Fixed-Level Frequency Threshold Testing for Ototoxicity Monitoring

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Ototoxic monitoring
• High-frequency hearing assessment

Background:

• Ototoxicity often causes high-frequency hearing loss.
• Current monitoring methods can be time-consuming.
• Need for rapid, accurate high-frequency hearing tests.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the repeatability and accuracy of a Békésy-like, fixed-level frequency threshold (FLFT) technique.
• Determine if FLFT can provide a rapid and effective method for assessing the highest audible frequency.
• Compare FLFT with traditional audiometry in the sensitive region for ototoxicity (SRO).

Main Methods:

• Twenty-nine normal-hearing subjects underwent repeated automated audiometry tests over three weeks.
• Fixed-frequency audiometry identified the highest audible frequency and SRO.
• The FLFT test, administered at 80 dB SPL, used a Békésy-style tracking method.
• Repeatability assessed by root mean square difference; accuracy by difference from fixed-frequency audiometry.

Main Results:

• FLFT showed good repeatability with an average intersession variability of 0.05 octaves.
• No significant learning effect was observed for the FLFT test.
• FLFT accuracy was high, with a mean absolute difference of 0.03 octaves compared to fixed-frequency audiometry.
• FLFT completion time was approximately 30 seconds, significantly faster than traditional methods.

Conclusions:

• The Békésy-style FLFT test is repeatable and accurate for determining the highest audible frequency.
• FLFT demonstrates strong agreement with fixed-frequency audiometry.
• The FLFT test's speed and ease of use make it suitable for quick, accurate, noise-tolerant ototoxicity and high-frequency hearing monitoring.