RESUMO Objetivo Descrever as características audiológicas e o tipo de intervenção tomada em casos de perda auditiva unilateral em crianças e adolescentes e analisar correlações entre o grau da deficiência auditiva, a indicação e o uso de auxiliares de audição. Método Estudo observacional, descritivo e retrospectivo, realizado com informações dos prontuários de 34 crianças e adolescentes com perda auditiva unilateral, atendidos em dois serviços de reabilitação auditiva de média complexidade, no período de 2016 a 2019. Realizou-se a análise estatística descritiva e inferencial dos dados. Resultados Predomínio de perda auditiva unilateral do tipo neurossensorial, de grau profundo à direita, pré-lingual com 20,6% de malformações. A intervenção mais adotada foi a indicação de prótese auditiva, porém o uso é baixo, independente do grau da perda. Houve associação entre o grau da perda auditiva e a decisão dos profissionais em indicar o uso dos dispositivos. Conclusão A indicação de próteses auditivas é a mais frequente e esta decisão é influenciada pelo grau da perda auditiva, sendo os aparelhos auditivos indicados para as perdas leves a severas, com uma maior divergência de condutas para as perdas profundas.

ABSTRACT Purpose To describe the audiological characteristics and the type of intervention chosen on unilateral hearing loss cases in children and adolescents as well as to analyze correlations between the degree of hearing loss, the indication and the use of electronic devices. Methods Observational, descriptive and retrospective study, carried out with information of 34 medical records from children and adolescents with unilateral hearing loss, assessed by two auditory rehabilitation services of medium complexity, throughout 2016 to 2019. Descriptive and Inferential statistical analysis were performed with the data. Results A predominance of profound sensorineural unilateral hearing loss in the right ear, of pre-lingual character, with 20.6% of malformations. The most adopted intervention was the hearing aid indication, although its use is low, regardless of the degree of the hearing loss. An association was found between the degree of the hearing loss and the healthcare professionals in indicating the use of the devices. Conclusion The indication of hearing aids is the most frequent and this decision is influenced by the degree of the hearing loss, in which the devices are mostly indicated for mild to severe losses, with bigger divergence of conduct for profound hearing losses.

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze the impact of the diagnosis of hearing loss on the family relationships of schoolchildren who use hearing aids. Methods The sample consisted of 26 parents from schools with hearing aid hearing aid users aged between 4 and 14 years, assisted in a public Hearing Health Program. Parents responded to an objective, prepared by the authors without prior validation, with seven questions on the subject. Inferential statistical analysis was performed whenever possible. Results Most parents do not report having had personal difficulties and/or strain in family relationships with their hearing-impaired child. No association was found between the degree of hearing loss and the communication difficulties between both family groups. There was also no association between language modality and communication difficulty between the two groups, although in the broader family group the responses were not as unanimous as in the main family group. Conclusion Parents did not report a significant impact on family relationships and communication with their children with hearing loss who use hearing aids, regardless of the degree of hearing impairment and language modality. Among the broader family group, there was also no significant association between the degree of hearing impairment or the language modality used and communication difficulties between the child and the family, even with more heterogeneous responses than in the main family group.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar o impacto do diagnóstico da deficiência auditiva nas relações familiares de escolares usuários de dispositivos eletrônicos de amplificação sonora. Métodos A amostra foi composta por 26 pais de escolares com deficiência auditiva, usuários de dispositivos eletrônicos de amplificação sonora, com idades entre 4 e 14 anos, atendidos em um Programa de Saúde Auditiva público. Os pais responderam a um questionário objetivo, elaborado pelas autoras, sem validação prévia, com sete perguntas sobre a temática. Realizou-se análise estatística inferencial sempre que possível. Resultados A maioria dos pais não relatou ter apresentado dificuldades pessoais e/ou desgaste nas relações familiares com seus filhos deficientes auditivos. Não foi encontrada associação entre grau da deficiência auditiva e dificuldade de comunicação em ambos os grupos familiares. Também não se observou associação entre modalidade linguística e dificuldade de comunicação nos dois grupos, apesar de as respostas do grupo familiar mais amplo não terem sido tão unânimes como as do grupo familiar principal. Conclusão Os pais não relataram impacto significativo entre as relações familiares e a comunicação com seus filhos com deficiência auditiva, usuários de dispositivos eletrônicos de amplificação sonora, independentemente do grau da deficiência auditiva e da modalidade linguística. No grupo familiar mais amplo, também não houve associação importante entre grau da deficiência auditiva ou a modalidade linguística utilizada e dificuldade de comunicação entre a criança e a família, mesmo com respostas mais heterogêneas do que no grupo familiar principal.

RESUMO Objetivos Buscar na literatura informações quanto aos aspectos que guiam o monitoramento audiológico infantil, descrevendo os procedimentos utilizados, a idade em que são realizados, qual a população monitorada e os países que mais estudam sobre o assunto. Além de discutir a importância dessa etapa e a eficácia desses aspectos. Estratégia de pesquisa A revisão foi conduzida com base nas recomendações PRISMA e registrada na plataforma PROSPERO. Os estudos foram pesquisados nas bases de dados eletrônicas Medline (Pubmed), Web of Science e SciELO, com os descritores hearing, neonatal screening e follow up. Critérios de seleção Foram incluídos estudos que descrevessem o monitoramento audiológico. Não foram empregados filtros do ano de publicação, tampouco para os idiomas dos mesmos. Resultados Foram encontrados 432 artigos e 21 foram incluídos nesse estudo, sendo que a maioria foi produzida em países desenvolvidos. O Potencial Evocado Auditivo de Tronco Encefálico e a Avaliação Comportamental foram os procedimentos mais utilizados. Quanto a idade e população, a maioria realiza o monitoramento até os três anos e em crianças com Indicadores para a Deficiência Auditiva. Conclusão Os estudos demonstraram que não há padrão entre os protocolos para a realização do monitoramento audiológico, porém foi possível identificar que as pesquisas apresentam uma maior concordância quanto a idade em que tal monitoramento acontece e qual a população que deve ser monitorada. Entretanto, embora haja discordâncias, os métodos de avaliação utilizados pelos estudos são eficazes para a detecção de perdas auditiva de caráter leve, progressivo e/ou tardio, além dos casos de falso negativo.

ABSTRACT Purpose To search the literature for guidelines on infant’s audiological monitoring, most commonly used procedures, the age at which they are performed, which population should be monitored and the countries that study the subject the most. Besides, the importance and effectiveness of these measures will be discussed. Research strategy The review was conducted based on the PRISMA recommendations, registered on the PROSPERO platform. The studies were searched for in the electronic databases Medline (Pubmed), Web of Science and SciELO, using the descriptors hearing, neonatal screening and follow up. Selection criteria studies reporting the audiological monitoring were included. No filters on year and language of publication were used. Results A total of 432 articles were found and 21 were included in this study, mostly produced in developed countries. The Auditory Brainstem Response and the Behavioral Assessment were the most frequently used procedures. As to age and population, most infants are subjected to audiological monitoring up to three years of age and have Risk Factors for Hearing Loss in their clinical history. Conclusion The studies pointed that there is no standard among the protocols for performing audiological monitoring, but it was possible to identify agreement as to the age at which such monitoring takes place and which population should be monitored. However, although there is some disagreement, the assessment methods used in the studies are effective in detecting mild, progressive and/or late hearing loss, in addition to false negative cases.

Abstract Introduction Mismatch negativity (MMN) is a promising instrument for the investigation of different auditory disorders, as it does not need behavioral responses. Objective To analyze the influence of the ear, gender and age variables in the MMN in children with typical development; and to compare the different measures of this potential, using verbal and nonverbal stimuli in the sample studied, providing reference values. Methods Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study, with 23 children, aged from 5 to 11 years and 11 months old, divided by age group. Mismatch negativity was performed using verbal and nonverbal stimuli, and the data was analyzed by means of the statistical Student t-test. Results No significant differences were noted for the ear, gender and age variables in the MMN with both stimuli. There were significant differences for the latency, duration and area variables when the stimuli were compared. The reference values established for nonverbal stimuli were: latency 249.8 milliseconds, amplitude 2.28 µv, duration 82.97 milliseconds, and area 137.3 microvolt x microseconds (μVx μs); as for the verbal stimuli, they were: latency 265.3 milliseconds, amplitude - 2.82 µv, duration 110.5 milliseconds, and area 225.5 microvolt x microseconds (μVx μs). Conclusion The variables studied did not influence the recordings of the MMN. Latency, duration and area of the MMN with verbal stimuli were higher. It was possible to furnish reference values for children with typical development in the age group studied.

