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  • Title: Validity of diagnostic pure-tone audiometry without a sound-treated environment in older adults.
    Author: Maclennan-Smith F, Swanepoel de W, Hall JW.
    Journal: Int J Audiol; 2013 Feb; 52(2):66-73. PubMed ID: 23140522.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate the validity of diagnostic pure-tone audiometry in a natural environment using a computer-operated audiometer with insert earphones covered by circumaural earcups incorporating real-time monitoring of environmental noise. DESIGN: A within-subject repeated measures design was employed to compare air (250 to 8000 Hz) and bone (250 to 4000 Hz) conduction pure-tone thresholds, measured in retirement facilities, with thresholds measured in a sound-treated booth. STUDY SAMPLE: One hundred and forty-seven adults (average age 76 ± 5.7 years) were evaluated. Pure-tone averages were ≥ 25 dB in 59%, mildly (> 40 dB) elevated in 23%, and moderately (> 55 dB) elevated in 6% of ears. RESULTS: Air-conduction thresholds (n = 2259) corresponded within 0 to 5 dB in 95% of all comparisons between the two test environments. Bone-conduction thresholds (n = 1669) corresponded within 0 to 5 dB in 86% of comparisons. Average threshold differences (- 0.6 to 1.1) and standard deviations (3.3 to 5.9) were within typical test-retest reliability limits. Thresholds recorded showed no statistically significant differences (paired samples t-test:p > 0.01) except at 8000 Hz in the left ear. CONCLUSION: Valid diagnostic pure-tone audiometry can be performed in a natural environment with recently developed technology, offering the possibility of access to diagnostic audiometry in communities where sound-treated booths are unavailable.
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