A Perda Auditiva Induzida pelo Ruído (PAIR) na formação odontológica: conhecimentos e níveis de exposição

The rationalization of work in the Dentistry has been taking the professional to work for ways and systems based in the ergonomics, turning their work efficient and less tiring. Since their academic formation, the dentists surgeons are concerned with the high productivity in clinic and with the final result of the work, neglecting the way as it is executed, which reduce their work capacity and exhibits them to occupational diseases that could be minimized and/or forewarned. This research had as the main objective to investigate the knowledge of the Dentistry academics of Rio Grande do Norte Federal University concerning the Noise-induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), relating them at the noise levels that they are exposed, as well as to the preventive measures taken during the clinical activities. Was observed that 95% of the individuals know that the dentist surgeon is a professional in risk for NIHL. Among the causes of NIHL, the one that obtained the largest frequency citation was the high-speed handpieces, reminded by 92,4% of the academics. Among the students which enumerated protective measures for NIHL, 92% mentioned the use of the ear plugs, although 97% of the researched have told do not use any kind of preventive measure related to the noise. Was also observed that 96% of the academics notice the noise during the clinical attendance, what inconvenience 28,1% of them. Related the noise levels, the high-speed handpieces of the academics presented a medium value of 80,5 dB varying from 72,3 to 88,3 dB. The average of the ambient noise observed at the Integrated Clinic was about 74,8 dB. In spite of the noise levels in this research were observed below the established limits of tolerance by the legislation, they can provoke damages to the Dentistry professionals' health, or that suggests the need of an intervention and use of immediate preventive measures able to generate a healthy atmosphere of work and less risky

Desempenho auditivo ao longo do tempo e satisfação dos usuários de implante coclear com perda auditiva pós-lingual

Most cochlear implant (CI) users, who suffer from post lingual hearing loss, are able to perceive sounds and comprehend speech after the implant. The prediction of maximal benefit over time, with the use of CI, can be useful for counseling patients about their expectations in using the new device. The measurement of satisfaction should be of primary interest in medical intervention, as the results may be used for intervention feedback. The purpose of this study is to analyze auditory performance of CI over time, as well as to evaluate users‟ satisfaction. Therefore two types of study designs were employed: a) retrospective cohort study with the analysis of medical records from 59 subjects about auditory performance before and after surgery. Results were submitted to the Kaplan -Meier estimator of cumulative probability and compared to prognostic factors of auditory performance using the logrank test. b) A sectional study design was conducted to evaluate the satisfaction of 51 subjects. The instrument consists of two specific questionnaires: Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life SADL and International Outcome Inventory Cochlear Implant IOI- CI. Results show statistical significant differences (p<0,001) in auditory performance before and after CI. The majority obtained satisfactory results of CI use during the first six months. Logrank tests does not indicate significant correlation between the analyzed covariates and the time in which adequate speech perception occurs. SADL e IOI-CI questionnaires indicate that most of the CI users are satisfied with their devices. The SADL detected a 27, 5% insatisfaction amongst CI users in relation to services and costs involved with the CI. The results of the IOI show 4% of insatisfaction with the use of CI and the social environment. In conclusion CI is capable to rehabilitate social auditory function in a short period of time and CI users demonstrate satisfaction with auditory, social and psychological gain offered through CI device