBNS, and in the left ear was 17dBNS. As for the type of stimulus, the most found was continuous pure tone. The frequency of the pitch sensation was 6000Hz in the largest number of cases. Regarding the measures of tinnitus handicap inventory and the visual analogical scale, a significant correlation was observed, and as one value increases the other also increases. Pitch and loudness matching and the visual analogical scale results are also significant. CONCLUSION: There was a significant correlation between the values measured by the tinnitus handicap inventory, visual analogical scale (annoyance) and loudness matching in the evaluation of tinnitus. The selection of any one of the three evaluative methods for tinnitus investigation provides different dimensions of the tinnitus and complements the others.

Central auditory processing and aphasia: A scoping review / Processamento auditivo central e afasia: uma revisão de escopo

ABSTRACT Purpose: to report scientific evidence on the impact of aphasia on central auditory processing and map the contribution of auditory training to aphasic individuals. Methods: a scoping review approaching national and international databases (SciELO, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) and the gray literature (Google Scholar and Open Grey). The inclusion criteria covered articles that addressed the interface between central auditory processing and aphasia, excluding duplicates, literature reviews, and scientific abstracts. Literature Review: the review comprised 13 articles that met the eligibility criteria for this study. Seven of the selected articles assessed central auditory processing, four used electrophysiological examinations (such as auditory brainstem response and long-latency auditory evoked potentials) to assess the auditory pathway, and only one analyzed the intervention in aphasic individuals with auditory training. Conclusion: scientific evidence points to an important change in aphasic people's central auditory processing, with impaired figure-ground, auditory closure, temporal resolution and ordering, and binaural integration. Moreover, it is relevant to assess auditory processing, given the contribution of auditory training in speech-language-hearing therapy for a better prognosis in the rehabilitation of aphasia.

RESUMO Objetivo: reportar as evidências científicas do impacto da afasia no Processamento Auditivo Central e mapear a contribuição do Treinamento Auditivo para a população afásica. Métodos: trata-se de uma revisão de escopo realizada nas bases de dados nacionais e internacionais: Scielo, Lilacs, Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane Library e com uma busca adicional à literatura cinzenta no Google Scholar e Open Grey. Os critérios de inclusão abrangeram artigos que abordassem a interface do processamento auditivo central e afasia, excluindo-se as duplicações, artigos de revisão da literatura e resumos científicos. Revisão de Literatura: selecionaram-se 13 artigos que cumpriram os critérios de elegibilidade deste estudo. Dos artigos selecionados, sete apresentaram a avaliação do Processamento Auditivo Central, quatro apresentaram os exames eletrofisiológicos - como os exames de Potencial Evocado Auditivo de Tronco Encefálico (PEATE) e Potencial Evocado Auditivo de Longa Latência (PEALL) - para avaliação da via auditiva e apenas um estudo analisou a intervenção dos indivíduos afásicos por meio do treinamento auditivo. Conclusão: as evidências científicas apontam importante alteração no Processamento Auditivo Central dos afásicos, apresentando prejuízos nas habilidades auditivas de figura-fundo, fechamento auditivo, resolução e ordenação temporal e integração binaural. Ainda, demonstra-se como relevante a avaliação do processamento, devido à contribuição do Treinamento Auditivo nas terapias fonoaudiológicas para um melhor prognóstico na reabilitação das afasias.

Processamento auditivo central e questionário de autopercepção pós-treinamento auditivo acusticamente controlado em indivíduos com traumatismo cranioencefálico leve / Central auditory processing and self-perception questionnaire after acoustically controlled auditory training in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury

