Skull simulator: Verification of prescribed gain in users of percutaneous bone-anchored hearing aids.

• Grant number: 22/04609-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: December 01, 2022
• End date: April 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Speech Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Maria Fernanda Capoani Garcia Mondelli
• Grantee: Gabriela Fireman Martines Dias
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: For the objective verification of percutaneous Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids (Baha), skull simulator couplers were developed. These devices plot force levels through an internal accelerometer that detects Baha vibrations and converts them into electrical impulses for verification software. Objective: To verify the effectiveness and reliability of the skull simulator to detect if the adjustments used in the Baha reach the targets prescribed by frequency by the DSL-BC rule. Method: This is a multicenter longitudinal intervention study that will be carried out at the proposing institution Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB) of the University of São Paulo (USP), together with the Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies (HRAC). Thirty-six patients will be evaluated through the use of the skull simulator in two moments, (1) first measurement in a coupler and (2) second measurement in a coupler through the following tests: Effective gain, Signal to Noise Ratio (S/N), List of recorded monosyllables, Client Oriented Scale of Improvement Questionnaire (COSI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Expected Results: It is expected that the skull simulator is sensitive and specific to verify the adjustments used in PAAO, as well as proves to be a useful tool to optimize speech access and improve audibility to the Baha user. In addition, coupler measurements are expected to be useful in clinical practice.

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

DIAS, Gabriela Fireman Martines. Skull simulator: verification of prescribed force levels in users of percutaneous bone-anchored hearing devices. 2024. Master's Dissertation - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB/SDB) Bauru.