The purpose of this study is to determine how this screening test can be used best in practice, and whether Earcheck is a valid test, compared to the pure-tone audiogram, that is applicable in a large population of construction workers exposed to…
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Hearing disorders
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
Differences in test outcomes obtained in the various conditions will be
calculated and compared in order to accurately implement the test for the
occupational practice. Results of Earcheck performed in an at-home situation
will be compared to pure-tone audiometry results of a large group of
noise-exposed employees to assess the test sensitivity and specificity in this
specific population.
Secondary outcome
NA
Background summary
Although noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) can be entirely prevented, NIHL is
currently the most reported occupational health disease in the Netherlands. A
recently improved internet-based speech-in-noise test (*Earcheck*) could be of
great value in occupational health. This test was specifically designed to
detect beginning NIHL, and can be performed at home, at own initiative, and
more frequently than current practice. Therefore, Earcheck can play an
important role in prevention of NIHL, by detecting hearing loss in an early
stage and by raising awareness about the risks of noise exposure for hearing
ability.
Study objective
The purpose of this study is to determine how this screening test can be used
best in practice, and whether Earcheck is a valid test, compared to the
pure-tone audiogram, that is applicable in a large population of construction
workers exposed to noise.
Study design
This study consists of two parts. The first part is an implementation study of
Earcheck, to investigate the differences in test results obtained in a
well-controlled lab environment and in a less-controlled at-home situation. The
participants will perform the online speech-in-noise tests both at the AMC and
at home. Effects of test environment, test presentation, transducers and
presentation level on the results of two versions of the online Earcheck is
investigated.
The second part of the study examines the applicability of Earcheck for NIHL
screening purposes in a hearing conservation program in the construction
industry. To asses this the validity of Earcheck in this population, 400
construction employees will perform two versions of the online Earcheck at
home. Test results will be compared to results of the pure-tone audiogram, the
clinical standard, obtained from recent periodic occupational health
examination.
Study burden and risks
Since this study is observational, the burden for the patient is minimal. The
majority of the study population will perform four speech-in-noise tests at
home via internet, each taking 5 minutest. Thirty participants will perform
several tests, similar or equal to those done in clinical practice, during a
one time visit of approximately 2 hours. To reduce the load to a minimum,
several short breaks will be taken. There are no risks associated with the
investigational test.
Meibergdreef 9
1105 AZ Amsterdam
NL
Meibergdreef 9
1105 AZ Amsterdam
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
18 years of age or older
recently (< 3 months) underwent a periodic occupational health examination
normal hearing ability (hearing threshold levels at octave frequencies *20 dB HL) or
sensorineural noise-induced hearing loss (one or more hearing threshold levels at 2-6 kHz * 25 dB HL)
Exclusion criteria
Language problems
Conductive hearing loss (air-bone gap > 15 dB)
Hearing problems due to other etiologies than noise exposure
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL37252.018.11 |