Comparison of screening methods for conductive hearing loss identification in children: low-cost proposal

Author(s)

Samelli, A. G. ^[1] ; Rabelo, C. M. ^[1] ; Pereira, M. B. ^[1] ; Portela, M. N. ^[1] ; Sanches, S. G. G. ^[1] ; Neves-Lobo, I. F. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Med, Dept Phys Therapy Speech Language Pathol & Audiol, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCREENING; v. 19, n. 1, p. 1-7, 2012.
• Web of Science Citations: 5

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of two screening methods (imitanciometry screening and questionnaire) to identify children at risk for conductive hearing loss, comparing this data with complete audiologic evaluation. Methods Of 507 children aged between three and six, 111 completed all procedures. The observational methods used were: imitanciometry screening, a questionnaire to identify risk factors for hearing loss and complete audiologic evaluation. Results obtained in the first two instruments were compared with results from complete audiologic evaluation (gold standard). From these comparisons, sensitivity and specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values, and odds ratio were determined for the two screening methods and for the combination of both methods. Results The two methods applied in series (questionnaire and after imitanciometry screening) showed a greater odds ratio and better correlation between sensitivity and proportion of false-positives (ROC curve). Conclusion Combining the two tests in series improved screening accuracy. This combination was the best tool for identifying children at risk for conductive hearing loss. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 08/08496-7 - Low cost tool to identify children with risk to hearing loss
• Grantee: Alessandra Giannella Samelli
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants