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European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology,... Oct 2017Electrophysiologic hearing tests have been developed since the 1960s to determine hearing thresholds objectively. They are now implemented in newborn hearing screening.... (Review)
Review
Electrophysiologic hearing tests have been developed since the 1960s to determine hearing thresholds objectively. They are now implemented in newborn hearing screening. While they determine thresholds, interpretation requires subjective pure-tone and speech audiometry to determine the type of hearing loss. Each examination tests a different anatomic region, enabling the auditory system to be explored from the organ of Corti to the auditory cortex. Thus, the various objective audiometric examinations are complementary.
Topics: Audiometry, Evoked Response; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Auditory Threshold; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem; Hearing Loss; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Neonatal Screening; Prognosis; Time Factors
PubMed: 28330595
DOI: 10.1016/j.anorl.2017.02.011 -
American Family Physician Jan 2013The prevalence of hearing loss varies with age, affecting at least 25 percent of patients older than 50 years and more than 50 percent of those older than 80 years.... (Review)
Review
The prevalence of hearing loss varies with age, affecting at least 25 percent of patients older than 50 years and more than 50 percent of those older than 80 years. Adolescents and young adults represent groups in which the prevalence of hearing loss is increasing and may therefore benefit from screening. If offered, screening can be performed periodically by asking the patient or family if there are perceived hearing problems, or by using clinical office tests such as whispered voice, finger rub, or audiometry. Audiometry in the family medicine clinic setting is a relatively simple procedure that can be interpreted by a trained health care professional. Pure-tone testing presents tones across the speech spectrum (500 to 4,000 Hz) to determine if the patient's hearing levels fall within normal limits. A quiet testing environment, calibrated audiometric equipment, and appropriately trained personnel are required for in-office testing. Pure-tone audiometry may help physicians appropriately refer patients to an audiologist or otolaryngologist. Unilateral or asymmetrical hearing loss can be symptomatic of a central nervous system lesion and requires additional evaluation.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Audiometry; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Hearing Loss; Humans; Middle Aged; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Young Adult
PubMed: 23317024
DOI: No ID Found -
Ear and Hearing 2022Despite a diagnosis of normal hearing, many people experience hearing disability (HD) in their everyday lives. This study assessed the ability of a number of demographic...
OBJECTIVES
Despite a diagnosis of normal hearing, many people experience hearing disability (HD) in their everyday lives. This study assessed the ability of a number of demographic and auditory variables to explain and predict self-reported HD in people regarded as audiologically healthy via audiometric thresholds.
DESIGN
One-hundred eleven adults (ages 19 to 74) with clinically normal hearing (i.e., audiometric thresholds ≤25 dB HL at all octave and interoctave frequencies between 0.25 and 8 kHz and bilaterally symmetric hearing) were asked to complete the 12-item version of the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12) as a measure of self-reported HD. Patient history and a number of standard and expanded measures of hearing were assessed in a multivariate regression analysis to predict SSQ12 score. Patient history included age, sex, history of noise exposure, and tinnitus. Hearing-related measures included audiometry at standard and extended high frequencies, word recognition, otoacoustic emissions, auditory brainstem response, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and FM detection threshold.
RESULTS
History of impulse noise exposure, speech-intelligibility index, and FM detection threshold accurately predicted SSQ12 and were able to account for 40% of the SSQ12 score. These three measures were also able to predict whether participants self-reported HD with a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 86%.
CONCLUSIONS
Although participant audiometric thresholds were within normal limits, higher thresholds, history of impulse noise exposure, and FM detection predicted self-reported HD.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Audiometry; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Auditory Threshold; Hearing; Humans; Middle Aged; Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous; Self Report; Young Adult
PubMed: 34759207
DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000001161 -
International Journal of Environmental... Mar 2021Audiometric booths are used to reduce background noise levels at testing locations to below values specified in the standards. As such, they are considered inherent... (Review)
Review
Audiometric booths are used to reduce background noise levels at testing locations to below values specified in the standards. As such, they are considered inherent parts of the audiometric testing equipment. This paper presents the results from a literature search of solutions that could ensure that background noise levels are acceptable outside booths. The technology used is especially valuable for survey tests and for locations where booths are unavailable or cannot be used for different reasons. However, its use is recommendable for only screening hearing tests but not for clinical or research applications.
