Hearing Screening in Adults Over the Age of 60: Validation of an Appropriate Stimulus Level for Successful Hearing Screening

Introduction: The consequences of untreated hearing loss in adults can be severe, affecting both their quality of life and economic well-being. Hearing screening for adults may help prevent such impairments in life. The newborn hearing screening demonstrates the efficacy of systematic preventive hearing screening, with impressive success in the countries where it was implemented. The aim of this study was to determine if hearing screening based on auditory brainstem responses (ABR) for adults can be implemented. Methods: 100 adults (age = 60 – 89 years) underwent ABR-based screening and pure-tone audiometry (PTA). Subjectively perceived hearing impairment was assessed using the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly Screening Version (HHIE-S) questionnaire. Results: A screening level of 65 dB for ABR-based screening achieved the highest values for specificity (81.4%) and sensitivity (88.9%). Cases of hearing loss identified through screening were validated by corresponding PTA data (36% with significant hearing loss). The questionnaire identified subjectively perceived hearing impairment in 58% of the participants. Conclusion: ABR-based hearing screening at 65 dB is a realistic and efficient method to identify adults with significant hearing loss and guide them towards hearing rehabilitation. The test should now be evaluated for suitability for daily use by general practitioners.