Fonoaudiología-Pregrado

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://dspace-test.ucuenca.edu.ec/handle/123456789/258

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 190

Prevalencia de nasalidad en fonemas fricativos y africados en usuarios con tubos de ventilación postoperatorios de fisura labioalveolopalatina (FLAP) de FonoAtelier, Cuenca 2025
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-04-10) Criollo Carabajo, Wendy Michelle; Condo Valdez, Erika Viviana; Palacios Coello, Ruth Fabiola
Background: Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a common congenital malformation, according to the WHO, that compromises anatomy, hearing, and speech production. Objective assessment of resonance, especially in fricative and affricate phonemes, allows for the identification of persistent alterations, providing key information for speech therapy intervention and follow-up. Objective: The objective of this research project was to determine the prevalence of nasality in fricative and affricate phonemes in users with postoperative ventilation tubes for cleft lip and palate (CLP) of FonoAtelier, Cuenca 2025. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. Resonance assessment was performed using the nasometer, and data analysis was carried out using SPSS software version 29.0 (2022). Results: The sample consisted of 50 users. Nasality alterations were present in 86% of the sample, while 14% showed no difficulties. Hypernasality was the most frequent alteration at 52.5%, mainly affecting the phonemes /j/ and /tf/ 74%. Normal pronunciation reached 39.5%, and hyponasality was infrequent at 8%. Finally, the influence of the duration of use of ventilation tubes on resonance characteristics is highlighted. Conclusions: The findings show a high heterogeneity in the resonance and hearing of the users, in accordance with what has been reported in previous research; however, more studies with this approach are required since this is a still relatively unexplored area.
Estado auditivo en los trabajadores expuestos a ruido de la Empresa pública municipal ETAPA. Cuenca 2025-2026
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-03-02) Padilla Ortiz, Tatiana Katherine; Pinos Guzmán, Silvia Michelle; Vanegas Bravo, Marcia Alexandra
Identifying workers' hearing status among those exposed to noise is essential to addressing the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss. Several studies have shown that workers are unaware of the progressive deterioration of their hearing, underestimating the effects of exposure to high noise levels and improper use of hearing protection. This lack of knowledge, combined with inadequate protection, contributes to an increase in occupational diseases that affect their work performance and have irreversible consequences for their hearing health. Therefore, evaluating hearing status and associated risk factors in this population is justified. Objective: To determine the hearing status of workers exposed to noise at the municipal public company ETAPA. Cuenca 2025-2026. Methods: Descriptive-transversal research, including workers exposed to noise in the specific areas of drinking water, sewerage, and sanitation at the municipal company Etapa Cuenca who sign the informed consent form and meet the inclusion criteria. A structured medical history was applied, including demographic variables, hearing risk factors, and use of protective equipment, and audiometric evaluations were performed. The data will be entered into a matrix and analyzed in the system to obtain an audiological diagnosis. Results: We expect to determine the hearing status of workers exposed to noise at the municipal public company ETAPA, identify the risks present in their work areas, and find a high frequency of users with hearing impairments through hearing analysis. Conclusions: ETAPA workers exposed to occupational noise have a prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss of 16.9%, related to prolonged exposure to high noise levels and the inappropriate use of hearing protectors. Recommendations: Strengthen the Hearing Conservation Program through practical training, monitoring the use of hearing protection, and reducing noise at the source.
Nivel de consistencia de alimentos adecuado para usuarios de 5 a 12 años del Instituto de Parálisis Cerebral del Azuay, 2025-2026
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-02-27) Ochoa Dominguez, Camila Belen; Nievez Valverde, Gabriela Elizabeth; Argudo Guallpa, Juan Diego
Background: Feeding is a process that must be adapted to the needs presented by children with cerebral palsy, due to their motor, physical, and communicative impairments. This reality requires the adaptation of food consistency in order to eliminate any risk of aspiration and/or penetration. Objective: The objective of this research project was to determine the appropriate level of food consistency for users aged 5 to 12 years at the Cerebral Palsy Institute of Azuay (IPCA). Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted; the instruments used were a data collection form and the international framework The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI). The data were analyzed and interpreted using SPSS software version 29.0 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), 2022 edition. Results: The study population consisted of 43 participants. Of these, 60.5% require a Level 3 consistency: Moderately thick / Liquidized for beverages, and 53.5% require a Level 4: Extremely thick / Pureed for foods. These results are consistent with previous studies indicating a generalized need to increase food viscosity, allowing greater opportunity to trigger the swallowing reflex, thereby reducing the risk of aspiration and penetration. The findings reinforce the need to raise awareness among speech language pathologists, caregivers, parents, and the general community regarding the appropriate management of patients with cerebral palsy, promoting timely interventions and dietary adaptations that improve the quality of life of these users.