RESUMO Objetivo Correlacionar os resultados da avaliação comportamental do processamento auditivo central e do questionário de autopercepção após o treinamento auditivo acusticamente controlado. Método Foram avaliados dez indivíduos com média de idade de 44,5 anos, que sofreram traumatismo cranioencefálico de grau leve. Os indivíduos foram submetidos a avaliação comportamental do processamento auditivo central e também responderam ao questionário de autopercepção "Treinamento Auditivo Formal" após a intervenção terapêutica. O questionário foi composto por questões referentes a percepção auditiva, compreensão de ordens, solicitação de repetição de enunciados, ocorrência mal-entendidos, tempo de atenção, desempenho auditivo em ambiente ruidoso, comunicação ao telefone e autoestima e os pacientes foram solicitados a assinalar a frequência de ocorrência dos comportamentos listados. Resultados As habilidades auditivas de figura-fundo e memória para sons em sequência e processamento temporal correlacionaram-se com melhora para seguir instruções, diminuição das solicitações de repetições e aumento do tempo de atenção e melhora da comunicação e da compreensão ao telefone e para assistir TV. Conclusão Observou-se adequação das habilidades auditivas de fechamento auditivo, figura fundo, e processamento temporal na avaliação pós-treinamento auditivo acusticamente controlado, além de redução das queixas quanto ao comportamento auditivo.

ABSTRACT Purpose To correlate behavioral assessment results of central auditory processing and the self-perception questionnaire after acoustically controlled auditory training. Methods The study assessed 10 individuals with a mean age of 44.5 years who had suffered mild traumatic brain injury. They underwent behavioral assessment of central auditory processing and answered the Formal Auditory Training self-perception questionnaire after the therapeutic intervention - whose questions address auditory perception, understanding orders, request to repeat statements, occurrence of misunderstandings, attention span, auditory performance in noisy environments, telephone communication, and self-esteem. Patients were asked to indicate the frequency with which the listed behaviors occurred. Results Figure-ground, sequential memory for sounds, and temporal processing correlated with improvement in following instructions, fewer requests to repeat statements, increased attention span, improved communication, and understanding on the phone and when watching TV. Conclusion Auditory closure, figure-ground, and temporal processing had improved in the assessment after the acoustically controlled auditory training, and there were fewer auditory behavior complaints.

Benefit and predictive factors for speech perception outcomes in pediatric bilateral cochlear implant recipients.

INTRODUCTION: Despite recent advancement in the prediction of cochlear implant outcome, the benefit of bilateral procedures compared to bimodal stimulation and how we predict speech perception outcomes of sequential bilateral cochlear implant based on bimodal auditory performance in children remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: This investigation was performed: (1) to determine the benefit of sequential bilateral cochlear implant and (2) to identify the associated factors for the outcome of sequential bilateral cochlear implant. METHODS: Observational and retrospective study. We retrospectively analyzed 29 patients with sequential cochlear implant following bimodal-fitting condition. Audiological evaluations were performed; the categories of auditory performance scores, speech perception with monosyllable and disyllables words, and the Korean version of Ling. Audiological evaluations were performed before sequential cochlear implant with the bimodal fitting condition (CI1+HA) and one year after the sequential cochlear implant with bilateral cochlear implant condition (CI1+CI2). The good performance group (GP) was defined as follows; 90% or higher in monosyllable and bisyllable tests with auditory-only condition or 20% or higher improvement of the scores with CI1+CI2. Age at first implantation, inter-implant interval, categories of auditory performance score, and various comorbidities were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Compared to the CI1+HA, CI1+CI2 provided significant benefit in categories of auditory performance, speech perception, and Korean version of Ling results. Preoperative categories of auditory performance scores were the only associated factor for being GP (odds ratio=4.38, 95% confidence interval - 95%=1.07-17.93, p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The children with limited language development in bimodal condition should be considered as the sequential bilateral cochlear implant and preoperative categories of auditory performance score could be used as the predictor in speech perception after sequential cochlear implant.

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.

