RESUMO OBJETIVO Estimar a associação entre a autopercepção negativa da audição e a depressão em idosos do sul do Brasil. MÉTODOS Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com dados da terceira onda do estudo EpiFloripa Idoso 2017/19, de coorte de base populacional de idosos (60+). Participaram desta onda 1.335 idosos. A variável dependente foi a depressão autorreferida e a exposição principal foi a autopercepção auditiva (negativa; positiva). Tanto para a análise bruta (bivariada) quanto para a ajustada, a odds ratio (OR) foi utilizada como medida de associação e estimada por meio da análise de Regressão Logística Binária. A variável de exposição foi ajustada pelas covariáveis sociodemográficas e de saúde. Adotou-se o valor de p < 0,05 como estatisticamente significativo. RESULTADOS A prevalência da autopercepção negativa da audição e depressão foi de 26,0% e 21,8%, respectivamente. Na análise ajustada, idosos com autopercepção negativa da audição apresentaram 1,96 vezes mais chance de referirem depressão quando comparados aos idosos com autopercepção positiva da audição (p = 0,002). CONCLUSÃO A associação encontrada entre a autopercepção negativa auditiva e a depressão reflete a importância de rever as ações de atenção à saúde do idoso, incorporando questões relacionadas à audição para a garantia da atenção integral a esta parcela crescente da população.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the association between negative self-perception of hearing and depression in older adults in Southern Brazil. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study conducted with data from the third wave of the EpiFloripa Idoso 2017/19 study, a population-based cohort of older adults (60+). A total of 1,335 older adults participated in this wave. The dependent variable was self-reported depression, and the main exposure was self-perception of hearing (negative; positive). For both the crude (bivariate) and adjusted analysis, the odds ratio (OR) was used as a measure of association and estimated by means of binary logistic regression analysis. The exposure variable was adjusted by sociodemographic and health covariates. A p value < 0.05 was adopted as statistically significant. RESULTS The prevalence of negative self-perception of hearing and depression was 26.0% and 21.8%, respectively. In the adjusted analysis, the older adults with negative self-perception of hearing were 1.96 times more likely to report depression when compared to the ones with positive self-perception of hearing (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION The association between negative self-perception of hearing and depression reflects the importance of reviewing health care actions for older adults, incorporating hearing-related issues, to ensure comprehensive care for this growing segment of the population.

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a associação entre perda auditiva autorreferida e comprometimento cognitivo em idosos de uma cidade do sul do Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo transversal de coorte de base populacional com idosos. Os dados foram coletados na terceira onda do estudo EpiFloripa Idoso (2017/2019), realizado desde 2009 na cidade de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. A variável dependente comprometimento cognitivo foi analisada pelo Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM), sendo a principal variável de exposição a perda auditiva (autorreferida), incluída na coorte apenas na última onda. Foram realizadas análises de regressão logística levando em consideração o desenho do estudo e os pesos amostrais. Foram avaliados dados de 1.335 idosos. A prevalência de comprometimento cognitivo foi de 20,5% e de perda auditiva, 10,7%. Idosos com perda auditiva tem 2,66 (IC95%: 1,08-6,54) vezes mais chances de ter comprometimento cognitivo quando comparados a idosos sem perda auditiva. A associação encontrada entre perda auditiva e comprometimento cognitivo é um alerta quanto à necessidade de integrar a identificação precoce desses problemas na atenção primária, pois ambas as dimensões analisadas são fatores de risco para o envelhecimento saudável e potencialmente evitáveis e/ou tratáveis.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la asociación entre la pérdida auditiva autorreportada y el deterioro cognitivo en personas mayores de una ciudad del sur de Brasil. Se trata de un estudio transversal de cohorte de base poblacional con personas mayores. Los datos se recabaron de la tercera ola del estudio EpiFloripa Anciano (2017/2019), realizado desde 2009 en la ciudad de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. La variable dependiente deterioro cognitivo se analizó mediante el Miniexamen del Estado Mental (MEEM), y tuvo como principal variable de exposición la pérdida auditiva (autorreportada), incluida en la cohorte solo en la última ola. Se realizaron análisis de regresión logística teniendo en cuenta el diseño del estudio y los pesos de la muestra. Se evaluaron datos de 1.335 personas mayores. La prevalencia de deterioro cognitivo fue del 20,5%; y la de pérdida auditiva, del 10,7%. Las personas mayores con pérdida auditiva tienen 2,66 (IC95%: 1,08-6,54) veces más probabilidades de tener deterioro cognitivo en comparación con las personas mayores sin pérdida auditiva. La asociación encontrada entre pérdida auditiva y deterioro cognitivo llama la atención para la importancia de identificar precozmente estos problemas en la atención primaria, ya que ambas dimensiones analizadas son los factores de riesgo para un envejecimiento saludable y potencialmente prevenible y/o tratable.

