title: Community-Based Hearing Screening of Disabled Elders Using the Thai-FMHT: Clinical Implications and Cost-Effectiveness.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using the two-stage hearing test to detect hearing disabilities in the community elders.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective cohort study was conducted in the Phuwieng District, Khon Kaen, Thailand from December 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013. All of the elders more than 60 years of age were invited. First, screening using the Thai version of five-minute hearing test (Thai-FMHT) with a score equal to or greater than 12 was included in the group and then given the next audiometric examination.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two hundred fifty-eight elders were interested in this program, but only 192 subjects consented to participate in the entire study. Six participants withdrew before completing the protocol; therefore, 107 males and 79 females were included. The age ranged 60-92 years old. Only 152 participants (81.7%; 95% CI: 75.5-86.6%) had a hearing disability that could be rehabilitated using a hearing aid. The cost of hearing screening using this program was reduced from $114.15 to $28.60 per positive case with the need for hearing rehabilitation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The two-stage hearing screening using the Thai-FMHT followed by an audiometric examination was found to be a suitable test for community-based mass screening of hearing loss, particularly in an area with limited resources.
authors.forename: Pornthep
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kasemsiri
authors.forename: Kwanchanok
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yimtae
authors.forename: Panida
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Thanawirattananit
authors.forename: Supawan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Laoharsiriwong
authors.forename: Pipop
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Siripaopradith
authors.forename: Pritaporn
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kingkaew
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006320:Hearing Tests / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology