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Early detection of ototoxicity using 1/6th-octave steps
Stephen A Fausti1, Wendy J Helt, David S Phillips
1VA RR&D National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA. Stephen.fausti@med.va.gov
Journal of the American Academy of Audiology
|December 6, 2003
Summary
Expanding the 1/6th-octave auditory testing protocol to include lower frequencies improves early detection of ototoxicity in patients with poorer hearing. This enhanced protocol identifies more cases of drug-induced hearing damage sooner.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Ototoxic drug monitoring
- Hearing research
Background:
- Ototoxicity from medications can cause irreversible hearing loss.
- Early identification of ototoxicity is crucial for intervention.
- Previous protocols focused on high-frequency testing with 1/6th-octave intervals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if adding 1/6th-octave frequencies below 9 kHz improves ototoxicity detection rates in patients with poorer hearing.
- To assess the impact of expanded frequency testing on early ototoxicity identification.
Main Methods:
- The study involved patients receiving ototoxic medications.
- Audiometric testing was conducted using 1/6th-octave frequency steps.
- The protocol was expanded to include 1/6th-octave testing below 9 kHz, in addition to existing high-frequency testing.
Main Results:
- Expanding the 1/6th-octave test protocol to frequencies below 9 kHz identified additional cases of ototoxicity.
- 76 out of 210 ears (36.2%) with initial ototoxic hearing changes would have been missed or detected later with conventional testing alone.
Conclusions:
- The expanded 1/6th-octave auditory testing protocol significantly enhances the early detection of ototoxicity.
- This improved protocol is particularly beneficial for patients with poorer baseline hearing.
- Earlier identification allows for timely intervention to mitigate hearing damage from ototoxic medications.