Tablet-based tele-audiometry: Automated hearing screening for schoolchildren

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 140-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra G Samelli ◽  
Camila M Rabelo ◽  
Seisse G Gandolfi Sanches ◽  
Ana C Martinho ◽  
Carla G Matas
Keyword(s):  
Screening Method ◽  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
Hearing Screening ◽  
Screening Methods ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Screening Protocol ◽  
Diagnostic Values ◽  
Comparison Of The Results ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Screening Approaches

Introduction To assess the performance of a tablet-based tele-audiometry method for automated hearing screening of schoolchildren through a comparison of the results of various hearing screening approaches. Methods A total of 244 children were evaluated. Tablet-based screening results were compared with gold-standard pure-tone audiometry. Acoustic immittance measurements were also conducted. To pass the tablet-based screening, the children were required to respond to at least two out of three sounds for all the frequencies in each ear. Several hearing screening methods were analysed: exclusively tablet-based (with and without 500 Hz checked) and combined tests (series and parallel). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy were calculated. Results A total of 9.43% of children presented with mild to moderate conductive hearing loss (unilateral or bilateral). Diagnostic values varied among the different hearing screening approaches that were evaluated: sensitivities ranged from 60 to 95%, specificities ranged from 44 to 91%, positive predictive values ranged from 15 to 44%, negative predictive values ranged from 95 to 99%, accuracy values ranged from 49 to 88%, and area under curve values ranged from 0.690 to 0.883. Regarding diagnostic values, the highest results were found for the tablet-based screening method and for the series approach. Discussion Compared with the results obtained by conventional audiometry and considering the diagnostic values of the different hearing screening approaches, the highest diagnostic values were generally obtained using the automated hearing screening method (including 500 Hz). Thus, this application, which was developed for the tablet computer, was shown to be a valuable hearing screening tool for use with schoolchildren. Therefore, we suggest that this hearing screening protocol has the potential to improve asynchronous tele-audiology service delivery.

Validity of hearTest Smartphone-Based Audiometry for Hearing Screening in Workers Exposed to Noise

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luma Cordeiro Rodrigues ◽  
Silvia Ferrite ◽  
Ana Paula Corona
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Hearing Screening ◽  
Youden Index ◽  
Hearing Level ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Auditory Thresholds ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Low Sensitivity ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Abstract Purpose This article investigates the validity of a smartphone-based audiometry for hearing screening to identify hearing loss in workers exposed to noise. Research Design This is a validation study comparing hearing screening with the hearTest to conventional audiometry. The study population included all workers who attended the Brazilian Social Service of Industry to undergo periodic examinations. Sensitivity, specificity, the Youden index, and positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) for hearing screening obtained by the hearTest were estimated according to three definitions of hearing loss: any threshold greater than 25 dB hearing level (HL), the mean auditory thresholds for 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz greater than 25 dB HL, and the mean thresholds for 3, 4, and 6 kHz greater than 25 dB HL. Note that 95% confidence intervals were calculated for all measurements. Results A total of 232 workers participated in the study. Hearing screening with the hearTest presented good sensitivity (93.8%), specificity (83.9%), and Youden index (77.7%) values, a NPV (97.2%), and a low PPV (69.0%) for the identification of hearing loss defined as any auditory threshold greater than 25 dB HL. For the other definitions of hearing loss, we observed high specificity, PPV and NPV, as well as low sensitivity and Youden index. Conclusion The hearTest is an accurate hearing screening tool to identify hearing loss in workers exposed to noise, including those with noise-induced hearing loss, although it does not replace conventional audiometry.

scholarly journals Aksillere temperatuur vergelyk met timpaniese membraan temperatuur in kinders

Curationis ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
G Greyling ◽  
MJ Viljoen ◽  
G Joubert
Keyword(s):  
Screening Method ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Limits Of Agreement ◽  
Axillary Temperature ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Tympanic Membrane Temperature ◽  
Temperature Reading ◽  
Golden Standard ◽  
Acceptable Method ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

