Auditory rehabilitation: family’s role in adherence to the use of wireless transmission system in school

Abstract

Objective: describe and analyze the Frequency Modulation System (FM) adaptation process and its consistency of use in the classroom in children with hearing loss, taking into consideration family role relevance as an intermediary between the health service system and the school. Method: As part of the methodology a couple of steps were carried out: medical records analysis, FM adaptation and initial explanations to parents, such as device handling, battery lifetime and transmitter. At the same day, parents were asked to take this information to teachers and two returns were scheduled. At the first return, three activities were carried out: a speech perception evaluation, an initial interview with parents to obtain non-recorded information and the application of a socioeconomic questionnaire. The second return, when daily use of the FM system was registered by reading the transmitter record, and another interview with parents was performed, collecting information regarding the use and difficulties encountered. Results: 43.9% children used FM consistently and 56.1% inconsistently. Additionally, it was found that kids with unilateral losses tended to lower use of FM. There was no statistically significant association in the consistent use of FM when compared to the school characteristics. Most parents reported that their children were using FM, nevertheless, the average hours did not confirm this information. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggested that there should be greater teacher´s monitoring by parents together with an audiologist, who can verify the use of the FM system at the school through direct measurements on the transmitter