The applicability of a speech-in-noise screening test in occupational hearing conservation

Abstract

Objective: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the most reported occupational health disease in the Netherlands. The internet-based speech-in-noise test Earcheck (Albrecht et al, 2005; Leensen et al, 2011b) is designed to detect beginning NIHL and can be a valuable tool in occupational hearing health surveillance. The aim of this study is to investigate the validity of Earcheck compared to regular screening audiometry. Design: Subjects performed online Earcheck tests at home. The results are compared to a pure-tone screening audiogram obtained during regular occupational health examination. A subgroup performed the measurements twice to assess test-retest reliability. Study sample: Two hundred and forty-nine male construction employees who recently had a periodic occupational health examination participated. Results: An average learning effect of −1.6 dB was found, that reduced with increasing test number. The test-retest variability was 1.6 dB. Sensitivity to detect beginning NIHL was 68%, with a specificity of 71%. Conclusions: Although sensitivity and specificity values are only moderate, the broad internet application still promises a valuable addition to current practice. The relatively high learning effect indicates that more reliable results can be obtained after a longer test session. When this is put into practice some improvement in sensitivity and specificity may be expected as well.

Key Words::

• Speech-in-noise
• self-administered
• screening
• occupational hearing conservation
• speech reception threshold
• noise-induced hearing loss
• prevention

Note

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Cor van Duivenbooden for his help in designing the study. Special thanks to Frans Meijer of Arbouw for his extensive help in selecting eligible participants, and in developing and managing the data collection using the online questionnaire. Thanks to the people from ZICHT for their flexible and fast support in adapting the various online tests for the experimental purposes. Also thanks to dr. Koen Rhebergen for his contribution to this manuscript. This study was funded by Arbouw.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the manuscript. Parts of this work were presented at the AHS 2012 International Conference on Adult Hearing Screening, Cernobbio (Italy), June 6–8, 2012.

Notes

1. Subjects that logged in with an odd identification number performed the test with the right ear in LP noise first, and even-numbered subjects started with their left ear in LPmod noise.