Topics: Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Humans; Mass Screening
PubMed: 33802657
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18063073 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Jan 2022Up to 80% of audiograms could be automated which would allow more time for provision of specialty services. Ideally, automated audiometers would provide accurate results...
BACKGROUND
Up to 80% of audiograms could be automated which would allow more time for provision of specialty services. Ideally, automated audiometers would provide accurate results for listeners with impaired hearing as well as normal hearing. Additionally, accurate results should be provided both in controlled environments like a sound-attenuating room but also in test environments that may support greater application when sound-attenuating rooms are unavailable. Otokiosk is an iOS-based system that has been available for clinical use, but there are not yet any published validation studies using this product.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this project was to complete a validation study on the OtoKiosk automated audiometry system in quiet and in low-level noise, for listeners with normal hearing and for listeners with impaired hearing.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Pure tone air conduction thresholds were obtained for each participant for three randomized conditions: standard audiometry, automated testing in quiet, and automated testing in noise. Noise, when present, was 35 dBA overall and was designed to emulate an empty medical exam room.
STUDY SAMPLE
Participants consisted of 11 adults with hearing loss and 15 adults with normal hearing recruited from the local area.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Thresholds were measured at 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 Hz using the Otokiosk system that incorporates a modified Hughson-Westlake method. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and also by a linear mixed-effects model to compare thresholds obtained in each condition.
RESULTS
Across condition and participant group 73.6% of thresholds measured with OtoKiosk were within ± 5 dB of the conventionally measured thresholds; 92.8% were within ± 10 dB. On average, differences between tests were small. Pairwise comparisons revealed thresholds were ∼3.5-4 dB better with conventional audiometry than with the mobile application in quiet and in noise. Noise did not affect thresholds measured with OtoKiosk.
CONCLUSIONS
The OtoKiosk automated hearing test measured pure tone air conduction thresholds from 500 to 4,000 Hz at slightly higher thresholds than conventional audiometry, but less than the smallest typical 5 dB clinical step-size. Our results suggest OtoKiosk is a reasonable solution for sound booths and exam rooms with low-level background noise.
Topics: Adult; Audiometry; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Auditory Threshold; Hearing; Hearing Loss; Humans; Noise
PubMed: 34034339
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1728778 -
Lin Chuang Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai... Jul 2020The symptoms of hidden hearing loss(HHL) are concealed, mainly manifested as defects in the threshold upper auditory function, which are related to noise exposure,... (Review)
Review
The symptoms of hidden hearing loss(HHL) are concealed, mainly manifested as defects in the threshold upper auditory function, which are related to noise exposure, aging and drug damage. There is no definite evidence to prove that whether the three factors participate in mechanism of synaptic damage in the cochlea. The clinical audiological characteristics of HHL are mostly as follows: the normal threshold of PTA and the wave response of ABR; the amplitude of the CAP of ABR wave Ⅰ or ECochG is lower at medium and high stimulation intensity; the lower speech recognition rate under noise, etc. Ultra-high frequency pure tone audiometry, a series of objective audiological examinations, such as ABR, ECochG and frequency-following response, speech audiometry under noise, noise exposure questionnaire evaluation were applied to detect HHL at early stage.
Topics: Acoustic Stimulation; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Auditory Threshold; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced; Humans; Noise
PubMed: 32791650
DOI: 10.13201/j.issn.2096-7993.2020.07.023 -
European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology,... Oct 2018French Society of ENT (SFORL) good practice guidelines for audiometric examination in adults and children.
INTRODUCTION
French Society of ENT (SFORL) good practice guidelines for audiometric examination in adults and children.
METHODS
A multidisciplinary working group performed a review of the scientific literature. Guidelines were drawn up, reviewed by an independent reading group, and finalized in a consensus meeting.
RESULTS
Audiometry should be performed in an acoustically controlled environment (<30dBA); audiometer calibration should be regularly checked; and patient-specific masking rules should be systematically applied. It should be ensured that masking is not overmasking. Adult pure-tone audiometry data should be interpreted taking account of clinical data, speech audiometry and impedancemetry. In case of discrepancies between clinical and pure-tone and speech audiometry data, objective auditory tests should be perform. In children aged 2 years or younger, subjective audiometry should be associated to behavioral audiometry adapted to the child's age. In suspected hearing impairment, behavioral audiometry should be systematically supplemented by objective hearing tests to determine and confirm the level and type of hearing impairment.
