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Critical differences in aided sound field thresholds in children
A Stuart1, A Durieux-Smith, R Stenstrom
1School of Human Communication Disorders, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Journal of Speech and Hearing Research
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Aided sound field thresholds (ASFTs) in children showed high test-retest reliability. A difference exceeding 10 dB is needed for statistical significance in audiology, ensuring accurate hearing assessments.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Pediatric audiology
- Hearing science
Background:
- Assessing hearing in children is crucial for development.
- Aided Sound Field Thresholds (ASFTs) are used to evaluate hearing aid effectiveness.
- Understanding ASFT variability is key for reliable audiological assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the test-retest variability of ASFTs in children.
- To determine critical differences for ASFTs at various frequencies.
- To inform clinical decision-making regarding hearing aid fitting in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Thirty children aged 5-14 years were divided into two groups.
- ASFTs were measured twice at six octave frequencies (250-4000 Hz).
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare test-retest results and establish critical differences.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found between mean test and retest ASFTs for either age group.
- Combined data revealed that a difference greater than 10 dB is required for statistical significance at a 95% confidence level.
- This suggests good reliability of ASFT measurements in children.
Conclusions:
- ASFTs demonstrate good test-retest reliability in children aged 5-14 years.
- A critical difference of 10 dB is recommended for clinical significance in ASFT measurements.
- Clinicians should consider this variability to minimize diagnostic errors in pediatric audiology.