This study aimed to investigate the association between self-reported hearing loss and cognitive impairment in older adults in a city in Southern Brazil. In this cross-sectional, population-based cohort study of older adults, data were collected in the third wave of the EpiFloripa Aging study (2017/2019), which had been performed since 2009 in the city of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State. Cognitive impairment was the dependent variable analyzed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and self-reported hearing loss, which was included in the cohort only in the last wave, was the main exposure variable. Logistic regression analyses were conducted, considering the study design and sample weights. Data from 1,335 older adults were evaluated. The prevalence was 20.5% for cognitive impairment and 10.7% for hearing loss. Older adults with hearing loss were 2.66 (95%CI: 1.08-6.54) times more likely to have cognitive impairment than older adults without hearing loss. The association between hearing loss and cognitive impairment highlights the need to integrate the early identification of these problems into primary care, as both are risk factors for healthy aging and potentially preventable and/or treatable conditions.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the association between negative self-perception of hearing and depression in older adults in Southern Brazil. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study conducted with data from the third wave of the EpiFloripa Idoso 2017/19 study, a population-based cohort of older adults (60+). A total of 1,335 older adults participated in this wave. The dependent variable was self-reported depression, and the main exposure was self-perception of hearing (negative; positive). For both the crude (bivariate) and adjusted analysis, the odds ratio (OR) was used as a measure of association and estimated by means of binary logistic regression analysis. The exposure variable was adjusted by sociodemographic and health covariates. A p value < 0.05 was adopted as statistically significant. RESULTS The prevalence of negative self-perception of hearing and depression was 26.0% and 21.8%, respectively. In the adjusted analysis, the older adults with negative self-perception of hearing were 1.96 times more likely to report depression when compared to the ones with positive self-perception of hearing (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION The association between negative self-perception of hearing and depression reflects the importance of reviewing health care actions for older adults, incorporating hearing-related issues, to ensure comprehensive care for this growing segment of the population.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Estimar a associação entre a autopercepção negativa da audição e a depressão em idosos do sul do Brasil. MÉTODOS Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com dados da terceira onda do estudo EpiFloripa Idoso 2017/19, de coorte de base populacional de idosos (60+). Participaram desta onda 1.335 idosos. A variável dependente foi a depressão autorreferida e a exposição principal foi a autopercepção auditiva (negativa; positiva). Tanto para a análise bruta (bivariada) quanto para a ajustada, a odds ratio (OR) foi utilizada como medida de associação e estimada por meio da análise de Regressão Logística Binária. A variável de exposição foi ajustada pelas covariáveis sociodemográficas e de saúde. Adotou-se o valor de p < 0,05 como estatisticamente significativo. RESULTADOS A prevalência da autopercepção negativa da audição e depressão foi de 26,0% e 21,8%, respectivamente. Na análise ajustada, idosos com autopercepção negativa da audição apresentaram 1,96 vezes mais chance de referirem depressão quando comparados aos idosos com autopercepção positiva da audição (p = 0,002). CONCLUSÃO A associação encontrada entre a autopercepção negativa auditiva e a depressão reflete a importância de rever as ações de atenção à saúde do idoso, incorporando questões relacionadas à audição para a garantia da atenção integral a esta parcela crescente da população.