Topics: Acoustic Impedance Tests; Audiometry, Evoked Response; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Audiometry, Speech; Auditory Threshold; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem; Hearing Loss, Central; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Humans; Reflex, Acoustic
PubMed: 29929777
DOI: 10.1016/j.anorl.2018.05.009 -
British Medical Journal May 1973Auditory perceptual tasks involving the discrimination of fine differences in frequency, duration, or rhythmic pattern were given to a group of sixth form schoolboys.... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial Randomized Controlled Trial
Auditory perceptual tasks involving the discrimination of fine differences in frequency, duration, or rhythmic pattern were given to a group of sixth form schoolboys. The results indicate that there is a wide range of auditory skills for different individuals, even within a relatively homogeneous group. There are also differences in a person's ability to carry out distinct tasks; there does not necessarily appear to be any correlation between his ability for each task.The findings support observations arising out of consideration of hearing problems in children and adults that pure tone threshold audiometry and its derivatives give an inadequate definition of hearing disorder and a limited understanding of the nature of hearing.
Topics: Adolescent; Audiometry; Auditory Perception; Auditory Threshold; Deafness; Hearing; Humans; Male
PubMed: 4712485
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.2.5864.459 -
Audiology & Neuro-otology 2022Difficulty understanding speech in background noise is the reason of consultation for most people who seek help for their hearing. With the increased use of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Difficulty understanding speech in background noise is the reason of consultation for most people who seek help for their hearing. With the increased use of speech-in-noise (SpIN) testing, audiologists and otologists are expected to evidence disabilities in a greater number of patients with sensorineural hearing loss. The purpose of this study is to list validated available SpIN tests for the French-speaking population.
SUMMARY
A review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched. Search strategies used a combination of 4 keywords: speech, audiometry, noise, and French. There were 10 validated SpIN tests dedicated to the Francophone adult population at the time of the review. Some tests use digits triplets as speech stimuli and were originally designed for hearing screening. The others were given a broader range of indications covering diagnostic or research purposes, determination of functional capacities and fitness for duty, as well as assessment of hearing amplification benefit.
KEY MESSAGES
As there is a SpIN test for almost any type of clinical or rehabilitation needs, both the accuracy and duration should be considered for choosing one or the other. In an effort to meet the needs of a rapidly aging population, fast adaptive procedures can be favored to screen large groups in order to limit the risk of ignoring the early signs of forthcoming presbycusis and to provide appropriate audiological counseling.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Audiometry; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; France; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Humans; Noise; Speech; Speech Perception
PubMed: 34937024
DOI: 10.1159/000518968 -
PloS One 2023The purpose of this study was to verify the accuracy of the web-based audiometer HEARZAP in determining hearing thresholds for both air and bone conduction. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
AIM
The purpose of this study was to verify the accuracy of the web-based audiometer HEARZAP in determining hearing thresholds for both air and bone conduction.
METHOD
Using a cross-sectional validation design, the web-based audiometer was compared to a gold standard audiometer. Participants in the study totaled 50 (100 ears), of which 25 (50 ears) had normal hearing sensitivity and 25 (50 ears) had various types and degrees of hearing loss. All subjects underwent pure tone audiometry, including air and bone conduction thresholds, using the web-based and gold standard audiometers in a random order. A pause between the two tests was allowed if the patient felt comfortable. The testing for the web-based audiometer and gold standard audiometer was done by two different audiologists with similar qualifications in order to eliminate tester bias. Both the procedures were performed in a sound treated room.
RESULTS
For air conduction thresholds and bone conduction thresholds, respectively, the mean discrepancies between the web-based audiometer and the gold standard audiometer were 1.22 dB HL (SD = 4.61) and 0.8 dB HL (SD = 4.1). The ICC for air conduction thresholds between the two techniques was 0.94 and for the bone conduction thresholds was 0.91. The Bland Altman plots likewise indicated excellent reliability between the two measurements, with the mean difference between the HEARZAP and the gold standard audiometry falling within the top and lower limits of agreement.
CONCLUSION
The web-based audiometry version of HEARZAP produced precise findings for hearing thresholds that were comparable to those obtained from an established gold standard audiometer. HEARZAP, has the potential to support multi-clinic functionality and enhance service access.
Topics: Humans; Audiometry; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Auditory Threshold; Cross-Sectional Studies; Internet; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 36976819
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283519