Abstract Introduction The impact of auditory sensory deprivation in the life of an individual is enormous because it not only affects one's ability to properly understand auditory information, but also the way people relate to their environment and their culture. The monitoring of adult and elderly subjects with hearing loss is intended to minimize the difficulties and handicaps that occur as a consequence of this pathology. Objective To evaluate the level of user satisfaction with hearing aids. Methods A clinical and experimental study involving 91 elderly hearing aid users. We used the questionnaire Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life to determine the degree of the satisfaction provided by hearing aids. We evaluated mean global score, subscales, as well as the variables time to use, age, and degree of hearing loss. Results Mean global score was 4.73, the score for Positive Effects 5.45, Negative Factors 3.2, demonstrating that they were satisfied; Services and Costs 5.98: very satisfied ; 3.65 Personal Image: dissatisfied. We observed statistically significant difference for the time of hearing aid use, age, and degree of hearing loss. Conclusion The SADL is a tool, simple and easy to apply and in this study we can demonstrate the high degree of satisfaction with the hearing aids by themajority of the sample collected, increasing with time of use and a greater degree of hearing loss.

Abstract Introduction Law 12.303/10 requires hearing screening in newborns before hospital discharge to detect possible hearing problems within the first three months after birth. If the newborn fails the test or presents signs of risk for hearing loss, it must undergo a retest and monitoring during the first year of life. In practice, this often does not happen. Objective To identify, in a group of mothers of children with risk factors for hearing loss, the determining reasons for non-compliance with the auditory retest. Method This is a cross-sectional quantitative study. For data collection, we handed a semi-structured questionnaire to 60 mothers of babies at risk for hearing loss who did not attend the hearing retest after hospital discharge. The questionnaire investigated their age, education, marital status, level of knowledge about the hearing screening, and reasons for non-compliance with the retest. We compared and analyzed data using the Chi-square test at a significance level of 0.05 %. Results Our study found that 63% of the respondents were unaware of the hearing screening and most did not receive guidance on testing during prenatal care; 30% of participants stated forgetting as the reason for not attending the retest. There was no significant relationship between age, education, and marital status regarding knowledge about the test and the non-compliance with the retest. Conclusion Identified as the most significant determining factors for non-compliance with the newborn hearing screening retest were the surveyed mothers' forgetting the date, and their ignorance as to the importance of retesting.

Resumo INTRODUÇÃO: A incorporação de tecnologias no cuidado dos recém-nascidos contribui para o aumento da sobrevivência, porém, transformou as unidades neonatais em locais muito ruidosos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos fisiológicos e funcionais decorrentes de exposição a ruídos em uma unidade neonatal em recém-nascidos de baixo peso em incubadora. MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo, de caráter observacional, de abordagem quantitativa e natureza descritiva exploratória. O método estatístico utilizado foi o de tabelas de frequência, estatística descritiva e o teste t de student pareado, ao nível de significância de 0,05. Como instrumento de coleta dos dados foi avaliado o ruído ambiental e no interior das incubadoras e utilizada a escala assessment of preterm infant behavior para avaliação do comportamento dos bebês prematuros e projetada especificamente para documentar o funcionamento neurocomporta-mental dos bebês pré-termo. A coleta dos dados aconteceu no período de setembro de 2012 a abril de 2013 e foram observados 61 recém-nascidos de baixo peso em incubadora internados na unidade neonatal. RESULTADOS: Verifica-se a existência de diferenças significativas na variável frequência cardíaca e saturação de oxigênio frente à exposição a ruídos. CONCLUSÃO: Recém-nascidos de baixo peso em incubadora apresentam alterações fisiológicas quando se encontram em desconforto causado pelo ruído ambiente de unidades neonatais.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The incorporation of technologies in the care of infants has contributed to increased survival; however, this has turned neonatal unit into a noisy environment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the physiological and functional effects resulting from the exposure to noise on low-weight newborns in incubators in a neonatal unit. METHODS: Prospective, observational, quantitative, exploratory, descriptive study. The adopted statistical method included tables of frequency, descriptive statistics, and Student's t-test, with a 0.05 level of significance. As data collection tools, the environmental noise and the noise inside of the incubator were evaluated, and the Assessment of Preterm Infant Behavior scale was used to assess premature newborn behavior and projected specifically to document the neurobehavioral functioning of preterm infants. The data collection occurred from September of 2012 to April of 2013; 61 low-weight newborns admitted in the neonatal unit and in incubators were observed. RESULTS: Significant differences in the variables heart rate and oxygen saturation were noted when newborns were exposed to noise. CONCLUSION: Low-weight neonates in incubators present physiological alterations when facing discomfort caused by environmental noise in neonatal units.

<sec><title>Introduction</title><p>Optimization of the selection, adaptation, and benefit of hearing aids is necessary to characterize and manage hearing loss, user expectations, otolaryngologic symptoms, and systemic comorbidities.</p></sec><sec><title>Objective</title><p> To compare the occurrence of otologic complaints, systemic diseases, and effective use of hearing aids in men and women with deafness.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p> Patients from a Unified Health System-accredited hearing health service, who reported problems in adapting to their hearing aids, were evaluated by a physician and audiologist. An anamnesis, ENT evaluation, and audiological evaluation were performed.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p> During the data collection period, 278 subjects came in for follow-up visits; of these, 61 (21%) reported otologic or operational problems with their equipment. The most prevalent type of hearing loss was basocochlear, a characteristic of presbycusis, in both men and women; the most frequently reported comorbidities were hypercholesterolemia (more significant in women) and hypertension (more significant in men). Fourteen subjects reported using their device discontinuously, with no significant difference between genders; the reasons for discontinuation of use were itching and ringing, with more complaints from women.</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusion</title><p> The incidence of systemic and audiological complaints is high in this population. These patients should be evaluated thoroughly, as resolutions of these complaints can contribute to improving the quality of life and assist in the process of hearing aid fitting.</p></sec>

OBJETIVOS:o objetivo geral deste estudo é caracterizar, a partir das respostas oferecidas pelos professores, as alterações de aprendizagem que julgam estar presentes nos alunos e identificar as queixas referentes à escrita frequentemente detectadas pelos professores.MÉTODOS:trata-se de um estudo individuado transversal seccional quantitativo. Participaram da pesquisa 21 professores que lecionam no ciclo de alfabetização (1º ao 3º ano) nas escolas de Cajati/SP, sendo sete do primeiro ano, seis do segundo ano e oito do terceiro ano. Estes participantes foram subdivididos em dois grupos: G1 - início do ciclo de alfabetização (1º e 2º ano) e G2 - final do processo de alfabetização (3º ano). Foi aplicado um questionário formulado pela autora e respondidos pelos professores. Utilizou-se o teste de Fisher como instrumento estatístico.RESULTADOS:mediante os achados, verificou-se diferença na proporção do histórico de alterações de linguagem anterior à escolarização, sendo maior no ano escolar final. Da compreensão do contexto dos textos com facilidade, relacionada ao ano frequentado pelos alunos é maior entre os escolares dos anos iniciais e a proporção dos escolares que expressam as ideias por meio da escrita é significantemente maior (0,0389) entre os alunos do período da tarde.CONCLUSÃO:o atraso na aquisição da linguagem pode prejudicar o processo de alfabetização que inclui a habilidade pragmática e a função expressiva.

PURPOSE:the overall goal is to characterize the major alterations in learning existent in the students. The specific goals is characterized, from the answers provided by the teachers, changes in learning that judge be present in students and identify complaints regarding written frequently detected by teachers.METHODS:this research is a transverse sectional quantitative individuated study. 21 teachers from the literacy cycle (from the 1st to the 3rdschool year) who work at schools have participated in this study, seven from de first year, six from the second year and eight from the third year. Those groups were divided into two subgroups: G1 - early literacy (1st and 2nd school year) and G2 - end of the literacy (3rd school year). A formulated questionnaire was answered by the teachers. Fisher´s test was used as a statistic instrument.RESULTS:there was a difference in the historical changes proportion of language before schooling, being bigger in the final school year. According to the year attended, the facility in the text comprehension was greater among younger students. Regarding the ability to express ideas through writing the proportion of students is bigger (0.0389) among those that studies in the afternoon.CONCLUSION:the delay in the acquisition of the language can damage the process of literacy what includes the pragmatic ability and expressive function.

Introduction Elderly individuals with bilateral hearing loss often do not use hearing aids in both ears. Because of this, dichotic tests to assess hearing in this group may help identify peculiar degenerative processes of aging and hearing aid selection. Objective To evaluate dichotic hearing for a group of elderly hearing aid users who did not adapt to using binaural devices and to verify the correlation between ear dominance and the side chosen to use the device. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study involving 30 subjects from 60 to 81 years old, of both genders, with an indication for bilateral hearing aids for over 6 months, but using only a single device. Medical history, pure tone audiometry, and dichotic listening tests were all completed. Results All subjects (100%) of the sample failed the dichotic digit test; 94% of the sample preferred to use the device in one ear because bilateral use bothered them and affected speech understanding. In 6%, the concern was aesthetics. In the dichotic digit test, there was significant predominance of the right ear over the left, and there was a significant correlation between the dominant side with the ear chosen by the participant for use of the hearing aid. Conclusion In elderly subjects with bilateral hearing loss who have chosen to use only one hearing aid, there is dominance of the right ear over the left in dichotic listening tasks. There is a correlation between the dominant ear and the ear chosen for hearing aid fitting.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade de vida de um grupo de idosos presbiacúsicos após a protetização e comparar os resultados com um grupo de idosos normouvintes. MÉTODO: Estudo clínico descritivo transversal, do qual participaram 51 indivíduos, de ambos os gêneros, divididos em dois grupos: grupo estudo, formado por 36 presbiacúsicos, com idade média de 73 anos, e usuários de prótese auditiva (mínimo de seis meses de uso); grupo controle, formado por 15 idosos normouvintes, com idade média de 69 anos. Foi aplicado o questionário WHOQOL-bref, e os dados relativos aos quatro domínios abrangidos (físico, psicológico, meio ambiente e relações sociais) foram analisados e comparados entre os grupos. RESULTADOS: Qualitativamente, todos os sujeitos presbiacúsicos declararam que sua vida melhorou depois da adaptação da prótese, porém os escores do WHOQOL-breaf revelaram: em relação ao domínio físico, não houve diferença significativa entre as respostas dos dois grupos, certamente porque o avanço da idade traz no seu bojo uma série de limitações; nos demais domínios, houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos, sendo que no grupo de presbiacúsicos a qualidade de vida foi pior. Tal fato permite inferir que, no grupo de presbiacúsicos, apesar do uso da prótese, as limitações impostas pela idade continuam comprometendo a autoestima, as relações interpessoais e o convívio social. CONCLUSÃO: Nos dois grupos, a idade representa limitações no que se refere à qualidade de vida. No grupo com presbiacusia, foi possível verificar melhoria da percepção auditiva, porém a melhora da qualidade de vida geral desses indivíduos depende de outros fatores que podem não ter relação com a perda de audição, quando comparado com o grupo normouvinte.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life of a group of presbycusic elderly after using the device and comparing the results with a group of normal hearing elderly subjects. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional clinical study with 51 subjects participants who were divided in two groups: the study group was made up of 36 presbycusic subjects, with an average age of 73 years, of both genders, and hearing aid users (minimum of 6 months of use); the control group comprised 15 normal hearing elderly, with average age of 69. We used the WHOQOL-bref, and the data on four areas covered (physical, psychological, environmental and social relations) were analyzed and compared between groups. RESULTS: Qualitatively, all presbycusic subjects stated that their life improved after the use of the prosthesis; however, WHOQOL-bref scores reveal: in relation to the physical domain, there was no significant difference between the responses of the two groups, probably because aging brings with it a number of limitations; in other areas, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups, with the presbycusic group's quality of life being worse. This fact allows us to infer that, in the group of presbycusic subjects, despite the use of the prosthesis, the limitations imposed by age continue to affect self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and social interaction. CONCLUSION: In both groups surveyed, age represents limitations regarding quality of life. In the group with presbycusis, it was possible to verify the improvement of auditory perception, but the improvement of overall quality of life of these individuals depends on other factors that may not be related to hearing loss when compared to the normal hearing group.

Introduction  The main function of hearing is to enable oral communication. Hearing loss impairs communication skills. Objective  To evaluate the level of user satisfaction with hearing aids. Methods  This is a cross-sectional group study comprising 108 subjects (56% men and 44% women). The average age of the subjects was 77 years. These subjects had been recently fitted with their hearing aids and showed sensorineural (90%) and mixed (10%) hearing loss as determined via the Questionnaire International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids Outcome Inventory (IOI-HA), which determined the benefit and satisfaction obtained by sound amplification. Results  The hearing aids improved the quality of life of 52.78% of the patients, which was revealed by their high scores (mean = 27.3). The relationship of the user with the environment was significantly better (p < 0.001) than that of the user with the hearing aid. Conclusion  IOI-HA is a simple and easy-to-use tool. Based on the results of this study, we can show a high degree of satisfaction with their hearing aids in the majority of the participants, which improved the quality of life.

