Correlation between the degree of user satisfaction of amplification and their findings acuphenometry

• Grant number: 11/17463-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2011
• End date: October 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Speech Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Maria Fernanda Capoani Garcia Mondelli
• Grantee: Andressa Vital Rocha
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Hearing is one of the most important human senses. The sensory deprivation causes biological consequences, psychological and social. One way to lessen the impact of hearing loss in the life of an individual is the use of hearing aids. The disadvantage is related to the hearing abilities of non-auditory subsequent disability or incapacity, limiting or preventing the individual to perform life activities considered normal. The results, however, go far beyond their benefit and satisfaction emerges as a more accurate measure of such performance, as it comprises a constellation of factors. This satisfaction is a variable that involves aspects such as quality of service provided by professionals, and other personal stigma. The questionnaire Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life (SADL) was created to quantify the satisfaction achieved with the use of amplification by measuring their constituents. Associated with hearing complaints that lead to the adaptation of hearing aid devices, has the satisfaction of using this electronic device connected to tinnitus, which most patients present concomitant with some degree of hearing loss. Tinnitus can be defined as an auditory sensation does not come from outside, without any stimulus. Nowadays there is no treatment that can eliminate the tinnitus, there are some strategies that can be used to relieve symptoms. The use of hearing aids in cases where the individual has hearing loss and tinnitus, is not only to improve speech understanding, but also mask this symptom with an external stimulus competitor. Although hearing aids may be used as a way to reduce the discomfort shown by their carriers, the literature on data that relate the type of signal processing, compression systems and the type of hearing aids and mold used by the patient with the reduction of tinnitus is scarce. One method that allowed measurement of this symptom is acuphenometry so you can correlate the degree of satisfaction in individuals using hearing aids for a public hearing care with the psychoacoustic thresholds obtained by acuphenometry. Describe signal processing, compression systems, type of hearing aid and the mold used to provide greater patient satisfaction rate with SADL questionnaire application and testing Acuphenometry. Data collected will be tabulated in the Excel database, and undergo a statistical analysis. (AU)