The purpose of the study was to measure the axillary temperature at three, six and nine minutes in a hundred children between the ages of one and twelve years who were selected in a non-random deliberate way, and to compare the measurements with the tympanic membrane temperature (golden standard) which was measured in the test persons at the same time. The results were described by sensitivity, specificity, limits of agreement, and predictive values. From some of the findings of the research it is apparent that the axillary temperature reading increased after measurement of three, six and nine minutes. A maximum temperature reading was reached after three minutes in only 9% of the test persons, in 25% after six minutes and in 66% after nine minutes. From the findings it is clear that the ranges that were used influenced the sensitivity of the measurements, and it would appear that the range 35,5°C to 37,2°C was the best range to measure pyrexia in the age group one to 12 years. The 9- minute measurement then had the highest sensitivity. However, the specificity of measurement in this range was lower. The conclusion was drawn that axillary temperature measurement is an acceptable method, with certain reservations, to use as screening method for pyrexia in emergency divisions or clinics.

Neutrophil CD64 Index as a superior biomarker for early diagnosis of infection in febrile patients in the hematology department

2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shu-Dao Xiong ◽  
Lian-Fang Pu ◽  
Hui-Ping Wang ◽  
Lin-Hui Hu ◽  
Yang-Yang Ding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Specificity ◽  
Likelihood Ratios ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Combined Analysis ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Neutrophil Cd64 ◽  
Special Value ◽  
Diagnostic Values ◽  
Neutropenic Patients ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Abstract Background: In the hematology department, the availability of biomarkers for early detection of infection is difficult to obtain. The present study aimed to compare the diagnostic values of neutrophil CD64 Index, procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) and to determine whether the combined analysis of these biomarkers offer stronger predictive power in the diagnosis for the infection of febrile patients. Methods: Neutrophil CD64 Index, PCT, IL-6 and CRP levels were determined in 356 febrile patients in the hematology ward from May 2013 to May 2015. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, positive and negative predictive values, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) areas under the curve (AUC), and logistic regression analysis were determined to evaluate the diagnostic values of these biomarkers. Results: The levels of the four biomarkers were higher in the infection patients (p<0.001), and the PCT and IL-6 were higher in the patients with positive microbial blood culture (p<0.01). The neutrophil CD64 Index, PCT, IL-6, CRP had AUCs of 0.95, 0.83, 0.75 and 0.73, respectively. The best cut-off value of the neutrophil CD64 Index to detect infections was 5.06, with high specificity (87.5%) and sensitivity (88.4%). Furthermore, neutrophil CD64 Index, PCT and IL-6 offered the best combination of diagnosis with sensitivity of 93.9% and an AUC of 0.95. In addition, the neutrophil CD64 Index may have a special value to assist the physician to diagnose infection in the neutropenic patients with fever. Conclusions: The neutrophil CD64 Index is useful for early identification of infections in febrile patients in the hematology department. The combined analysis of the CD64 Index, PCT and IL-6 could further improve its sensitivity.

Abdominal Circumference Alone versus Estimated Fetal Weight after 24 Weeks to Predict Small or Large for Gestational Age at Birth: A Meta-Analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (11) ◽  
pp. 1115-1124 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Yordan ◽  
Bradley Holbrook ◽  
Pranita Nirgudkar ◽  
Ellen Mozurkewich ◽  
Nathan Blue
Keyword(s):  
Gestational Age ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Screening Method ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Fetal Weight ◽  
Abdominal Circumference ◽  
Large For Gestational Age ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Estimated Fetal Weight