OBJETIVO: este estudo visa analisar os resultados da triagem auditiva neonatal por meio das emissões otoacústicas transientes em bebês recém-nascidos em relação a diferentes tempos de vida. MÉTODO: foram analisados os prontuários de 1689 bebês avaliados no ano de 2008, em duas maternidades de Santa Catarina. Os bebês foram divididos em dois grupos: no grupo 1 a triagem foi realizada nas primeiras 24 horas após o nascimento, e no grupo 2, foi realizada entre 24 e 48 horas após o nascimento dos bebês. RESULTADOS: no grupo 1, dos 894 bebês submetidos a triagem, o índice de "falha" foi de 4,5%, equivalente a 39 bebês. No grupo 2, dos 795 bebês, 1,5% (12 bebês)"falharam no teste. Os achados demonstraram que a triagem realizada por meio das emissões otoacústicas transientes nos bebês nascidos nas primeiras 24 horas apresentaram maior índice de "falha" do que a triagem realizada após 48 horas do nascimento dos bebês. CONCLUSÃO: a triagem auditiva neonatal deve ser realizada nas maternidades, antes da alta hospitalar, porém, após as primeiras 24 horas de vida, a fim de evitar a interferência de artefatos.

PURPOSE: this study seeks to analyse the results of neonatal auditory screening by means of transient otoacoustic emissions in newborn babies in relation to their different lifespans. METHOD: the medical charts of 1689 babies, previously analysed in 2008, were evaluated in two maternity wards of SC. The babies were divided into two groups: in group 1 screening had been completed in the first 24 hours after birth, and in group 2, it had been completed between 24 and 48 hours after the babies' birth. RESULTS: in group 1, of the 894 babies submitted to NAC, the index of "failure" was 4.5%, equivalent to 39 babies. In group 2, of the 795 babies and 1.5% (12) "failed" the test. The findings demonstrated that NAC carried out by means of TOAE in the babies during the first 24 hours of birth presented a higher "failure" index than NAC completed after 48 hours of birth. CONCLUSION: NAC should be completed at the maternity wards before hospital discharge, but only after the first 24 hours of life due to the great incidence of artifacts that may be encountered.

As dificuldades na aprendizagem escolar muitas vezes podem ser causadas por uma alteração do Processamento Auditivo - PA. OBJETIVO: Identificar se acima da média dos valores de latência do P300, num grupo de indivíduos com Distúrbio de Leitura e Escrita, também seriam encontradas alterações no teste Staggered Spondaic Word - SSW e no teste de Fala no Ruído que sugerissem Desordem do Processamento Auditivo - DPA. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte transversal. Foram avaliados 21 indivíduos com distúrbio de leitura e escrita, idade entre 7 e 14 anos. RESULTADOS: Todos apresentaram resultados normais no exame otorrinolaringológico, na avaliação audiológica e Potencial Evocado Auditivo de Tronco Encefálico. Fazendo-se a média aritmética de todos os valores de latência do P300 obtidos, chegou-se à média de 334,25 ms, sendo divididos em dois grupos: grupo "A", com média da latência acima de 335 ms, e "B", com latência abaixo de 335 ms. Nos indivíduos do grupo "A", foram realizados os testes SSW e Fala no Ruído. CONCLUSÃO:O presente estudo pode concluir que foram encontradas alterações nos testes de fala dicótica (SSW) e de Fala no Ruído no grupo de indivíduos com Distúrbio da Escrita e Leitura com valores de latência do P300 acima de 335 ms, sugerindo DPA.

Learning disorders are often magnified by auditory processing disorders (APD). OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to verify whether individuals with reading and writing disorders and P300 latencies above the average also present altered Staggered Spondaic Word (SSW) and speech-in-noise test results suggestive of APD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional cohort study. Twenty-one individuals with reading and writing disorders aged between 7 and 14 years were enrolled. RESULTS: All subjects had normal findings on ENT examination, audiological tests, and brainstem auditory evoked potentials. The average P300 latency (334,25 ms) of all patients was picked as a cutoff point to divide the subjects into two groups: group A with latencies above 335 ms, and group B with latencies below 335 ms. Individuals in group A underwent SSW and speech-in-noise testing. CONCLUSION: Altered results in the SSW and speech-in-noise tests suggestive of APD were found in the group of individuals with reading and writing disorders with P300 latencies above 335 ms.