Abstract Introduction Learning a second language is an essential task in today's world, and is experienced by many children. The cognitive auditory-evoked potential (P300) is related to cognitive activity, attention and concentration, enabling the investigation of the effect of a second language on the central auditory pathway. Objective To analyze the effects of learning English on P300 latency and amplitude in children and to correlate them with age, time of exposure to English, and time in class. Method An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and quantitative study, in which 33 children, aged between 5 and 9 years and 11 months, of both genders participated, 14 of them in the process of learning English (study group) and 19 without this experience (control group). All subjects had their P300 evaluated using the Intelligent Hearing Systems (IHS, Miami, FL, US) Smart EP equipment. A total of 300 binaural stimuli were used in 75 dBnHL, as well as 240 frequent and 60 rare stimuli, using the pairs /ba/ and /di/ respectively. Results There was a statistically significant difference regarding P300 latency between the groups, and children exposed to English classes had lower latency in this component. No statistical difference was found between P300 amplitudes. No correlation was observed regarding age, time of exposure to English, time in class, and electrophysiological responses. Conclusion The Children exposed to English classes had the most stimulating auditory pathway, because their P300 had lower latency, being a resource for the speech therapy clinic.

Abstract Introduction Cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) can be used to evaluate both peripheral and cortical components of auditory function, and contribute to the assessment of functional sensitivity and auditory thresholds, especially in neonates and infants. Auditory evoked potentials reflect auditory maturity and precede the acquisition of more complex auditory and cognitive skills, and are therefore crucial for speech and language development. Objective The aim of the present study was to determine the presence, latency and amplitude of CAEP components in response to verbal stimuli in children aged 2 years old. Methods The sample consisted of 19 subjects, 10 of whom were male while 9 were female. All of the participants were 24 months old at the time of assessment. Results A total of 17 of the participants displayed all components of the CAEP. Additionally, no significant differences were observed between genders or ears in the present sample. The presence of all components of the CAEP in subjects aged 2 years old confirms the existence of a critical period for the maturation of auditory pathways in the first 2 years of life. Conclusion In the present study, in addition to the P1/N1 components, it was possible to observe the presence of the CAEP P2/N2 components in individuals aged 24 months, confirming the existence of a critical period for the maturation of the auditory pathways in the first 2 years of life.

RESUMO Objetivo avaliar a influência da variável sexo nos valores da latência e amplitude da onda V do potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico, com diferentes estímulos em neonatos. Métodos participaram deste estudo 62 neonatos nascidos a termo (29 do sexo feminino e 33 do sexo masculino). Realizou-se a pesquisa de limiar eletrofisiológico do potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico com quatro estímulos diferentes (clique, Ichirp banda larga-BL, tone burst e Ichirp-frequência específica-FE), nas intensidades de 60, 40 e 20 dBnNA. A variável sexo foi comparada para cada estímulo e intensidade. Resultados os resultados obtidos demonstraram menor latência e maior amplitude no sexo feminino para o estímulo clique. Entretanto, para o estímulo tone burst, o sexo feminino apresentou maior latência e maior amplitude. Quando utilizados os estímulos Ichirp-BL e Ichirp-FE, a variável sexo não apresentou diferença estatisticamente significativa para os valores de latência e amplitude. Conclusão a onda V do PEATE de neonatos sofre influência da variável sexo, quando utilizados os estímulos clique e tone burst. Entretanto, não houve tal influência quando utilizado o estímulo Ichirp banda larga–BL e o estímulo Ichirp frequência específica-FE.

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the influence of gender on the brainstem auditory evoked potentials V-wave latency and amplitude values in newborns, with different stimuli. Methods 62 full-term newborns (29 females and 33 males) participated in this study. The electrophysiological threshold of the brainstem auditory evoked potential was investigated with four different stimuli – click, broadband (BB) Ichirp, tone-burst, and specific-frequency (SF) Ichirp –, in intensities of 60, 40 and 20 dBnHL. The genders were compared in each stimulus and intensity. Results The results obtained showed lower latency and greater amplitude in females for the click stimulus. However, for tone-burst, the females presented higher latency and greater amplitude. When the BB-Ichirp and SF-Ichirp stimuli were used, the gender did not present a statistically significant difference in the latency and amplitude values. Conclusion The BAEP V-wave in newborns is influenced by gender when the click and tone-burst stimuli are used. However, such influence was not noted when the BB-Ichirp and SF-Ichirp stimuli were used.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi mensurar o efeito do treinamento auditivo computadorizado em um adolescente diagnosticado com Transtorno do Espectro Autista e Transtorno do Processamento Auditivo. Participou do estudo um adolescente de 14 anos, do sexo masculino, diagnosticado com Transtorno do Espectro Autista. O sujeito foi submetido à avaliação audiológica básica, avaliação do processamento auditivo central e avaliação eletrofisiológica da audição pré e pós-intervenção. A avaliação do processamento auditivo foi composta do Teste de Fala Comprimida (FC), Randon Gap Detection Test (RGDT), Staggered Spondaic Words (SSW), Teste de Padrão de Frequência (TPF) e Teste de Padrão de Duração (TPD). Na avaliação eletrofisiológica, utilizou-se o Potencial Evocado Auditivo Cognitivo (P300). Na avaliação do processamento auditivo central pré-intervenção terapêutica, observou-se alteração nas habilidades de fechamento auditivo, figura-fundo e ordenação temporal. Na habilidade auditiva de resolução temporal, o sujeito da pesquisa demonstrou desempenho dentro dos padrões de normalidade. Na realização do processamento auditivo central, foi possível observar melhora nos resultados de todas as habilidades auditivas citadas anteriormente, exceto na habilidade de figura-fundo, que permaneceu alterada. Quantos aos achados da avaliação eletrofisiológica da audição, verificou-se diminuição da latência do componente P300 na comparação dos resultados pré e pós-treinamento auditivo. Este estudo demonstrou que a utilização de treinamento auditivo trouxe como efeito uma melhora das habilidades auditivas avaliadas de um adolescente diagnosticado com Transtorno do Espectro Autista.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to measure the effects of a Computer-based Auditory Training Program (CBATP) on an adolescent diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD). This is the case report of a male, 14-year-old adolescent diagnosed with ASD. The individual was submitted to basic audiological evaluation, central auditory processing assessment and hearing electrophysiology (EP), pre- and post-therapeutic intervention. Central auditory processing (CAP) was assessed by means of the following instruments: Time-compressed Speech Test (TCST), Random Gap Detection Test (RGDT), Staggered Spondaic Word Test (SSWT), Frequency (Pitch) Pattern Sequence Test (FPST), and Duration Pattern Test (DPT). The P300 component of the Event-related Potential (ERP) was used in the hearing EP. Pre-intervention assessment of CAP showed changes in the auditory skills of closure, figure-ground and temporal ordering, but normal temporal resolution ability. Post-intervention evaluation of CAP showed improvement in all previously mentioned auditory skills, except for the figure-ground ability, which remained unchanged. Regarding the findings of the hearing EP, a decrease in the latency of the P300 component was observed pre- and post-intervention. This study demonstrated that the use of a CBATP resulted in improvement in the hearing abilities assessed in an adolescent diagnosed with ASD.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar o índice de evasão no reteste do programa de Triagem Auditiva Neonatal, verificar se a presença de Indicadores de Risco para Deficiência Auditiva o influencia e descrever quais Indicadores de Risco para Deficiência Auditiva ocorrem com maior frequência nestes casos. Métodos: participaram 1287 neonatos/lactentes, triados no período de junho de 2015 a junho de 2018, que obtiveram resultado “falha” na Triagem Auditiva Neonatal, encaminhados para o reteste e não compareceram. Foram observadas informações relacionadas a ocorrência dos Indicadores de Risco para Deficiência Auditiva. Resultados: o estudo constatou que o índice de evasão foi de 15,23%. A presença de indicadores de risco para deficiência auditiva não demonstrou associação com o não comparecimento a essa etapa do programa (p-valor= 0,087). Os indicadores de maior ocorrência nos casos de não comparecimento no reteste foram: medicação ototóxica e permanência em Unidade de Tratamento Intensivo por período maior que cinco dias. Conclusão: observou-se elevado índice de evasão no reteste. Verificou-se que a presença dos indicadores de risco não influenciou no índice de evasão do reteste. O uso de medicação ototóxica e a permanência em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva foram os indicadores mais frequentes naqueles que não compareceram ao reteste.

ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze the evasion rate of the Newborn Hearing Screening program’s retest, to verify whether the presence of risk indicators for hearing loss influences it, and to describe which risk indicators for hearing loss occur more frequently in these cases. Methods: 1,287 newborns/infants participated, who were screened between June 2015 and June 2018. All of them obtained "fail" as the Newborn Hearing Screening result, were referred to the retest and did not attend it. Information related to the occurrence of risk indicators for hearing loss was observed. Results: the study found that the evasion rate was of 15.23%. The presence of risk indicators for hearing loss did not show an association with non-attendance at this stage of the program (p-value = 0.087). The most frequent indicators in the cases of non-attendance at the retest were: ototoxic medication use and intensive care unit stay for more than five days. Conclusion: high evasion rate of the retest has been observed. It has been found that the presence of risk indicators did not influence the retest evasion rate. Use of ototoxic medication and stay at the intensive care unit were the most frequent indicators among those who did not attend the retest.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the influence of different combinations of verbal stimuli on the responses of the cognitive auditory evoked potential of children with speech sound disorders and to compare the P300 responses, considering the combinations of stimuli in the different severity of speech sound disorders. Methods: nineteen children in the mean age of 6.75 years old, of both sexes, diagnosed with speech sound disorder, participated in the study. All participants were submitted to the cognitive auditory evoked potential - P300 test, performed with two combinations of verbal stimuli (BA/DI and BA/GA). For statistical analysis it was used the Student T-test. Results: a statistically significant difference was observed for the latency values (p=<0.001*) and for the amplitude values (p=<0.001*) between the two combinations of stimuli. Also, statistically significant difference was observed between the combinations evaluated in the different severity of the speech sound disorder. Conclusion: the combination of stimuli /BA/ x /DI/ demonstrated lower latency and higher amplitude values in the Cognitive Evoked Potential assessment in children presented with speech sound disorder.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar e correlacionar o desempenho auditivo na etapa de avaliação existente no software escolhido e respostas eletrofisiológicas pré e pós-treinamento auditivo computadorizado. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo longitudinal, comparativo, clínico e experimental, realizado após aprovação do comitê de ética. A amostra foi composta por sete crianças, com idade entre 7 anos e 8 anos e 11 meses, de ambos os gêneros, diagnosticadas com transtorno do processamento auditivo. A intervenção terapêutica foi baseada no treinamento com o software Escuta Ativa® e composta por 12 sessões, realizadas duas vezes por semana, com duração aproximada de 30 minutos cada. Analisou-se a pontuação nas etapas de avaliação existente no software escolhido e os achados da medida eletrofisiológica potencial evocado auditivo de longa latência, especificamente o componente P3, pré e pós-treinamento, por meio de estudo estatístico adequado. Resultados Dentre as três etapas de avaliação pelo software, não houve resultado estatisticamente significativo pós-treinamento. Quanto ao componente P3, 3 das 4 crianças com ausência do componente passaram a tê-lo, pós-intervenção terapêutica. Na busca de correlação entre resultados comportamentais e eletrofisiológicos, não houve significância estatística, em ambos os momentos de avaliação. Conclusão Não foi possível verificar diferença significativa entre os períodos pré e pós-treinamento, usando a etapa de avaliação do próprio software, mostrando necessidade de mais estudos de investigação para verificar a utilização desta ferramenta de avaliação em ambiente clínico. Percebeu-se efeito da plasticidade pós-treinamento, com o surgimento do componente P3 em algumas crianças. Não houve correlação entre as etapas de avaliação pelo software e a mensuração eletrofisiológica.

