Hydrovibrotactile stimulation in rehabilitation of deaf children

Abstract

Goals of the study were investigation the perception of vibro-acoustic signals, spreading in water, by deaf patients and the possibility of use hydrovibrotactile stimulation for habilitation of deaf children. In the first part of study 5 experienced cochlear implants (CI) users were involved – 2 adults and 3 children with congenital deafness. Participants were presented modulated tones (100-4000 Hz) and natural sounds (horn, pipe, march melody) though underwater loudspeakers in small swimming pool. Each participant was sitting in the swimming pool without CI during the stimulation. It was shown that deaf subjects are able to detect vibro-acoustic signals, spreading in water, which they feel as a vibrotactile sense. The most vibrotactile sensitivity was between 100 and 400 Hz, while stimuli between 1000 Hz and 4000 Hz didn’t evoke any sensation. In the second part of the study 30 early aged children with severe or profound sensorineural hearing loss without hearing aids or CI experience were participated. It was observed typical oriented behavioral reactions in response to test stimuli in water in 15 children from the experimental group, but there weren’t reactions to the acoustic component of stimuli on air (out of water). Hydrovibrotactile stimulation sessions prior amplification and CI processor fitting accelerated the development of oriented and stable condition motor reflex reactions to sounds in children with hearing aids and CI, including even near-threshold stimuli, in comparison with control group children, who got only traditional lessons with speech-language therapist. As a result, an adequate fitting of hearing aids or CI processor and spontaneous development of hearing behavior in everyday situations were achieved significantly faster.

A local rehabilitation service for children with hearing loss

“…С помощью этого курса удается быстро решать важнейшие задачи слухопротезирования: адаптировать ребенка к СА; подготовить его к настройке СА; обучить родителей уходу за СА, наблюдению за реакциями ребенка на звуки и вызыванию интереса к звукам; благодаря этому точно настроить СА и обеспечить их постоянное использование ребенком. Для подготовки глухих детей к настройке СА/КИ используется также разработанный в ДГСЦ метод гидровибрационной стимуляции [25].…”