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High-frequency monitoring using an electrostimulation audiometer
A R Thornton1, I E Bell, J J Phillipps
1MRC Institute of Hearing Research, Royal South Hants Hospital, Southhampton.
British Journal of Audiology
|February 1, 1989
Summary
Electrostimulation audiometry offers reliable high-frequency hearing measurements comparable to conventional methods. However, its effectiveness for monitoring auditory thresholds is limited to younger individuals due to age-related frequency cut-offs.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Hearing Science
- Medical Instrumentation
Background:
- High-frequency hearing loss is a growing concern.
- Conventional audiometry has limitations in assessing high-frequency bone-conduction thresholds.
- Electrostimulation audiometry presents a potential alternative for such measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the variability and repeatability of electrostimulation audiometry for hearing threshold measurements.
- To assess the impact of ear occlusion on threshold measurements for ward-based monitoring.
- To determine the age-related applicability of electrostimulation audiometry for high-frequency hearing assessment.
Main Methods:
- Investigated threshold measurement variability and repeatability.
- Assessed the effect of ear occlusion on threshold measurements.
- Examined the relationship between patient age and the audiometer's effective upper frequency limit.
Main Results:
- Threshold measurement variability was comparable to conventional audiometry, decreasing at frequencies of 12 kHz and higher.
- Ear occlusion did not significantly affect threshold measurements, enabling ward-based use.
- An effective cut-off frequency of approximately 9 kHz was observed for patients aged 55 years.
Conclusions:
- Electrostimulation audiometry demonstrates good repeatability for high-frequency hearing assessment.
- The instrument is suitable for monitoring hearing in non-isolated environments like hospital wards.
- Its application for monitoring high-frequency auditory thresholds is primarily limited to younger patient populations.