Sequential bilateral cochlear implant: results in children and adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: The use of the bilateral cochlear implants can promote the symmetrical development of the central auditory pathways, thus benefiting the development of auditory abilities and improving sound localization and the ability of auditory speech perception in situations of competitive noise. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of speech perception in children and adolescents using sequential bilateral cochlear implants, considering the association of these variables: age at surgery, time of device use and interval between surgeries. METHODS: A total of 14 individuals between 10 and 16 years of age, who demonstrated surgical indication for the use of sequential bilateral cochlear implants as intervention in the auditory habilitation process, were assessed. The speech perception ability was assessed through sentence lists constructed in the Portuguese language, presented in two situations: in silence, with fixed intensity of 60dB SPL, and in competitive noise, with a signal-to-noise ratio of +15dB. The evaluation was performed under the following conditions: unilateral with the first activated cochlear implant, unilateral with the second activated cochlear implant and bilateral with both devices activated. RESULTS: The results of the speech perception tests showed better performance in both silence and in noise for the bilateral cochlear implant condition when compared to the 1st cochlear implant and the 2nd cochlear implant alone. A worse result of speech perception was found using the 2nd cochlear implant alone. No statistically significant correlation was found between age at the surgical procedure, interval between surgeries and the time of use of the 2nd cochlear implant, and the auditory speech perception performance for all assessed conditions. The use of a hearing aid prior to the 2nd cochlear implant resulted in benefits for auditory speech perception with the 2nd cochlear implant, both in silence and in noise. CONCLUSION: The bilateral cochlear implant provided better speech perception in silence and in noise situations when compared to the unilateral cochlear implant, regardless of the interval between surgeries, age at the surgical procedure and the time of use of the 2nd cochlear implant. Speech perception with the 1st cochlear implant was significantly better than with the 2nd cochlear implant, both in silence and in noise. The use of the hearing aid prior to the 2nd cochlear implant influenced speech perception performance with the 2nd cochlear implant, both in silence and in noise.

Questionnaires and checklists for central auditory processing screening used in Brazil: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: The action of listening involves a complex interaction between the peripheral and central auditory systems. Central auditory processing disorder can be described as any problem in one or more auditory abilities. Literature reports that behavioral questionnaires and checklists can be applied to screen individuals at risk for central auditory processing disorder. OBJECTIVE: To identify and analyze in the national literature questionnaires and checklists for the screening of central auditory processing available in Brazil for the Portuguese language. METHODS: The research was carried out in electronic databases and "gray literature". The search strategy was: "questionnaires OR surveys and questionnaires AND auditory OR hearing tests OR auditory perception AND Brazil". The research was carried out between June and August of 2017. Study selection followed inclusion and exclusion criteria. The criteria adopted included Brazilian studies, without date and design restriction, that were carried out, translated, adapted and/or validated to Brazilian Portuguese or European Portuguese, as tools for central auditory processing screening. International studies that were not adapted to the Portuguese language were excluded, as well as the ones that were not available in full. RESULTS: A total of 3664 publications were found and seven articles were selected for this systematic review, according to the established criteria. CONCLUSIONS: There is scarce national literature for central auditory processing screening and the only tool validated to Brazilian Portuguese, published as a monograph, is the auditory processing domains questionnaire. It is suggested that new studies with greater methodological stringency related to the processes of tool adaptation and validation be developed and published in the usual scientific databases, aiming at greater diffusion and clinical applicability.

Construction and validation of the community health workers perception questionnaire on conditions amenable to physiotherapy in primary health care / Construção e validação do questionário de percepção dos Agentes Comunitários de Saúde sobre condições sensíveis à fisioterapia na Atenção Primária

Abstract Introduction Community health workers, like the physiotherapist, perform essential functions in primary health care, being an important element in the transformation of public policies. There are no reported studies investigating the knowledge of community health workers about health conditions amenable to physiotherapy intervention in primary health care. Objective To construct a questionnaire to investigate the perception of community health workers about health conditions that could be remedied by physiotherapy intervention in primary health care. Methods This was a methodological study in which it was initially an analysis matrix with the aim of encompassing the ideas contemplated in the questionnaire. To construct the instrument, a literature review was carried out, and health conditions treatable with physiotherapy in primary health care were chosen. To validate the content and appearance of the items, twelve physiotherapists specialized in primary health care judged the suitability of the items contained. The content validity index was used to determine the degree of agreement during the response analysis process. Subsequently, a semantic analysis was carried out through the understanding of the items by 15 community health workers. In the validation stage, two rounds of evaluation were carried out. Adjustments were made to 17 questions. Results The study investigated a questionnaire with 20 questions containing hypothetical situations of home visits, in which the resident's situation could or could not constitute a health risk amenable to physiotherapeutic intervention. Conclusion The community health workers perception instrument on health conditions amenable to physiotherapy intervention in primary health care proved to be valid for use in this context. The use of the instrument may contribute to the development of community health worker training programs, with the aim of facilitating team communication.

