Are the Normative Values of Sensorineural Acuity Level (SAL) Test Affected by Head Circumferences of Subjects?

Mahamad Almyzan  Awang; Muhammad Afiq  Asyraf Suhaimi; Rosdan  Salim; Nik Adilah  Nik Othman; Mohd Dasuki  Sul’ain; Mohd Fadzil  Nor Rashid; Mohd Normani  Zakaria

doi:10.6000/1929-6029.2022.11.21

Authors

Mahamad Almyzan Awang Audiology Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Muhammad Afiq Asyraf Suhaimi Audiology Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Rosdan Salim Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Nik Adilah Nik Othman Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Mohd Dasuki Sul’ain Biomedical Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Mohd Fadzil Nor Rashid Audiology Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Mohd Normani Zakaria Audiology Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3694-3460

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-6029.2022.11.21

Keywords:

Pure tone audiometry, Masking dilemma, Sensorineural acuity level test, Bone conduction, Head circumference, Bayesian statistic, Normative data

Abstract

Introduction: Sensorineural acuity level (SAL) test is believed to be helpful in estimating bone conduction thresholds in masking dilemma cases. However, before the SAL normative data can be used in clinical settings, there is a need to study the fundamental variable related to SAL normative data such as head circumference. As such, the purpose of the current study was to compare SAL normative values between subjects with bigger and smaller head circumferences at different frequencies.

Materials and Methods: In this study, 48 healthy Malaysian adult subjects (aged between 18 and 50 years) were enrolled. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) and SAL test were subsequently conducted based on the recommended protocols. The SAL normative values were then compared between subjects with bigger and smaller head circumferences. Data analysis methods included paired t-test, effect size, and Bayesian approach.

Results: No significant differences were noted in the SAL results when the two groups were compared, implying that the SAL normative data were not influenced by the head circumference (p > 0.05, BF₁₀= 0.232-0.708).

Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study it appears that the SAL test results are not affected by the head sizes of the subjects. Future SAL test studies may use the normative SAL values established in the current study as a guide.

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