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Moepeng M, Singh S, Ramma L. Feasibility of implementing a school entry hearing screening programme in the South-East District, Botswana. Int J Audiol 2024:1-8. [PMID: 39207451 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2024.2396521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility of implementing a school entry hearing screening programme in the South-East District, Botswana. DESIGN A feasibility study design was used. Trained screeners conducted smartphone-based pure tone audiometry screening at 25 dB HL, at 1, 2, and 4 kHz using calibrated headphones. Learners with "refer" results after an immediate rescreen were referred and scheduled for diagnostic hearing assessment at the local hospital. Attendance at diagnostic appointments was encouraged through multiple contacts with the families. STUDY SAMPLE The study participants were 403 Grade 1 learners from eight public primary schools. RESULTS The overall referral rate for diagnostic hearing assessment was 4.7%, with a referral uptake rate of 90%. The sensitivity and specificity of the hearing screening protocol were 93.3% and 86.4%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 82.4% and 95%, respectively. The average cost per learner screened was US$ 10.75. CONCLUSIONS School entry hearing screening programmes can be successfully implemented in the South-East District, Botswana. Lessons learnt from this study can potentially guide phased implementation of school hearing screening programmes in other districts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meshack Moepeng
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Audiology Department, Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Shajila Singh
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lebogang Ramma
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Saak S, Kothe A, Buhl M, Kollmeier B. Comparison of user interfaces for measuring the matrix sentence test on a smartphone. Int J Audiol 2024:1-13. [PMID: 39126397 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2024.2385551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Smartphone-based self-testing could facilitate large-scale data collection and remote diagnostics. For this purpose, the matrix sentence test (MST) is an ideal candidate due to its repeatability and accuracy. In clinical practice, the MST requires professional audiological equipment and supervision, which is infeasible for smartphone-based self-testing. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the feasibility of self-administering the MST on smartphones, including the development of an appropriate user interface for the small screen size. DESIGN We compared the traditional closed matrix user interface (10 × 5 matrix) to three alternative, newly-developed interfaces (slide, type, wheel) regarding SRT consistency, user preference, and completion time. STUDY SAMPLE We included 15 younger normal hearing and 14 older hearing-impaired participants in our study. RESULTS The slide interface is most suitable for mobile implementation, providing consistent and fast SRTs and enabling all participants to perform the tasks effectively. While the traditional matrix interface works well for most participants, some participants experienced difficulties due to its small size on the screen. CONCLUSIONS We propose the newly-introduced slide interface as a plausible alternative for smartphone screens. This might be more attractive for elderly patients that may exhibit more challenges with dexterity and vision than our test subjects employed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Saak
- Department of Medical Physics and Acoustics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Hearing4all, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Angelika Kothe
- Department of Medical Physics and Acoustics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Hearing4all, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Mareike Buhl
- Cluster of Excellence Hearing4all, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Institut de l'Audition, Paris, France
| | - Birger Kollmeier
- Department of Medical Physics and Acoustics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Hearing4all, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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Isnard V, Chastres V, Andéol G. Description of a new low-cost and open-source audiometer and its validation with normal-hearing listeners: The Aupiometer. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306751. [PMID: 39121097 PMCID: PMC11315275 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Hearing loss is a major public health problem. In 2050, it could affect 2.5 billion people. It has therefore become necessary to prevent and diagnose them as early and as widely as possible. However, the costs of clinical equipment dedicated to the functional exploration of hearing remain high and hamper their distribution, while the technologies used are relatively basic. For example, the gold-standard pure-tone audiometry (PTA) essentially consists of emitting pure sounds. In addition, clinical audiometers are generally limited to PTA or few audiological tests, while hearing loss induce multiple functional deficits. Here, we present the Aupiometer, a low-cost audiometer implemented on a modular open-source system based on Raspberry Pi, and which integrates the entire technical framework necessary to carry out audiological measurements. Several hearing tests are already implemented (e.g. PTA, speech audiometry, questionnaires), while the clinical validity of the Aupiometer was verified on a panel of participants (N = 16) for an automated test of standard and extended high-frequency PTA, from 0.125 to 16 kHz, in comparison with a clinical audiometer. For this comparison between the two devices and over this wide frequency range, the difference is evaluated as less than ±10 dB for a 90% confidence interval, of the same order of magnitude as on test-retest differences on a single device. The interest of this device also extends to academic research as it should encourage the prototyping of innovative hearing tests by the community, in order to better understand the diversity of hearing problems in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Isnard
- Département Neurosciences et Sciences Cognitives, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Véronique Chastres
- Département Neurosciences et Sciences Cognitives, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Guillaume Andéol
- Département Neurosciences et Sciences Cognitives, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
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Saxena P, Raghavan D. Reliability of an Android Based Free Application for Assessment of Hearing Loss in Adults. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2024; 76:3122-3127. [PMID: 39130222 PMCID: PMC11306450 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-024-04626-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Hearing loss is an important health care concern. Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) is considered Gold Standard for audiometric evaluations though, there exist a huge variance between the demand and the actual services available. As smartphones are mobile, applications are upgradable, results are reproducible, the mobile applications may offer a good screening tool, especially in remote areas. There are many smartphone-based hearing applications which are already in use. However, effectiveness of such applications needs to be validated. To evaluate the reliability of 'Hearing Test' a phone application against PTA for assessment of hearing thresholds in adults. We conducted a diagnostic study on a heterogenous group of 250 individuals irrespective of their hearing levels. The hearing thresholds for both ears were measured by PTA and phone app and then compared statistically. The agreement between the methods were statistically significant with respect to diagnosing hearing loss and the degree of hearing loss. Though, PTA remains Gold Standard for hearing evaluation but freely available, highly reproducible & specific 'Hearing Test' application could be used as a screening tool in remote areas and may help bridging the gap between the requirement and availability of diagnostic audiometric services.
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Kaspar A, Pifeleti S, Driscoll C, Kuoi MA. Ethical Considerations for Introducing School-Based Hearing and Vision Screening in the Pacific Islands: A Samoan Case Study. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2024:34894241266482. [PMID: 39054809 DOI: 10.1177/00034894241266482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Annette Kaspar
- ENT Department, Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital, Ministry of Health, Apia, Samoa
- Hearing Research Unit for Children, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sione Pifeleti
- ENT Department, Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital, Ministry of Health, Apia, Samoa
| | - Carlie Driscoll
- Hearing Research Unit for Children, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Maria Ah Kuoi
- ENT Department, Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital, Ministry of Health, Apia, Samoa
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Masalski M, Turski M, Zatoński T. Self-assessment of bone conduction hearing threshold using mobile audiometry: comparison with pure tone audiometry. Int J Audiol 2024; 63:535-542. [PMID: 37162277 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2208287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the research was to evaluate the feasibility of measuring the bone conduction hearing threshold using self-administered mobile audiometry. DESIGN A single-centre, closed, cross-over trial was carried out on patients from the ENT Department. A mobile-based, self-administered, audiologist-assisted assessment of the bone conduction hearing threshold was carried out by means of the open-access, freeware app Hearing Test using two types of bone conduction headphones: professional B71 bone transducer and commercially available AfterShokz Openmove open-ear headphones. STUDY SAMPLE Seventy-seven ears. RESULTS A test-retest examination revealed the lowest standard deviation for open-ear headphones at 3.33 dB (95% CI 2.92-3.79). When compared with pure tone audiometry, the intraclass correlations of 0.95 (95% CI 0.94-0.96) and 0.90 (95% CI 0.88-0.92) were obtained for the bone transducer and for the open-ear headphones, indicating excellent and good reliability, respectively. However, the regression slope of 0.67 was found for the air-bone gap when using open ear headphones, which was significantly different from 1 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Open-ear headphones provide an alternative for estimating bone conduction once the air-bone gap has been adjusted by a factor of 1/0.6 7 ≅1.5. They demonstrate improved reproducibility over the bone transducer and are much easier to use with a mobile device. Trial Registration: Wroclaw Medical University, Science Support Centre, BW60/2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Masalski
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marcin Turski
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Tomasz Zatoński
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
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Swords C, Twumasi E, Fitzgerald M, Fitzsimons-West E, Luo M, Dunne H, Lim KH, Jones O, Law S, Myuran T, Smith G, Tailor BV, Wakelam O, de Cates C, Borsetto D, Tysome J, Donnelly N, Axon P, Bance M, Smith ME. A Multicenter Validity Study of Four Smartphone Hearing Test Apps in Optimized and Home Environments. Laryngoscope 2024; 134:2864-2870. [PMID: 38214403 DOI: 10.1002/lary.31256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pure tone audiometry (PTA) is the gold standard for hearing assessment. However, it requires access to specialized equipment. Smartphone audiometry applications (apps) have been developed to perform automated threshold audiometry and could allow patients to perform self-administered screening or monitoring. This study aimed to assess the validity and feasibility of patients using apps to self-assess hearing thresholds at home, with comparison to PTA. METHODS A multi-center, prospective randomized study was conducted amongst patients undergoing PTA in clinics. Participants were randomly allocated to one of four publicly-available apps designed to measure pure tone thresholds. Participants used an app once in optimal sound-treated conditions and a further three times at home. Ear-specific frequency-specific thresholds and pure tone average were compared using Pearson correlation coefficient. The percentage of app hearing tests with results within ±10 dB of PTA was calculated. Patient acceptability was assessed via an online survey. RESULTS One hundred thirty-nine participants submitted data. The results of two at-home automated smartphone apps correlated strongly/very strongly with PTA average and their frequency-specific median was within ±10 dB accuracy. Smartphone audiometry performed in sound-treated and home conditions were very strongly correlated. The apps were rated as easy/very easy to use by 90% of participants and 90% would be happy/very happy to use an app to monitor their hearing. CONCLUSION Judicious use of self-performed smartphone audiometry was both valid and feasible for two of four apps. It could provide frequency-specific threshold estimates at home, potentially allowing assessments of patients remotely or monitoring of fluctuating hearing loss. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2 Laryngoscope, 134:2864-2870, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Swords
