Comparing Low-Frequency Hearing Thresholds between Insert Earphones and Headphones in Ears with Tympanic Membrane Perforations.

OBJECTIVE

To compare hearing thresholds at 250 and 500 Hz in pediatric patients with tympanic membrane perforations (TMP) using RadioEar IP30 insert earphones and RadioEar TDH50s 3045 supra-aural headphones.

STUDY

DESIGN

Prospective clinical pilot study.

SETTING

Primary Children's Hospital, Utah.

METHODS

Children (<18 years of age) were prospectively enrolled into 2 groups based on the presence of TMPs (no TMP, TMP). Hearing thresholds were measured at 250 and 500 Hz using RadioEar IP30 insert earphones and RadioEar TDH50s 3045 supra-aural headphones for all participants.

RESULTS

At 250 and 500 Hz, hearing thresholds were significantly higher when recorded with insert earphones than with supra-aural headphones in pediatric participants with TMPs. At 250 Hz, thresholds obtained with inserts were 14.7 ± 7.2 dB (P < .001) higher than thresholds obtained with supra-aural headphones and 8.0 ± 7.5 dB higher (P < .01) at 500 Hz.

CONCLUSION

Low-frequency hearing thresholds were significantly higher when measured with insert earphones in patients with TMPsbut not in patients without TMPs. A diagnosis of low-frequency hearing loss must be interpreted with caution when using insert earphones in participants with TMPs.