Comparative evaluation of diagnostic sensitivity of contemporary audiometry methods in occupations exposed to noise.

Abstract

Using a complex of contemporary audiologic methods (high-frequency audiometry, acoustic reflexometry registration of otoacoustic emission at aberration product frequency), examination covered 483 underground miners exposed to intensive noise. The most sensitive methods to diagnose early changes in fuctional state of hearing analyser at stage when tonal audiometry fails to determine hearing thresholds are otoacoustic emission at aberration product frequency (sensitivity 75%) and hearing study in extended frequency rating (sensitivity 65%). The authors specified a complex of informative parameters for early diagnosis and group risk identification of occupational deafness. Advisability is to include contemporary electroacoustic and neurophysiologic audiologic methods into routine periodic medical examinations.