RT Journal
A1 Sekhar DL, Rhoades JA, Longenecker AL, et al
T1 IMproving detection of adolescent hearing loss
JF Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
JO Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
YR 2011
FD December 1
VO 165
IS 12
SP 1094
OP 1100
DO 10.1001/archpediatrics.2011.188
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archpediatrics.2011.188
AB Objectives 
                  To compare a protocol for pure-tone threshold testing, capable of detecting high-frequency hearing loss as indicated by notched audiometric configurations, with the current school rapid hearing screen and to determine typical adolescent noise exposures associated with notched audiometric configurations.Design 
                  In conjunction with required school rapid hearing screening, a pure-tone threshold testing protocol was administered, specifically to test hearing at high frequencies. A single audiologist reviewed the results. Students completed a survey assessing their noise exposures.Setting 
                  A public high school in Pennsylvania.Participants 
                  Eleventh-grade students.Main Outcome Measure 
                  Notched audiometric configurations on the pure-tone threshold test.Results 
                  Among 296 participants, 78 (26.4%) failed pure-tone threshold testing compared with 15 (5.1%) failing rapid hearing screening. Among those failing the pure-tone threshold testing, 67 (85.9%) failed due to notched audiometric configurations. Self-reported headphone use with an MP3 player was significantly associated with notched audiometric configurations compared with use of earbuds or stereo connection/docking systems.Conclusions 
                  Pure-tone threshold testing incorporating high frequencies detects adolescent hearing loss more often than rapid hearing screens. Most state hearing screens omit high-frequency testing, potentially missing high-frequency losses, such as noise-induced hearing loss. Because noise-induced hearing loss in particular is preventable and hazardous noise exposures have increased, a reliable school hearing screen to detect high-frequency hearing loss in adolescents is warranted.