Evaluation of the Sensorineural Acuity Level test as a diagnostic test for triage purposes

Results from a previous study (AZOS project) show that the quality of the
audiometry practiced by the hearing aid dispenser is not always according to
the standard requirements. This problem is largely caused by the measuring
conditions in the hearing aid practice. The hearing tests are not always
carried out in a test booth that meets the requirements for screening
audiometry. As a consequence, hearing tests are often carried out in an
environment with too much noise. This will influence the measuring results
obtained and subsequently also the diagnosis of hearing loss.

Design an audiometric method that:
- meet the requirements for triage
- is relatively flexible according to the criteria for maximum sound level in
the test environment

The main advantages of this method for the hearing aid practice are:
- less chance on errors during measurement
- unambiguous interpretation of the criteria for referal

In phase 1, the audiometric test method will be tested by carrying out the SAL
test on 200 patients in the audiologic centre of the Academic Medical Centre
(Amsterdam). During evaluation it has to show if the test method is applicable
in practice (proof of concept). If the test method proofs to be suitable then
the study will be extended to a multi-centre study. The aim in phase 2, is to
investigate the implementation of the method in the hearing aid practice.

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