Auditory training in auditory processing disorders (APD)

Auditory processing disorders (APD) are characterized by a reduction in the efficiency of auditory processing, which results in a deficit in identifying and interpreting sounds by the brain. In 2017, auditory processing disorders were awarded an individual diagnostic code. Symptoms that indicate the presence of auditory processing disorders are numerous and non-specific. The primary symptom of impaired auditory processing is difficulty understanding speech in noise. This disorder affects about 5-7% of children. Most often, the result of at least two tests included in the set is considered to be the determinant which constitutes the basis for the diagnosis of disorders. In the diagnostic and therapeutic process of children with auditory processing disorders, the correct diagnosis is of key importance, thanks to which it will be possible to conduct an appropriate treatment. All therapeutic methods, tasks activating auditory perception and language skills should be selected reliably, individually for each participant of the therapy. The use of the so-called auditory training during corrective-compensatory and speech therapy classes in children with central auditory processing disorders should be the standard. It is the main method of treating children with central hearing impairment. Auditory training includes auditory education based on stimulating child’s auditory predispositions and on developing the ability to use them in order to gain better orientation in the environment. At present, therapists in Poland may use various types of therapeutic interactions that have a positive impact on the development of a child’s hearing skills. The aim of the work is to discuss auditory training and to present speech therapy exercises helpful in the therapeutic process of children with auditory processing disorders.

Noise and hearing disorders

Hearing is one of the most important human senses. It is highly sensitive to any acoustic stimuli – some of them may be harmful. Hearing damage caused by noise is becoming more common these days. It affects not only adults, but also adolescents and children. It is often irreversible and may arise as a result of a single exposure to noise or during long-term occupational exposure. Noise has a strong impact on the hearing organ. It is a dangerous stimulus that damages external hair cells. Its effect may be caused by both long-term and short-term exposure. To prevent noise-induced hearing impairment, it is necessary to avoid loud acoustic stimuli. Noise is ubiquitous and sometimes we do not realize how harmful it is to our hearing. People of all ages are exposed to hearing loss caused by noise. In order to avoid or reduce the effects of noise, one should follow preventive recommendations. Noise has a huge impact on the quality of our hearing.

The effectiveness of prevention of occlusal disorders in dental caries

Introduction. Under the concept of occlusion, we understand the harmony between the dental arches, TMJ and neuromuscular system (masticatory muscles). Occlusal contacts play an important role in ensuring physiological occlusion. Dental caries is one of the main reason of occlusal disorders. In economically developed countries, it affects 95-98% of the population. Carious process causes changes in location of occlusal contact points, which is the reason of atypical mandibular movements. As a consequence, tooth overload and occlusal trauma are observed. Aim. The purpose of our research is a prevention of occlusal disorders by the method of composite restoration of affected occlusal surfaces considering functional anatomy with father checking of occlusal relationships with the help of computerized system T-Scan Novus. Material and methods. For this we have chosen 90 first-/second-/third-year students of Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University at the age of 17-20, who were the citizens of the regions with low level of fluoride. Half of them had carious lesion of first molars, another 45 students had first molars, which were restored without principle of occlusion. Treatment was carried out by methods of direct and indirect restoration of occlusal surfaces taking into account the functional anatomy. Results. The article contains the results of redistribution of occlusal contact in first molar with carious lesion (decrease in the occlusal load on the affected tooth, occurrence of overload on the tooth with larger area of chewing (occlusal surface) and restoration of first molar without taking into account the principles of functional anatomy (occurrence of occlusal interferences directly on it). Further restorations of chewing surfaces of first molars considering the occlusal determinants led to an even distribution of the occlusal force on the molars. Conclusions. The obtained results of our study demonstrate the effectiveness of created treatment and prevention complex.

Legal aspects of national healthcare service in Cuba

In the Republic of Cuba, the last remaining socialist state in the world, medical care was always considered a human right for all citizens. Cuba’s health policy underlines primary health care along prevention, and the participation of citizens and services in the community, and such policies lead tow working fairly well health system. The Cuban experience demonstrates properly working policymaking on the provision of medical care. Although there is large body of literature on health care in Cuba, still the topic of constitutional patient’s rights to medical care is not fully explored. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to show how Cuba’s medical care system has been developed by focusing on human well-being versus financial gains.

