Applicability of the speech-language and hearing pathologist orientation associated with the use of amplification in the reduction of tinnitus

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Tinnitus has often been reported associated with auditory complaints.

Purpose

To verify the applicability of the speech-language and hearing pathologist orientation associated with the use of hearing aids (HAs) in the reduction of the tinnitus sensation.

Methods

Patients with tinnitus associated with hearing loss were selected. The study was developed in two stages: initial evaluation - after patient referral for HA adaptation and final evaluation - after three months of effective use of HAs. The groups were divided into three groups: Group A (8 individuals adapted to HA without orientation for tinnitus), Group B (8 individuals adapted with HA with verbal orientation for tinnitus), and Group C (8 individuals adapted to HA with verbal orientation associated with tinnitus support material). The sample responded to the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) at the first moment and after three months of effective use of the HA to measure a handicap modification for symptoms in its total score and in the three domains. For statistical analysis, applied tests were performed, adopting a level of significance less than 5%.

Results

All groups presented improvement in tinnitus, and better results were observed when the patient received guidance regarding tinnitus. In addition, it was observed that there was significant difference between the groups for only one emotional domain of the THI, in which group C presented better results than groups A and B (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The spech-language and hearing therapist orientation associated with the use of hearing aids may favor the reduction of tinnitus sensation. Clinical trials 4939

Hearing loss; Tinnitus; Hearing aids; Counseling; Audiology