Sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of hearing complaints

Authors

  • Ana Lúcia Sant'Anna Marini Universidade Luterana do Brasil; Curso de Fonoaudiologia
  • Ricardo Halpern Universidade Luterana do Brasil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva
  • Denise Aerts Universidade Luterana do Brasil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102005000600017

Keywords:

Audiometry, Hearing loss, Aged, Child, Predictive value

Abstract

This study assessed the sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of hearing complaints in outpatients attending an university ear, nose and throat clinic. A cross-sectional study was carried out in Canoas, Southern Brazil, from 1999 to 2002. Seven-hundred and ninety-five subjects who underwent the audiometric test were analyzed. The results showed that the complaint of hearing loss presented 80.9% sensitivity, 69.6% specificity and 86.5% positive predictive value and 60.4% negative predictive value. Despite its subjective character, the audiometric test can be considered a reliable diagnostic tool and should be used due to its low cost compared to the new technologies.

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Published

2005-12-01

Issue

Vol. 39 No. 6 (2005)

Section

Brief Communication

How to Cite

Marini, A. L. S., Halpern, R., & Aerts, D. (2005). Sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of hearing complaints . Revista De Saúde Pública, 39(6), 982-984. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102005000600017