Objective We compared the sensitivity and specificity of abdominal circumference (AC) alone versus estimated fetal weight (EFW) to predict small for gestational age (SGA) or large for gestational age (LGA) at birth. Study Design We searched the literature for studies assessing an ultrasonographic AC or EFW after 24 weeks to predict SGA or LGA at birth. Case series or studies including anomalous fetuses or multiple gestations were excluded. We computed the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of any AC or EFW cutoff analyzed by at least two studies. Results We identified 2,460 studies, of which 40 met inclusion criteria (n = 36,519). Four studies assessed AC alone to predict SGA (n = 5,119), and six assessed AC to predict LGA (n = 6,110). Sixteen assessed EFW to predict SGA (n = 13,825), and 22 evaluated EFW to predict LGA (n = 18,896). To predict SGA, AC and EFW < 10th percentile have similar ability to predict SGA. To predict LGA, AC cutoffs were comparable to all EFW cutoffs, except that AC > 35 cm had better sensitivity. Conclusion After 24 weeks, AC is comparable to EFW to predict both SGA and LGA. In settings where serial EFWs are inaccessible, a simpler screening method with AC alone may suffice.

scholarly journals A review of vision screening methods for children

2018 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingrid T. Metsing ◽  
Wanda Jacobs ◽  
Rekha Hansraj
Keyword(s):  
Screening Method ◽  
Computer Software ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Screening Methods ◽  
Vision Screening ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Manual Search ◽  
Screening Protocol ◽  
Software Programs

Background: What constitutes an appropriate vision screening protocol is controversial, because the tests or methods are expected to be cost-effective, expedient and easy but efficient in detecting visual anomalies among children.Aim: This review intends to compare the different vision screening tests for children and methods in the interest of identifying the most effective screening method from the standpoint of validity, public acceptance, expediency and cost.Method: The literature search was performed for this review using the Medline, Science Direct and EBSCOhost databases. The search terms used were vision screening methods or tests, children’s vision screenings, computer software programs and vision screening instruments. The inclusion criteria for the articles reviewed were all types of articles related to vision screening methods. The exclusion criteria were all articles for which full text was not available and those not available in English. Eighty articles were analysed, of which 33 were found to have complied with the inclusion criteria and were selected. From the first round of articles retrieved, additional references were identified by a manual search among the cited references.Results: Evidence from the literature reviewed demonstrated that the conventional vision screening method (isolated and combination tests) is the method commonly used to detect a range of relevant visual anomalies among the schoolgoing age group (≥ 6 years) and drew attention to the need for training of vision screening personnel. However, in addition to the conventional method, other vision screening methods include instruments as an adjunct for screening preschoolers and those difficult to screen (≤ 6 years).Conclusion: Inconsistencies in what constitutes an appropriate vision screening method still exist, especially with the booming market of using computer software programs, which still needs to be validated.

Hearing Health Care Utilization following Automated Hearing Screening

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Folmer ◽  
Gabrielle H. Saunders ◽  
Jay J. Vachhani ◽  
Robert H. Margolis ◽  
George Saly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Screening Method ◽  
Hearing Screening ◽  
The Other ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Screening Methods ◽  
Educational Video ◽  
Automated Method ◽  
Hearing Health

Abstract Background The study examined follow-up rates for pursuing hearing health care (HHC) 6 to 8 months after participants self-administered one of three hearing screening methods: an automated method for testing of auditory sensitivity (AMTAS), a four-frequency pure-tone screener (FFS), or a digits-in-noise test (DIN), with and without the presentation of a 2-minute educational video about hearing. Purpose The study aims to determine if the type of self-administered hearing screening method (with or without an educational video) affects HHC follow-up rates. Research Design The study is a randomized controlled trial of three automated hearing screening methods, plus control group, with and without an educational video. The control group completed questionnaires and provided follow-up data but did not undergo a hearing screening test. Study Sample The study sample includes 1,665 participants (mean age 50.8 years; 935 males) at two VA Medical Centers and at university and community centers in Portland, OR; Bay Pines, FL; Minneapolis, MN; Mauston, WI; and Columbus, OH. Data Collection and Analysis: HHC follow-up data at 6 to 8 months were obtained by contacting participants by phone or mail. Screening methods and participant characteristics were compared in relation to the probability of participants pursuing HHC during the follow-up period. Results The 2-minute educational video did not have a significant effect on HHC follow-up rates. When all participants who provided follow-up data are considered (n = 1012), the FFS was the only test that resulted in a significantly greater percentage of HHC follow-up (24.6%) compared with the control group (16.8%); p = 0.03. However, for participants who failed a hearing screening (n = 467), follow-up results for all screening methods were significantly greater than for controls. The FFS resulted in a greater probability for HHC follow-up overall than the other two screening methods. Moreover, veterans had higher follow-up rates for all screening methods than non-veterans. Conclusion The FFS resulted in a greater HHC follow-up rate compared with the other screening methods. This self-administered test may be more motivational for HHC follow-up because participants who fail the screening are aware of sounds they could not hear which does not occur with adaptive assessments like AMTAS or the DIN test. It is likely that access to and reduced personal cost of audiological services for veterans contributed to higher HHC follow-up rates in this group compared with non-veteran participants.