Features of the structural and functional state of bone tissue in patients with generalized periodontitis who live in different anthropogenically loaded areas

Introduction. A research was conducted of the features of the structural and functional state of bone tissue in patients with generalized periodontitis with rheumatoid arthritis who live in different anthropogenically loaded areas. Aim. The aim of the research is to assess the bone tissue mineral density according to the indicators of densitometric researches and the level of a marker of bone metabolism in generalized periodontitis of I and II degree of severity. Material and methods. We examined 105 patients with GP of the I and II degree of severity, among whom were patients with rheumatoid arthritis who live in environmentally favorable and unfavorable areas. Peculiarities of the structural and functional state of bone tissue were assessed using an ultrasonic densitometer Sunlight Mini Omni TM and the level of a marker of bone tissue resorption of deoxypyridinoline in urine. Results. Patients with generalized periodontitis with rheumatoid arthritis who live in environmentally unfavorable areas, found the largest number of people with signs of osteopenia, osteoporosis and elevated levels of deoxypyridinoline. In particular, in generalized periodontitis of the II degree of severity with osteopenia – 14 people (48.27%), with osteoporosis – 9 people (31%), the level of deoxypyridinoline determined in women was 12.03 ± 0.16 n/mol, which in 2.2 times significantly higher than the group of healthy (p < 0.001). Conclusions. According to densitometric parameters and the level of deoxypyridinoline in the urine, the acceleration of bone tissue resorption in patients with generalized periodontitis of the II degree of severity with rheumatoid arthritis who live in environmentally unfavorable areas was established.

Jehovah’s Witnesses, blood transfusions and judicial decision

Every patient has the right and capacity to decide on accepting medical treatment, even if a refusal might risk permanent injury to his/her health or even lead to premature death, and regardless of whether the reasons for the refusal were rational or irrational, unknown or even non-existent, if a patient’s capacity to make a decision had been overborne by the undue influence of others, it is the duty of the doctors to treat her/him in whatever way they considered, in the exercise of their clinical judgement, to be in his best interests. The dangerous practice of denial of therapy for various religious reasons affects almost all religious sects and, to a small extent, other religious groups. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that accepting foreign blood blocks the way to salvation. They only agree to provide a medical service with the use of non-blood products. Therefore, treatment of such a patient can be extremely difficult for doctors. In other words, the arise is whether the rights of a mother refusing to have treatment can prevail against those of her unborn child, whereas potential limit to the absolute right of a competent adult to accept or reject treatment was recognized by English and American courts.

Voice disorders as a result of psychological disturbances

Voice is a work tool for many professional groups. For children, the ability to communicate plays a fundamental role in learning, developing and exploring the world. Taking appropriate therapeutic measures may give the patient a chance to achieve success in social communication, and thus in the school community or workplace. Voice efficiency and quality reflect human health problems both in the somatic and mental spheres, therefore it is very important to include psychological therapy in patients with psychogenic voice and speech disorders.

Alternative communications in severe hearing loss and deafness

Introduction. The essence of the communication process is the exchange of thoughts and sharing knowledge on a specific topic. Sign language is recognized as a full-fledged way of communication, not just a collection of signs used for communication. In accordance with the Act on Sign Language and Other Means of Communication, Polish Sign Language (PJM) is defined as a visual-spatial form of communication. Aim. The aim of the study was to present sign language as a communication tool for speech therapists. Material and methods. The study included 90 graduates of Speech Therapy and Phonoaudiology. Original questionnaire was used to collect information on the forms of using sign language and the methods of developing and applying the ability to communicate in sign language. Results. The analysis of the results shows that over 22% of the respondents use sign language on everyday basis. The most frequently reported emotional state related to the use of sign language was uncertainty (79%), other responses were fear and anxiety (37%), joy (11%) and calmness (5%) as well as confusion (5%). Additionally, 5% of respondents stated that in a given situation they felt no particular emotions. Conclusions. It has been shown that stress is a factor present in the majority of respondents when transmitting and receiving messages in sign language.