Resistance to the use of the FM System by children and adolescents: fact or myth? An analysis of records of patients assisted in a hearing health center

ABSTRACT

Purpose:

to compare the use of the Frequency Modulation (FM) System by children and adolescents in a public hearing health center in the state of São Paulo.

Methods:

the analysis of medical records based on eligibility criteria. Data were collected from 340 participants born between 1998 and 2011, fitted with FM System, and who attended the follow-up appointment after fitting the device. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially.

Results:

hard-of-hearing children and adolescents of both genders from all over Brazil, attending elementary, middle or high school in public or private schools, participated. The data showed that 115 children and 155 adolescents effectively used the device, especially at school. The main difficulty for children was the lack of support from teachers; for adolescents, it was the feeling of embarrassment.

Conclusion:

some difficulties, especially on children, in adhering to the use of FM Systems were identified. Hence, to ensure the FM System's effective use, the importance of providing guidance and awareness of its benefits to patients, and their family members and teachers, during the fitting appointment and follow-up consultations, is emphasized.

Keywords:
Hearing Loss; Speech Perception; Noise; Hearing Aids; Wireless Technology