In article <9508071251.AA03748 at linknet.net>, djcoffin at LINKNET.NET (David &
Gwen Coffin) wrote:
> I would like opinions regarding percentage of hearing loss. Many of my
> patients have been told by other health care providers (usually their ENT)
> that they have XX% of hearing loss. This determination appears to be based
> on dB, not a formula (i.e., 50dB loss = 50% loss.)
This is usually a calculation based on the AAOO method. It is a weighted
average formula that was developed in about the 50's. If you are
interested in the formula it can be found in Newby HA (1979) Audiology.
pp.157-159. I my setting I hear it occasionally, that's when I spend
extra time explaining the audiogram and what it means to their
communication ability. They then have a better understanding about its
meaning and not just some meaningless number. So far it has worked.
David Brown
Hearing Research Lab
University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta CANADA
