Espectroscopia de luz infra-vermelho próximo com estímulos de fala em adultos e escolares normo-ouvintes

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: With the advancement of neuroscience, several neuroimaging methods are used to capture an individual's brain activity. Among the methods used, Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) stands out due to its good spatial resolution, portability and tolerance to slight movements. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the cerebral hemodynamics of adults and schoolchildren from the passive condition of listening to speech stimuli. METHODOLOGY: Cross-sectional, prospective and analytical study approved by CEP/HUOL (n.5.389.138). The sample consisted of 27 subjects, 11 schoolchildren and 16 adults with previous procedures that indicated normal hearing. fNIRS was performed with the optodes positioned in the temporal lobe and headphones inserted with the /ba/ and /da/ stimuli. Data analysis and treatment were performed through Google Colaboratory with the MNE-Python programming language. Inferential statistics were used according to the normal distribution of the data, adopting a significance level of 5%. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: It was observed that the cerebral hemodynamics for the stimuli /ba/ and /da/ are similar between adults and schoolchildren, except in the posterior left temporal lobe for /ba/. This finding may be linked to the development of the auditory pathway and better speech intelligibility. The /ba/ stimulus generated greater brain activation compared to /da/ in both groups. CONCLUSION: Therefore, it was possible to conclude that the segregation of the hemispheres demonstrates the refinement of auditory and cognitive abilities during the transition from childhood to adulthood.