Sensitivity and specificity of three hearing screening protocols in the school setting

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of three hearing screening protocols: audiometry, tympanometry, and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE). Methods: a cross-sectional study comprising 70 schoolchildren aged 6-14 years old (9.9 ± 2). All participants underwent a complete audiological evaluation and screening procedures. Procedures were compared regarding sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. Results: sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 64.71% and 66.04% for audiometry, 64.71% and 73.58% for tympanometry, and 66.67% and 78.85% for TEOAE. The positive and negative predictive values were 37.93% and 14.63% for audiometry, 44% and 13.33% for tympanometry, and 52.17% and 12.77% for TEOAE. Conclusions: in the school setting, TEOAE stands out from the two other screening protocols, in all measures regarding sensitivity, accuracy, and predictive values.

AudBility: Effectiveness of an online central auditory processing screening program

“…The use of technology in the health area has provided the requirements for screening procedures, considering the easy access and reduced application time, wide range of auditory mechanisms contemplated in the tasks, as well as playful and motivating activities for the child [ 14 ]. However, the need for sensitivity, specificity, reliability test and retest data to be studied and made available is also highlighted, contributing to the validation of new batteries for clinical use in school screening [ 18 – 20 ].…”