scholarly journals Somaticell® as a screening method for somatic cell count from bovine milk

2012 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 1095-1101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hélio Langoni ◽  
Daniel da Silva Penachio ◽  
Diego Borin Nóbrega ◽  
Felipe de Freitas Guimarães ◽  
Simone Baldini Lucheis
Keyword(s):  
Somatic Cell ◽  
Cell Count ◽  
Somatic Cell Count ◽  
Screening Method ◽  
Bovine Milk ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
California Mastitis Test ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the correlation between electronic somatic cell count (eSCC) and Somaticell® under different milk somatic cell count (SCC) conditions and to different mastitis pathogens and calculate the, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of Somaticell® using different SCC limits established by different countries. Three-hundred and forty milk samples were aseptically collected according to the California Mastitis Test (CMT) result. The Somaticell® and eSCC were carried out in all milk samples. The correlation between Somaticell® test results and electronic counts was determined according to the CMT, isolated pathogen and eSCC score. According to the SCC scores established, 26.5% milk samples showed score 1 (69-166x10³cells mL-1), 26.8% score 2 (167-418x10³cells mL-1), 27.4% score 3 (419-760x10³cells mL-1) and 19.4% score 4 (761 to 1,970x10³cells mL-1). According to Spearmann correlation test, eSCC and Somaticell® had a positive correlation (P<0.05) in almost all conditions (except eSCC score 2 and score 3). The r value obtained between the SCC and Somaticell® was 0.32. It was observed that as the SCC thresholds increased, the sensitivity values decrease and specificity increased. The predictive values remained constant among all limits. When the SCC limit is lower (<760,000cells mL-1), Somaticell® resulted in higher counts than the SCC. As for samples with high SCC, Somaticell® resulted in lower counts than the eSCC. The correlation between the two methods remained relatively constant in all conditions and the sensitivity and specificity of the test is highly dependent of the threshold established. The results of this study suggest that Somaticell® is not useful to evaluate milk SCC, as its results are significant different from the eSCC. Therefore it could be used as a screening method, such as CMT, to detect an increase in the milk SCC.

scholarly journals Correlating Pap Smear Results and Colposcopy-Directed Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone Histopathology in HIV-Infected and HIV-Uninfected Women: A Case-Control Study in South Africa

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Louis-J. van Bogaert
Keyword(s):  
Pap Smear ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Screening Methods ◽  
Cytological Diagnosis ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Transformation Zone ◽  
Large Loop ◽  
Cytological Abnormality ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Minimal Abnormality

