Hearing Threshold Shift
Compare frequency-matched baseline/follow-up audiograms and flag a supplied positive deterioration threshold; this is not an occupational standard-threshold-shift determination.
Description
Matched audiograms can show threshold shifts at the same frequencies.
Matched audiograms can show threshold shifts at the same frequencies. A positive follow-up-minus-baseline difference means a higher measured hearing threshold.
The tool returns shiftsDb (shifts db); criterionFrequenciesHz (criterion frequencies hz); meanShiftDb (mean shift db). Input measurements and model parameters are supplied by the caller; the tool computes the stated summary rather than acquiring those measurements.
When to use Hearing Threshold Shift
Use Hearing Threshold Shift when you already have frequenciesHz, baselineDbHl, followupDbHl, shiftCriterionDb and want shiftsDb, criterionFrequenciesHz, meanShiftDb. This is useful for checking a supplied calculation, documenting a measurement convention, or comparing observations prepared on the same basis.
How to use Hearing Threshold Shift and understand its results
- Enter frequenciesHz, baselineDbHl, followupDbHl, shiftCriterionDb using the field table below. Match the units, ordering and data boundaries described in the calculation.
- Run the tool after checking the stated bounds and matching paired observations or categories. A malformed request gives a tool error rather than a usable measurement.
- Read shiftsDb, criterionFrequenciesHz, meanShiftDb. Use the calculation and interpretation below to distinguish amounts, ratios, signs and decision flags where applicable.
- Review the supplied parameters and assumptions before using the result in a report or comparing it with another observation.
| Input field | Meaning | Value type and bounds | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| frequenciesHz | Frequencies hz | list of number | Required |
| baselineDbHl | Baseline db hl | list of number | Required |
| followupDbHl | Followup db hl | list of number | Required |
| shiftCriterionDb | Shift criterion db | number | Required |
Use aligned measurements at increasing positive frequencies; list frequencies whose shift is at least the positive supplied criterion and average all shifts.
shiftDb = followupDbHL−baselineDbHL The symbols refer to the supplied quantities or generated values described above; unit conversions and comparison boundaries follow the stated implementation.
{
"input": {
"frequenciesHz": [
500,
1000,
2000
],
"baselineDbHl": [
10,
20,
30
],
"followupDbHl": [
15,
20,
45
],
"shiftCriterionDb": 10
},
"output": {
"shiftsDb": [
5,
0,
15
],
"criterionFrequenciesHz": [
2000
],
"meanShiftDb": 6.666666666666667
}
}Limitations and assumptions
The criterion is caller-selected. Test calibration, ear matching and clinical or occupational significance are not determined.
Numerical inputs must be finite. The tool checks its declared input shape and calculation constraints; those checks do not verify the quality, calibration or representativeness of the supplied observations.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Pure Tone Average Audiogram: Select caller-defined measured audiogram frequencies and calculate PTA without embedding a jurisdictional impairment formula. Reliable Change Index: Compute a practice-adjusted Jacobson–Truax reliable-change index from caller norms and criterion; not a diagnosis or a universal improvement cutoff.
Methodological background: Hearing checks and the hearWHO app.1
References
-
Hearing checks and the hearWHO app — World Health Organization
Similar or alternative tools
- Pure Tone Average Audiogram
Select caller-defined measured audiogram frequencies and calculate PTA without embedding a jurisdictional impairment formula.
- Reliable Change Index
Compute a practice-adjusted Jacobson–Truax reliable-change index from caller norms and criterion; not a diagnosis or a universal improvement cutoff.