[Sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of hearing complaints].
This study assessed the sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of hearing complaints in outpatients attending an university ear, nose and throat clinic. A cross-sectional study was carried out in Canoas, Southern Brazil, from 1999 to 2002. Seven-hundred and ninety-five subjects who underwent the audiometric test were analyzed. The results showed that the complaint of hearing loss presented 80.9% sensitivity, 69.6% specificity and 86.5% positive predictive value and 60.4% negative predictive value. Despite its subjective character, the audiometric test can be considered a reliable diagnostic tool and should be used due to its low cost compared to the new technologies.
Marini
Ana Lúcia Sant'Anna
AL
Curso de Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Luterana do Brazil, Canoas, RS, Brazil. lumarini04@yahoo.com.br
Halpern
Ricardo
R
Aerts
Denise
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001299:Audiometry; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity