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Journal of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck... Nov 2019There is evidence to suggest that rates of hearing loss are increasing more rapidly than the capacity of traditional audiometry resources for screening. A novel...
BACKGROUND
There is evidence to suggest that rates of hearing loss are increasing more rapidly than the capacity of traditional audiometry resources for screening. A novel innovation in tablet, self-administered portable audiometry has been proposed as a solution to this discordance. The primary objective of this study was to validate a tablet audiometer with adult patients in a clinical setting. Secondarily, word recognition with a tablet audiometer was compared against conventional audiometry.
METHODS
Three distinct prospective adult cohorts underwent testing. In group 1 and group 2 testing with the automated tablet audiometer was compared to standard sound booth audiometry. In Group 1, participants' pure tone thresholds were measured with an automated tablet audiometer in a quiet clinic exam room. In Group 2, participants completed monosyllabic word recognition testing using the NU-6 word lists. In Group 3, internal reliability was tested by having participants perform two automated tablet audiometric evaluation in sequence.
RESULTS
Group 1 included 40 patients mean age was 54.7 ± 18.4 years old and 60% female; Group 2 included 44 participants mean age was 55.2 ± 14.8 years old and 68.2% female; Group 3 included 40 participants with mean age of 39.4 + 15.9 years old and 60.5% female. In Group 1, compared to standard audiometry, 95.7% (95% CI: 92.6-98.9%) of thresholds were within 10 dB. In Group 2, comparing word recognition results, 96.2% (95% CI: 89.5-98.7%) were clinically equivalent and within a critical difference range. In Group 3, One-way Intraclass Correlation for agreement for the both left- and right-ear pure tone average was 0.98. The mean difference between repeat assessments was 0 (SD = 2.1) in the left ear, and 0.1 (SD = 1.1) in the right ear.
CONCLUSION
Puretone audiometry and word recognition testing appears valid when performed by non-healthcare experts using a tablet audiometer outside a sound booth in a quiet environment.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02761798. Registered April, 2016 < https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02761798>.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Audiometry; Computers, Handheld; Female; Hearing Loss; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Reproducibility of Results; Self Care; Young Adult
PubMed: 31699157
DOI: 10.1186/s40463-019-0385-0 -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal Sep 2022To evaluate the relationship between the loss of the cochleovestibular functions in Ménière's disease (MD).
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the relationship between the loss of the cochleovestibular functions in Ménière's disease (MD).
METHODS
Forty-three patients with definite MD underwent pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and caloric test. Canal paresis (CP%), dPTA (interaural difference), and average PTA results were contrasted. IBM SPSS V24 was used for statistical analysis.
RESULTS
According to PTA, most patients were in stage C, and caloric weakness was found in 29 patients. Linear ( = 0.06) and nonlinear correlation tests (rho = 0.245, = .113) between canal paresis (CP%) and dPTA showed no correlation, as well as between CP% and PTA analysis ( = 0.007, rho = 0.11, = .481). As per the categorial analysis, no correlation was detected between the groups either (κ = 0.174, 95% CI: 0.0883 - 0.431). Based on the results of the analysis, it was concluded that a more advanced stage determined by audiometry does not indicate increasing values in the CP% parameter.
CONCLUSIONS
Audiometric changes do not directly correspond with the vestibular ones; therefore, no specific correlation exists between them. Thus, for therapy planning and diagnosis, both tests are necessary.
Topics: Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Caloric Tests; Humans; Meniere Disease; Paresis; Vestibule, Labyrinth
PubMed: 33124933
DOI: 10.1177/0145561320969448 -
CoDAS 2022To compare the air-conduction hearing thresholds obtained with different acoustic transducers and verify the users' preferences regarding them. (Observational Study)
Observational Study
PURPOSE
To compare the air-conduction hearing thresholds obtained with different acoustic transducers and verify the users' preferences regarding them.
METHODS
This is a cross-sectional, analytical, observational study with 26 participants aged 18 to 30 years, with normal hearing and no history of exposure to high sound pressure levels or complaints of tinnitus at the time of the assessment. We surveyed their medical history and performed meatoscopy, pure-tone threshold audiometry, speech audiometry, and acoustic immittance. The auditory thresholds were surveyed twice, each time with a different type of acoustic transducer: insert (E-A-RTONE) and circumaural earphones (HDA200). The assessments were performed in a random order, with 5-minute intervals. In the end, we asked the participants which earphones they found more comfortable in the tests. The data were submitted to nonparametric statistical analysis.
