[Screening on hearing loss with the Mini-Audio-Test - A pilot study].

BACKGROUND

In the second half of life, an untreated hearing impairment seems to be associated to increase the risk of dementia, depression, fall, cognitive decline, or general helpless. Most of the affected persons are not treated adequately, e. g. with hearing aids. The Mini-Audio-Test (MAT) is an evaluated inventory for detecting an unknown hearing loss. This study should investigate whether the MAT could be used in a representative sample of adults.

METHODS

In spring 2019, in total 123 subjects have been investigated on hearing loss using the MAT. Subjects with positive results were ask to consult an ENT-physician for further diagnostics. All data have been collected anonymously and analyzed by descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

In general, 79 of all questioned subjects, aged from 18 to 93 years, agreed to be investigated. At all, 63 of them answered the MAT, 22 of them intended to consult an ENT-physician; only on subject really did.

CONCLUSION

Today, an unspecific use of the MAT for screening on hearing loss seems not to be successful. Thus, a structured approach, e. g. during a regular consultation of a physician at the age of 50 years and more, seems to be more sensible. Moreover, the public should be better informed in the risks of untreated hearing loss.