Validity of diagnostic pure-tone audiometry without a sound-treated environment in older adults

To investigate the validity of diagnostic pure-tone audiometry in a natural environment using a computer-operated audiometer with insert earphones covered by circumaural earcups incorporating real-time monitoring of environmental noise.

A within-subject repeated measures design was employed to compare air (250 to 8000 Hz) and bone (250 to 4000 Hz) conduction pure-tone thresholds, measured in retirement facilities, with thresholds measured in a sound-treated booth.

One hundred and forty-seven adults (average age 76 ± 5.7 years) were evaluated. Pure-tone averages were ≥ 25 dB in 59%, mildly (> 40 dB) elevated in 23%, and moderately (> 55 dB) elevated in 6% of ears.

Air-conduction thresholds (n = 2259) corresponded within 0 to 5 dB in 95% of all comparisons between the two test environments. Bone-conduction thresholds (n = 1669) corresponded within 0 to 5 dB in 86% of comparisons. Average threshold differences (- 0.6 to 1.1) and standard deviations (3.3 to 5.9) were within typical test-retest reliability limits. Thresholds recorded showed no statistically significant differences (paired samples t-test:p > 0.01) except at 8000 Hz in the left ear.

Valid diagnostic pure-tone audiometry can be performed in a natural environment with recently developed technology, offering the possibility of access to diagnostic audiometry in communities where sound-treated booths are unavailable.