STAPEDIAL REFLEX IN PATIENTS WITH FACIAL PARALYSIS BEFORE AND AFTER PHONOAUDIOLOGICAL INTERVENTION

Abstract

Objective: To compare the stapedial reflex characteristics in patients with facial paralysis after bucomaxilofacial diagnosis and phonoaudiological therapy. Material Method: Five people participated in the study. They were submitted to an audiometry exam, and after normal hearing confirmation, to an imitanciometry (timpanometry and stapedial reflex). Subsequently to the exams, the subjects were submitted to phonoaudiological therapy, and then submitted to a new imitanciometry to be compared with the first exam results. Results: Previously to the phonoaudiological therapy, it was verified absence of stapedial reflex in the frequencies 500; 1,000; 2,000 and 4,000Hz in all subjects. After the phonoaudiological therapy, it was verified a stapedial reflex return in four people. Conclusions: The phonoaudiological therapy possibly promoted the return of normal stapedial reflex physiology, initially in 500Hz frequency, extending to 1,000Hz. The imitanciometry, revealing that return, may provide important information to the phonoaudiologist related to the therapeutic planning of people with facial paralysis. DESCRIPTORS Facial Paralysis. Stapedius. Myofunctional Therapy.