- Department of Otology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Hearing Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emmanuel Twumasi
- Department of Otology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maisie Fitzgerald
- Department of Otology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Erin Fitzsimons-West
- Department of Otology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael Luo
- Department of Otology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Henry Dunne
- Department of Otology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kim Hui Lim
- Department of Otology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Oliver Jones
- Department of Otology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sarah Law
- Ipswich Hospital, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Colchester, UK
| | - Tharsika Myuran
- Department of Otology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Colchester Hospital, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Colchester, UK
| | - Gareth Smith
- Southend Hospital, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Colchester, UK
| | - Bhavesh V Tailor
- Colchester Hospital, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Colchester, UK
| | - Oliver Wakelam
- Ipswich Hospital, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Colchester, UK
| | - Catherine de Cates
- Southend Hospital, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Colchester, UK
| | - Daniele Borsetto
- Department of Otology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - James Tysome
- Department of Otology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Neil Donnelly
- Department of Otology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Patrick Axon
- Department of Otology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Manohar Bance
- Department of Otology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Hearing Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Matthew E Smith
- Department of Otology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Hearing Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Masalski M. The Hearing Test App for Android Devices: Distinctive Features of Pure-Tone Audiometry Performed on Mobile Devices. MEDICAL DEVICES-EVIDENCE AND RESEARCH 2024; 17:151-163. [PMID: 38659994 PMCID: PMC11041974 DOI: 10.2147/mder.s454359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The popularity of mobile devices, combined with advances in electronic design and internet technology, has enabled home-based hearing tests in recent years. The purpose of this article is to highlight the distinctive aspects of pure-tone audiometry performed on a mobile device by means of the Hearing Test app for Android devices. The first version of this app was released a decade ago, and since then the app has been systematically improved, which required addressing many issues common to the majority of mobile apps for hearing testing. The article discusses techniques for mobile device calibration, outlines the testing procedure and how it differs from traditional pure-tone audiometry, explores the potential for bone conduction testing, and provides considerations for interpreting mobile audiometry including test duration and background noise. The article concludes by detailing clinically relevant aspects requiring special attention during testing and interpretation of results which are of substantial value to the hundreds of thousands of active users of the Hearing Test app worldwide, as well as to users of other hearing test apps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Masalski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
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Lee SY, Seo HW, Jung SM, Lee SH, Chung JH. Assessing the accuracy and reliability of application-based audiometry for hearing evaluation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7359. [PMID: 38548854 PMCID: PMC10978977 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57944-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) is the gold standard for assessing hearing loss. However, traditional PTA tests require specialized equipment, trained personnel, and a soundproof environment. Recently, smartphone-based PTA tests have been developed as an alternative method for hearing assessment. The aim of this study was to validate the accuracy and reliability of a smartphone application-based audiometry test. This study was conducted to assess the performance of application-based audiometry from November 2021 to January 2022. Pure-tone thresholds were measured using a smartphone application-based PTA test and compared with results obtained using a traditional audiometer in a sound-treated booth. The smartphone application used in this study was the "Care4Ear (Care4ear, version 1.0.6, MIJ Co., Ltd.)". Hearing thresholds less than 35 dB HL were classified as group A, 35-64 dB HL as group B, and 65 dB HL or greater as group C for the classification of hearing levels. We evaluated the accuracy of smartphone audiometry for each group and compared the results of frequency-specific hearing tests. Additionally, we examined the results of smartphone audiometry in individuals (n = 27) with asymmetric hearing loss. Seventy subjects completed both conventional audiometry and smartphone application-based hearing tests. Among the ears assessed, 55.7% were classified as group A, while 25.7% and 18.6% were classified as group B and group C, respectively. The average hearing threshold obtained from conventional pure-tone audiometry was 37.7 ± 25.2 dB HL, whereas the application-based hearing test yielded thresholds of 21.0 ± 23.0 dB HL. A significant correlation (r = 0.69, p < 0.01) was found between the average hearing thresholds obtained from the application-based and conventional pure-tone audiometry tests. The application-based test achieved a 97.4% hit rate for classifying hearing thresholds as class A, but lower rates of 22.2% for class B and 38.5% for class C. Notably, a discrepancy was observed between the hearing threshold measured by the application and the conventional audiometry for the worse ear with asymmetric hearing. The smartphone-based audiometry is a feasible method for hearing evaluation especially in persons with normal hearing. In cases of hearing loss or asymmetric hearing loss, the results of the application-based audiometry may be inaccurate, limiting its diagnostic utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Yeol Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, 222-Wangshimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 133-792, Korea
| | - Hee Won Seo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, 222-Wangshimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 133-792, Korea
| | - Seon Min Jung
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, 222-Wangshimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 133-792, Korea
| | - Seung Hwan Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, 222-Wangshimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 133-792, Korea
| | - Jae Ho Chung
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, 222-Wangshimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 133-792, Korea.
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Pitchaimani J, BS R, MB B, Kulkarni SP, R S, Moudgalya SKA, HN M, HS P. New Age Hearing Testing at your Fingertips: Shravana Mitra App. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2024; 76:322-328. [PMID: 38440607 PMCID: PMC10908892 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-04157-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION WHO estimated the prevalence of disabling hearing loss is 5% of the world population (430 million). People with a risk of hearing loss from noise exposure, ototoxic drugs, and comorbidities need regular hearing assessments. It is done by pure tone audiometry (PTA), requiring a skilled audiologist, special equipment, and a soundproof room. Modern technologies can help in overcoming these barriers. This study aimed to fill the lacuna by developing a new android-based application "Shravana Mitra" (Hearing companion) with features of both air conduction (AC) and bone conduction (BC) testing. OBJECTIVES To develop, corroborate and compare smartphone application-based audiometry with PTA. METHODOLOGY This study was done in three phases -(i) development of a mobile application, (ii) app validation in healthy individuals (iii) testing and comparison of results with PTA in individuals visiting OPD. The third phase was done as a cross-sectional observational study including 780 individuals visiting OPD of 10-60 years of age. RESULTS The mean age of the study population was 32.89 years with female preponderance (57%). In AC testing, 83% of the pure tone average of the mobile application was within 5 dB of PTA thresholds and 99% was within 10 dB and for BC testing, 81% was within 5 dB of PTA thresholds and 98% within 10 dB. CONCLUSION Our user-friendly mobile application- Shravana Mitra is the first Indian application available in the google play store with both AC & BC testing, multiple language options and accuracy similar to PTA. Thus, it can be used as the best hearing screening tool in camps, high-risk individuals, or any healthcare setup requiring initial hearing assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaishree Pitchaimani
- Department of ENT and Head & Neck Surgery, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru, 570004 Karnataka India
| | - Rakesh BS
- Department of ENT and Head & Neck Surgery, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru, 570004 Karnataka India
| | - Bharathi MB
- Department of ENT and Head & Neck Surgery, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru, 570004 Karnataka India
| | - Sudarshan Patil Kulkarni
- Department of Electronics & Communication, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, JSS Science and Technology University (JSSSTU), Mysuru, 570006 Karnataka India
| | - Shashidhar R
- Department of Electronics & Communication, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, JSS Science and Technology University (JSSSTU), Mysuru, 570006 Karnataka India
| | - Sumukh KA Moudgalya
- Department of Electronics & Communication, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, JSS Science and Technology University (JSSSTU), Mysuru, 570006 Karnataka India
| | - Mahendhar HN
- Department of Electronics & Communication, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, JSS Science and Technology University (JSSSTU), Mysuru, 570006 Karnataka India
| | - Prajwal HS
- Department of Electronics & Communication, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, JSS Science and Technology University (JSSSTU), Mysuru, 570006 Karnataka India
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Yang TH, Chen YF, Cheng YF, Huang JN, Wu CS, Chu YC. Optimizing age-related hearing risk predictions: an advanced machine learning integration with HHIE-S. BioData Min 2023; 16:35. [PMID: 38098102 PMCID: PMC10722728 DOI: 10.1186/s13040-023-00351-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The elderly are disproportionately affected by age-related hearing loss (ARHL). Despite being a well-known tool for ARHL evaluation, the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly Screening version (HHIE-S) has only traditionally been used for direct screening using self-reported outcomes. This work uses a novel integration of machine learning approaches to improve the predicted accuracy of the HHIE-S tool for ARHL in older adults. METHODS We employed a dataset that was gathered between 2016 and 2018 and included 1,526 senior citizens from several Taipei City Hospital branches. 80% of the data were used for training (n = 1220) and 20% were used for testing (n = 356). XGBoost, Gradient Boosting, and LightGBM were among the machine learning models that were only used and assessed on the training set. In order to prevent data leakage and overfitting, the Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LGBM) model-which had the greatest AUC of 0.83 (95% CI 0.81-0.85)-was then only used on the holdout testing data. RESULTS On the testing set, the LGBM model showed a strong AUC of 0.82 (95% CI 0.79-0.86), far outperforming conventional techniques. Notably, several HHIE-S items and age were found to be significant characteristics. In contrast to traditional HHIE research, which concentrates on the psychological effects of hearing loss, this study combines cutting-edge machine learning techniques-specifically, the LGBM classifier-with the HHIE-S tool. The incorporation of SHAP values enhances the interpretability of the model's predictions and provides a more comprehensive comprehension of the significance of various aspects. CONCLUSIONS Our methodology highlights the great potential that arises from combining machine learning with validated hearing evaluation instruments such as the HHIE-S. Healthcare practitioners can anticipate ARHL more accurately thanks to this integration, which makes it easier to intervene quickly and precisely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzong-Hann Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
- General Education Center, University of Taipei, Taipei, 10671, Taiwan
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, 112303, Taiwan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Fu Chen
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, 112303, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Fu Cheng
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Jue-Ni Huang
- Information Management Office, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Song Wu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, 100, Taiwan.
