Benefit of Using the Prosthesis with Sound Generators in Individuals with Tinnitus Associated With Mild to Moderately Severe Hearing Loss

Abstract

INTRODUCTION One of the treatments currently available for the remission of tinnitus, when associated with hearing loss is the use of hearing aids with sound generator. Such treatment is based on the capability that the human brain has to get used to a new sound over another. OBJECTIVE To describe the results found in a group of people who have undergone treatment with sound generators. Method: Audiologic follow-up protocols of 25 adult subjects with hearing loss and complaint of tinnitus were analyzed. It was applied: free field audiometry with hearing aids, Visual Analog Scale to determine the degree of annoyance of the tinnitus and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory to assess tinnitus impact on the quality of life before and after treatment. RESULTS After the use of hearing aids there was significant improvement in hearing thresholds; there was a significant reduction in the degree of annoyance caused by tinnitus; there was a significant reduction of tinnitus and, consequently, on the quality of life of the respondents. CONCLUSION This study allowed the verification that the use of hearing aids with sound generator is a good resource for the treatment of tinnitus associated with mild to moderately severe hearing loss.