RESULTS
Assessing the medians in the auditory threshold survey, the circumaural earphones obtained better results at 250, 500, 2000, and 6000 Hz, while the insert earphones were better at 3000 and 4000 Hz; there were no statistical differences at 1000 and 8000 Hz. The circumaural was elected the most comfortable earphone.
CONCLUSION
The circumaural earphones had better auditory thresholds at 250, 500, 2000, and 6000 Hz than the insert earphones and were reported by the patients as the most comfortable type of transducer.
Topics: Acoustics; Audiometry; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Auditory Threshold; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Transducers
PubMed: 35019084
DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20212021019 -
Developmental Neuroscience 2023The aim of the study was to investigate three aspects of auditory function (auditory acuity, cochlear dysfunction, and auditory processing) in adolescents with fetal...
The aim of the study was to investigate three aspects of auditory function (auditory acuity, cochlear dysfunction, and auditory processing) in adolescents with fetal alcohol exposure without phenotypic changes. Fifty-one adolescents with and without intrauterine exposure to alcohol were selected from a cohort study. The summons, evaluation, and analysis of the results were carried out blindly regarding the respective exposure to alcohol. The auditory tests were pure-tone audiometry, transient otoacoustic emissions, and behavioral assessment of auditory processing (speech-in-noise, dichotic digits, and gap-in-noise). After testing, 45 adolescents were included in the evaluation and were divided into exposed (n = 22) and non-exposed (n = 23) groups. Hearing loss was identified in one subject in the exposed group (4.5%). In the absence of hearing loss, there were no significant differences in tonal thresholds or in the magnitudes of the sensory (cochlear) responses between groups (p > 0.05). There was also no difference between the two groups regarding performance on the processing tests (speech-in-noise p = 0.71, dichotic p = 0.94, and gap-in-noise p = 0.33). However, the exposed group had more cases of hearing disorders (hearing loss plus auditory processing disorders) than the non-exposed group (22.7% vs. 4.3%).
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Adolescent; Cohort Studies; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Noise; Hearing Loss; Audiometry, Pure-Tone
PubMed: 36580902
DOI: 10.1159/000528846 -
Advances in Clinical and Experimental... 2016It is estimated that pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) occurs in 10-20% of the general population over 60 years of age, and its morbidity increases with age. Some...
BACKGROUND
It is estimated that pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) occurs in 10-20% of the general population over 60 years of age, and its morbidity increases with age. Some research indicates that PEX may be a systemic disease. Some experts state that it can also lead to ear dysfunction.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence and type of hearing disorders in patients with PEX.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The study included 51 patients (102 eyes) hospitalized in Wroclaw Medical University Hospital's Department of Ophthalmology and scheduled for cataract surgery in 2012-2014. Among these patients (whose age ranged from 55 to 92), 28 had PEX and 23 served as a control group. Both groups underwent ophtalmic examinations as well as ENT inspection and audiological tests (tonal audiometry, impedance audiometry, distortion product otoacoustic emission tests [DPOAE] and auditory brainstem response tests [ABR]).
RESULTS
A statistically significant increase in the threshold of hearing in pure-tone audiometry was observed in PEX group for 2 kHz. In impedance audiometry tests, the stapedius reflex was identified in a greater proportion of patients in the PEX group than in the control group in all frequency ranges. There was no difference between the PEX groups and the control group in the results of the DPOAE and ABR tests.
CONCLUSIONS
PEX can be a systemic disease that affects the functioning of the inner ear causing sensorineural hearing impairment. The increased hearing threshold in pure-tone audiometry of the patients with PEX affects the speech range (mainly the frequency of 2 kHz). Impedance audiometry and pure-tone audiometry appeared useful in audiological diagnostics of patients with PEX.
Topics: Acoustic Impedance Tests; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Auditory Threshold; Case-Control Studies; Exfoliation Syndrome; Female; Hearing; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Reflex
PubMed: 28028976
DOI: 10.17219/acem/62919 -
Ear and Hearing 2021To describe the impact of effusion volume, viscosity, and purulence on the audiologic profiles of children with otitis media with effusion.
OBJECTIVES
To describe the impact of effusion volume, viscosity, and purulence on the audiologic profiles of children with otitis media with effusion.
DESIGN
Fifty-one ears from children between the ages of 8 months and 11 years who had a diagnosis of otitis media with effusion and were scheduled for tympanostomy tube placement were recruited from medical clinics. The control group consisted of 17 ears from children between the ages of 10 months and 11 years without a recent history of otitis media and were recruited from a database of research volunteers. Participants received a comprehensive audiologic testing battery consisting of tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions, behavioral audiometric thresholds, and auditory brainstem response testing. For children with otitis media, this testing battery occurred 1 to 2 days before surgery. Middle ear effusions were characterized and collected on the day of surgery during tympanostomy tube placement from ears with otitis media with effusion. The comprehensive audiologic testing battery was completed postoperatively as well for most participants.
RESULTS
Effusion volume, categorized in each ear as clear, partial, or full, effected the audiologic results. Ears with full effusions had moderate hearing losses, few to no measurable otoacoustic emissions, and delayed Wave V latencies. Ears with partial effusions and clear ears both had slight to mild hearing losses and normal Wave V latencies, though ears with partial effusions had fewer measurable otoacoustic emissions than clear ears. Normal-hearing control ears with no recent history of otitis media with effusion demonstrated normal audiometric thresholds, present otoacoustic emissions, and normal Wave V latencies. Repeat postoperative testing demonstrated improvements in audiologic testing results for all of the otitis media with effusion volume groups, with no significant differences remaining between the three otitis media with effusion groups. However, significant differences between otitis media with effusion ears and normal-hearing control ears persisted postoperatively, with otitis media with effusion ears demonstrating significantly poorer audiometric thresholds and reduced otoacoustic emissions as compared to normal control ears. The effect of effusion viscosity and purulence could not be systematically evaluated because minimal variability in effusion viscosity and purulence was observed in our sample, with nearly all effusions being mucoid and nonpurulent.
CONCLUSIONS
Effusion volume observed at the time of tympanostomy tube surgery was found to play a significant role in outcomes and responses on a range of audiologic tests that compose the standard clinical pediatric audiologic assessment battery. Full middle ear effusions were associated with a moderate hearing loss, and few to no measurable otoacoustic emissions were detected. Ears with a recent diagnosis of otitis media with effusion but clear at the time of tympanostomy tube placement had less hearing loss and a greater number of present otoacoustic emissions than ears with full or partial effusions but were still found to have poorer hearing sensitivity than the healthy control ears. Differences between ears with otitis media with effusion and healthy control ears persisted on postoperative assessments of otoacoustic emissions and audiometric thresholds, though there were no remaining effects of the presurgical effusion volume group.
Topics: Acoustic Impedance Tests; Audiometry; Child; Humans; Infant; Middle Ear Ventilation; Otitis Media; Otitis Media with Effusion
PubMed: 33974785
DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000001038 -
Practical Neurology Feb 2020The tuning fork tests have been under attack since their first use in clinical examination. However, the tuning fork is small and fits into every white coat, and tuning... (Review)
Review
The tuning fork tests have been under attack since their first use in clinical examination. However, the tuning fork is small and fits into every white coat, and tuning fork tests for hearing are easy, accurate and inexpensive. They should be used in patients with an acute unilateral hearing loss if an electric audiometer is not available. After more than 100 years, the tuning fork is not obsolete; tuning fork tests are very useful if used correctly and for the appropriate indication.
Topics: Audiometry; Diagnostic Equipment; Hearing Loss, Sudden; Hearing Tests; Humans
PubMed: 31444233
DOI: 10.1136/practneurol-2019-002350 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2024Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) is the gold standard for assessing hearing loss. However, traditional PTA tests require specialized equipment, trained personnel, and a...
Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) is the gold standard for assessing hearing loss. However, traditional PTA tests require specialized equipment, trained personnel, and a soundproof environment. Recently, smartphone-based PTA tests have been developed as an alternative method for hearing assessment. The aim of this study was to validate the accuracy and reliability of a smartphone application-based audiometry test. This study was conducted to assess the performance of application-based audiometry from November 2021 to January 2022. Pure-tone thresholds were measured using a smartphone application-based PTA test and compared with results obtained using a traditional audiometer in a sound-treated booth. The smartphone application used in this study was the "Care4Ear (Care4ear, version 1.0.6, MIJ Co., Ltd.)". Hearing thresholds less than 35 dB HL were classified as group A, 35-64 dB HL as group B, and 65 dB HL or greater as group C for the classification of hearing levels. We evaluated the accuracy of smartphone audiometry for each group and compared the results of frequency-specific hearing tests. Additionally, we examined the results of smartphone audiometry in individuals (n = 27) with asymmetric hearing loss. Seventy subjects completed both conventional audiometry and smartphone application-based hearing tests. Among the ears assessed, 55.7% were classified as group A, while 25.7% and 18.6% were classified as group B and group C, respectively. The average hearing threshold obtained from conventional pure-tone audiometry was 37.7 ± 25.2 dB HL, whereas the application-based hearing test yielded thresholds of 21.0 ± 23.0 dB HL. A significant correlation (r = 0.69, p < 0.01) was found between the average hearing thresholds obtained from the application-based and conventional pure-tone audiometry tests. The application-based test achieved a 97.4% hit rate for classifying hearing thresholds as class A, but lower rates of 22.2% for class B and 38.5% for class C. Notably, a discrepancy was observed between the hearing threshold measured by the application and the conventional audiometry for the worse ear with asymmetric hearing. The smartphone-based audiometry is a feasible method for hearing evaluation especially in persons with normal hearing. In cases of hearing loss or asymmetric hearing loss, the results of the application-based audiometry may be inaccurate, limiting its diagnostic utility.