ABSTRACT Purpose Analyze and correlate the auditory performance in the evaluation stage in the chosen software and electrophysiological responses pre and post computer-based auditory training. Methods This is a longitudinal, comparative, clinical and experimental study, performed after the approval of the ethics committee. The sample consisted of seven children, aged 7 to 8 years and 11 months, from both genders, diagnosed with auditory processing disorder. The therapeutic intervention was based on the training with the Escuta Ativa® software and composed of 12 sessions, perforned twice a week, lasting approximately 30 minutes each. The score in the evaluation stage in the chosen software and the findings of the electrophysiological measurement on Long-Latency Potential Evoked Auditory, specifically P3 component, pre and post-training, were analyzed through an adequate statistical study. Results Among the three stages of the evaluation by the software, there was no statistically significant post-training result. As for the P3 component, 3 out of the 4 children started to have it post-intervention therapy. In the search for correlation between behavioral and electrophysiological results, there was no statistical significance in either moments of the evaluation. Conclusion It was not possible to verify a significant difference between the pre and post-training periods in the evaluation stage of the software itself, showing the need for further studies to verify the use of this evaluation tool in a clinical setting. An effect of post-training plasticity with the appearance of P3 component was noted in some children. There was no correlation between the evaluation steps by the software and the electrophysiological measurement.

Abstract Introduction The use of the speech-evoked auditory brainstem response (ABR) shows how the brainstem operates up to the subcortex in a more complexmanner than when the click-evoked ABR is used. Objective To study the applicability of the speech-evoked ABR in adults with hearing loss. Methods The sample was composed of a study group of 11 subjects, with ages ranging between 18 and 59 years, and auditory thresholds within normal standards, with loss of up to 65 dB at high frequencies or up to moderately severe symmetric sensorineural hearing loss. The sample underwent a basic audiological assessment, as well as speech-evoked ABR and click-evoked ABR, in which waves I, III and V, and V, A, C, D, E, F were respectively marked. The electrophysiological assessments were performed using the SmartEP device (Intelligent Hearing Systems, Miami, FL, US). Results For the speech-evoked ABR, the reference values were used in the identification and analysis of the study group. Those values found for the study group were: V = 8.56; A = 10.97; C = 21.33; D = 29.51; E = 37.93; F = 46.96; and O = 55.97. In the comparison between groups, the study group presented an increase in latency only in wave C. Conclusion The speech-evoked ABR can be performed in subjects with up to moderately severe hearing loss, and the test proved to be appropriate, because, unlike the click-evoked ABR, the former does not suffer influence of peripheral hearing loss.

Abstract Introduction Computerized auditory training (CAT) has been building a good reputation in the stimulation of auditory abilities in cases of auditory processing disorder (APD). Objective To measure the effects of CAT in students with APD, with typical or atypical phonological acquisition, through electrophysiological and subjective measures, correlating them pre- and post-therapy. Methods The sample for this study includes14 children with APD, subdivided into children with APD and typical phonological acquisition (G1), and children with APD and atypical phonological acquisition (G2). Phonological evaluation of children (PEC), long latency auditory evoked potential (LLAEP) and scale of auditory behaviors (SAB) were conducted to help with the composition of the groups and with the therapeutic intervention. The therapeutic intervention was performed using the software Escuta Ativa (CTS Informática, Pato Branco, Brazil) in 12 sessions of 30 minutes, twice a week. For data analysis, the appropriate statistical tests were used. Results A decrease in the latency of negative wave N2 and the positive wave P3 in the left ear in G1, and a decrease of P2 in the right ear in G2 were observed. In the analysis comparing the pre- and post-CAT groups, there was a significant difference in P1 latency in the left ear and P2 latency in the right ear, pre-intervention. Furthermore, eight children had an absence of the P3 wave, pre-CAT, but after the intervention, all of them presented the P3 wave. There were changes in the SAB score pre- and post-CAT in both groups. The presence of correlation between the scale and some LLAEP components was observed. Conclusion The CAT produced an electrophysiological modification, which became evident in the effects of the effects of neural plasticity after CAT. The SAB proved to be useful in measuring the therapeutic effects of the intervention. Moreover, there were behavioral changes in the SAB (higher scores) and correlation with LLAEP.

