Does the average between 2 and 4 kHz predict the 3 kHz threshold?

Authors

  • Jorge Canha Dentinho Hospital Garcia de Orta, Portugal
  • Ricardo São Pedro Hospital Garcia de Orta, Portugal
  • Sofia Polainas Hospital Garcia de Orta, Portugal
  • Sílvia Fidalgo Alves Hospital Garcia de Orta, Portugal
  • Rosário Mendes Hospital Garcia de Orta, Portugal
  • Luís Antunes Hospital Garcia de Orta, Portugal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34631/sporl.866

Keywords:

3 KHz, Audiometry, threshold

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the average of the 2 and 4 KHz thresholds (A2-4KHz) with the 3 KHz threshold. 

Study design: observational, retrospective. 

Material and Methods: Two-hundred individuals underwent pure tone audiometry tests in which 2, 3 and 4 KHz air conduction thresholds were routinely determined. Correlation between 3 KHz threshold and A2-4KHz was performed; Bland- Altman and dispersion graphs as well as double entry tables, which analyzed the difference between 3 KHz and A2-4KHz (absolute) and 2 and 4 KHz (absolute). 

Results: We found strong and statistically significant correlation between 3 KHz and A2-4KHz. When the difference between 2 and 4 KHz was superior to 15dB, there was a greater number of discrepancies (>10 dB) between 3 KHz and A2-4KHz: 14.5% vs. 2.8%. The sensitivity of A2-4KHz to replace 3 KHz, to detect interaural differences greater than 15dB, was 57%. 

Conclusion: On a population level, A2-4KHz can replace the 3 KHz pure-tone audiometric threshold. Individually, 3 KHz should be measured, especially in the presence of asymmetric hearing, or if 2 KHz is significantly different from 4 KHz. 

References

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Published

2021-06-09

How to Cite

Canha Dentinho, J., São Pedro, R., Polainas, S., Fidalgo Alves, S., Mendes, R., & Antunes, L. (2021). Does the average between 2 and 4 kHz predict the 3 kHz threshold?. Portuguese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, 59(2), 87–91. https://doi.org/10.34631/sporl.866

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Section

Original Article