- College of Science and Engineering, Fu Jen University, Taipei, 243, Taiwan.
| | - Yuan-Chia Chu
- Information Management Office, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
- Big Data Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
- Department of Information Management, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
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Kaspar A, Swanepoel DW, Pifeleti S. The PEN Fa'aSamoa Initiative: An Integrated Platform for Hearing and Vision Screening in Samoa. Glob Pediatr Health 2023; 10:2333794X231203504. [PMID: 37822475 PMCID: PMC10563456 DOI: 10.1177/2333794x231203504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Annette Kaspar
- Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital, Ministry of Health, Apia, Samoa
- Ministry of Education, Sports, and Culture, Apia, Samoa
| | | | - Sione Pifeleti
- Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital, Ministry of Health, Apia, Samoa
- Ministry of Education, Sports, and Culture, Apia, Samoa
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13
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Wiseman K, Slotkin J, Spratford M, Haggerty A, Heusinkvelt M, Weintraub S, Gershon R, McCreery R. Validation of a tablet-based assessment of auditory sensitivity for researchers. Behav Res Methods 2023; 55:2838-2852. [PMID: 35962308 PMCID: PMC10228289 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-022-01933-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Quantifying hearing acuity is increasingly important across a wide range of research areas in the behavioral and neurosciences. Scientists have relied on either self-reported hearing status or the availability of diagnostic hearing assessment in past studies. There remains a need for a valid and reliable assessment of auditory sensitivity that can provide estimates of the magnitude of hearing loss, if present, without requirements for professional audiologists, facilities, and equipment that are needed to conduct a diagnostic hearing assessment. The goal of this experiment was to validate the NIH Toolbox® Hearing Threshold Test (HTT), a tablet-based hearing assessment available via iPad application that uses consumer-grade headphones, on a clinical sample of children and adults with varying degrees of hearing acuity. Electroacoustic analysis of the hearing assessment application and headphones demonstrated acoustic outputs within established conformity standards for hearing assessment. Twenty-seven children and 63 adults participated in a standard diagnostic hearing assessment and the experimental tablet-based assessment. The results showed that thresholds from the tablet-based assessment were highly correlated with thresholds from the clinical hearing assessment (r = .83-.93) for children and adults for all frequencies and across a range of levels of hearing acuity. The HTT also met clinical test-retest reliability standards (Cronbach's α > .86). The tablet-based hearing assessment provides acceptable estimates of hearing levels for children and adults when diagnostic audiometric assessment capabilities are not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Wiseman
- The Audibility, Perception, and Cognition Laboratory, Center for Hearing Research, Boys Town Research Hospital, 555 North 30th Street, Omaha, NE, 68131, USA
| | | | - Meredith Spratford
- The Audibility, Perception, and Cognition Laboratory, Center for Hearing Research, Boys Town Research Hospital, 555 North 30th Street, Omaha, NE, 68131, USA
| | - Amberlee Haggerty
- The Audibility, Perception, and Cognition Laboratory, Center for Hearing Research, Boys Town Research Hospital, 555 North 30th Street, Omaha, NE, 68131, USA
| | - Maggie Heusinkvelt
- The Audibility, Perception, and Cognition Laboratory, Center for Hearing Research, Boys Town Research Hospital, 555 North 30th Street, Omaha, NE, 68131, USA
| | - Sandra Weintraub
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Richard Gershon
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ryan McCreery
- The Audibility, Perception, and Cognition Laboratory, Center for Hearing Research, Boys Town Research Hospital, 555 North 30th Street, Omaha, NE, 68131, USA.
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14
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Alenezi EM, Veselinović T, Tao KF, Altamimi AA, Tran TT, Herbert H, Kuthubutheen J, McAullay D, Richmond PC, Eikelboom RH, Brennan-Jones CG. Ear Portal: An urban-based ear, nose, and throat, and audiology referral telehealth portal to improve access to specialist ear-health services for children. J Telemed Telecare 2023:1357633X231158839. [PMID: 36916156 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x231158839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Shortage of ear, nose, and throat specialists in public hospitals can result in delays in the detection and management of otitis media. This study introduced a new hospital-based telehealth service, named the Ear Portal, and investigated its role in improving access to specialist care. METHODS The study included 87 children (aged 6 months to 6 years) referred to a tertiary children's hospital due to otitis media-related concerns. A specialist multidisciplinary team met fortnightly to review pre-recorded data and provide care plans. RESULTS The service resulted in a median waiting time of 28 days to receive a diagnosis and care plan by the multidisciplinary team, compared to a mean waiting time of 450 days for a reference group receiving standard healthcare services. Most children (90.3%) received bilateral ear diagnosis. Normal findings were found in 43.9%. However, the majority required further ear, nose, and throat with or without audiology face-to-face follow-up due to a diagnosis of middle-ear disease, unknown hearing status, or concerns not related to ears. The mean time required for clinical assessments completion by research assistants and multidisciplinary team review was 37.6 and 5.1 min per participant, respectively. DISCUSSION Children in the Ear Portal service received a diagnosis and care plan in a median of 28 days, which is within the clinically recommended timeframes. With sufficient clinical information, this service can provide faster access to specialist care than the standard healthcare pathway. The service can reduce the time required by the specialist to provide a diagnosis and care plan which may help increase the specialists' capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Ma Alenezi
- Medical School, 2720The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Ear Health, 117610Telethon Kids Institute, 2720The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kuwait University, Kuwait
| | - Tamara Veselinović
- Medical School, 2720The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Ear Health, 117610Telethon Kids Institute, 2720The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Karina Fm Tao
- Ear Health, 117610Telethon Kids Institute, 2720The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,60081Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Ali Ah Altamimi
- Medical School, 2720The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Ear Health, 117610Telethon Kids Institute, 2720The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Faculty of Life Sciences, Kuwait University, Kuwait
| | - Tu Trang Tran
- 60081Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Hayley Herbert
- Medical School, 2720The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,60081Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Jafri Kuthubutheen
- Medical School, 2720The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,60081Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Daniel McAullay
- Medical School, 2720The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Kurongkurl Katitjin, 2498Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Peter C Richmond
- Medical School, 2720The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Ear Health, 117610Telethon Kids Institute, 2720The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,60081Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Robert H Eikelboom
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, WA, Australia.,Centre for Ear Sciences, 2720The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Department of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Christopher G Brennan-Jones
- Medical School, 2720The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Ear Health, 117610Telethon Kids Institute, 2720The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,60081Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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15
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Surveillance for ototoxicity in platinum-based chemotherapy using mobile health audiometry with extended high frequencies. J Laryngol Otol 2023; 137:61-67. [PMID: 35611593 PMCID: PMC9834705 DOI: 10.1017/s0022215122001281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated mobile health enabled surveillance in ototoxicity. METHOD This was a longitudinal study of 32 participants receiving chemotherapy. Baseline and exit audiograms that included conventional and extended high frequency audiometry were recorded within the patient's treatment venue using a validated mobile health audiometer. RESULTS Average hearing thresholds at baseline were within the normal range (81.2 per cent left; 93.8 per cent right), reducing at exit testing (71.9 per cent left; 78.1 per cent right). Half of participants presented with a threshold shift according to ototoxicity monitoring criteria. The frequencies affected the most were between 4000 and 16 000 Hz, with left ears significantly more affected than right ears. Noise levels exceeded the maximum permissible ambient noise levels in up to 43.8 per cent of low frequencies (250-1000 Hz). CONCLUSION Mobile health supported audiometry proved to be an efficacious tool for ototoxicity monitoring at the treatment venue. Changes in hearing ability over time could be tracked, improving surveillance in patients with full treatment schedules.