Abstract Introduction The auditory system consists of sensory structures and central connections. The evaluation of the auditory pathway at a central level can be performed through behavioral and electrophysiological tests, because they are complementary to each other and provide important information about comprehension. Objective To correlate the findings of speech brainstem-evoked response audiometry with the behavioral tests Random Gap Detection Test and Masking Level Difference in adults with hearing loss. Methods All patients were submitted to a basic audiological evaluation, to the aforementioned behavioral tests, and to an electrophysiological assessment, by means of click-evoked and speech-evoked brainstem response audiometry. Results There were no statistically significant values among the electrophysiological test and the behavioral tests. However, there was a significant correlation between the V and A waves, as well as the D and F waves, of the speech-evoked brainstem response audiometry peaks. Such correlations are positive, indicating that the increase of a variable implies an increase in another and vice versa. Conclusion It was possible to correlate the findings of the speech-evoked brainstem response audiometry with those of the behavioral tests Random Gap Detection and Masking Level Difference. However, there was no statistically significant correlation between them. This shows that the electrophysiological evaluation does not depend uniquely on the behavioral skills of temporal resolution and selective attention.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a associação entre risco psíquico e maturação da via auditiva. Método Neste estudo de coorte longitudinal, 54 crianças ouvintes (31 sem risco e 23 em risco psíquico) de 1 a 12 meses foram avaliadas. Todas foram submetidas à avaliação da maturação auditiva através dos Potenciais Evocados Auditivos Corticais. O risco psíquico foi avaliado com os Indicadores de Risco de Desenvolvimento Infantil (IRDI) e Sinais PREAUT. Uma variedade de métodos estatísticos foi utilizada para análise de resultados. Resultados A análise das latências de P1 e N1 mostraram respostas similares entre os grupos. Diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os grupos foram observadas somente para as variáveis latência e amplitude de N1 no primeiro mês. A maturação auditiva foi significante nos dois grupos (p<0,05). Houve correlação moderada entre latência de P1 e a fase II dos IRDI, demonstrando que crianças com maior latência aos 12 meses apresentaram maior probabilidade de exibir a ausência desses indicadores na Fase II, estando em maior risco psíquico. A fase II dos IRDI também teve correlação moderada com as latências de P1 e N1 aos 6 meses e latências de N1 ao 1 mês; novamente, crianças com latência mais longa estavam em maior risco. Conclusão A menor maturação auditiva correlacionou-se com a presença de risco psíquico. Problemas na relação mãe-filho durante os primeiros 6 meses de vida são prejudiciais não apenas ao desenvolvimento cognitivo, mas também à audição. Um relacionamento frágil pode refletir diminuição da estimulação auditiva e linguística.

ABSTRACT Purpose To assess the potential association between psychological risk and limited auditory pathway maturation. Methods In this longitudinal cohort study, 54 infants (31 non-risk and 23 at-risk) were assessed from age 1 to 12 months. All had normal hearing and underwent assessment of auditory maturation through cortical auditory evoked potentials testing. Psychological risk was assessed with the Child Development Risk Indicators (CDRIs) and PREAUT signs. A variety of statistical methods were used for analysis of results. Results Analysis of P1 and N1 latencies showed that responses were similar in the both groups. Statistically significant differences between-groups were observed only for the variables N1 latency and amplitude at 1 month. Significant maturation occurred in both groups (p<0.05). There was moderate correlation between P1 latency and Phase II CDRIs, which demonstrates that children with longer latencies at age 12 months were more likely to exhibit absence of these indicators in Phase II and, therefore, were at greater psychological risk. The Phase II CDRIs also correlated moderately with P1 and N1 latencies at 6 months and N1 latencies at 1 month; again, children with longer latency were at increased risk. Conclusion Less auditory pathway maturation correlated with presence of psychological risk. Problems in the mother-infant relationship during the first 6 months of life are detrimental not only to cognitive development, but also to hearing. A fragile relationship may reflect decreased auditory and linguistic stimulation.