Adaptação à prótese auditiva em usuários assistidos pelo Sistema Único de Saúde

PURPOSE: To evaluate the adaptation to hearing aids by users attended by the Brazilian public health system (SUS), and to propose educational actions, based on the users' needs. METHODS: Descriptive quantitative research, which evaluated 32 adults with hearing loss during the adaptation of hearing aids provided by the Unified Health System (SUS). Two structured questionnaires with closed questions were applied, and the data received descriptive analysis. RESULTS: Moderate limitations and restrictions were observed, as well as reduced time of daily use, limiting the benefit of amplification. Regarding use and handling, it was observed that 70.8% put on and take off the device by themselves, 79.2% take it off to bathe, 87.5% do not perform daily hygiene, and 37.5% have allergies or pain attributed to the use of the mold. CONCLUSION: Users present difficulties in the use and handling of hearing aids, which negatively influence their adaptation to it. Actions to promote hearing health are necessary, with the aim to minimize these difficulties and facilitate hearing aid adaptation.