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16
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Hearing impairment in children living with HIV in Haiti. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2022; 162:111329. [PMID: 36198231 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2022.111329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the prevalence of hearing impairment and associated risk factors in children living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Haiti. METHODS A validated smartphone-based platform with pure-tone audiometry was used to screen 341 HIV-infected children for hearing impairment in Port-au-Prince, Haiti from March 2019 to September 2020. If screening was failed, a more comprehensive pure-tone audiometric evaluation was administered. Demographic, otologic, and HIV-related data were obtained through caregiver surveys and medical charts. Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS Sixty (18%) of 341 HIV-infected children (ages 7-18 years) had hearing impairment. Of those failing their hearing assessment, 17 (28%) had moderate and 5 (8%) had severe or profound hearing loss. Hearing impairment was associated with frequent ear infections (OR 3.37; 95% CI 1.76-6.46; p < 0.001) and family history of hearing loss (OR 5.12; 95% CI 2.14-12.23; p = 0.001) but not viral load (OR 1.00; 95% CI 0.73-1.02; p = 0.28) or antiretroviral therapy duration (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.79-1.17; p = 0.66). Only 35% of caregivers correctly perceived their child's hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS Hearing impairment occurs at a higher prevalence in HIV-infected children in Haiti than what is expected for those living without HIV. Frequent ear infections were significantly associated with hearing loss while antiretroviral therapy duration was not. Despite their potential ototoxicity, antiretroviral therapies should be continued and may decrease incidence of otitis media. Low caregiver perception of hearing loss emphasizes the need for routine hearing screening for HIV-infected children.
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du Plessis D, Mahomed-Asmail F, le Roux T, Graham MA, de Kock T, van der Linde J, Swanepoel DW. mHealth-Supported Hearing Health Training for Early Childhood Development Practitioners: An Intervention Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14228. [PMID: 36361108 PMCID: PMC9658621 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
(1) Hearing health training and promotion is a priority for early childhood development (ECD) practitioners, but training opportunities are limited, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). mHealth (mobile health) has the potential to deliver scalable ear and hearing training to ECD practitioners. (2) This study investigated the effect of an mHealth training intervention program for ECD practitioners to improve knowledge and perceptions of hearing health in young children. An experimental one-group, pre-post-test study included ECD practitioners working with children between birth and 6 years old across 31 neighbouring communities in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Hearing health training was provided using WhatsApp messages that encompassed infographics and voice notes. Knowledge and perceptions regarding hearing and hearing-related problems in children were surveyed pre-training, directly post training, and 6 months post training. (3) ECD practitioners (N = 1012) between 17 and 71 years of age received the mHealth training program and completed both the pre-and post-training surveys. Overall, knowledge scores indicated a significant improvement from pre- to post training (Z = -22.49; p < 0.001). Six-month post-training knowledge scores were sustained. Content analysis of ECD practitioners' application of the training information 6 months post training indicated improved awareness, practical application, better assistance for hearing problems, and widespread advocacy. (4) The mHealth training program supports improved knowledge and perceptions of ECD practitioners regarding hearing health for young children. With improved knowledge scores maintained 6 months post training, mHealth hearing health training is an effective intervention. An mHealth training program for ECD practitioners provides a scalable, low-cost intervention for primary and secondary prevention in childhood hearing loss, especially in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divan du Plessis
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Faheema Mahomed-Asmail
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
- Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative Initiative between University of Colorado and the University of Pretoria, Aurora, CO 80309, USA
| | - Talita le Roux
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Marien Alet Graham
- Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | | | - Jeannie van der Linde
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - De Wet Swanepoel
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
- Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative Initiative between University of Colorado and the University of Pretoria, Aurora, CO 80309, USA
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco 6008, Australia
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18
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Robler SK, Coco L, Krumm M. Telehealth solutions for assessing auditory outcomes related to noise and ototoxic exposures in clinic and research. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 152:1737. [PMID: 36182272 DOI: 10.1121/10.0013706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nearly 1.5 billion people globally have some decline in hearing ability throughout their lifetime. Many causes for hearing loss are preventable, such as that from exposure to noise and chemicals. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 50% of individuals 12-25 years old are at risk of hearing loss due to recreational noise exposure. In the occupational setting, an estimated 16% of disabling hearing loss is related to occupational noise exposure, highest in developing countries. Ototoxicity is another cause of acquired hearing loss. Audiologic assessment is essential for monitoring hearing health and for the diagnosis and management of hearing loss and related disorders (e.g., tinnitus). However, 44% of the world's population is considered rural and, consequently, lacks access to quality hearing healthcare. Therefore, serving individuals living in rural and under-resourced areas requires creative solutions. Conducting hearing assessments via telehealth is one such solution. Telehealth can be used in a variety of contexts, including noise and ototoxic exposure monitoring, field testing in rural and low-resource settings, and evaluating auditory outcomes in large-scale clinical trials. This overview summarizes current telehealth applications and practices for the audiometric assessment, identification, and monitoring of hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Kleindienst Robler
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA
| | - Laura Coco
- School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, California 92182, USA
| | - Mark Krumm
- Department of Hearing Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44240, USA
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19
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Tufatulin GS, Koroleva IV. [Telerehabilitation of hearing-impaired children during COVID-19 pandemic]. Vestn Otorinolaringol 2022; 87:10-16. [PMID: 35605266 DOI: 10.17116/otorino20228702110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate advantages and effectiveness of remote rehabilitation services for hearing-impaired children at Center of Pediatric Audiology during COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS 181 children with different types and degrees of permanent hearing loss, their parents and 10 hearing care professionals (audiologists, speech-language therapists) were included in the study. 2115 rehabilitation services were provided during 3 months: video- and text consultations, video lessons with child, sending homework to parents, etc. RESULTS The results of questionnaires showed that, on specialists' and parents' opinion, remote rehabilitation care is effective tool for hearing impaired children during emergency situations. TeleCare allowed to improve parents' abilities to manage with children by themselves, their understanding goals and methods of rehabilitation, improving child's hearing and speech skills. 95% of parents were satisfied by remote rehabilitation. Advantages and problems of remote hearing rehabilitation were analyzed from the sides of professionals and parents. The most challenging activities for professionals during TeleCare were: evaluation of HA/CI effectiveness, diagnosis and developing of hearing and speech. CONCLUSIONS The experience of remote hearing rehabilitation in emergency situation allows to conclude that this type of care could be useful in clinical practice after pandemic for parents consulting and for children with motor problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Sh Tufatulin
- Center of Pediatric Audiology, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - I V Koroleva
- Center of Pediatric Audiology, St. Petersburg, Russia.,St. Petersburg Research Institute of Ear, Throat, Nose and Speech, St. Petersburg, Russia
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20
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Wang J, Lu X, Sang J, Cai J, Zheng C. Effects of Stimulation Position and Frequency Band on Auditory Spatial Perception with Bilateral Bone Conduction. Trends Hear 2022; 26:23312165221097196. [PMID: 35491731 PMCID: PMC9067062 DOI: 10.1177/23312165221097196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Virtual sound localization tests were conducted to examine the effects of stimulation position (mastoid, condyle, supra-auricular, temple, and bone-anchored hearing aid implant position) and frequency band (low frequency, high frequency, and broadband) on bone-conduction (BC) horizontal localization. Non-individualized head-related transfer functions were used to reproduce virtual sound through bilateral BC transducers. Subjective experiments showed that stimulation at the mastoid gave the best performance while the temple gave the worst performance in localization. Stimulation at the mastoid and condyle did not differ significantly from that using air-conduction (AC) headphones in localization accuracy. However, binaural reproduction at all BC stimulation positions led to similar levels of front-back confusion (FBC), which were also comparable to that with AC headphones. Binaural BC reproduction with high-frequency stimulation led to significantly higher localization accuracy than with low-frequency stimulation. When transcranial attenuation (TA) was measured, the attenuation became larger at the condyle and mastoid, and increased at high frequencies. The experiments imply that larger TAs may improve localization accuracy but do not improve FBC. The present study indicates that the BC stimulation at the mastoid and condyle can effectively convey spatial information, especially with high-frequency stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- School of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xikun Lu
- School of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinqiu Sang
- Key Laboratory of Noise and Vibration Research, Institute of Acoustics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Juanjuan Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Media Convergence and Communication, Communication University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Chengshi Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Noise and Vibration Research, Institute of Acoustics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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21
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Strydom L, Pottas L, Soer M, Graham MA. Effects of language experience on selective auditory attention and speech-in-noise perception among English second language learners: Preliminary findings. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2022; 154:111061. [PMID: 35149369 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2022.111061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of language experience on selective auditory attention and speech-in-noise perception in English Second Language (ESL) learners aged seven to eight years. METHOD A quantitative, descriptive, comparative cross-sectional research design was used to determine the effect of age of exposure to English on the selective auditory attention abilities and speech-in-noise perception skills of 40 children with normal hearing in first or second grade (aged seven to eight years). The control group comprised of 20 English first language (EFL) learners (mean age = 7.35 years ±0.49) and the research group included 20 s language learners (mean age = 7.70 years ±0.47). In order to compare the control and research groups with respect to the age of exposure to English through various sources, the Mann Whitney test was used. Information regarding the age of exposure was gathered by a case history questionnaire, completed by the parents/guardians of the participants. The Selective Auditory Attention Test (SAAT) and Digits-in-Noise (DIN) test were performed in one sitting. RESULTS No statistically significant differences between the EFL and ESL groups were found for the SAAT and DIN. However, a statistically significant difference was obtained between the SAAT lists 1 and 3 & the DIN: diotic listening condition for the ESL group only (rs = -0.623; p = 0.003). The difference between the EFL and ESL groups in the mean age of exposure to English was statistically significant (p = 0,019), with mean age of exposure to English in the ESL group (mean age = 2.82 ± 0.53) being higher than the mean age of exposure in the EFL group (mean age = 1.81 ± 1.53). However, this difference did not influence the results of the SAAT and DIN significantly. CONCLUSION The main finding was that selective auditory attention and speech-in-noise perception were not significantly affected in the ESL learners who participated in the study - learners who were recruited from private schools located in an urban area and thus from higher socio-economic status (SES) households. There is a need for additional research with a larger sample size to determine the selective auditory attention abilities and speech-in-noise perception skills of ESL learners in government-funded schools located in rural areas and from various socio-economic backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianca Strydom
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.
