3 and 4 kHz BC
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Variability in 3 and 4 kHz bone conduction measurements in adults with hearing loss – a pilot study
IRAS ID
306268
Contact name
Richard Windle
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
This study looks at bone conduction hearing measurements. Hearing tests involve two measurement types at different frequencies (pitches of sound). Air conduction measures the whole hearing pathway (from the outer to inner ear), whilst bone conduction sends vibrations through the skull bones to the inner ear directly.
Audiologists measure hearing thresholds (the quietest sound someone can hear) for different pitches. Some hearing loss patterns help identify conditions and guide treatment decisions. Comparing air and bone conduction thresholds (the air-bone gap) shows the type of hearing loss present. For example, sensorineural hearing loss (caused by inner ear damage) or conductive hearing loss (when sound cannot pass through the outer or middle ear, but inner ear hearing is normal).
Previously, audiologists tested bone conduction at low, mid and high pitches of sound. However, since 2018, UK professional audiology guidelines no longer recommend bone conduction testing in the high pitches (3 and 4 kHz), as these measurements may not be accurate. This may be because of errors in how the bone conductor headphones are calibrated. The bone conductor calibration standards are the same across the world and cannot be changed.
We believe that it is clinically useful to test 3 and 4 kHz bone conduction. For example, different bone conduction results between the ears may indicate further investigations. Also, having more hearing test data is helpful when fitting hearing aids.
We aim to measure if 3 and 4 kHz bone conduction measurements are accurate in adults with hearing loss. This is a pilot study, to gather some initial data and inform future larger-scale research. Adults with mild-moderate sensorineural hearing loss attending the Royal Berkshire NHS Audiology department can participate. The study involves one visit to complete the study hearing test and a questionnaire about their experience.REC name
South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SC/0114
Date of REC Opinion
27 Mar 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion