Profile of frequency modulation system users of a hearing healthcare service

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To describe the profile and the prevalence of type and degree of hearing loss of frequency modulation system users, as well as the electronic device used by them, attended in a auditory healthcare service.

Methods

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study, in which 309 medical records of patients in use of the frequency modulation system were analyzed. The variables considered were: age group, gender, type and degree of hearing loss, electronic device used, oral language (either established or in the process of development), and speech-language-hearing therapy (whether the patients did it or not). Descriptive analysis of the data was conducted, as well as Pearson’s chi-squared test, or Fisher’s exact test.

Results

The sample was comprised of participants from five to 17 years old, with mean age of 11.7 years and prevalence of males. The most prevalent hearing loss type was the sensorineural, and the most prevalent degree was the moderate one. Regarding the electronic device used, there was greater number of users of hearing aids. The highest percentage of patients in the analyzed group was verbal and had done speech-language-hearing therapy.

Conclusion

This study emphasized the importance of knowing the profile of patients with hearing loss who use the frequency modulation system granted by the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). It is hoped that this study has contributed to a review of the Regulatory Law nº 1.274/2013, in order to benefit future patients who will receive the frequency modulation system from the SUS.

Keywords:
Speech; Language and Hearing Sciences; Hearing; Hearing loss; Hearing aids; Wireless technology