Is the Hum Test a valid tool in unilateral hearing loss?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Comparing the sensitivity and specificity of the Hum test with Weber's tuning fork test in the diagnosis of unilateral hearing loss.
IRAS ID
290870
Contact name
Kate Hulse
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
educational purposes below doctoral level,
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 29 days
Research summary
The ‘hum test’ has been described as a potentially useful tool in determining the nature of unilateral hearing loss. It can reportedly be used to distinguish between a conductive hearing loss (CHL) and a sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). This is of vital clinical importance because sudden onset SNHL is a clinical emergency and patients need to be urgently assessed by ENT in order to decide further management. Patients with sudden onset SNHL should be treated with oral steroids within 72 hours of symptoms in order to maximise the chance of hearing recovery.
The differentiation between CHL and SNHL can be made by examination with a tuning fork or most accurately via pure tone audiogram (PTA) however neither of these tests can be performed remotely. Primary care practitioners are often not confident performing tuning fork tests or do not have the appropriate equipment available. PTA is performed by trained audiologist and is usually only available within normal weekday working hours.
During the COVID-19 pandemic capacity for face-to-face appointments has reduced especially in primary care, therefore many doctors are assessing patients over the telephone. The hum test would be an alternative tool in remote consultation, is a simpler test for non-specialists and requires no equipment, however its validity and reliability has never been adequately investigated.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
22/NI/0160
Date of REC Opinion
17 Oct 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion