Do-it-yourself hearing test now available
By Dann Denny, Herald-Times, Bloomington, Ind. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
"Many European countries and
Watson said that while the telephone-administered test provides an accurate estimate of a person's hearing in the speech-frequency range, it is not a substitute for a full hearing evaluation by an audiologist -- which he said typically costs from
"The screening test is for those who suspect they might have a hearing problem but are not sufficiently convinced to make that appointment," he said. "Some callers pass the test and are relieved, while others fail and are advised to seek a full evaluation."
Callers are instructed to listen -- one ear at a time-- to a series of three-digit numbers spoken at varying volumes over background noise, and asked to press those digits on their phones. If a caller enters the numbers correctly, the next numbers are presented at a more-difficult-to-hear level. If the caller makes an error, the next numbers are easier to hear.
The caller's accuracy is measured in real time to determine the extent of hearing loss in each ear. Callers are then told they have "hearing within normal limits," "mild hearing loss" or "substantial hearing loss." Those with mild or substantial hearing loss are strongly advised to visit an audiologist or a medical doctor specializing in hearing for a more complete hearing evaluation.
"Some people are timid -- either because of their age or insurance coverage -- to come into the office to get a hearing test," said
Watson said that untreated hearing loss can lead to job problems, income reduction, social isolation, embarrassment and a significantly lower quality of life. He said most hearing loss is irreversible, but if caught early, steps can be taken to slow the progression of loss.
"The sooner you get hearing aids after you need them, the better," he said. "If you need them at age 60 and wait until you're 70, the data show your odds of becoming a successful hearing aid user go down."
More than 26,000 Americans took the hearing test in the first month of its rollout, 80 percent of whom had some degree of hearing loss. The test will continue to be offered free at least through the end of June.
"We've asked the NIH permission to continue offering the test free after June, until the grant funding runs out," Watson said. "Maybe the NIH could continue to provide the free test even after the funding runs out. It could certainly afford to do that."
Watson said the NIH gave the company
Two validation studies, one funded by the
For more information about the National Hearing Test, visit www.nationalhearingtest.org.
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