Frecuencia de disfagia en adultos mayores de los geriátricos privados del cantón Cuenca, periodos 2025 - 2026
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-02-26) Gutiérrez Lozada, María José; Garaycochea Castillo, Cristina María; Vanegas Bravo, Marcia Alexandra
Background: Aging is a stage of life characterized by the progressive deteriorationof cognitive and physical abilities, increasing susceptibility to various pathologies. Amongtheseis dysphagia, defined as difficulty in passing food from the mouth to the stomach, a conditionthat can compromise the health of older adults by promoting episodes of aspirationand/or penetration. The objective of this research project was to determine the frequencyof dysphagia in older adults in private nursing homes in the canton of Cuenca during theperiod2025-2026. Methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Theinstruments used were the data collection form, the GUSS (Gugging SwallowingScreen) test, and sections of the MBGR (Orofacial Myofunctional Assessment) protocol. Thedatawere analyzed using SPSS 29.0 ( Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version2022. Results: The sample studied consisted of 81 older adults: 55.6% had mild dysphagia, 29.6%had moderate dysphagia, 6.2% had severe dysphagia, and 8.6% did not have dysphagia. The results obtained are consistent with previous research and demonstrate theneedtostrengthen early detection and timely intervention by speech therapists, in coordinationwiththe rest of the healthcare team and caregivers, in order to preserve the quality of lifeof thispopulation.
Prevalencia de trastornos de los sonidos del habla en niños de 4 a 8 años de la Unidad de Diagnóstico, Investigación Psicopedagógica y Apoyo a la Inclusión, UDIPSAI, periodo 2018-2024
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-02-25) Garzón Hoyos, Anabel Dayanna; Guerra de la Torre, Orivelsys
Background: Speech sound disorders are characterized by persistent difficulties in the production of phonemes that affect speech intelligibility. They manifest when speech development does not correspond to the chronological age or cognitive capacity of the individual, generating communicative repercussions. Although its highest prevalence is concentrated in childhood, national literature shows heterogeneity in age ranges, contexts, methodologies, and variables analyzed, which limits a comprehensive understanding of its prevalence and clinical behavior, highlighting the need for studies in specialized care contexts. Objective: To determine the prevalence of speech sound disorders in children aged 4 to 8 years attending the Diagnostic, Psychoeducational Research, and Inclusion Support Unit (UDIPSAI) during the period 2018-2024. Methods: A quantitative, observational, descriptive, retrospective, and cross-sectional study based on the analysis of institutional secondary data, using IBM SPSS 2022 and Microsoft Excel. Results: A higher prevalence of speech and language impairment (SLI) was observed in males with a mean age of 5.23 years. Phoneticphonological SLI was the most frequent (64.1%). The most relevant concomitant conditions were developmental language disorder and autism disorder, followed by intellectual disability, ADHD, tongue tie, hearing loss, and cleft lip and palate. Conclusions: Phonetic-phonological speech sound disorders showed the highest prevalence, with a predominance in children around five years of age and coexistence of various associated conditions.
Estado auditivo por edad, sexo y ocupación en Adultos que asistieron a la Clínica Latino, periodo 2022-2024
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-02-24) Carreño Paz, Kiara Salome; Zari Méndez, Nicole Doménica; Lucio Bravo, Miriam Luz
Background: Hearing loss is a global public health problem that affects communication, quality of life, and social integration. According to the WHO, around 430 million people require rehabilitation due to hearing impairments. This condition is defined as a hearing loss of more than 20 dB below the normal hearing threshold. General objective: To determine the hearing status by age, sex, and occupation in adults who attended the Latino clinic between 2022 and 2024. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive, analytical study was conducted using a universe of 935 records from the institutional database. The information was obtained by observing the database, analyzing users' audiograms, and sociodemographic information. The statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS software, including descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: There were 299 records of hearing loss in females and 267 in males. The age group with the highest prevalence was 62-72 years, with 174 cases. In terms of occupation, the service sector had the highest number of affected individuals, totaling 183. Conclusion: Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss predominated in the population studied, with a higher frequency in women and older adults, supporting the relationship between aging and hearing impairment. These results highlight the importance of strengthening prevention and early detection strategies, especially among older adults and in occupations with greater exposure to hearing risks.