| | - Lidia Pottas
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Maggi Soer
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Marien Alet Graham
- Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
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22
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Melo IMM, Silva ARX, Camargo R, Cavalcanti HG, Ferrari DV, Taveira KVM, Balen SA. Accuracy of smartphone-based hearing screening tests: a systematic review. Codas 2022; 34:e20200380. [PMID: 35239828 PMCID: PMC9769434 DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20212020380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To verify the accuracy of smartphone apps to identify hearing loss. RESEARCH STRATEGIES A systematic review followed the PRISMA-DATA checklist. The search strategies were applied across four databases (Lilacs, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) and grey literature (Google Scholar, OpenGrey, and ProQuest Dissertations and Thesis). SELECTION CRITERIA The acronym PIRD was used in review. This included populations of any gender and all age groups. The Index test is the smartphone-based hearing screening test; the Reference test is the pure-tone audiometry, which is considered the gold reference for hearing diagnostics; the diagnosis was performed via validity data (sensitivity and specificity) to identify hearing loss and diagnostic studies. DATA ANALYSIS Two reviewers selected the studies in a two-step process. The risk of bias was assessed according to the criteria of the QUADAS-2. RESULTS Of 1395 articles, 104 articles were eligible for full-text reading and 17 were included. Only four met all criteria for methodological quality. All of the included studies were published in English between 2015 and 2020. The applications Digits-in noise Test (5 articles), uHear (4 articles), HearScreen (2 articles), hearTest (2 articles) and Hearing Test (2 articles) were the most studied. All this application showed sensitivity and specificity values between 75 and 100%. The other applications were EarScale, uHearing Test, Free field hearing (FFH) and Free Hearing Test. CONCLUSION uHear, Digit-in-Noise Test, HearTest and HearScreen have shown significant values of sensitivity and specificity and can be considered as the most accurate methods for screening of hearing impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rodolpho Camargo
- Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru, Universidade de São Paulo - FOB/USP, Bauru (SP), Brasil
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23
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Wasmann JW, Pragt L, Eikelboom R, Swanepoel DW. Digital Approaches to Automated and Machine Learning Assessments of Hearing: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e32581. [PMID: 34919056 PMCID: PMC8851345 DOI: 10.2196/32581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hearing loss affects 1 in 5 people worldwide and is estimated to affect 1 in 4 by 2050. Treatment relies on the accurate diagnosis of hearing loss; however, this first step is out of reach for >80% of those affected. Increasingly automated approaches are being developed for self-administered digital hearing assessments without the direct involvement of professionals. OBJECTIVE This study aims to provide an overview of digital approaches in automated and machine learning assessments of hearing using pure-tone audiometry and to focus on the aspects related to accuracy, reliability, and time efficiency. This review is an extension of a 2013 systematic review. METHODS A search across the electronic databases of PubMed, IEEE, and Web of Science was conducted to identify relevant reports from the peer-reviewed literature. Key information about each report's scope and details was collected to assess the commonalities among the approaches. RESULTS A total of 56 reports from 2012 to June 2021 were included. From this selection, 27 unique automated approaches were identified. Machine learning approaches require fewer trials than conventional threshold-seeking approaches, and personal digital devices make assessments more affordable and accessible. Validity can be enhanced using digital technologies for quality surveillance, including noise monitoring and detecting inconclusive results. CONCLUSIONS In the past 10 years, an increasing number of automated approaches have reported similar accuracy, reliability, and time efficiency as manual hearing assessments. New developments, including machine learning approaches, offer features, versatility, and cost-effectiveness beyond manual audiometry. Used within identified limitations, automated assessments using digital devices can support task-shifting, self-care, telehealth, and clinical care pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Willem Wasmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Leontien Pragt
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Robert Eikelboom
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Australia
- Ear Sciences Centre, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - De Wet Swanepoel
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Australia
- Ear Sciences Centre, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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D'Onofrio KL, Zeng FG. Tele-Audiology: Current State and Future Directions. Front Digit Health 2022; 3:788103. [PMID: 35083440 PMCID: PMC8784511 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2021.788103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of tele-audiology has been heightened by the current COVID-19 pandemic. The present article reviews the current state of tele-audiology practice while presenting its limitations and opportunities. Specifically, this review addresses: (1) barriers to hearing healthcare, (2) tele-audiology services, and (3) tele-audiology key issues, challenges, and future directions. Accumulating evidence suggests that tele-audiology is a viable service delivery model, as remote hearing screening, diagnostic testing, intervention, and rehabilitation can each be completed reliably and effectively. The benefits of tele-audiology include improved access to care, increased follow-up rates, and reduced travel time and costs. Still, significant logistical and technical challenges remain from ensuring a secure and robust internet connection to controlling ambient noise and meeting all state and federal licensure and reimbursement regulations. Future research and development, especially advancements in artificial intelligence, will continue to increase tele-audiology acceptance, expand remote care, and ultimately improve patient satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen L. D'Onofrio
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Fan-Gang Zeng
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Center for Hearing Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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25
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Eksteen S, Eikelboom RH, Kuper H, Launer S, Swanepoel DW. Prevalence and characteristics of hearing and vision loss in preschool children from low income South African communities: results of a screening program of 10,390 children. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:22. [PMID: 34986809 PMCID: PMC8728966 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-03095-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of children with sensory impairments live in low- and middle-income countries. More studies of hearing and vision impairment prevalence are needed, in order to generate more accurate estimates of trends in sensory impairments. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and describe the characteristics of hearing and vision loss among preschool children (4-7 years) in an underserved South African community following community-based mobile health (mHealth) supported hearing and vision services. METHODS A screening program of sensory impairments was undertaken of children attending preschools in the communities of Khayelitsha and Mitchell's Plain, Cape Town, from September 2017 until June 2019. Hearing and vision screening were done by trained community health workers using mHealth technology. Children who failed hearing and vision screening were seen for follow-up assessments at their preschools. Follow-up assessments were conducted using smartphones that host point-of-care validated and calibrated hearing and vision testing applications (hearTest app, hearX Group, South Africa and PeekAcuity app, Peek Vision, United Kingdom). Descriptive statistical analysis and logistic regression analysis were conducted after extracting data from a secure cloud-based server (mHealth Studio, hearX Group) to Microsoft Excel (2016). RESULTS A total of 10,390 children were screened at 298 preschools over 22 months. Of the children screened, 5.6 and 4.4% of children failed hearing and vision screening respectively. Community-based follow-up hearing tests were done at the preschools on 88.5% (514) of children of whom 240 children (54.2% female) presented with hearing loss. A preschool-based follow-up vision test was done on 400 children (88.1%). A total of 232 children (46.1% female) had a vision impairment, and a further 32 children passed the test but had obvious signs of ocular morbidity. Logistic regression analysis found that age was a significant predictor of vision loss (p < 0.05), but not for hearing loss (p = 0.06). Gender was not a significant predictor of hearing (p = 0.22) or vision loss (p = 0.20). CONCLUSIONS Hearing loss is prevalent in at least 22 per 1000 and vision loss in at least 23 per 1000 preschool children in an underserved South African community. Timely identification of sensory losses can be facilitated through community-based hearing and vision services supported by mHealth technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Eksteen
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Rd, Hatfield, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.
| | - Robert H Eikelboom
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Rd, Hatfield, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.,Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Australia.,Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Hannah Kuper
- International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, England
| | - Stefan Launer
- Sonova AG, Science & Technology, Stäfa, Switzerland.,School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - De Wet Swanepoel
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Rd, Hatfield, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.,Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Australia
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26
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Manayan RC, Ladd-Luthringshauser OH, Packer A, Tribulski K, Winans A, Vecchiotti MA, Scott AR. Ambient noise limits efficacy of smartphone-based screening for hearing loss in children at risk. Am J Otolaryngol 2022; 43:103223. [PMID: 34560596 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2021.103223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if hearScreen®, a smartphone-based pure tone audiometric screen, serves as an effective hearing screen for identifying hearing loss in children at risk, such as those with chronic otitis media and/or craniofacial anomalies. METHODS A cross-sectional, single-center, prospective study at an urban tertiary care hospital was completed. From June to October 2019, a total of 208 pediatric ears at risk for hearing loss were evaluated by both hearScreen® and conventional pure tone audiometry. The efficacy of hearScreen® for detecting hearing loss in a pediatric population at risk was determined. RESULTS A total of 208 pediatric ears at risk for hearing loss were screened. HearScreen® demonstrated a sensitivity of 85%, a specificity of 41%, a positive predictive value of 36%, and a negative predictive value of 87%. Subgroup analysis stratified by hearing loss type showed that hearScreen® screens for conductive hearing loss with increased sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS This investigation suggests that hearScreen® may serve as a an accessible, low-cost, and sensitive pure tone audiometric screen for hearing loss in children at risk, particularly those with conductive hearing loss, with the caveat that it may generate a high proportion of false positives due to the influence of ambient noise, especially when screening at 500 Hz. Future investigations should weigh the utility of including 500 Hz in the screening protocol as well as assess methods that may mitigate the influence of ambient noise during a pure-tone audiometric screen.