Dentre as alterações sensoriais que acompanham o processo de envelhecimento, a deficiência auditiva, conhecida como presbiacusia, é uma das mais incapacitantes. Esta alteração diminui o contato social, gerando alterações emocionais muitas vezes devastadoras. Além da limitação auditiva decorrente da deficiência auditiva adquirida, verifica-se o aparecimento do handicap auditivo, relacionado a aspectos não auditivos e às alterações emocionais e sociais desencadeados pela deficiência auditiva. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Clínico prospectivo. MATERIAL E MÉTODO:Fizeram parte deste estudo 7 Sujeitos, 3 do sexo masculino e 4 do sexo feminino, com idades que variaram de 60 a 77 anos e portadores de perda auditiva sensorioneural bilateral usuários de aparelho de amplificação sonora unilateral. Foram realizadas 7 sessões de reabilitação auditiva com duração de 1 hora cada, semanal e em grupo, nas quais foram treinados Leitura Orofacial de todos os fonemas da língua portuguesa e trabalhadas estratégias situacionais e comportamentais. RESULTADOS: Foi verificada uma redução significativa da percepção do handicap auditivo em todos os sujeitos após o término das 7 sessões, observados a partir da aplicação do questionário HHIE-S pré- e pós-reabilitação auditiva. CONCLUSÃO: Para minimizar as reações psicossociais do idoso decorrentes da deficiência auditiva, faz-se necessário a seleção, indicação e adaptação de AASI conjuntamente a programas de reabilitação auditiva, auxiliando o idoso portador de deficiência auditiva e seus familiares a lidarem de forma positiva frente às dificuldades de comunicação. Através de programas de reabilitação auditiva é possível reduzir a percepção do handicap auditivo da população idosa que irá refletir na melhora de qualidade de vida, promoção de contatos sociais e diminuição do isolamento.

One of the most disabling sensorial alterations in the process of growing old is the auditory impairment known as presbyacusis. This alteration reduces social contacts, causing emotional problems, which are frequently overwhelming. In addition to auditory limitation due to acquired auditory impairment, there is auditory handicap related to non-auditory aspects and to emotional and social alterations. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical prospective. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Seven subjects, three male and four female, aged 60 to 77 years old, were studied. They presented bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and used unilateral hearing aids. Seven one-hour hearing rehabilitation sessions were held, once a week and in group. Speech reading of all phonemes of Portuguese language was used. RESULTS: A significant reduction of auditory handicap perception was verified in all subjects at the end of seven sessions. This result was established by using HHIE-S questionnaire pre and post-rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: In order to reduce psychosocial reactions of aged people due to auditory deficit, its is necessary to indicate, select and fit hearing aids, together with an auditory rehabilitation program to help elderly with auditory impairment and their families to deal positively with communication difficulties. Through hearing rehabilitation programs it is possible to reduce the auditory handicap perception of the elderly population. It provides the elderly better quality of life, encourage their social contacts and lessen their loneliness.

O objetivo deste trabalho é a apresentação de um caso de um indivíduo de 9 anos de idade, do sexo masculino, com queixa de distúrbio de aprendizagem, para o qual a efetividade da fonoterapia pôde ser avaliada através de testes objetivos e comportamentais, compreendendo audiometria tonal, imitanciometria, potenciais auditivos evocados de tronco encefálico, P300 e Avaliação do Processamento Auditivo Central. Foram encontrados resultados normais nos exames otorrinolaringológico e audiológico. O P300 foi realizado mostrando tempo de latência aumentada. A avaliação do Processamento Auditivo Central revelou uma desordem em grau severo, caracterizada por alterações nos processos de codificação, organização e memória, assim como dificuldade significativa para atenção seletiva e fechamento auditivo. Foi diagnosticado Desordem do Processamento Auditivo Central, sendo que o indivíduo foi encaminhado para acompanhamento fonoaudiológico com o objetivo de desenvolvimento das habilidades auditivas alteradas. Após um período de 4 meses de fonoterapia, repetidos os exames acima descritos, observou-se melhora nas latências do P300, a desordem permaneceu em grau moderado, com prejuízo mais significativo no processo de organização e não apresentou dificuldade para o fechamento auditivo. Podemos concluir com este estudo a efetividade da terapia fonoaudiológica para o desenvolvimento das habilidades auditivas, podendo ser verificada através da avaliação objetiva e comportamental.

The objective of this study is to present the effectiveness of auditory training in the evaluation of a 9 year-old individual with a learning disorder, which have been evaluated through objective and behavioral tests, including audiometric test, imitanciometry, auditory brain response, P300 and central auditory processing evaluation. The diagnosis of Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) was confirmed by a normal performance on an audiometric test battery and an increased P300 latency time and the central auditory processing evaluation, which have shown the presence of a severe hearing processing disorder, characterized by the alteration of decoding, integration and memory process, and significant difficulties, particularly in selective attention and auditory closure. Auditory training to enhance development of the altered hearing abilities was conducted for four months. The progress observed in P300 latency time and the hearing processing disorder was still present but now at a moderate level at the end of the study. Also, this improvement was more significant in the integration process and showed an improvement in the auditory closure. It is concluded that the effectiveness of the auditory training through the development of the hearing abilities could be verified through the P300 and behavioral tests.