Prescriptive methods and auditory comfort: considerations

• Grant number: 12/21798-8
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): April 01, 2013
• Effective date (End): December 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Speech Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Maria Fernanda Capoani Garcia Mondelli
• Grantee: Carla Aparecida Curiel
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Hearing loss can impair communication and leads sequelae of emotional, social and occupational functioning. The hearing aids (HA) can minimize the problems caused by hearing loss, rescuing the perception of speech sounds and environmental sounds. The adjustment of hearing aids is made from the thresholds provided by the subject with the help of prescriptive methods that enable the calculation of variables such as gain and maximum output. All prescriptive method generates a target - a gain value (REIG) or output (REAR) that expresses features of amplification necessary for given subject. The probe microphone measures are the preferred method for checking of hearing aids. In clinical practice, patients present with complaints regarding comfort even when the regulation reaches predetermined levels by the prescriptive method. Objective: To analyze patient satisfaction with the gain of hearing aids and modifications necessary for the effective use of the device, taking as a decisive factor in regulating patient comfort. Method: The project will be executed in the Speech Therapy Clinic FOB / USP, 100 subjects will be evaluated according to the method adapted from NAL-NL1 prescriptive, of both genders, aged 18 to 60 years, diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss of moderate to severe. The hearing aid must be properly regulated in order to achieve the target, verified by measuring probe microphone. The patient uses a hearing aid for a period of one week and in return will answer some questions focused on listening comfort, in order to verify that the adjustment made based on prescriptive and consistent method to target the subject was comfortable. For elaboration of the results will be used statistical tests relevant to purpose of the study.