Verify the applicability of the speech guidance associated with the use of hearing aid devices in reducing tinnitus

Abstract

Associated with hearing complaints has been done often tinnitus. Tinnitus is considered a nuisance that interferes with the quality of sleep and concentration, causing negative emotional reactions. Researchers in evaluating the effectiveness of existing methods and seek the development of new alternatives. The use of hearing aids can help in the treatment of tinnitus and also provide benefits for the hearing and communication. The counseling consists of guidelines in order to eliminate the negative associations of tinnitus. Purpose: To assess the applicability of the speech guidance and advisory materials associated with individual hearing aids in reducing the tinnitus. Materials and Methods: The study will be developed at the Clinic of Speech, FOB-USP approved by the CEP. Patients will be selected with tinnitus associated with hearing loss. The study will be developed in two stages: Initial Assessment (IA) - after referring patients for use of hearing aids and Final Evaluation (AF) - after three months of effective use of hearing aids. Participants will be divided into three groups: Group A (GA) consists of 10 individuals fitted with hearing aids without orientation relative to the buzz, Group B (GB) composed of 10 individuals fitted with hearing aids with verbal orientation relative to the buzz, and Group C (GC ) 10 individuals fitted with hearing aids with verbal guidance associated with supporting material (primer) for the tinnitus. Participants respond to THI at this moment and after three months of effective use of hearing aids to measure symptom handicap modification. For descriptive statistics, will be used the mean and standard deviation of all numeric variables of the study, as for inferential analysis will be performed analysis of variance for repeated measures two criteria (ANOVA) for verification of possible significance in treatment groups alone.