As a special education director, it is essential to stay updated with the latest research to ensure that our practices are effective and compliant with legal standards. One such critical area is audiology, where accurate diagnosis of hearing issues is vital for student support. The research article "Pure Tone and Speech Bekesy Audiograms and the Malingerer" by George T. Mencher, Ph.D., and Marilyn Boyden, M.A., offers valuable insights into identifying functional hearing loss, especially when dealing with potential malingering cases.
Understanding Bekesy Audiograms
Bekesy audiograms are a type of hearing test that uses both continuous and pulsed tones to measure a subject's hearing thresholds. These tests can reveal patterns that help differentiate between organic and non-organic hearing loss. The research highlights the significance of the Type V Bekesy pattern, which is indicative of malingering—a condition where the subject feigns hearing loss.
Key Findings
- The Type V Bekesy pattern occurs when the continuous tone tracing is at least 10 dB lower than the interrupted tone tracing over a range of two octaves.
- Studies have shown that 80% of pseudohypoacusic (feigned hearing loss) cases exhibit the Type V pattern.
- Speech Bekesy audiograms do not show the same distinct patterns as pure tone Bekesy audiograms, making them less effective in identifying malingering.
Implementing Research Outcomes
For practitioners, understanding and implementing these findings can significantly improve the accuracy of diagnosing functional hearing loss. Here are some practical steps:
- Training and Awareness: Ensure that audiologists and relevant staff are trained to recognize the Type V Bekesy pattern and understand its implications.
- Use of Pure Tone Bekesy Audiograms: Prioritize pure tone Bekesy audiograms over speech Bekesy audiograms when malingering is suspected.
- Further Research: Encourage ongoing research and case studies to validate and refine the criteria for identifying Type V patterns.
Encouraging Further Research
While the current research provides a strong foundation, it is crucial to continue exploring and validating these findings. Practitioners should consider participating in or supporting further studies to enhance the diagnostic tools available for functional hearing loss.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Pure Tone and Speech Bekesy Audiograms and the Malingerer.
