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Improving audiometric thresholds by changing the headphone position at the ear
1Rikshospitalet, National Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
Audiology : Official Organ of the International Society of Audiology
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Adjusting headphone position during hearing tests significantly improves threshold measurements, especially at high frequencies. This simple technique enhances accuracy in occupational hearing assessments and temporary threshold shift (TTS) evaluations.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Audiology
- Noise-induced hearing loss
Background:
- A decade-long study investigated noise exposure and hearing in employees.
- Annual hearing measurements and temporary threshold shift (TTS) assessments were conducted.
- The project involved 250-300 employees, examining noise exposure impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of headphone repositioning on hearing threshold measurements.
- To determine if adjusting headphone placement improves accuracy, particularly at higher frequencies.
- To assess the implications for standard audiological practices and diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Conducted annual hearing measurements and TTS tests over 10 years.
- Performed threshold measurements at 11 frequencies (125-8,000 Hz).
- Repositioned earphones for new threshold determinations in 32% (hearing) and 45% (TTS) of cases, especially above 3,000 Hz.
Main Results:
- Improved hearing thresholds (5-40 dB) were observed in 58-68% of cases after repositioning.
- Improvements were most notable at 6,000 and 8,000 Hz.
- The effectiveness varied by frequency and testing program (hearing measurement vs. TTS).
Conclusions:
- Headphone repositioning is a valuable technique for enhancing hearing threshold accuracy.
- This method offers significant benefits for high-frequency hearing assessment in occupational settings.
- Findings suggest a need to reconsider standard audiological procedures and diagnostic criteria.