This study aimed to investigate the association between self-reported hearing loss and cognitive impairment in older adults in a city in Southern Brazil. In this cross-sectional, population-based cohort study of older adults, data were collected in the third wave of the EpiFloripa Aging study (2017/2019), which had been performed since 2009 in the city of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State. Cognitive impairment was the dependent variable analyzed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and self-reported hearing loss, which was included in the cohort only in the last wave, was the main exposure variable. Logistic regression analyses were conducted, considering the study design and sample weights. Data from 1,335 older adults were evaluated. The prevalence was 20.5% for cognitive impairment and 10.7% for hearing loss. Older adults with hearing loss were 2.66 (95%CI: 1.08-6.54) times more likely to have cognitive impairment than older adults without hearing loss. The association between hearing loss and cognitive impairment highlights the need to integrate the early identification of these problems into primary care, as both are risk factors for healthy aging and potentially preventable and/or treatable conditions.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la asociación entre la pérdida auditiva autorreportada y el deterioro cognitivo en personas mayores de una ciudad del sur de Brasil. Se trata de un estudio transversal de cohorte de base poblacional con personas mayores. Los datos se recabaron de la tercera ola del estudio EpiFloripa Anciano (2017/2019), realizado desde 2009 en la ciudad de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. La variable dependiente deterioro cognitivo se analizó mediante el Miniexamen del Estado Mental (MEEM), y tuvo como principal variable de exposición la pérdida auditiva (autorreportada), incluida en la cohorte solo en la última ola. Se realizaron análisis de regresión logística teniendo en cuenta el diseño del estudio y los pesos de la muestra. Se evaluaron datos de 1.335 personas mayores. La prevalencia de deterioro cognitivo fue del 20,5%; y la de pérdida auditiva, del 10,7%. Las personas mayores con pérdida auditiva tienen 2,66 (IC95%: 1,08-6,54) veces más probabilidades de tener deterioro cognitivo en comparación con las personas mayores sin pérdida auditiva. La asociación encontrada entre pérdida auditiva y deterioro cognitivo llama la atención para la importancia de identificar precozmente estos problemas en la atención primaria, ya que ambas dimensiones analizadas son los factores de riesgo para un envejecimiento saludable y potencialmente prevenible y/o tratable.

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a associação entre perda auditiva autorreferida e comprometimento cognitivo em idosos de uma cidade do sul do Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo transversal de coorte de base populacional com idosos. Os dados foram coletados na terceira onda do estudo EpiFloripa Idoso (2017/2019), realizado desde 2009 na cidade de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. A variável dependente comprometimento cognitivo foi analisada pelo Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM), sendo a principal variável de exposição a perda auditiva (autorreferida), incluída na coorte apenas na última onda. Foram realizadas análises de regressão logística levando em consideração o desenho do estudo e os pesos amostrais. Foram avaliados dados de 1.335 idosos. A prevalência de comprometimento cognitivo foi de 20,5% e de perda auditiva, 10,7%. Idosos com perda auditiva tem 2,66 (IC95%: 1,08-6,54) vezes mais chances de ter comprometimento cognitivo quando comparados a idosos sem perda auditiva. A associação encontrada entre perda auditiva e comprometimento cognitivo é um alerta quanto à necessidade de integrar a identificação precoce desses problemas na atenção primária, pois ambas as dimensões analisadas são fatores de risco para o envelhecimento saudável e potencialmente evitáveis e/ou tratáveis.

Abstract Objective: To estimate the association between congenital syphilis and neonatal hearing screening failure in the state of Santa Catarina between 2017 and 2019. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, retrospective, analytical study with secondary data of neonates from the state of Santa Catarina born between January 2017 and December 2019. We used logistic regression analysis to estimate the association between the main exposure (congenital syphilis) and the study outcome (failure in the Neonatal Hearing Screening). Results: The study included 21,434 newborns evaluated in a Brazilian hearing health care service. A total of 351 (1.6%) newborns failed the Neonatal Hearing Screening, and 364 (1.7%) had congenital syphilis. In the adjusted analysis, newborns with congenital syphilis were 3.25 times as likely to fail the Neonatal Hearing Screening as neonates without this disease (95% CI: 2.01; 5.26). As for maternal age, the sample had a higher prevalence (53.5%) of mothers aged 20–29 years. Conclusion: There was an association between congenital syphilis and failure in Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening in the sample studied. There is a need for investments in public policies to value and strengthen the hearing screening program in the state to provide early diagnosis and intervention. Level of evidence: 5

Resumo Introdução Os quimioterápicos à base de cisplatina desempenham papel importante no tratamento do câncer em diversos níveis e são os agentes ototóxicos mais citados quando analisadas evidências científicas. Objetivo Apresentar evidências científicas com base em revisão sistemática da literatura (PRISMA), com o intuito de sistematizar informações sobre os efeitos ototóxicos do uso de medicamentos antineoplásicos. Método Para a seleção dos estudos foi usada a combinação baseada no Medical Subject Heading Terms (MeSH). Foram usadas as bases de dados Medline (Pubmed), Lilacs, SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science e Bireme, sem restrição de idioma, período e localização. Foi feita avaliação da qualidade dos artigos, na qual se incluíam artigos com nota mínima 6 na escala modificada da literatura. Os desenhos dos estudos selecionados foram do tipo descritivo, coorte e transversal, os quais estavam relacionados com o objetivo da pesquisa. Resultados Três artigos foram admitidos para esta revisão sistemática. A ototoxicidade causada pela cisplatina isoladamente variou de 45% a 83,3%, enquanto a causada pelo uso associado com a carboplatina variou de 16,6% a 75%. Verificou-se uma variação significativa nas doses cumulativas desses antineoplásicos, tanto no uso isolado quanto em combinação. Alterações auditivas, principalmente em altas frequências, foram evidenciadas após finalização do tratamento. Conclusão Alterações auditivas após o uso de medicamentos antineoplásicos à base de platina foram constatadas, porém verificou-se uma importante heterogeneidade quanto à frequência da ototoxicidade e a dose cumulativa das drogas usadas.

Abstract Introduction Platinum-based chemotherapeutics play an important role in the treatment of cancer at different levels and are the most cited ototoxic agents when scientific evidence is analyzed. Objective To present scientific evidence based on a systematic literature review, PRISMA, in order to systematize information on the ototoxic effects of using antineoplastic drugs. Methods For the selection of studies, the combination based on the Medical Subject Heading Terms (MeSH) was used. The Medline (Pubmed), LILACS, SciELO, SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE and BIREME databases were used, without restriction of language, period, and location. Evaluation of the quality of the articles was carried out, which included articles with a minimum score of 6 in the modified scale of the literature. The designs of the selected studies were descriptive, cohort, and cross-sectional, which were related to the research objective. Results Three articles were included in this systematic review. The ototoxicity caused by cisplatin alone varied from 45% to 83.3%, while that caused by the use associated with carboplatin varied from 16.6% to 75%. There was a significant variation in the cumulative doses of these antineoplastic agents, both in isolated and in combination. Auditory changes, especially at high frequencies, were evident after completion of treatment. Conclusion Auditory changes after the use of platinum-based antineoplastic drugs were found, however, there was an important heterogeneity regarding the frequency of ototoxicity and the cumulative dose of the drugs used.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Spreader and super-spreader are terms that refer to people who have greater potential for disease transmission, to infect other people. OBJECTIVE: To present scientific evidence regarding the impact of COVID-19 spreaders. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review of the literature (using the PRISMA framework), performed at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis (SC), Brazil. METHODS: A search for articles was carried out in the SciELO, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus, Bireme and Web of Science databases. A search for gray literature was also conducted via Google Scholar. There was no restriction regarding place or language, and the search covered the period from January 2010 to August 2020. Studies were selected based on a combination of descriptors from the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). RESULTS: Isolated cases of people diagnosed with COVID-19 who were classified as super-spreaders were found. They had been classified thus because they may have had greater potential for infecting other individuals. However, greater numbers of interventions are needed in order to identify and manage COVID-19 cases. There is little evidence regarding this detection, which further hinders recognition and understanding of super-spreading events. CONCLUSION: The scientific community needs greater depth of evaluation and understanding of how these patients physiologically develop the ability to propagate COVID-19 more intensely. A simpler way of tracking them is also necessary, given that many infected people are asymptomatic. Many patients also have mild symptoms, suggesting that these individuals could also be classified as possible COVID-19 spreaders. PROSPERO Number: ID 217874 (submitted for publication and is being assessed by the editorial team).

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES: Although research in relation to new vaccines for the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), is ongoing, it has been reported that medical teams are also considering the use of antiviral drugs in patients in order to verify their effectiveness when infection signs and symptoms present, mainly in stages one and two of the disease. METHODS: For the selection of studies, the combination based on the Medical Subject Heading Terms (MeSH) was used, and the databases Medline (Pubmed), LILACS, SciELO, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and BIREME were searched. The search period for articles consisted of manuscripts published between January 2010 and July 2020 without language and localization restrictions. RESULTS: Initially, 20 articles were selected and then reduced to 19 after exclusion based on repetititve articles. Titles and abstracts were analyzed, and 14 articles were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria and did not answer the guiding question. Studies show that patients receiving certain medications in the initial stages (one and two) indicate a reversal of complications during hospitalization or often do not require hospitalization in addition to being discharged in a shorter period of time. CONCLUSION: Studies have reported that effective drugs for treating COVID-19 exist. In addition, this study emphasizes the importance of performing therapeutic interventions in the initial stages of infection aimed at reversing the disease and minimizing public health costs.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To verify the scientific evidence on the association between Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Central Auditory Processing Disorder in children, aiming to answer the following research question: What is the association between Autistic Spectrum and Alteration of Auditory Processing in Children? METHODS: Studies were chosen through the combination based on the Medical Subject Heading Terms (MeSH): [(auditory processing) and (children) and (autism) and (neurological disorders)]. The MEDLINE (PubMed), LILACS, and SciELO databases were used. The analyzed papers covered a ten-year period, from 2010 to 2020. We selected descriptive, cross-sectional, cohort, and case studies. We evaluated the quality of the papers, which had a minimum score of six in the modified scale of the literature. RESULTS: 126 papers were retrieved after the exclusion phase, and 17 of them followed the inclusion criteria. Only two papers answered the guiding question with audiological results. CONCLUSIONS: Patients diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder may have disturbance central auditory processing, considering that changes were found both in absolute and interpeak latencies in the brainstem evoked response audiometry, as well as in latency and laterality of the N1c wave amplitude. In addition, there were changes in the assessment behavioral auditory processing. Thus, disturbance central auditory processing is common in children with autistic spectrum disorder.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To present scientific evidence based on a systematic review of the literature (PRISMA), aiming to systematize evidence of the ototoxic effects of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). METHODS The studies were selected using a combination based on the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). The databases searched were MEDLINE (PubMed), LILACS, SciELO, and BIREME, encompassing articles from January 2010 to May 2020, with no restrictions of language and place of publication. RESULTS A total of 148 articles with the potential to be included were retrieved. Of these, two answered the research question, which consisted of seeking evidence of the ototoxic effects of hydroxychloroquine. These studies scored 11 in their quality assessment with the modified protocol by Pithon et al.13. CONCLUSIONS The studies reported possible ototoxicity of HCQ. Audiovestibular changes, such as hearing loss, peripheral vestibular syndrome, and tinnitus were evidenced in patients submitted to HCQ. The improvement in the audiological examinations and the regression in the vestibular syndrome after stopping the treatment with HCQ are strong arguments in favor of the ototoxicity caused by this medication. However, there are still divergences about the relationship between ototoxic effects and the use of HCQ.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To present scientific evidence based on a systematic review of the literature (PRISMA) to systematize information on smell and taste alterations in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. METHODS: The studies were selected through combinations based on the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). The MEDLINE (PubMed), LILACS, SciELO, and BIREME databases were used. The search encompassed articles published from January 2010 to May 2020, with no restriction of language or localization. RESULTS: A total of 665 retrieved articles had the potential for inclusion. Of these, two answered the research question, which was to verify the smell and taste alterations in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. CONCLUSION: The results found in this review demonstrated that there likely is an association between self-reported smell and taste dysfunctions and COVID-19 infection in such patients.