ABSTRACT
Purpose
To investigate the temporal auditory perception, and OM of visually impaired people.
Methods
This is an exploratory intervention study including a convenience sample composed of nine blind or low vision subjects, aged between 23 and 64 years, guide dog users and who performed the following procedures: functional evaluation of OM, basic audiological evaluation (Pure tone audiometry, speech recognition index), temporal auditory processing assessment (random gap detection test (RGDT), frequency pattern test (FPT), dichotic digit Test (DDT), quick speech-in-noise test (QuickSIN).
Results
Although all subjects had normal-level audiometric thresholds, one subject had a sensorineural audiometric curve and descending configuration, suggesting an age-related hearing loss. Evaluation of the temporal auditory processing showed values within the normal for all subjects, except for the RGDT, in which test subjects had lower (3.5 to 7.5 ms.) than the expected values for the adult population with normal vision and hearing. Evaluation of OM showed that all subjects require technical adjustments as problems were observed in the route taken.
Conclusion
The temporal auditory processing of these subjects is appropriate and the evaluation of OM shows flaws that need to be corrected.
Keywords:
Hearing; Auditory perception; Orientation and mobility; Spatial orientation; Limitation of mobility; Vision disorders; Dogs; Guide dogs