The Predictive Study for Hearing Loss using Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission in Mild Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

1) O b j e c t i v e: The aim of this study was to predetermine the discrimination standard point of distortion product otoacoustic emission(DPOAE) amplitudes, which discriminates the degree of the mild noise-induced hearing loss, and to estimate the accuracy and predictability of the dis - crimination standard point of DPOAE amplitudes. Therefore we were able to determine the usability of the DPOAE test in screening exam for mild noise-induced hearing loss. Methods: This study was analyzed 50 high frequency-impaired ears (from 25 dB HL to 40 dB HL at 4000 Hz for which the response of DPOAE was not disappeared) and 81 normal ears through the correlation test between the amplitudes of DPOAE test and the threshold of the pure-tone audiometry test. Result: The discrimination between ≥25 dB and ≤20 dB on hearing threshold with -1 dB SPL value of DP amplitude at 4000Hz produced a sensitivity result of 89.7%, specificity of 90.2% and predictability of 90.0%. Conclusion: DPOAE test is considered as a more efficient early prevention method against noise-induced hearing loss if this test is conducted as part of the special medical checkup of industrial workers exposed to noise.