Screening for hearing loss using the electronic whisper test: A prospective cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Medical Devices
• Public Health

Background:

• Hearing screening is crucial for early detection of hearing loss.
• Existing methods can lack portability and user-friendliness for field deployment.
• The electronic whisper test (EWT) was developed as a portable solution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the validity of the portable electronic whisper test (EWT).
• To compare EWT performance against traditional pure-tone audiometry.
• To assess EWT's utility as a hearing screening tool.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional comparative study with a prospective approach was conducted.
• Participants were outpatients at an Audiology Clinic meeting specific criteria.
• Statistical analysis included sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values using 2x2 tables.

Main Results:

• The study included 50 participants (100 ears).
• EWT achieved a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 78%.
• Positive predictive value was 45%, and negative predictive value was 95%.

Conclusions:

• The electronic whisper test (EWT) is a valid hearing screening method.
• EWT offers a portable and user-friendly alternative for hearing assessments.
• The findings support EWT's use in diverse settings for early hearing loss detection.