Resumo Introdução O Agente Comunitário de Saúde (ACS), assim como o fisioterapeuta, desencadeia funções fundamentais na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS), sendo ele-mento importante na transformação de políticas públicas. Inexistem estudos que investiguem o conhecimento dos ACS sobre as condições de saúde sensíveis à inter-venção da fisioterapia na APS. Objetivo Construir um questionário de investigação da percepção dos ACS sobre as condições de saúde sensíveis à intervenção da fisioterapia na APS. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo metodológico no qual, inicialmente, construiu-se uma matriz de análise com o intuito de englobar as ideias contempladas no questionário. Para a construção do instrumento, realizou-se uma revisão da literatura, sendo eleitas condições de saúde sensíveis à intervenção da fisioterapia na APS. Para a validação de conteúdo e aparente dos itens, 12 fisioterapeutas especialistas em APS julgaram a adequação dos itens contidos. Utilizou-se o índice de validade de conteúdo para verificar o grau de concordância durante o processo de análise das respos-tas. Posteriormente, realizou-se análise semântica por meio da compreensão dos itens por 15 ACS. Na etapa de validação, foram realizadas duas rodadas de avaliação. Foram feitos ajustes em 17 questões. Resultados O estudo resultou em um questionário com 20 questões contendo situações hipotéticas de visitas domiciliares, cuja situação do morador poderia ou não configurar um risco à saúde sensível à intervenção fisioterapêutica. Conclusão O instrumento de percepção dos ACS sobre as condições de saúde sensíveis à intervenção da fisioterapia na APS mostrou-se válido para ser utilizado no contexto da APS. A utilização do instrumento poderá contribuir na elaboração de programas de capacitação dos ACS, com o intuito de facilitar a comunicação da equipe.

Reaction time and defensive sliding test versus t-test: which is better? / Tiempo de reacción y prueba de deslizamiento defensivo contra t-test: ¿qué es mejor? / Tempo de reação e teste de deslizamento defensivo contra t-test: qual é melhor?

ABSTRACT Introduction: During basketball, players' movements represent a reaction to an unpredictable single or complex external stimulus (nonplanned agility). Objective: The present study aimed to compare the test of nonplanned agility to the planned agility test and to increase the knowledge of perception, decision-making, anticipation, and motor abilities of female basketball players. Methods: Thirty-six female basketball players (age: 18.81 ± 2.58 years) performed The Reaction Time and Defensive Sliding Test (RTADST) on the first day and the T-test the following day. Results: there were no statistically significant correlations between the RTADST and T-test at the whole sample level or between perimeter and post players. The T-test and Fat % correlation is significant at the 0.05 level, while the other analyzed correlations were insignificant. Perimeter players achieved better results on the RTADST test. There were no significant differences between perimeter and post players on the T-test. Conclusion: The RTADST and T-test are testing different abilities. We recommend the use of the RTADST to coaches and conditioning experts. Level of Evidence II; Diagnostic Study Investigating a Diagnostic Test.

