Sensitivity and Specificity of Pure-Tone and Subjective Hearing Screenings Using Spanish-Language Questions

Am J Audiol. 2020 Mar 5;29(1):35-49. doi: 10.1044/2019_AJA-19-00053. Epub 2020 Feb 6.

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine the sensitivities and specificities of different audiometric hearing screening criteria and single-item and multi-item hearing disability questionnaires among a group of Spanish-speaking adults in a rural community. Method Participants were 131 predominantly older (77% 65+ years) Hispanic/Latinx adults (98%). A structured Spanish-language interview and pure-tone threshold test data were analyzed for each participant. The sensitivities and specificities of three single questions and the Hearing Handicap Index for the Elderly-Screening (HHIE-S; Ventry & Weinstein, 1983) in Spanish, as well as three audiometric screening criteria, were evaluated in relation to the pure-tone threshold test for detecting hearing loss. Results Sensitivity and specificity of audiometric screening criteria varied, but the highest sensitivity was found for the criterion of > 25 dB HL at 1-4 kHz in either ear. The single self-perception question, "¿Cree usted que tiene pérdida de audición? (Do you think you have a hearing loss?)," was shown to be the most sensitive self-report screening compared to other single-item questions and the HHIE-S. This single question was as sensitive as an audiometric screening to detect a moderate hearing loss (> 40 dB HL in either ear). Results from the Spanish HHIE-S indicated poor performance to detect hearing loss in this population, consistent with previous research. Conclusions Among older Spanish-speaking adults, self-reported hearing status had varying sensitivities depending on the question asked. However, of the tools evaluated, the self-perception question proved to be a more sensitive and specific tool than a multi-item screen. Objective audiometric testing (> 25 dB HL) resulted in the highest sensitivity to detect a mild hearing loss.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Audiometry, Pure-Tone*
  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Healthcare Disparities / ethnology
  • Hearing Loss / diagnosis*
  • Hispanic or Latino*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Self Report*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*