Name
#87 - Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DODMERB) Audiogram Screening Comparative Analysis
Date & Time
Monday, February 12, 2024, 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Description

Objectives: The Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) plays a pivotal role in the assessment of medical fitness for aspiring military officers. A crucial component of this process is the screening audiogram, designed to evaluate hearing capabilities. However, recent observations of high disqualification rates following screening audiograms led to concerns about their accuracy. Methods: This quality improvement project, conducted between 2017 and 2019, aimed to assess the concordance between screening audiograms and reference-standard audiometry, as well as investigate the relationship between disqualification status and hearing thresholds at different frequencies. A sample of 134 candidates, drawn from various locations across the United States, was analyzed. Results: Results revealed the screening audiogram mean thresholds were twice that of the reference-standard audiogram, particularly in the lower frequencies. Additionally, we found that 84% of candidates were incorrectly disqualified by the screening exam when followed up by the reference-standard. Overall, Bland-Altman analysis revealed significant disagreement between these two tests. This discrepancy prompted a fundamental policy shift in 2020, where candidates who fail screening audiograms now automatically undergo reference-standard audiometry before any disqualification decision. This policy change reflects the commitment of DoDMERB to refining the medical screening process. It reduces the burden on candidates, provides a more comprehensive assessment, and ensures that qualified individuals are not erroneously disqualified. In addition to policy changes, this quality improvement project explored potential courses of action to enhance the screening audiogram process. Among these, improving contract specifications for testing facilities to minimize ambient noise emerged as the most practical and cost-effective approach. Conclusion: In conclusion, the project underscores the importance of refining medical screening processes to accurately assess candidates' qualifications while retaining the utility of screening audiograms. These efforts not only benefit aspiring military officers but also contribute to maintaining the high standards required for military service.

Location Name
Prince Georges Exhibit Hall A/B
Content Presented on Behalf of
Uniformed Services University
Learning Outcomes
1. There is a significant discrepancy between the DoDMERB screening audiogram and reference-standard audiogram results of officer candidates.

2. The discrepancies between the two tests are noted specifically at the lower frequencies (500 Hz, 2000 Hz).

3. The reason for this discrepancy is likely due to a noisy testing environment.

4. DoDMERB has created a new policy to avoid unfairly disqualifying candidates due to failed screening audiograms.
Session Type
Posters
Dropdown Content Presented On Behalf Of:
Uniformed Services University