The efficacy of extended high-frequency audiometry in early detection of noise-induced hearing loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Early detection of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is important to prevent the progression of hearing loss at speech frequencies. This study, through a systematic review of literature and meta-analysis, assessed the efficacy of high-frequency audiometry for early detection of NIHL. A systematic literature search was performed in Medline, Scopus, ISI web of science, EMBASE, CINAHL, Health star, and Ovid databases. The mean difference of hearing threshold at normal and high frequencies hearing was considered as the effect size. The pooled and stratum-specific MD were also estimated. From the 3031 articles found in the initial search, 23 and 11 studies were systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed, respectively. The mean difference in the exposed subjects was higher than the non-exposed subjects at most of the hearing frequencies. The effect size was higher at high frequencies, although it was not statistically significant. The research findings indicate that high-frequency audiometry cannot be considered as a method for early detection of NIHL.