Desenvolvimento de um equipamento para avaliação da localização sonora em seres humanos

Abstract

Introduction: Sound localization is the ability to identify the source of the sound. This skill is fundamental for the development of selective attention, helps in oral communication and is known as one of the necessary skills for central auditory processing (CAP). During the assessment of central auditory processing, this ability is assessed by means of the location test in five directions. The location test used in the assessment of central auditory processing is performed with a sound instrument, as there is no specific equipment for this purpose. Thus, a prior art search was carried out in order to verify patents deposited with this theme, verifying only patents that approached the researched subject, with objectives different from those of this study. Faced with this reality, the need arose to develop a new equipment to assess the ability of sound localization and compose the examination of central auditory processing. Objective: To develop a new instrument to assess sound localization in humans. Methodology: The study was carried out in four stages: 1) Equipment development; 2) Software Development; 3) Production of sound stimuli; and 4) Application of the test in human beings using the new equipment for auditory localization. The study sample consisted of two groups: a group composed of 10 adults aged between 18 and 35 years; and the other group formed by 10 people from 55 to 65 years old, who were submitted to evaluation of the central auditory processing, sound localization test with the rattle and localization test with the new equipment developed. Result: The equipment was produced at the Hearing and Technology Laboratory, with a patent deposited at the National Institute of Industrial Property. It consists of a circuit board, an amplifier, five speakers and software, which is registered. The test carried out with the new equipment in human beings has shown that it is possible to use it to assess sound localization. The number of hits for each stimulus of the new equipment in relation to the rattle was significantly lower, presenting (p<0.05). In the correlation between age and location responses obtained with the rattle and the new equipment, there was a reduction in test results with the new equipment as the age of the participants increased. The PAC of the study group presented low performance, as well as the auditory localization results obtained with the new equipment. Conclusion: The new equipment has clinical applicability to evaluate the sound localization in adults and elderly, demonstrating results lower than expected in the two groups studied and that these results are influenced by increasing age.