Investigação sobre a influência do uso de aparelho de amplificação sonora individual na habilidade de resolução temporal de um grupo de idosos

Abstract

Introduction: the hearing ability of temporal resolution is characterized by perception of silence between sounds presented in function of time. Seniors normal listeners and users of personal sound amplification device (AASI) require time intervals greater than normal young listeners to realize the silence interval between sounds. Objective: to Investigate the influence of the use of a personal sound amplification device in the ability of temporal resolution of a group of seniors. Method: the sample was composed of 40 elderly people with sensorineural hearing loss, symmetrical light, moderate and severe degree bilaterally who received their pair of AASI through hearing health programme of the Division of education and rehabilitation of Disorders of Communication DERDIC of Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo PUC/SP. Were applied the tests of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) test, Random Gap Detection Test (RGDT) and QI-AASI questionnaire. The data were collected with 15 and 90 days of use of AASI. Results: Comparing test results from RGDT before and after use of AASI was noted improvement in performance of the elderly. However, the variables: gender, age, cognitive performance and satisfaction of using HEARING AID were not statistically significant for the improvement in test results RGDT. Conclusion: just the use of AASI in elderly was effective in improving performance of hearing ability of temporal resolution