Community-Based Hearing Screening of Disabled Elders Using the Thai-FMHT: Clinical Implications and Cost-Effectiveness
Pornthep Kasemsiri MD*, Kwanchanok Yimtae MD*, Panida Thanawirattananit MA*, Supawan Laoharsiriwong MD*, Pipop Siripaopradith MD**, Pritaporn Kingkaew BPharm, MSc***
Affiliation : * Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Srinagarind Hospital Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand ** Phu Wieng Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand *** Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, Nonthaburi, Thailand
Objective : The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using the two-stage hearing test to detect hearing disabilities
in the community elders.
Material and Method: A prospective cohort study was conducted in the Phuwieng District, Khon Kaen, Thailand from
December 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013. All of the elders more than 60 years of age were invited. First, screening using the
Thai version of five-minute hearing test (Thai-FMHT) with a score equal to or greater than 12 was included in the group and
then given the next audiometric examination.
Results : Two hundred fifty-eight elders were interested in this program, but only 192 subjects consented to participate in the
entire study. Six participants withdrew before completing the protocol; therefore, 107 males and 79 females were included.
The age ranged 60-92 years old. Only 152 participants (81.7%; 95% CI: 75.5-86.6%) had a hearing disability that could be
rehabilitated using a hearing aid. The cost of hearing screening using this program was reduced from $114.15 to $28.60 per
positive case with the need for hearing rehabilitation.
Conclusion : The two-stage hearing screening using the Thai-FMHT followed by an audiometric examination was found to
be a suitable test for community-based mass screening of hearing loss, particularly in an area with limited resources.
Keywords : Screening, Five-minute hearing test, Hearing loss, Community