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Apresentar evidências científicas com base em revisão sistemática da literatura (Prisma) avaliando a associação da Doença de Kawasaki (DK) e COVID-19 em crianças. MÉTODOS Para a seleção dos estudos foi utilizada a combinação baseada no Medical Subject Heading Terms (MeSH). Foram utilizadas as bases de dados Medline (PubMed), Lilacs, SciELO, Cochrane e Bireme.O período de busca dos artigos compreendeu os últimos dez anos (2010 a 2020). RESULTADOS Foram recuperados 840 artigos com potencial de inclusão, sendo que um respondeu aos critérios de inclusão e à pergunta norteadora que consistiu em avaliar a associação da Doença de Kawasaki e COVID-19 em crianças. CONCLUSÃO Um aumento significativo na incidência de doenças do tipo Kawasaki após o início da epidemia já foi relatado, sugerindo a associação entre a epidemia de COVID-19 e a elevada incidência de uma forma grave da DK. Contudo, mais estudos são necessários para conduzir a investigação da associação entre essas duas doenças.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To present scientific evidence based on a systematic literature review (PRISMA) evaluating the association of Kawasaki Disease (DK) and COVID-19 in children. METHODS For the selection of studies, a combination based on the Medical Subject Heading Terms (MeSH) was used. The Medline (Pubmed), LILACS, SciELO, COCHRANE, and BIREME databases were used. The search period for the articles comprised the last 10 years (2010 to 2020). RESULTS 840 articles with potential for inclusion were retrieved, one of which met the inclusion criteria and the guiding question that consisted of evaluating the association of Kawasaki disease and COVID-19 in children. CONCLUSION A significant increase in the incidence of Kawasaki-type diseases after the onset of the epidemic has been reported, suggesting an association between the COVID-19 epidemic and the high incidence of a severe form of KD. However, further studies are needed to conduct an investigation of the association between these two diseases.

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar as percepções e práticas dos Agentes Comunitários de Saúde (ACS) relacionadas às questões fonoaudiológicas, visando integralidade da atenção ao idoso. Método Trata-se de um estudo transversal, descritivo e com realização de inquérito com ACS do município de Florianópolis. Foram abordadas questões referentes às orientações realizadas pelos ACS durante as visitas domiciliares voltadas à promoção da saúde do idoso, que envolviam aspectos fonoaudiológicos (audição, disfagia e voz). Os resultados foram analisados através do programa STATA 11.0. Resultados Participaram desta pesquisa 187 ACS. Dos participantes, 88,24% afirmaram nunca ter recebido capacitação de um profissional da fonoaudiologia. A grande maioria (84,41%) orienta os idosos quanto a questões auditivas, seguidas da disfagia (57,84%) e voz (56,99%). Quanto à capacitação do Programa Capital Idoso, apenas 46,77% referiram ter recebido. Foi encontrada associação entre os ACS do Distrito Sanitário (DS) Norte e maiores relatos quanto a orientações gerais sobre aspectos fonoaudiológicos e maior percepção relacionada a questões auditivas. Conclusão É necessário investir constantemente na formação dos ACS, bem como na capacitação deles por um fonoaudiólogo. A formação destes é de suma importância para o desenvolvimento de um trabalho cada vez mais resolutivo junto à comunidade.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the perceptions and practices of Community Health Agents (CHAs) related to speech and language pathology issues, aiming at completeness of attention to the elderly. Methods The present work is a transversal and descriptive study, in which questionaries made to the CHAs in the city of Florianópolis were employed. The approach consisted in analysing recommendations given by the CHAs during house attendances for Elderly Health Promotion. Guidance on aspects such as hearing impairment, dysphagia and speech disorders were embraced. The results were analysed with STATA 11.0 program. Results 187 CHAs participated in this study. 88.24% claimed that never received adequate training from a speech therapist. The great majority (84.41%) give guidance to elderly people on hearing impairment, followed by dysphagia (57.84%) and speech disorders (56.99%). Concerning the training provided by Capital Idoso Program, only 46.77% declared to receive. Furthermore, it was found an association linking the Northern Sanitary District’s CHAs to a better perception over hearing impairment and a growing number of reports related to general guidance over the analysed aspects. Conclusion It becomes necessary to provide adequate orientation for CHAs, as well as training by qualified speech therapists. This tutoring represents a matter of great importance in order to achieve a more effective work along with the community.