Diagnostic utility of high frequency audiometry in subjects exposed to recreational noise

Abstract

Introduction: Recent research mentions that, due to the high noise levels, 75% of the habitants in industrialized cities suffer from some type of hearing impairment. High frequency audiometry is an important complementary test to detect early hearing loss. Aim: To determine the diagnostic utility of high frequency audiometry in the early detection of hearing loss in subjects exposed to recreational noise. Material and methods: Study analytical type and cross section. 87 speech therapy students were evaluated. A conventional and high frequency audiometry was applied, using a clinical audiometer. Results: High frequency audiometry has a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 64,60%. The predictive value (+) is 14,70%, while the predictive value (-) is 100%. The likelihood ratio (+) is 2,28, and for the likelihood ratio (-) it is 0,0. Conclusion: High frequency audiometry can be used to monitor the hearing of the subjects, checking that effectively the high frequency hearing thresholds are within nor­mal ranges. The above, given by their values of sensitivity, negative predictive value, negative likelihood ratio and the increase between the pre-test probability and the post­test probability.