Speech audiometry indicators for diagnosis of hidden hearing loss in MP3 player users

Abstract

Study was conducted on the basis of the National Center of Audiology and S. Khechinashvili University Clinic. A population of 18 to 30 years of age was included in the study – 40 subjects and 15 individuals in the age group (50 to 55 years) were selected based on their willingness to participate in the study based on non-random complaint complaints at the clinic. The main group included 22 (40%) MP3 users, while the control group included 18 (33%) non – users and 15 (27%) persons in the middle age group. Of these, 37 (67%) were female and 18 (33%) were male. Auditory thresholds were measured monaurally by the pure tone audiometer within the band of 0.125-16 kHz frequencies. At the principal speech frequency link, 1-8 kHz, the thresholds in player music users did not differ from those in non-users. At higher frequencies from 9-16 kHz, however, the player music fans possessed greater thresholds more than 25 dB. In a noisy environment, speech audiometry in noise was performed to test the ability to correctly distinguish words. By examining the results of speech audiometry, it was found that out of 100 words and then they repeat them. Mp3 player users had worse result than adult group, higher understanding results had non-users. The process of hearing disturbances along with a group-systematic character seemed thus to own an individual-sensitive quality also. Systematic audiometrical inspection of personal music player followers is recommended for an in-time disclosure of a hearing disorder and an immediate start then of corresponding treatment and preventive means. The hearing testing has to include high tone frequencies, 9-16 kHz. Speech audiometry in the noise can be considered like gold standard for diagnostic of Hidden Hearing Loss.