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Background: Hearing loss is a highly widespread problem worldwide and early identification of hearing loss through screening is important to overcome the negative effects of untreated hearing impairment. Screening can be done using handheld device app technologies for the hearing assessments that would be easy to be used by any individual. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the hearing thresholds with smartphone application and conventional audiometer. Materials and Methods: A total of 52 participants were included in the study. They were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 36 participants (72 ears) in the age range of 7 to 35 years with normal hearing sensitivity. Group 2 included 16 participants (32 ears) in the age range of 18-68 years with varying degree of hearing loss ranging from minimal hearing loss to severe hearing loss. Thus, a total of 104 ears were tested. Air Conduction thresholds were obtained at octave frequencies from 250 Hz to 4000 Hz using conventional audiometer in a sound treated room and through the android application (Hearing test version 1.1.) using a smart phone (Micromax Xpress Canvas) in a quiet room. The noise levels for hearing assessment through smart phone app ranged between 70-75 dB A, which was measured prior to the testing session. The thresholds were obtained for both right and left ear of the participants. The hearing thresholds obtained from both the measures was subjected to appropriate statistical analysis. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference in the thresholds across the procedures for all the frequencies in Group 1. However, there was no significant difference in thresholds across the procedures for all the frequencies in Group 2. Conclusion: It can be concluded that hearing screening through mobile application is user-friendly and cost-effective, but it might lead into under referrals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is defined as a loss of at least 30 dB in three contiguous frequencies over a period of three days or less. In the present study a client with sudden hearing loss post hypothyroidism is discussed. A 56 year old client reported of awakening from sleep due to ear fullness along with severe tinnitus and experienced reduced hearing sensitivity in the right ear. The client had a history of hypothyroidism and was under medication for the same. The successive audiological investigations revealed that there was no improvement from prescribed medications, even with early identification and intervention. For better treatment outcomes correct identification of the cause as well as application of cause based treatment procedure is essential. Endocrine disorder is said to be one of the causes for sudden sensorineural hearing loss and one among this disorder is hypothyroidism. The present study aimed to throw a light on this aspect by giving a detailed case report of the client who suffered sudden sensorineural hearing loss which is suspected to be a long term effect of hypothyroidism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]