Abstract
To verify the use of the Frequency Modulation System (FM) and its benefit for cochlear implant users. Analysis of medical records of 113 users of Cochlear Implants (CI) adapted with FM System kits between September 2013 and September 2015 after publication of the Administrative Rule 1.274 of 6/25/2013, regarding the results of the speech perception tests (SPT) and the Listening Inventory For Education - Revised (LIFE-R) and Classroom Participation Questionnaire (CPQ). The use of the FM System in the classroom was effective for 47.15% of the patients, while 21.42% did not use it. There was no correlation between the use of the FM System and the age group of patients. The results of the SPT regarding noise were statistically better with the use of FM System. Regarding the questionnaires, the score obtained in the LIFE-R in the situation "after use of the FM System" was statistically better for the item "listening situations in the classroom" and in the CPQ, for the items "teacher understanding" and "positive aspects", when compared to the situation "without using the FM System". Patients benefitting from the concession of the FM System made use of the device in the classroom and improvement in both speech perception in noisy environments and subjective impression of the understanding of teachers' speech in the classroom was observed after the use of the FM System.
Highlights
The benefits of the use of hearing devices such as the cochlear implant (CI) and the hearing aid (HA) for hearing and oral language development are already known
Studies show that the use of the Frequency Modulation System (FM) system favors the positive signal/noise ratio in more than 20 dBNA, due to the proximity of the microphone from 6 to 8 cm from the teacher’s mouth, directly influencing the improvement of speech perception[2,3,6]
The literature suggests greater resistance among adolescents compared to children in relation to the use of hearing aids, the data collected in the present study did not show a correlation between the non-use of the FM System and the adapted age group (Table 3)(14,15)
Summary
The benefits of the use of hearing devices such as the cochlear implant (CI) and the hearing aid (HA) for hearing and oral language development are already known These devices are determinant for these abilities, their users may present difficulties in understanding speech in certain situations and environments. The classroom setting is an example in which factors such as student numbers per class, reverberation, distance between the speaker and the listener, acoustics and excessive noise can hamper listening comprehension and generate educational losses In this sense, the Frequency Modulation System (FM) is considered one of the most effective technological resources in order to remedy such difficulties, contributing to the improvement of speech perception[2,3,4,5]. In the case of children in oral language development, when the PSRI or the use of word tests due to age is not possible, the speech detection threshold (SDT) equal or less than 40 dBNA should be considered (with an HA or CI)
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