Auditory rehabilitation in adults: results of a training program

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the findings of the auditory processing behavioral tests in patients with hearing loss before and after hearing aid fitting associated with auditory training. Methods: a descriptive analytical study that compared the findings of the auditory processing evaluation in 22 patients, from 19 to 62 years old, with mild or moderate sensorineural hearing loss. Tests used: Sound localization; Masking Level Difference; Alternate Disyllables Dichotic Listening Test; Melodic Frequency Pattern Test, Melodic Duration Pattern Test; Gaps in Noise; Speech in Noise Test. After the first tests, the patients were fitted with hearing aids and underwent eight auditory training sessions. The tests were retaken after a two-month period. Results: there was a predominance of females and a moderate degree hearing loss. In the comparison of the initial and final assessment situations, a statistically significant difference (p <0.05) was seen in all conditions studied, except for the Gaps in Noise and Masking Level Difference tests. Conclusion: the results have proven that the auditory training performed in adult users of hearing aids brought about significant improvements on the auditory processing skills, thus, modifying their auditory behavior. The improvement of the results of the auditory processing behavioral tests in the initial and final situations reflects the hearing functional improvement achieved.

摘要：
研究目的：描述伴听力损失患者在佩戴助听器并联合听觉训练前后，听觉处理行为测试的结果表现。
研究方法：本研究为描述性分析研究，纳入22名年龄19至62岁、患有轻度或中度感音神经性听力损失的患者，对比其听觉处理评估结果。所用测试包括：声源定位测试（Sound localization）、掩蔽级差测试（Masking Level Difference）、交替双音节双耳分听测试（Alternate Disyllables Dichotic Listening Test）、旋律频率模式测试（Melodic Frequency Pattern Test）、旋律时长模式测试（Melodic Duration Pattern Test）、噪声间隙测试（Gaps in Noise）、噪声下言语测试（Speech in Noise Test）。首次测试完成后，为患者佩戴助听器并开展8次听觉训练课程；于2个月后再次进行上述全部测试。
研究结果：研究对象以女性居多，且听力损失程度多为中度。对比初始与终末评估结果发现，除噪声间隙测试与掩蔽级差测试外，其余所有测试项目均存在统计学差异（p<0.05）。
研究结论：本研究结果证实，为成年助听器使用者开展听觉训练可显著改善其听觉处理能力，进而改变其听觉行为表现。初始与终末评估中听觉处理行为测试结果的提升，亦反映出患者听觉功能得到了实质性改善。