RESUMEN Introducción: Durante el partido de baloncesto, los movimientos de los jugadores de baloncesto representan la reacción a un estímulo externo único o complejo impredecible (agilidad no planificada). Objetivo: El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar la prueba de agilidad no planificada con la prueba de agilidad planificada y aumentar el conocimiento sobre la percepción, la toma de decisiones, la anticipación y las habilidades motoras de las jugadoras de baloncesto. Métodos: Las treinta y seis jugadoras de baloncesto (de la edad: 18.81 ± 2.58 años) realizaron la Prueba de tiempo de reacción y deslizamiento defensivo (RTADST) el primer día y el siguiente día la prueba T. Resultados obtenidos: no hubo correlaciones estadísticamente significativas entre el RTADST y la prueba T, a nivel de toda la muestra ni entre jugadoras del perímetro y del poste. La correlación entre la prueba T y el % de Grasa es significativa al nivel de 0,05, mientras que el resto de las correlaciones analizadas no resultaron significativas. Las jugadoras del perímetro lograron mejores resultados en la prueba RTADST. No hubo diferencias significativas entre las jugadoras del perímetro y las del poste en la prueba T. Conclusión: El RTADST y la prueba T están probando habilidades diferentes. Recomendamos el uso del RTADST a entrenadores y expertos en acondicionamiento. Nivel de Evidencia II; Estudio de Diagnóstico que Investiga una Prueba Diagnóstica.

RESUMO Introdução: Durante o basquete, os movimentos dos jogadores representam uma reação a um estímulo externo imprevisível, simples ou complexo (agilidade não planejada). Objetivo: O presente estudo teve como objetivo comparar o teste de agilidade não planejada com o teste de agilidade planejada no intuito de aumentar o conhecimento sobre percepção, tomada de decisão, antecipação e habilidades motoras em jogadoras de basquete. Métodos: Trinta e seis jogadoras de basquete (idade: 18,81 ± 2,58 anos) realizaram o Teste de Tempo de Reação e Deslizamento Defensivo (RTADST) no primeiro dia e o Teste T no dia seguinte. Resultados: não houve correlações estatisticamente significativas entre o RTADST e o teste T em toda a amostra ou entre jogadores de perímetro e de poste. A correlação entre o teste T e o percentual de gordura é significativa no nível de 0,05, enquanto as outras correlações analisadas foram insignificantes. Os jogadores de perímetro obtiveram melhores resultados no teste RTADST. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os jogadores de perímetro e de poste no teste T. Conclusões: O RTADST e o teste T estão testando habilidades diferentes. Recomendamos o uso do RTADST para treinadores e especialistas em condicionamento físico. Nível de Evidência II; Estudo de Diagnóstico que Investiga um Teste de Diagnóstico.

Idosos com perda auditiva e declínio cognitivo: desempenho da percepção de fala no ruído / Elderly people with hearing loss and cognitive decline: speech perception performance in noise

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a influência das habilidades intelectuais-cognitivas verbais na percepção de fala no ruído, em idosos com perda auditiva sensorioneural, considerando a escolaridade, a idade e o grau da perda auditiva. Método Participaram 36 idosos entre 60 e 89 anos com perda auditiva sensorioneural bilateral, que após avaliação psicológica por meio do Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults (WAIS III), foram divididos em (GI) 24 idosos sem alteração cognitiva e (GII) 12 idosos com risco de alteração cognitiva. Foram submetidos à avaliação otorrinolaringológica, entrevista audiológica, audiometria tonal liminar e a avaliação da percepção de fala no ruído por meio do Hearing in Noise Test (HINT-Brasil). O teste estatístico U de Mann-Whitney comparou os resultados entre os grupos, e a correlação de Spearman verificou as variáveis idade, grau da perda auditiva e nível de escolaridade. Resultados Não houve diferença entre os grupos na habilidade de percepção de fala no ruído, exceto na condição ruído à esquerda, no qual o GII apresentou melhor desempenho no HINT-Brasil. O grau da perda auditiva e o nível de escolaridade influenciaram na percepção de fala no ruído. O nível de escolaridade teve correlação com os resultados do WAIS III. Conclusão O declínio das habilidades intelectuais-cognitivas verbais não interferiu na percepção de fala no ruído nos idosos com perda auditiva. O grau da perda auditiva e o nível de escolaridade influenciaram no desempenho dos idosos no teste de percepção de fala no ruído. O desempenho nas habilidades cognitivas verbais variou com o nível de escolaridade.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the influence of verbal intellectual-cognitive skills on speech perception in noise, in elderly with sensorineural hearing loss, considering education, age, and degree of hearing loss. Methods 36 elderly between 60 and 89 years old with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss participated in the study. After psychological assessment using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults (WAIS-III), they were grouped into (GI) 24 elderly without cognitive alteration and (GII) 12 elderly with risk of cognitive alteration. They underwent otorhinolaryngological assessment, audiological interview, pure tone audiometry, and assessment of speech perception in noise using the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT-Brazil). The Mann-Whitney U statistical test compared the results between the groups, and the Spearman correlation verified the variable's age, degree of hearing loss, and level of education. Results There was no difference between the groups in the ability to perceive speech in noise, except in the noise on the left condition, in which GII showed better performance in HINT-Brazil. The degree of hearing loss and level of education influenced the perception of speech in noise. The level of education was correlated with the WAIS-III results. Conclusion The decline in verbal intellectual-cognitive skills did not affect speech perception of noise in the elderly with hearing loss. The degree of hearing loss and level of education influenced the performance of the elderly in the speech perception test in noise. Performance in verbal cognitive skills varied according to the level of education.