Tinnitus en pacientes con hipoacusia en el Centro Auditivo Integral Cuenca y Azogues 2025-2026
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-02-20) Pinos Sari, Sara Pamela; Humala Sarmiento, Ariel Sebastián; Rodas Molina, María Belén
Introduction: Tinnitus is a perception of sound without an audible external source and is often associated with hearing loss. Scientific evidence reports that more than 740 million people experience tinnitus. This raises the question: What is the prevalence of tinnitus in patients with hearing loss treated at the Comprehensive Hearing Center (CAI) in Cuenca and Azogues, 2025-2026? Objectives: To determine the prevalence of tinnitus in patients over 45 years of age attending the CAI. To characterize the population according to age and sex; to classify the audiometry results and establish their prevalence according to type, degree, and extent. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. Universe: Consisting of 300 patients aged 45 years and older diagnosed with hearing loss. A total of 169 patients aged 45 years and older with hearing loss were identified and analyzed in the CAI database. Results: The prevalence of tinnitus was reported at 62.1% of the total. Sensorineural hearing loss was the most frequent (46.7%), with a predominance of moderate degree in both ears (33.7%). Bilateral sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss occurred in 59.8% of cases. Thirty-two-point five percent of men reported tinnitus, with those aged 56-66 and 78-88 being the most affected. Conclusion: The study identified tinnitus in patients with hearing loss aged 45 or older treated at the CAI, with a prevalence of 62.1% during 2025-2026.
Estado Auditivo del personal operativo del Benemérito cuerpo de bomberos, Cuenca 2022 - 2024
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-02-20) Chávez Yunga, Diego Armando; Matute Peña, Klever Alejandro; Quito Vidal, María Paz
Background: Firefighters' operational work involves constant exposure to noise levels exceeding 85 dB from sirens and rescue tools, posing a critical risk to hearing health. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the hearing status of operational personnel of the Cuenca Fire Department during the period 2022-2024. Methodology: A descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional, and retrospective study was conducted. The population consisted of 198 records of threshold pure-tone audiometry test extracted from the institutional database, which were processed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 27. Results: The results revealed a predominance of normal hearing in the general population. However, a critical group was identified in the 26-35 age range, representing 39% with mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss. A drop in high frequencies was observed in 61.1% of the study population, preserving conversational thresholds but compromising the detection of warning signals. The non-use of hearing protectors, evident in 76.8% of people, increases the vulnerability of operational personnel. Conclusions: It is concluded that there is a present need to implement mandatory preventive programs for hearing conversation and periodic monitoring. These findings provide essential local scientific evidence to strengthen occupational health policies, ensuring the operational effectiveness and quality of life of firefighters in high-risk environments.
Estado del habla en pacientes con Enfermedad de Parkinson de la Asociación de Parkinson. Cuenca 2025
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-02-19) Angulo Tambi, Mayerli Betsabe; Barrera Sacoto, Pablo Santiago; Palacios Coello, Ruth Fabiola
Background: Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder according to the WHO. It is a progressive disease of the central nervous system that affects movement, cognition, and various physiological functions. The literature identifies dysarthria as the most common speech impairment in people with Parkinson's disease, resulting from a neuromuscular disorder that affects articulation, prosody, rhythm, speed, intonation, and volume. It is necessary to assess speech status using the abbreviated PEVH tool, which provides quick and accurate information on the functioning of these components. Objective: To determine the speech status of patients with Parkinson's disease from the Parkinson's Association. Cuenca 2025. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted, with the universe consisting of members of the Parkinson's Association of Cuenca with Parkinson's disease. Data were collected using a systematic survey, in addition to the Speech Assessment Protocol (PEVH-abbreviated). The results were tabulated using the free version of SPSS 22. Results: The majority of participants were in the 65-74 age range (42.9%), with males predominating (57.1%). 61.9% did not present with dysarthria, while 38.1% did. In terms of severity, 33.3% had mild dysarthria and 4.8% had moderate dysarthria. Regarding speech characteristics, 23.8% had articulation breaks, 57.1% had a hoarse voice, 47.6% had decreased intensity, 33.3% had vocal tremor, and 33.3% had monotonous prosody.