Background. In low-resource settings (LRS) with high HIV/AIDS and cervical cancer rates, new screening strategies face many logistic hurdles. Since cytology is there to stay, at least in the median-term future, it is important to assess to what extent HIV-HPV coinfection impacts the accuracy of screening methods and strategies. Methods. We audited the correlation between cytological diagnosis of minimal abnormality (CIN1), CIN2+, or cancer and the histological diagnosis of colposcopy-directed large loop excision of the transformation zone of 399 HIV-uninfected controls and 389 HIV-infected cases. Results. The average age at diagnosis of CIN2+ of the cases was 4.2 years younger than controls (). The endpoint used to assess the accuracy of cytology was minimal cytological abnormality (≤CIN1/LGSIL). The sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values were 92.7, 18.5, 45.1, and 77.9%, respectively. The overall ratio of discordance/concordance between cytology and histology was similar in both groups. Conclusion. In LRS, where rapid-HPV testing is not yet part of screening algorithms, a cytological diagnosis of minimal abnormality requires visual inspection and treatment of visualized lesions especially in HIV-infected women aged 30 years. The cytological endpoint of accuracy should be set low to avoid false negative smears.

Evaluation of the EYTEX® System as a Screening Method for the Ocular Irritancy of Chemical Products

1994 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-50
Author(s):  
Jean-François Régnier ◽  
Christophe Imbert ◽  
Jean-Charles Boutonnet
Keyword(s):  
False Negative ◽  
Screening Method ◽  
In Vitro Test ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Ocular Irritation ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Dangerous Substances ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Interlaboratory Reproducibility

The EYTEX® method is an in vitro test used to predict ocular irritation, based on alterations in a protein matrix. We have evaluated this method with the aim of using it to screen chemicals. One hundred and forty-two products (commodities and specialities), having a wide range of chemical properties and ocular irritation potential in the rabbit, were tested with either the standard, MPA, AMA, KMA or UMA protocols. The results were compared with in vivo data obtained previously for each chemical and with the EEC labelling of eye irritation for dangerous substances. Intralaboratory repeatability and interlaboratory reproducibility were evaluated with seven other laboratories. Ninety-three per cent of the chemicals tested were qualified with the EYTEX method. The coefficients of the linear correlation between the EYTEX score and the maximal Draize score on the one hand and the maximal corneal score on the other hand, were 0.69 and 0.65, respectively. Compared to the EEC classification, the labelling of dangerous substances and for the prediction of severe irritants, sensitivity, specificity and equivalence were 94%, 89% and 78%, respectively. We observed nine false positives (22%) and two false negatives (2%) for the identification of R41-, R34- and R35-labelled products. The predictive values, for identifying R41, R34 and R35 products and non-irritants or R36 products were 78% and 97%, respectively. Repeatability (6.3) and reproducibility (8.9) were quite satisfactory. The EYTEX system exhibits the characteristics of a good screening method: compatibility with a large range of chemicals; a simple and rapid procedure; good intralaboratory and interlaboratory reproducibility; cost effectiveness; high sensitivity, specificity and predictive value; and a low incidence of false negative and false positive results. Based on these results, we consider the EYTEX method to be a valuable tool for the screening of eye irritancy.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Immunoglobulin G Subclass Antibodies against Recombinant Fasciola gigantica Cathepsin L1 in an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Serodiagnosis of Human Fasciolosis

2005 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1152-1156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chaisiri Wongkham ◽  
Chairat Tantrawatpan ◽  
Pewpan M. Intapan ◽  
Wanchai Maleewong ◽  
Sopit Wongkham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Immunoglobulin G ◽  
Fasciola Gigantica ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Diagnostic Potential ◽  
Diagnostic Values ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Igg4 Antibody

ABSTRACT A cystatin capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using recombinant Fasciola gigantica cathepsin L1 antigen was developed to detect specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclass antibodies (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4) and was evaluated for its diagnostic potential for human fasciolosis. In an analysis of the sera of 13 patients infected with F. gigantica, 209 patients with other parasitic infections, 32 cholangiocarcinoma patients, and 42 healthy controls, the IgG4-ELISA gave the highest diagnostic values. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values of this method based on the detection of IgG4 antibody were 100%, 99.3%, 99.3%, 86.7%, and 100%, respectively. The results revealed that restricting the ELISA to the detection of specific IgG4 antibody enhanced the specificity and accuracy for the serodiagnosis of human fasciolosis.

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