Audiometry in general practice: validation of a pragmatic pure-tone audiometry method.
The aim of this study was to validate the results of diagnostic pure-tone audiometry performed in a typical practice setting by comparing with test results obtained in a standardized audiological setting in accordance with the ISO standards. In a single-blinded crossover design, 119 persons were tested (0.25-8 kHz) in both settings. The mean deviations as a function of frequency were in the order of less than 2 dB (0.5-4 kHz) and otherwise up to 4 dB; the practice setting representing the poorer thresholds. The validity of the practice audiometry at three criteria of hearing impairment (0.5-4 kHz) was characterized by sensitivity (82-100%), specificity (95-99%); positive predictive values (75-90%) and negative predictive values (98-100%) focusing on the better ear. It is concluded that pure-tone audiometry of appropriate validity can be performed in general practice and that it is useful in selecting patients with no need of further audiological examination. Guidelines are needed.
Karlsmose
B
B
Department of General Practice, University of Aarhus, Denmark. bk@alm.au.dk
Pedersen
H B
HB
Lauritzen
T
T
Parving
A
A
D000328:Adult; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone / Q000379:methods*; D001309:Auditory Threshold; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results