Prevalencia de trastornos deglutorios en usuarios con cáncer de cabeza y cuello en el consultorio fonoaudiológico del centro de especialidades Plaza Médica, Cuenca, 2023–2025
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-02-19) Vasquez Maldonado, Omar Adrian; Nieto Polo, Marco Elias; Argudo Guallpa, Juan Diego
Swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia, are one of the most prevalent clinical complications In patients with head and neck cancer, especially in those undergoing aggressive cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. These Interventions can alter structures involved in the oral and/or pharyngeal phases, leading to complications such as malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, and a reduced quality of life. Objective: To determine the prevalence of swallowing disorders in patients with head and neck cancer treated at the speech therapy clinic at the "Plaza Medica" specialty center m Cuenca, 2023—2025. Methodology: Retrospective, quantitative, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. The database of patients treated at the speech therapy clinic at "Plaza Medica" was reviewed, and clinical records were analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. Results: The prevalence of swallowing disorders was 55.4%. Males predominated (67.7%), as did the 55-74 age group (69.2%). Regarding severity, 21.5% of the sample presented moderate impairment, 20.0% mild Impairment, and 13.8% severe impairment. Conclusion: A high prevalence of swallowmg disorders was observed in the evaluated population. It was also concluded that there is significant functional impairment, given that more than one-third of patients reported moderate to severe dysphagia, underscoring the need for a specialized speechlanguage pathology approach.
Autopercepción de la capacidad auditiva en los adultos mayores, Paute 2025- 2026
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-02-19) Caimay Jara, Jennifer Priscila; Lucio Bravo, Miriam Alexandra
Background: Auditory self-perception is a fundamental element for understanding the quality of life in older adults, as it subjectively reflects how each individual evaluates their own ability to hear in different contexts and situations of daily life. Objective: To evaluate the selfperception of hearing ability in older adults, Paute 2025-2026. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive-analytical, and cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of 80 older adults from two centers located in Paute town. The Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly – Screening (HHIE-S) questionnaire was used to assess auditory self-perception. Data for the variables were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Results: It was identified that 58.8% of the study population was female and 62.5% resided in rural areas. Regarding the HHIE-S instrument, 38.8% of participants reported a significant perceived hearing loss. On the emotional effects subscale, 47.5% of the sample reported difficulty hearing when people speak softly, and on the social effects subscale, 32.5% reported difficulty understanding in meetings with new people and in social contexts. Conclusions: Self-perception of hearing loss in older adults in Paute is associated with a negative impact on quality of life, particularly reflected in emotional and social aspects.
Autopercepción vocal de los docentes de la Universidad Politécnica Salesiana Sede Cuenca en las áreas de Ciencias de la Vida y Sociales. Cuenca. 2025 - 2026
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-02-18) Salazar Uzho, Silvia Mishell; Vanegas Bravo, Marcia Alexandra
Background: University teachers' vocal perception is essential for addressing the frequency of vocal disorders. Various studies show that many teachers are unaware of their vocal function and self-perception, and often underestimate the severity of their voice problems. Inaccurate self-perception, coupled with improper vocal use, can negatively impact long-term professional well-being. Objective: To determine the vocal self-perception of teachers at the Salesian Polytechnic University in Cuenca in the areas of Life and Social Sciences in the period 2025- 2026. Methods: A descriptive-transversal study was conducted with 85 teachers in the Life and Social Sciences areas, in which a survey was administered to collect data, and a subjective evaluation, the Voice Handicap Index (VHI-30), was performed. The results were analyzed using SPSS 22. Results: Of the 85 teachers surveyed, the majority were female (57.6%, 49), while males accounted for 42.4% (36). In the VHI-30 assessment, the prevalence is 49.5% for mild vocal impairment and 3.5% for severe vocal impairment. The subscale with the highest prevalence is the emotional subscale, at 53.1%, compared with the functional subscale at 48.2%. Conclusions: The findings confirmed a higher percentage of mild vocal alteration, predominantly in females, with greater alteration on the emotional scale.
Prevalencia de alteraciones auditivas en adultos jóvenes que asisten a Gimnasios del cantón Cuenca. 2025-2026
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-02-18) Villa Barrera, María Emilia; Tapia Pesántez, Mery Alexandra; Vanegas Bravo, Marcia Alexandra
Background: Frequent exposure to recreational noise in gyms, combined with prolonged use of headphones, is associated with the development of symptoms and potential auditory alterations in young adults. However, there is limited research on this topic in Cuenca. Objective: To identify the prevalence of auditory alterations in young adults who attend gyms in the canton of Cuenca during the 2025-2026 period. Methods: A quantitative, observational, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in four gyms in Cuenca. The sample consisted of 83 young adults aged 18 to 30 years. Data collection was carried out using a structured form, otoscopy, and audiometry. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS version 24. Results: Most participants were male (65.1%) and urban residents (86.7%). Exposure to gym noise for 22 months or more was reported by 49.4% of participants, with a daily duration of 1 to 2 hours in 54.2%, and headphone use for 24 months or more in 60.2%. The most prevalent symptom was tinnitus (32.5%). Audiometric findings showed 71.1% normal hearing, 28.9% mild hearing loss, and 18.1% presenting both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Conclusions: Young adults who attend gyms in the canton of Cuenca experience prolonged exposure to noise and frequent auditory symptoms, primarily tinnitus. Although most maintain normal hearing, early auditory alterations particularly at high frequencies are evident, underscoring the importance of early detection and the promotion of hearing care.
Autopercepción de la calidad vocal de los adultos mayores de los geriátricos de la ciudad de Cuenca 2025 -2026
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-02-12) Alvarado Carrión, Emily Francine; Ortiz Quezada, Ariel Andrés; Lucio Bravo, Miriam Alexandra
Background: Self-perception is an individual's ability to perceive and process internal and/or external information, which is integrated to construct a personal representation of oneself. In the vocal domain, self-perception is frequently assessed using the Voice Handicap Index (VHI-30), an effective tool for determining the severity of voice problems and their impact on the daily lives of older adults. Objective: To determine the self-perception of vocal quality in older adults residing in nursing homes in the city of Cuenca during the 2025-2026 period, through the application of the VHI-30. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 39 older adults from four nursing homes in the city of Cuenca. Participants were evaluated using the VHI-30 questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS version 25. Results: The study population consisted of 39 older adults, with a predominance of the 75-84 age group (38.5%) and females (66.7%). Vocal self-perception assessment showed that 64.1% presented mild impairment, 15.4% moderate impairment, 12.8% severe impairment, and 7.7% very severe impairment. The most prevalent dimension was the physical dimension, with a mean score of 11.10. Conclusions: Most participants demonstrated mild vocal self-perception impairment, with predominance in the physical dimension and among females. However, a significant proportion presented severe impairments, which require multidisciplinary care particularly speech-language pathology interventions to improve quality of life and emotional well-being.
Evaluación perceptual de la voz pre y post jornada laboral: Un análisis mediante la escala GRBAS en la Unidad Educativa Particular Corazón de María en Cuenca 2025-2026
(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-02-12) Bustos Castellano, Elena Abigail; Galarza Jadán, Dayanna Lizbeth; Lucio Bravo, Miriam Alexandra
Background: Phonation depends on the interaction between the aerodynamic source, laryngeal vibration, and supraglottic filtering. Expiratory airflow generates subglottic pressure that activates glottal cycles and determines fundamental frequency, intensity, and vocal quality. In teachers, sustained vocal demands can disrupt these mechanisms, leading to fatigue and perceptual deviations detectable through the GRBAS scale. Objective: To determine the degree of perceptual voice impairment before and after the workday using the GRBAS scale at Unidad Educativa Particular Corazón de María in the city of Cuenca during the 2025-2026 period, and its relationship with occupational factors. Method: Fifty teachers with a mean age of 34 + 23 years participated by completing a survey on personal data, training, self-care, and vocal symptoms, complemented by perceptual voice assessment using the GRBAS scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. The study followed a descriptive cross-sectional analytical design. Results: In the pre-workday assessment, 56% (n = 28) presented mild alterations in the overall grade, while 44% (n= 22) showed normal voice quality. In the post-workday assessment, only 4% maintained normality; 40% showed mild impairment, 30% moderate impairment, and 16% severe impairment. A significant association was found between overall grade and years of professional experience both before the workday (Chi² = 24.54; p = 0.00) and after the workday (Chi² = 33.98; p = 0.01). After the workday, breathiness (Chi²= 26.87; p = 0.00) and asthenia (Chi² = 26.44; p = 0.00) increased significantly. Conclusions: Teachers begin the workday with normal or mildly altered vocal parameters; however, the workday significantly increases perceptual deviations, particularly in overall grade, breathiness, and asthenia. Years of professional experience constitute the main risk factor, while sex, hydration, and smoking showed no significant association. These findings support the need for vocal prevention strategies.
Prevalencia de los trastornos del desarrollo del lenguaje en niños de 2 a 6 años. Centro de Desarrollo Infantil-Universidad de Cuenca. 2023
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-08-04) Pugo Paucar, Marcela Salomé; Guerra de la Torre, Orivelsys
Background: Developmental language disorders (DLD) significantly affect communication, learning, and social interaction during childhood. In Ecuador, the lack of research on their prevalence limits the implementation of early intervention strategies. Objective: To determine the prevalence of DLD in children aged 2 to 6 years who attended the Child Development Center at the University of Cuenca in 2023. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted through the review of 62 medical records of children evaluated in the speech therapy department. Sociodemographic data and diagnoses were collected based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Information was entered into a structured Google Forms database and analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were used: mean, standard deviation, and variance for quantitative variables, and frequency and percentage tables for qualitative variables. Results: 43.6% of the children presented some type of DLD. The most frequent was receptive and expressive language impairment (19.4%), followed by general developmental language disorder (16.1%) and expressive language impairment (8.1%). Prevalence was higher in boys (63%) and in 4-year-old children (33.3%). Conclusion: The high prevalence of DLD in this population highlights the need for timely detection and multidisciplinary intervention during the early stages of development.
Prevalencia de hipoacusia neurosensorial en pacientes con exposición a ruido laboral que acudieron al Centro Servicio Auditivo Social del cantón Gualaceo, período septiembre 2020 – septiembre 2022
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-05-08) Gutiérrez Ávila, Jessenia Monserrath; Bermeo García, Karen Daniela; Vanegas Bravo, Marcia Alexandra
Background. Exposure to noise, equal to or greater than 85 dB, for a prolonged time causes damage to the ear, specifically in the hair cells and the cochlear membrane and leads to hearing loss; If exposure is continuous, the damage is progressive and may increase even after exposure ceases, since damage to the inner ear and auditory neural system is generally permanent. Objective. To determine by audiometry the prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss in patients with exposure to occupational noise who were evaluated at the Social Hearing Service Center of Gualaceo. Materials and methods. With a cross-sectional observational design, information was collected from the "NOAH Software System" database of people served in the period 2020 to 2022 who carried out activities under exposure to occupational noise and were evaluated by audiometry. With descriptive statistics and with the help of IBM-SPSS™ vers 22.0, the prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss and its distribution according to sociodemographic characteristics were calculated: age, sex, residence, education, occupation, time of exposure and audiometric characteristics. An association was sought with the time of exposure to noise, age and occupation, by calculation of OR CI95%. The values of P < 0.05 were considered significant. Resultados. Information from 250 audiometry tests performed on the same number of patients was analyzed, with a median age of 45.5 years (P25 35.5 – P75 55.5); males 81.6%; urban residence 57.5%; secondary education 64.8% and main occupations: mining (26.4%) and masonry (19.6%). There was hearing loss in 39.6% of the population and the prevalence of sensorineural was 30%; the majority were mild (19.6%) and moderate (13.6%) with 20.4% bilateral. There was a significant association between sensorineural hearing loss and exposure to occupational noise ≥ 10 years [OR 14,8; IC95%(7,7 – 28,5), < 0,001], Age over 50 years [OR 14,8; IC95%(7,7 – 28,5), < 0,001] and mining work [OR 14,8; IC95%(7,7 – 28,5), < 0,001]. Conclusions. In the association of sensorineural hearing loss with the time of exposure to occupational noise and other demographic factors, our results are consistent with the reports of the specialized literature. By identifying the conditions that contribute to the increased likelihood of sensorineural hearing loss, this information may be beneficial for implementing preventive strategies for the benefit of the National Health System.
Estado auditivo de adultos mayores en el Centro Auditivo Audifon de Macas, periodo septiembre 2024-febrero 2025
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-04-14) Gómez Tacuri, Katherine Alexandra; Alcalá Aristimuño, Yralis Juanita
Hearing is a complex process that requires the participation of various anatomical structures that play an important role in the perception of sounds. However when there is an alteration in any of them, it causes hearing loss, which is common in older adults due to aging. Several studies confirm that the prevalence of hearing loss increases with age, causing negative impacts on communication, cognitively and on mood. For these reasons, this descriptive study details the hearings status of the older adult population through threshold tonal audiometry that provided information on the type of heating loss and the prevalence on hearing in the city on Macas, Objective: To determine the haring status of older adults at the Audifon Hearing Center in the period September 2024. February 2025. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out in the population aged 65 to 99 years who attend the Audifon Hearing Center by collecting data with a form, otoscopy and audiometry. The results were analyzed in SPSS version 22 software, using tables and percentages. Results: Of the 60 users evaluated the male sex predominated with 53.3% according to age range, 70- 74 years predominated with 28.3%. 26.7% of patients have high blood pressure and 11.7% have diabetes mellitus; these data allow us to know the hearing status of the city of Mcas. Conclusions; There is higher percentage of users with moderate bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.
Percepción de los docentes de la Coordinación Zonal N°6 sobre la tartamudez en el periodo 2024-2025
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-04-07) Velecela Coello, Kristhel Ariana; Argudo Guallpa, Juan Diego
Background: Stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by repetitions and prolongations of sounds or syllables and silent pauses called blocks. The support of all the people who are permanently in contact with the patient is significant during diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, teachers play an important role when dealing with a student who stutters; for this purpose, appropriate knowledge about this disorder is essential. Basic concepts, treatment, and strategies adopted in the classroom are some of the keys that teachers must be aware of when working with children with speech disorders. This study determined the perception of teachers from the Regional Coordinating Office 6, identifying the strengths and needs that they have in regard to this topic and suggesting new research areas related to strengthening or improving their intervention. Objective: To identify the perception of teachers of the schools of the Regional Coordinating Office 6 of the Ministry of Education Cuenca about stuttering, in 2024-2025. Methods: This is a descriptive, prospective, and non-experimental study. The study variable is the perception of the Regional Coordinating Office 6 of the Ministry of Education Cuenca. Quantitative research was conducted. A closed-ended questionnaire was used to measure the variable, which was adapted from previous research. The study was based on average stuttering frequency worldwide according to the WHO. Results: Out of 319 teachers, most of them were unaware of the subject in general: concept, treatment, and strategies adopted in the classroom; this means that there is poor management of this disorder.
Alteraciones auditivas en estudiantes de octavo semestre de la carrera de odontología de la Universidad Católica de Cuenca, periodo 2024 -2025
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-04-07) Acosta Gomez, Jessica Lisseth; Zhinin Solis, Dayanna Katherine; Quito Vidal, María Paz
Background: Hearing is the ability to perceive environmental sounds like the speech ones. Hearing loss is one of the disorders that causes the most complications in communication. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 5% of the population worldwide, that is, 430 million people, are hearing impaired. Hearing is altered by high intensity sounds; dentistry students are exposed to noise generated by dental equipment, which can exceed 85 decibels (dB), the limit established by the WHO. Objective: The objective of the research project was to determine hearing disorders in eighth semester students of the Dentistry major at the Catholic University of Cuenca, term 2024-2025. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Sample of 78 dentistry students from the Catholic University of Cuenca. The instruments used were the data collection form, otoscopy examinations, and pure tone audiometry tests. Noise in clinical spaces was measured using a sound level meter. Data were analyzed and interpreted using IBM SPSS 25. Results: Statistical analysis showed that 100% of dentistry students had normal bilateral hearing parameters, and 100% of students did not use ear protectors. Conclusions: Dentistry students had normal hearing parameters without hearing disorders.

Browse

Recent Submissions