Hearing Training: Tinnitus and Hearing Skills on Elderly People with Hearing Loss

Abstract

Introduction: Tinnitus is a harmful acoustic stimulation that can cause disorganization in the Central Auditory Nervous System. Subjects with hearing loss are susceptible to Auditory Processing Disorder, as by sensory deprivation also disorganize the Central Auditory Nervous System. Auditory Training can help in reducing the annoyance with tinnitus, by objectifying synchrony in the auditory pathway. Objective: To estimate the effects of Computerized Auditory Training on the reduction of annoyance with tinnitus and changes in auditory abilities in elderly people with hearing loss and hearing aids users. Material and Method: A quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional study in which five elderly people with tinnitus were rehabilitated with difficulty at least in one auditory ability and hearing loss. Evaluations Pre and PostAuditory Training were performed, such as: anamnesis and basic audiological evaluation, application of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, behavioral auditory processing tests and electrophysiological evaluation. The treatment was performed with Escuta Ativa software, in 16 sessions with approximately 30 minutes each one. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in relation to the pre and post treatment values in the Tinnitus Handicap questionnaire and Behavioral auditory processing tests. There were no pre and post treatment electrophysiological changes. Conclusion: It was possible to evaluate the effects of the Computerized Auditory Training in the reduction of annoyance with tinnitus, through the chosen questionnaire applied pre and post-intervention. Furthermore, some behavioral auditory abilities also