Hearing outcome measures for conductive and mixed hearing loss treatment in adults: a scoping review

Abstract

Objective

Rehabilitation options for conductive and mixed hearing loss are continually expanding, but without standard outcome measures comparison between different treatments is difficult. To meaningfully inform clinicians and patients core outcome sets (COS), determined via a recognised methodology, are needed. Following our previous work that identified hearing, physical, economic and psychosocial as core areas of a future COS, the AURONET group reviewed hearing outcome measures used in existing literature and assigned them into different domains within the hearing core area. 

Design

Scoping review.

Study Sample

Literature including hearing outcome measurements for the treatment of conductive and/or mixed hearing loss.

Results

The literature search identified 1434 studies, with 278 subsequently selected for inclusion. A total of 837 hearing outcome measures were reported and grouped into nine domains. The largest domain constituted pure-tone threshold measurements accounting for 65% of the total outcome measures extracted, followed by the domains of speech testing (20%) and questionnaires (9%). Studies of hearing implants more commonly included speech tests or hearing questionnaires compared with studies of middle ear surgery.

Conclusions

A wide range of outcome measures are currently used, highlighting the importance of developing a COS to inform individual practice and reporting in trials/research.

Keywords:

• Mixed hearing loss
• conductive hearing loss
• outcome measures
• review

Acknowledgments

The AURONET group received a grant to support the meetings from Oticon Foundation (Denmark). The authors wish to acknowledge the research librarian Lauren P. Cantwell, (MSLIS) for work in developing and executing the literature search.

Disclosure statement

MJ and RS are salaried employees of Oticon Medical.