Remote screening accuracy of first-time hearing aid users

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. Capacity constraints in Danish hearing healthcare may lead to diagnostic delays and repetitive pre-treatment audiological exams for hearing-impaired patients. This study investigated the effectiveness of remote ear-nose-throat (ENT) specialist assessments (RESA) for complicated hearing loss, comparing the accuracy of private ENT specialists and medical audiologists. METHODS. RESA screening accuracy was determined for four ENT specialists, individually and as subspecialised groups. These assessments were benchmarked against “gold standard” in-person ENT assessments for 445 potential adult first-time hearing aid users. RESULTS. Medical audiologists initially recorded lower RESA screening specificity and positive predictive values than private ENT specialists. However, after making two adjustments to the dataset, these differences were neutralised. Screening sensitivity was consistent across individual and grouped subspecialities. CONCLUSIONS. RESA screening is a promising tool for timely diagnosis and treatment. The findings reveal that both private ENT specialists and medical audiologists may conduct RESA with high consistency and uniformity. FUNDING. This research was funded by the Danish Health Data Authority and the North Denmark Region, but does not reflect their views. The study received no commercial support. TRIAL REGISTRATION. Not relevant.