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27
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Elbeltagy R, Waly EH, Bakry HM. Teleaudiology practice in COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. J Otol 2021; 17:78-83. [PMID: 34976033 PMCID: PMC8704730 DOI: 10.1016/j.joto.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the audiologists’ attitudes and practice towards teleaudiology, as well as to assess the audiological services provided in Egypt and Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted among 112 audiologists who were recruited through convenience sampling . Multinomial logistic regression was used to test the association between practice of tele audiology as a dependent variable and some independent variables. Results 25.4% of the studied sample were practicing tele audiology. Participants’ age and attitude toward telemedicine were the independent predictors of tele audiology practice at p value ≤ 0.05. Conclusion The tele audiology practice is essential. Therefore, raising the knowledge of audiologist about the great value of practicing tele audiology is very important, infrastructure, equipment, and technology especially telecommunication should be improved and facilitated for both audiologist and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Elbeltagy
- Ear-Nose-Throat department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University.,Health Communication sciences department. College of Health and rehabilitation sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University
| | - Eman H Waly
- Environmental and Occupational medicine department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University
| | - Huny M Bakry
- Environmental and Occupational medicine department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University
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28
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Diagnostic Validity of Self-Reported Hearing Loss in Elderly Taiwanese Individuals: Diagnostic Performance of a Hearing Self-Assessment Questionnaire on Audiometry. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413215. [PMID: 34948824 PMCID: PMC8707226 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Key Points: Question: Can the traditional Chinese version of the hearing handicap inventory for elderly screening (HHIE-S) checklist screen for age-related hearing loss (ARHL) in elderly individuals? Findings: In this cross-sectional study of 1696 Taiwanese patients who underwent annual government-funded geriatric health checkups, the Chinese version of the HHIE-S had a sensitivity of 76.9% and a specificity of 79.8% with a cutoff score greater than 6 for identifying patients with disabled hearing loss (defined as a PTA > 40 dB). Meaning: The traditional Chinese version of the HHIE-S is an effective test to detect ARHL and can improve the feasibility of large-scale hearing screening among elderly individuals. Purpose: The traditional Chinese version of the hearing handicap inventory for elderly screening (TC-HHIE-S) was translated from English and is intended for use with people whose native language is traditional Chinese, but its effectiveness and diagnostic performance are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the traditional Chinese version of the HHIE-S for screening for age-related hearing loss (ARHL). Methods: A total of 1696 elderly people underwent the government’s annual geriatric medical examination at community hospitals. In this cross-sectional study, we recorded average conducted pure-tone averages (PTA) (0.5 kHz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, 4 kHz), age, sex, and HHIE-S data. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to identify the best critical point for detecting hearing impairment, and the validity of the structure was verified by the agreement between the TC-HHIE-S and PTA results. Results: The HHIE-S scores were correlated with the better-ear pure-tone threshold averages (PTAs) at 0.5–4 kHz (correlation coefficient r = 0.45). The internal consistency of the total HHIE-S score was excellent (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.901), and the test-retest reliability was also excellent (Spearman’s correlation coefficient = 0.60, intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.75). In detecting disabled hearing loss (i.e., PTA at 0.5–4 kHz > 40 dB), the HHIE-S cutoff score of > 6 had a sensitivity of 76.9% and a specificity of 79.8%. Conclusions: The traditional Chinese version of the HHIE-S is a valid, reliable, and efficient tool for large-scale screening for ARHL.
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29
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Guo Z, Yu G, Zhou H, Wang X, Lu Y, Meng Q. Utilizing True Wireless Stereo Earbuds in Automated Pure-Tone Audiometry. Trends Hear 2021; 25:23312165211057367. [PMID: 34796771 PMCID: PMC8606721 DOI: 10.1177/23312165211057367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
True wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds have become popular and widespread in recent years, and numerous automated pure-tone audiometer applications have been developed for portable devices. However, most of these applications require specifically designed earphones to which the public may not have access. Therefore, the present study investigates the accuracy of automated pure-tone audiometry based on TWS earbuds (Honor FlyPods). The procedure for developing an automated pure-tone audiometer is reported. Calibration of the TWS earbuds was accomplished by electroacoustic measurements and establishing corrected reference equivalent threshold sound pressure levels. The developed audiometer was then compared with a clinical audiometer using 20 hearing-impaired participants. The average signed and absolute deviations between hearing thresholds measured using the two audiometers were 3.1 dB and 6.7 dB, respectively. The overall accuracy rate in determining the presence/absence of hearing loss was 81%. The results show that the proposed procedure for an automated air-conduction audiometer based on TWS earbuds is feasible, and the system gives accurate hearing level estimation using the reported calibration framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Guo
- School of Architecture, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- School of Physics and Optoelectronics, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangzheng Yu
- School of Physics and Optoelectronics, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huali Zhou
- School of Physics and Optoelectronics, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianren Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yigang Lu
- School of Physics and Optoelectronics, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinglin Meng
- School of Physics and Optoelectronics, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Qinglin Meng, School of Physics and Optoelectronics, South China University of Technology, No. 381, Wushan Rd, Guangzhou 510641, China.
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30
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Sidiras C, Sanchez-Lopez R, Pedersen ER, Sørensen CB, Nielsen J, Schmidt JH. User-Operated Audiometry Project (UAud) - Introducing an Automated User-Operated System for Audiometric Testing Into Everyday Clinic Practice. Front Digit Health 2021; 3:724748. [PMID: 34713194 PMCID: PMC8529271 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2021.724748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hearing loss is the third leading cause of years lived with disability. It is estimated that 430 million people worldwide are affected, and the number of cases is expected to increase in the future. There is therefore increased pressure on hearing health systems around the world to improve efficiency and reduce costs to ensure increased access to quality hearing health care. Here, we describe the User-Operated Audiometry project, the goal of which is to introduce an automated system for user-operated audiometric testing into everyday clinic practice as a means to relieve part of this pressure. The alternative to the existing referral route is presented in which examination is executed via the user-operated system. This route is conceptualized as an interaction between the patient, the system, and the hearing care professional (HCP). Technological requirements of the system and challenges that are related to the interaction between patients, the user-operated system, and the HCPs within the specific medical setting are discussed. Lastly, a strategy for the development and implementation of user-operated audiometry is presented, which includes initial investigations, a validation study, and implementation in a real-life clinical situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Sidiras
- Faculty of Engineering, The Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Raul Sanchez-Lopez
- Interacoustics Research Unit, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.,Hearing Systems Section, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ellen Raben Pedersen
- Faculty of Engineering, The Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Chris Bang Sørensen
- Faculty of Engineering, The Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jacob Nielsen
- Faculty of Engineering, The Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jesper Hvass Schmidt
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,OPEN, Open Patient Data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Research Unit for ORL-Head and Neck Surgery and Audiology, Odense University Hospital and University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Spurling GK, Tyson C'S, Askew D, Reath J. Mixed-methods evaluation of screening for hearing loss using the hearScreen™ mobile health application in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children presenting to an urban primary healthcare service. Aust J Prim Health 2021; 27:371-376. [PMID: 34629144 DOI: 10.1071/py21059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Recommendations for hearing screening for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 4 years have a limited evidence base. Using the hearScreen™ (HearX, Camden, DE, USA) mobile health application as part of a mixed-methods study, the aim of this study was to assess the proportion of 4-year-old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with hearing difficulties, as well as the feasibility and acceptability of the test itself. Of the 145 4-year-old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were regular patients of the service during the recruitment period, 50 were recruited to the present study. Of these 50 children, 42 (84%) passed the hearing screening test, 4 (8%) did not and 4 (8%) were unable to complete the test. Nine caregivers were interviewed. Themes included the priority given to children's health by caregivers, positivity and trust in the test, preference for having the test conducted in primary care and the importance of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person providing the screening test. These findings lend support to hearing screening for school-age children in primary care provided by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare worker using the hearScreen™ test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey K Spurling
- The University of Queensland, Primary Care Clinical Unit, Level 8, Health Sciences Building, Building 16/910, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia; and Southern Queensland Centre of Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care, 37 Wirraway Parade, Inala, Qld 4077, Australia; and Corresponding author.
| | - Claudette 'Sissy' Tyson
- Southern Queensland Centre of Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care, 37 Wirraway Parade, Inala, Qld 4077, Australia
| | - Deborah Askew
- The University of Queensland, Primary Care Clinical Unit, Level 8, Health Sciences Building, Building 16/910, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia
| | - Jennifer Reath
- Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
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32
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Chen CH, Lin HYH, Wang MC, Chu YC, Chang CY, Huang CY, Cheng YF. Diagnostic Accuracy of Smartphone-Based Audiometry for Hearing Loss Detection: Meta-analysis. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e28378. [PMID: 34515644 PMCID: PMC8477297 DOI: 10.2196/28378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hearing loss is one of the most common disabilities worldwide and affects both individual and public health. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) is the gold standard for hearing assessment, but it is often not available in many settings, given its high cost and demand for human resources. Smartphone-based audiometry may be equally effective and can improve access to adequate hearing evaluations. Objective The aim of this systematic review is to synthesize the current evidence of the role of smartphone-based audiometry in hearing assessments and further explore the factors that influence its diagnostic accuracy. Methods Five databases—PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus—were queried to identify original studies that examined the diagnostic accuracy of hearing loss measurement using smartphone-based devices with conventional PTA as a reference test. A bivariate random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled sensitivity and specificity. The factors associated with diagnostic accuracy were identified using a bivariate meta-regression model. Study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. Results In all, 25 studies with a total of 4470 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for smartphone-based audiometry were 89% (95% CI 83%-93%), 93% (95% CI 87%-97%), and 0.96 (95% CI 0.93-0.97), respectively; the corresponding values for the smartphone-based speech recognition test were 91% (95% CI 86%-94%), 88% (95% CI 75%-94%), and 0.93 (95% CI 0.90-0.95), respectively. Meta-regression analysis revealed that patient age, equipment used, and the presence of soundproof booths were significantly related to diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions We have presented comprehensive evidence regarding the effectiveness of smartphone-based tests in diagnosing hearing loss. Smartphone-based audiometry may serve as an accurate and accessible approach to hearing evaluations, especially in settings where conventional PTA is unavailable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hao Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Heng-Yu Haley Lin
- Department of Medical Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Mao-Che Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, Taipei City, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan.,Institute of Hospital and Health Care Administration, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Chia Chu
- Information Management Office, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan.,Medical AI Development Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan.,Department of Information Management, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yu Chang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chii-Yuan Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, Taipei City, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Fu Cheng
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, Taipei City, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan.,Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan
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33
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Meijer AJM, van den Heuvel-Eibrink MM, Brooks B, Am Zehnhoff-Dinnesen AG, Knight KR, Freyer DR, Chang KW, Hero B, Papadakis V, Frazier AL, Blattmann C, Windsor R, Morland B, Bouffet E, Rutkowski S, Tytgat GAM, Geller JI, Hunter LL, Sung L, Calaminus G, Carleton BC, Helleman HW, Foster JH, Kruger M, Cohn RJ, Landier W, van Grotel M, Brock PR, Hoetink AE, Rajput KM. Recommendations for Age-Appropriate Testing, Timing, and Frequency of Audiologic Monitoring During Childhood Cancer Treatment: An International Society of Paediatric Oncology Supportive Care Consensus Report. JAMA Oncol 2021; 7:1550-1558. [PMID: 34383016 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2021.2697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance Ototoxicity is an irreversible direct and late effect of certain childhood cancer treatments. Audiologic surveillance during therapy as part of the supportive care pathway enables early detection of hearing loss, decision-making about ongoing cancer treatment, and, when applicable, the timely use of audiologic interventions. Pediatric oncologic clinical practice and treatment trials have tended to be driven by tumor type and tumor-specific working groups. Internationally accepted standardized recommendations for monitoring hearing during treatment have not previously been agreed on. Objective To provide standard recommendations on hearing loss monitoring during childhood cancer therapy for clinical practice. Methods An Ototoxicity Task Force was formed under the umbrella of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology, consisting of international audiologists, otolaryngologists, and leaders in the field of relevant pediatric oncology tumor groups. Consensus meetings conducted by experts were organized, aimed at providing standardized recommendations on age-directed testing, timing, and frequency of monitoring during cancer treatment based on literature and consensus. Consensus statements were prepared by the core group, adapted following several videoconferences, and finally agreed on by the expert panel. Findings The consensus reached was that children who receive ototoxic cancer treatment (platinum agents, cranial irradiation, and/or brain surgery) require a baseline case history, monitoring of their middle ear and inner ear function, and assessment of tinnitus at each audiologic follow-up. As a minimum, age-appropriate testing should be performed before and at the end of treatment. Ideally, audiometry with counseling before each cisplatin cycle should be considered in the context of the individual patient, specific disease, feasibility, and available resources. Conclusions and Relevance This is an international multidisciplinary consensus report providing standardized supportive care recommendations on hearing monitoring in children undergoing potentially ototoxic cancer treatment. The recommendations are intended to improve the care of children with cancer and facilitate comparative research on the timing and development of hearing loss caused by different cancer treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelot J M Meijer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marry M van den Heuvel-Eibrink
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Beth Brooks
- Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,School of Audiology and Speech Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Kristin R Knight
- Department of Pediatric Audiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland
| | - David R Freyer
- Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.,Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Kay W Chang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Barbara Hero
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Children's Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Vassilios Papadakis
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Agia Sofia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - A Lindsay Frazier
- Dana Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Claudia Blattmann
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology/Immunology, Stuttgart Cancer Center, Olgahospital Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Rachael Windsor
- Department of Oncology, University College London Hospitals National Health Service Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bruce Morland
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Eric Bouffet
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stefan Rutkowski
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Godelieve A M Tytgat
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - James I Geller
- Division of Oncology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Lisa L Hunter
- Communication Sciences Research Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Lillian Sung
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Program in Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gabriele Calaminus
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Bruce C Carleton
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Division of Translational Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Pharmaceutical Outcomes Programme, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hiske W Helleman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht-Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jennifer H Foster
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Houston, Texas
| | - Mariana Kruger
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Richard J Cohn
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, High Street, Randwick, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Medicine, Sydney, Australia
| | - Wendy Landier
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Martine van Grotel
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Penelope R Brock
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children National Health Service Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander E Hoetink
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht-Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kaukab M Rajput
- Department of Audiovestibular Medicine and Cochlear Implant, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children National Health Service Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Moepeng M, Singh S, Ramma L. Contextually appropriate school entry hearing screening protocol for low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2021; 147:110788. [PMID: 34120029 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2021.110788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where universal newborn hearing screening programmes are often not available, school entry hearing screening programmes serve as a safeguard for early detection and intervention for hearing loss in school learners. OBJECTIVE To determine a contextually appropriate school entry hearing screening protocol for LMICs. METHODS A scoping review was utilised to comprehensively search for relevant publications in the following electronic databases: Africa-Wide Information, CINAHL, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies included those that investigated school-based hearing screening protocols or programmes for LMICs among learners aged five to twelve years. The review was conducted and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. RESULTS The search yielded 1863 studies, and after removing duplicates and ineligible studies, 19 studies were selected for data extraction. Pure tone audiometry screening was the most frequently used age-appropriate hearing screening test in the reviewed studies (n = 17). Conducting pure tone audiometry screening using 1, 2, and 4 kHz frequency combination resulted in referral rates ranging from 3.2% to 21%. In studies that included 0.5 kHz to the screening frequencies, referral rates ranged from 5.8% to 56%. Screening at 25 dB HL intensity level yielded referral rates ranging from 3.2% to 10.3%. Immediate rescreening reduced overall referral rates for learners referred for audiological diagnostic testing by up to 57%. Ambient noise levels were controlled by conducting screening in quiet rooms (n = 14) and utilising screening equipment that allows for monitoring and reducing environmental noise (n = 3). CONCLUSION An ideal school entry hearing screening protocol in LMIC contexts could potentially utilise pure tone audiometry screening at 1, 2, and 4 kHz, using 25 dB HL screening intensity level with an immediate rescreen for learners with a refer result. School entry hearing screening should be conducted in a quiet room, preferably using hearing screening equipment capable of monitoring ambient noise levels to reduce false positive referrals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meshack Moepeng
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Audiology Department, Bamalete Lutheran Hospital, Botswana.
