Analysis of speech perception with amplification devices in subjects with ear malformation and unilateral hearing loss

Abstract

Purpose: To verify the speech perception in subjects with ear malformation and unilateral hearing loss, fitted with two types of amplification as follows: conventional hearing aids and softband (band with vibrator bone). Method: The study included fifteen subjects of both sexes who presented congenital malformation of the middle or outer ear, diagnosed with unilateral conductive or mixed hearing loss, moderate to severe hearing loss, age range between 15 to 25 years and, prescription from a specialist doctor for hearing device fitting. We performed the speech perception assessment without amplification after the hearing aid and softband fitting, with the hearing aid linked to the bone vibrator (conventional) and the softband (band with the bone vibrator). The subjects were evaluated using the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT), in silence and in noise. Results: Seven subjects with unilateral ear malformation were evaluated, 57.1 % had impairment in the right ear and 42.9 % in the left ear. Regarding the type and the level of hearing loss, 71 % of all subjects included in the sample presented moderate conductive hearing loss. The assessment of speech perception was performed during silence, frontal noise, lateral noise and, during three specifics situations: no amplification, with conventional hearing aid and with the softband. The results with the amplification devices were positive in all evaluated conditions. Conclusion: Evaluated subjects presented improvement in speech perception, in silence, frontal noise and lateral noise situations, regardless of the type of amplification; however, the difference was not statistically significant.