The first eletrocnic Journal of Otolaryngology in the world
ISSN: 1809-9777

E-ISSN: 1809-4864

 
1964 

Year: 2015  Vol. 19   Num. 3  - July/Sept - (6º)
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1395997
Section: Original Article
 
Relationship between Otolaryngologic Complaints and Systemic Comorbidities Observed in a Group of Hearing Aid Users
Author(s):
Angela Ribas, Renata Silvestre, Carla Meller Mottecy, Lorena Kozlowski, Jair Mendes Marques
Key words:
hearing loss - protocols - hearing aids - ear diseases - chronic disease
Abstract:

Introduction Optimization of the selection, adaptation, and benefit of hearing aids is necessary to characterize and manage hearing loss, user expectations, otolaryngologic symptoms, and systemic comorbidities.

Objective To compare the occurrence of otologic complaints, systemic diseases, and effective use of hearing aids in men and women with deafness.

Methods Patients from a Unified Health System-accredited hearing health service, who reported problems in adapting to their hearing aids, were evaluated by a physician and audiologist. An anamnesis, ENT evaluation, and audiological evaluation were performed.

Results During the data collection period, 278 subjects came in for follow-up visits; of these, 61 (21%) reported otologic or operational problems with their equipment. The most prevalent type of hearing loss was basocochlear, a characteristic of presbycusis, in both men and women; the most frequently reported comorbidities were hypercholesterolemia (more significant in women) and hypertension (more significant in men). Fourteen subjects reported using their device discontinuously, with no significant difference between genders; the reasons for discontinuation of use were itching and ringing, with more complaints from women.

Conclusion The incidence of systemic and audiological complaints is high in this population. These patients should be evaluated thoroughly, as resolutions of these complaints can contribute to improving the quality of life and assist in the process of hearing aid fitting.

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