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Masking effects and tinnitus as explanatory variables in hearing disability
P Corthals1, B Vinck, E De Vel
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Ghent, Belgium. paul.corthals@hogent.be
Scandinavian Audiology
|March 20, 1998
Summary
Hearing loss severity significantly predicts hearing disability. Noise susceptibility, but not tinnitus, also impacts perceived hearing disability, suggesting audiogram-based estimates should incorporate noise effects for better accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Hearing Science
- Disability Assessment
Background:
- Hearing disability is primarily determined by pure-tone hearing loss or speech reception ability.
- Tinnitus and noise masking effects are sometimes considered aggravating factors in hearing impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of tinnitus and noise masking effects on self-perceived hearing disability.
- To determine the predictive value of tinnitus and masking effects in relation to hearing loss and speech reception ability.
Main Methods:
- Four factorial designs using analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed.
- Self-perceived hearing disability was the dependent variable.
- Independent variables included tinnitus complaints, masking effects, pure-tone hearing loss, and speech reception ability.
Main Results:
- Both pure-tone hearing loss and speech reception ability were significant predictors of hearing disability.
- The impact of noise masking was a significant factor, particularly when compared to pure-tone hearing loss.
- Tinnitus complaints did not emerge as a significant predictor of hearing disability in this study.
Conclusions:
- Audiogram-based hearing disability estimates can be improved by incorporating noise susceptibility.
- The relationship between tinnitus and hearing disability is complex and not a straightforward predictor.
- Noise masking effects play a significant role in the experience of hearing disability.