Hearing threshold distribution and effect of screening in a population-based German sample
Petra von Gablenz1, Inga Holube1
1a Institute of Hearing Technology and Audiology and Cluster of Excellence "Hearing4All" , Oldenburg , Germany.
International Journal of Audiology
|September 30, 2015
Summary
This study on adult hearing in Germany found that screening for ear health improves hearing threshold levels, particularly in males. Age-related hearing decline in males at high frequencies is less severe than previously estimated.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Audiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hearing threshold levels (HTL) in adults are influenced by various factors.
- Understanding hearing status in Germany is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the current hearing status of adults in Germany.
- To investigate the impact of screening for noise, tinnitus, ear diseases, and general health on HTL distribution.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted between 2010-2012.
- A randomized sample of 1903 adults aged 18-97 years was recruited from two German cities.
- The sample was stratified for age and gender.
Main Results:
- Population-based HTL data align with international findings, with median HTL in Germany being better than in recent international studies.
- Screening for "otological normality" improved median HTL by 3 dB in males and 1 dB in females, with a strong age dependency in males.
- Female HTL medians met ISO 7029:2000 expectations, while males in middle and older age groups showed better-than-expected HTL, especially above 2 kHz.
Conclusions:
- The study supports international findings of a smaller age-related decrease in high-frequency hearing sensitivity in males than predicted by ISO 7029:2000.
- Screening interventions demonstrate a positive impact on hearing threshold levels.
