Screening for hearing loss using the electronic whisper test: A prospective cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Hearing screening is a method for early identification of hearing loss. Hearing screening is widely used in hospitals as part of physical examination. However, some of them are difficult to operate outside the hospitals regarding portability and user-friendliness. Therefore, we developed a simple yet easy-to-use portable electronic whisper test (EWT) for field deployment, particularly on many subjects. The EWT validity is a hearing screening method compared to pure-tone audiometry. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional comparative with a prospective approach. The subjects were outpatients at the Audiology Clinic of Dr. Soetomo Academic Medical Center, Surabaya, Indonesia, who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Statistical analysis made sensitivity and specificity tables using a 2 × 2 table, positive and negative predictive values. Results: Samples of 50 participants (100 ears) obtained a sensitivity value of 83%, specificity of 78%, positive predictive value of 45%, and negative predictive value of 95%. Conclusions: The EWT is valid for use as a hearing screening method.