Topics: Humans; Reproducibility of Results; Auditory Threshold; Hearing Loss; Hearing; Deafness; Audiometry, Pure-Tone
PubMed: 38548854
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57944-9 -
Lin Chuang Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai... Mar 2023To explore the value and influencing factors of behavioral audiometry in subjective hearing assessment of children. The results of behavioral audiometry(visual...
To explore the value and influencing factors of behavioral audiometry in subjective hearing assessment of children. The results of behavioral audiometry(visual reinforcement audiometry or play audiometry) of 1944 children(3888 ears) in the outpatient department from January 2012 to December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The subjective performance(" good ", "moderate", "poor", " unfinished ") was compared according to age and hearing level. SPSS 27.0 software was used for statistical analysis. The subjective performance of children was "good" in 2791 ears(71.8%), "moderate" in 411 ears(10.6%), "poor" in 309 ears(7.9%) and " unfinished " in 377 ears(9.7%). In visual reinforcement audiometry, the proportion of children who subjectively performed as "good" gradually increased with age, reaching the peak at 2 years old, and decreased with age after 2 years old. In play audiometry, the proportion of children who subjectively performed as "good" gradually increased with age, peaking at 4-5 years of age. The children who did not finish the test were mainly 1-3 years old. The reasons included uncooperation for 148 ears, crying for 95 ears, refusing to wear headphones for 57 ears, fatigue for 42 ears, lack of interest for 20 ears, not understanding for 14 ears, and distraction for 1 ear. Behavioral audiometry was helpful to assess children's subjective hearing, and children's subjective performance was good. In clinical work, more novel and attractive test materials and methods should be adopted or developed according to the physical and mental characteristics of young children.
Topics: Child; Humans; Child, Preschool; Infant; Retrospective Studies; Auditory Threshold; Audiometry; Hearing Tests; Hearing; Audiometry, Pure-Tone
PubMed: 36843513
DOI: 10.13201/j.issn.2096-7993.2023.03.003 -
Trends in Hearing 2018Self-fitting hearing aids (SFHAs)-devices that enable self-directed threshold measurements leading to a prescribed hearing aid (HA) setting, and fine-tuning, without the...
Self-fitting hearing aids (SFHAs)-devices that enable self-directed threshold measurements leading to a prescribed hearing aid (HA) setting, and fine-tuning, without the need for professional support-are now commercially available. This study examined outcomes obtained with one commercial SFHA, the Companion (SoundWorld Solutions), when support was available from a clinical assistant during self-fitting. Participants consisted of 27 experienced and 25 new HA users who completed the self-fitting process, resulting in 38 user-driven and 14 clinician-driven fittings. Following 12 weeks' experience with the SFHAs in the field, outcomes measured included the following: coupler gain and output, HA handling and management skills, speech recognition in noise, and self-reported benefit and satisfaction. In addition, the conventionally fitted HAs of 22 of the experienced participants who had user-driven fittings were evaluated. Irrespective of HA experience, the type of fitting (user- or clinician-driven) had no significant effect on coupler gain, speech recognition scores, or self-reported benefit and satisfaction. Users selected significantly higher low-frequency gain in the SFHAs when compared with the conventionally fitted HAs. The conventionally fitted HAs were rated significantly higher for benefit and satisfaction on some subscales due to negative issues with the physical design and implementation of the SFHAs, rather than who drove the fitting process. Poorer cognitive function was associated with poorer handling and management of the SFHAs. Findings suggest that with the right design and support, SFHAs may be a viable option to improve the accessibility of hearing health care.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Audiometry; Female; Hearing Aids; Hearing Loss; Humans; Male; Prosthesis Fitting; Speech Perception
PubMed: 29716438
DOI: 10.1177/2331216518768958