Dietary self-perception by women beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família Program in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil / Autopercepção alimentar de mulheres beneficiárias do Programa Bolsa Família em Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the association between dietary self-perception and socioeconomic, health, diet, and lifestyle variables of socially vulnerable women in primary health care. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in a Primary Health Care Unit in Fortaleza, Ceará, with 158 women beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família (Family Aid) Program. We applied a questionnaire containing socioeconomic and health variables, food knowledge, and self-perception. Pearson's chi-square test, with a 5% significance level, was adopted to investigate possible associations between women's food self-perception and other variables. Results The women had a mean age of 31.2 years. Most had a household income of less than one minimum wage (75.9%), a high school education level (53.8%), were overweight (67.7%), did not engage in physical activity (72.8%), and received dietary guidance (51.9%). Negative dietary self-perception was reported by 57.0% of the sample. Women who did not engage in physical activity had a higher frequency of negative dietary self-perception (p=0.007). Conclusion Most women showed negative dietary self-perception. The variable "physical activity" was positively associated with dietary self-perception. Knowing how women perceive their diet and which factors are associated with their food choices can help health professionals in their daily conduct in health care units.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a associação entre a autopercepção alimentar negativa e variáveis socioeconômicas, de saúde, alimentação e estilo de vida de mulheres em vulnerabilidade social, na atenção primária à saúde. Métodos Estudo do tipo transversal realizado em uma Unidade de Atenção Primária à Saúde de Fortaleza, Ceará, com 158 mulheres beneficiárias do Programa Bolsa Família. Um questionário foi aplicado contendo as variáveis investigadas. O teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson, com nível de significância 5% foi utilizado para investigar possíveis associações entre a autopercepção alimentar das mulheres e as demais variáveis. Resultados As mulheres apresentaram média de idade de 31,2 anos e a maioria tinha renda familiar inferior a um salário-mínimo (75,9%), ensino médio como o nível de escolaridade (53,8%), apresentou excesso de peso (67,7%), não praticava atividade física (72,8%) e recebeu orientações sobre alimentação (51,9%). A autopercepção alimentar negativa foi relatada por 57,0% da amostra. As mulheres que não praticavam atividade física, tiveram maior frequência de autopercepção alimentar negativa (p=0,007). Conclusão A maioria das mulheres apresentou autopercepção negativa da alimentação e a variável "atividade física" mostrou associação positiva em relação à autopercepção alimentar. Conhecer como as mulheres percebem sua alimentação e quais fatores se associam às suas escolhas pode auxiliar os profissionais de saúde em suas condutas no cotidiano dos atendimentos nas unidades de saúde.