Is the Otogram™ As Accurate
As Manual Testing? “An audiologist would have to see a change
in test-retest audiometric thresholds of approximately 10-15
dB to be 95% confident that the difference did not occur
as a result of variability due to measurement error.”
[Stuart, Stenstrom, Tompkins, Vandenfoff, 1991]
Tympany, with many of its customers, have tested hundreds
of patients in side-by-side tests to compare automated Otogram™
audiogram testing results to conventional manual audiogram
testing results. These comparisons have consistently shown
that the test results obtained with the Otogram™ vary
to the same degree as the test-retest difference found in
manual testing – that is, nearly all the thresholds
measured in manual and automated Otogram™ testing
have fallen within 10 dB of one another.
Clinical Studies of Test-Retest
Variability
Published studies of test-retest variability indicate that
in measuring air conduction thresholds, audiologists would
expect a 10 dB variance, at a 95% confidence interval, between
thresholds for the same patient when measured at two different
points in time by two different audiologists. [Stuart ,
Stenstrom , Tompkins, Vandenhoff 1991] In addition, research
on automated pure-tone air conduction audiometry by the
VA has indicated that when comparing manual to automated
audiometry, 98% of the thresholds were within 10 dB, with
100% within 20 dB. [Henry, Flick, Gilbert, Ellingston, Fausti
2001]
Manual versus Otogram™
Testing Protocols
Nearly all side-by-side testing was completed using the
following methodology. A patient was taken into a sound
booth and given a comprehensive audiogram by an audiologist.
The same patient was then taken to a quiet examination room
and prepared by a testing administrator to self administer
the Otogram™ test. All the testing results were then
compared to see the variance between manual and Otogram™
results.
Testing Population
Side-by-side testing was done in several clinical locations
in Texas and Virginia by audiologists. In total, 753 thresholds
were measured and compared for 43 patients.
Summary Testing Results
Summary
of Results
94% of all thresholds
fel within 10 db of manual results
97% of all air thresholds
fell within 10 dB of manual results
84% of all bone thresholds
fell within 10 dB of manual results
98% of all SRT thresholds
fell within 10 dB of manual results
Average difference in
speech discrimination, 3.5%
Pure
Tone and SRT Results
Total
Air
Bone
SRT
Thresholds measured
753
795
198
82
0 dB difference to manual
39%
42%
29%
46%
0-5 dB difference to
manual
79%
86%
60%
79%
0-10 dB difference to
manual
94%
97%
84%
98%
0-15 dB difference to
manual
99%
100%
97%
100%
Over 15 dB difference
to manual
1%
0%
3%
0%
Testing
Time
Total
Air
Bone
SRT
Time to complete
tests
(avg min)
20.4
15.7
2.8
1.9
We currently have partnered with several academic institutions
and researchers to conduct additional studies and will publish
results upon completion. If you are interested in conducting
research pertaining to the use of the Otogram, please contact
us directly.
“The
reimbursement makes it one of the best practices opportunities
in years. The test results are also simple and easy to
read.” Evan L. Lipkis, M.D Advanced Center for Total Healthcare
Glenview, IL
“We
love the Otogram. It meets our needs to improve
our workflow and provide cost-effective testing on demand.”
Ted
Brown, M.D. Spring Hill,
FL
"It’s
amazing! 24/7 hearing testing capability in 6 languages without a sound
booth! It’s very simple to operate and my patients like it too."
M. Horwitz, M.D. Houston TX
“This is the best product
I have ever seen at any Academy meeting!”
2003
AAO attendee
“We
continue to love the Otogram™ and appreciate
the training and support that Tympany has given us.
I appreciate your fine work.”
ENT
physician
Georgia.
"Our practice is entirely dependent upon the Otogram™ on a daily basis for our core testing needs."
Heidi L. Close, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Des Moines, Iowa
"The
reimbursement makes the Otogram one of the best practice opportunities in years.
We are very pleased with the Otogram."
Lonnie Rutherford, Medical Insurance & Billing
Mt. Shasta, CA
"The
best thing about the test is that I don’t have to stay with the patient throughout
the test and am beeped when the patient needs help."
