title: Effects of sound amplification in self-perception of tinnitus and hearing loss in the elderly.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the effect of the use of hearing aids in self-perception of tinnitus and hearing loss in the elderly.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 24 elderly patients between 60 and 70 years of age with moderate-grade sensorineural hearing loss were evaluated and divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of tinnitus. All volunteers were fitted with binaural micro-channel hearing aids of the same brand and model and submitted to tests, scales, and questionnaires relevant to this topic. The evaluations were performed before and after one and three months of effective use of these hearing aids.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Acoustic stimulation through the effective use of hearing aids caused a reduction in the perception of tinnitus sound intensity (especially in evaluations with the prosthesis on) and in nuisance associated with this symptom and with hearing loss. In addition, all participants were satisfied with the use of hearing aids.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The continuous use of hearing aids is beneficial for the treatment of tinnitus and hearing loss, bringing satisfaction to users.
authors.affiliation: Post-graduate in Human Communication Disorders, Department of Phonoaudiology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: tiagoaraujofono@yahoo.com.br.
authors.forename: Tiago de Melo
authors.initials: Tde M
authors.lastname: Araujo
authors.affiliation: Department of Phonoaudiology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Maria Cecília Martinelli
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Iório
mesh_terms: D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012649:Self Concept; D013067:Speech Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*
keywords: Auxiliares de audição; Elderly; Escalas; Hearing aids; Idoso; Questionnaires; Questionários; Scales; Tinnitus; Zumbido