| | - Shajila Singh
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lebogang Ramma
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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Scotti Requena S, Sterling M, Elphinston RA, Ritchie C, Robins S, R Armfield N. Development and use of mobile messaging for individuals with musculoskeletal pain conditions: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e048964. [PMID: 34253673 PMCID: PMC8276305 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-048964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous reviews of mobile messaging for individuals with musculoskeletal pain have shown positive effects on pain and disability. However, the configuration of digital content, method of presentation and interaction, dose and frequency needed for optimal results remain unclear. Patient preferences concerning such systems are also unclear. Addressing these knowledge gaps, incorporating evidence from both experimental and observational studies, may be useful to understand the extent of the relevant literature, and to influence the design and outcomes of future messaging systems. We aim to map information that could be influential in the design of future mobile messaging systems for individuals with musculoskeletal pain conditions, and to summarise the findings of efficacy, effectiveness, and economics derived from both experimental and observational studies. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will include studies describing the development and/or use of mobile messaging to support adults (≥18 years) with acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain. We will exclude digital health studies that lack a mobile messaging component, or those targeted at other health conditions unrelated to the bones, muscles and connective tissues, or involving surgical or patients with cancer, or studies involving solely healthy individuals. Our sources of information will be online databases and reference lists of relevant papers. We will include papers published in English in the last 10 years. Two pairs of independent reviewers will screen, select and extract the data, with any disagreements mediated by a third reviewer. We will report the results according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews checklist. We will synthesise the findings in a tabular format and provide a descriptive summary. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Formal ethical approval is not required. We will disseminate the findings through publication in a peer-reviewed journal, relevant conferences, and relevant consumer forums. TRIAL REGISTRATION Open Science Framework https://osf.io/8mzya; DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/8MZYA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Scotti Requena
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michele Sterling
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Road Traffic Injury Recovery, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rachel A Elphinston
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Road Traffic Injury Recovery, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Carrie Ritchie
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sarah Robins
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nigel R Armfield
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Wooloongabba, Queensland, Australia
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Optimization of the Speech Test Material in a Group of Hearing Impaired Subjects: A Feasibility Study for Multilingual Digit Triplet Test Development. Audiol Res 2021; 11:342-356. [PMID: 34287230 PMCID: PMC8293168 DOI: 10.3390/audiolres11030032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The development of the global digit-in-noise test requires optimization of each language version on a group of normal-hearing native-speakers. An alternative solution may be an adaptive optimization during ongoing tests in a group of subjects with unknown hearing impairments. The objective of the research was to compare the optimization results between these groups. Methods: Digit triplets consisting of three pseudo-randomly selected digits were presented in speech-shaped noise at various signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), according to the protocol of the final speech test. Digit-specific and position-specific speech reception thresholds (SRTs) were determined and compared between groups. Results: The study sample consisted of 82 subjects, 26 normal-hearing subjects and 56 patients with diverse hearing disorders. Statistically significant differences in digit-specific SRTs between the control and the investigated group were obtained for three digits in continuous noise (digits 0, 4, 6; p-value of 0.04, 0.03, 0.05) and two in modulated noise (digits 1 and 6; p-value of 0.05 and 0.01). An analysis including only ears with SRTs within the range of the normal hearing control group showed no statistically significant differences between digits. Conclusion: Optimization of speech material can be carried out in a group of subjects with unknown hearing impairments, provided the ears with scores outside normal range are rejected.
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Balen SA, Vital BSB, Pereira RN, Lima TFD, Barros DMDS, Lopez EA, Diniz Junior J, Valentim RADM, Ferrari DV. Accuracy of affordable instruments for hearing screening in adults and the elderly. Codas 2021; 33:e20200100. [PMID: 34231667 DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20202020100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the accuracy of affordable instruments for hearing screening of adults and the elderly. METHODS This study was carried out with users of a Hearing Health Service of the Unified Health System. All were screened with the MoBASA smartphone application, the Telehealth audiometer (TH) and the electronic version of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly - screening version - eHHIE-S. The examiners were blinded to the results of the screening tests and pure tone audiometry (PTA). Hearing impairment was considered for those with a PTA quadritonal mean greater than 40 dB in the best ear. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively) were calculated. The Kappa index was used as an agreement indicator between the PTA and the screening results. RESULTS The sample consisted of 80 individuals between 18 and 94 years old (55.18 ± 20.21). In the PTA test, 21 individuals (26.25%) had typical hearing and 59 (73.75%) hearing loss. In the hearing screening tests, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV values greater than 75% were observed with the MoBASA as well as in terms of sensitivity and NPV of the TH and the eHHIE-S. The TH and the eHHIE-S specificity and PPV were less than 75%. The Kappa index indicated a substantial agreement (0.6) between the PTA and the MoBASA screening results. The TH and the eHHIE-S showed regular agreement (0.3). CONCLUSION MoBASA proved to be an accurate method for hearing screening of adults and the elderly with disabling hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Andreoli Balen
- Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte - UFRN - Natal (RN), Brasil.,Programa Associado de Pós-graduação em Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Federal da Paraíba - UFPB - João Pessoa (PB), Brasil.,Programa Associado de Pós-graduação em Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte - UFRN - Natal (RN), Brasil.,Programa Associado de Pós-graduação em Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Estadual de Ciências da Saúde de Alagoas - UNCISAL - Maceió (AL), Brasil.,Laboratório de Inovação Tecnológica em Saúde, Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte - UFRN - Natal (RN), Brasil
| | - Bianca Stephany Barbosa Vital
- Programa Associado de Pós-graduação em Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Federal da Paraíba - UFPB - João Pessoa (PB), Brasil.,Programa Associado de Pós-graduação em Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte - UFRN - Natal (RN), Brasil.,Programa Associado de Pós-graduação em Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Estadual de Ciências da Saúde de Alagoas - UNCISAL - Maceió (AL), Brasil.,Laboratório de Inovação Tecnológica em Saúde, Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte - UFRN - Natal (RN), Brasil
| | - Rhadimylla Nágila Pereira
- Laboratório de Inovação Tecnológica em Saúde, Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte - UFRN - Natal (RN), Brasil
| | - Taise Ferreira de Lima
- Laboratório de Inovação Tecnológica em Saúde, Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte - UFRN - Natal (RN), Brasil
| | - Daniele Montenegro da Silva Barros
- Laboratório de Inovação Tecnológica em Saúde, Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte - UFRN - Natal (RN), Brasil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Engenharia Elétrica e Computação, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte UFRN - Natal (RN), Brasil
| | - Esteban Alejandro Lopez
- Programa de Pós-graduação Interunidades em Bioengenharia - PPGIB - Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos - EESC - Universidade de São Paulo - USP - São Carlos (SP), Brasil
| | - Jose Diniz Junior
- Departamento de Cirurgia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte - UFRN - Natal (RN), Brasil
| | - Ricardo Alexsandro de Medeiros Valentim
- Laboratório de Inovação Tecnológica em Saúde, Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte - UFRN - Natal (RN), Brasil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Engenharia Elétrica e Computação, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte UFRN - Natal (RN), Brasil.,Departamento de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte - UFRN - Natal (RN), Brasil
| | - Deborah Viviane Ferrari
- Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru, Universidade de São Paulo - USP - Bauru (SP), Brasil
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Boggs D, Hydara A, Faal Y, Okoh JA, Olaniyan SI, Sanneh H, Ngett A, Bah I, Aleser M, Denis E, McCormick I, Bright T, Bell S, Kim M, Foster A, Kuper H, Burton MJ, Mactaggart I, Polack S. Estimating Need for Glasses and Hearing Aids in The Gambia: Results from a National Survey and Comparison of Clinical Impairment and Self-Report Assessment Approaches. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:6302. [PMID: 34200769 PMCID: PMC8296105 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Few estimates are available of the need for assistive devices (ADs) in African settings. This study aimed to estimate population-level need for glasses and hearing aids in The Gambia based on (1) clinical impairment assessment, and (2) self-reported AD awareness, and explore the relationship between the two methods. The Gambia 2019 National Eye Health Survey is a nationally representative population-based sample of 9188 adults aged 35+ years. Participants underwent standardised clinical vision assessments including the need for glasses (distance and near). Approximately 25% of the sample underwent clinical assessment of hearing and hearing aid need. Data were also collected on self-reported awareness, need and access barriers to vision and hearing ADs. Overall, 5.6% of the study population needed distance glasses (95% CI 5.0-6.3), 45.9% (95% CI 44.2-47.5) needed near glasses and 25.5% (95% CI 22.2-29.2) needed hearing aids. Coverage for each AD was very low (<4%). The agreement between self-report and clinical impairment assessment for AD need was poor. In conclusion, there is high prevalence and very low coverage for distance glasses, near glasses and hearing aids in The Gambia. Self-report measures alone will not provide an accurate estimate of AD need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy Boggs
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (T.B.); (H.K.); (I.M.); (S.P.)
| | - Abba Hydara
- Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Centre, Kanifing, The Gambia; (A.H.); (J.A.O.); (S.I.O.); (H.S.); (A.N.); (I.B.); (M.A.)
| | - Yaka Faal
- Ear Nose and Throat Unit, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia;
| | - John Atta Okoh
- Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Centre, Kanifing, The Gambia; (A.H.); (J.A.O.); (S.I.O.); (H.S.); (A.N.); (I.B.); (M.A.)
| | - Segun Isaac Olaniyan
- Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Centre, Kanifing, The Gambia; (A.H.); (J.A.O.); (S.I.O.); (H.S.); (A.N.); (I.B.); (M.A.)
| | - Haruna Sanneh
- Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Centre, Kanifing, The Gambia; (A.H.); (J.A.O.); (S.I.O.); (H.S.); (A.N.); (I.B.); (M.A.)
| | - Abdoulie Ngett
- Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Centre, Kanifing, The Gambia; (A.H.); (J.A.O.); (S.I.O.); (H.S.); (A.N.); (I.B.); (M.A.)
| | - Isatou Bah
- Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Centre, Kanifing, The Gambia; (A.H.); (J.A.O.); (S.I.O.); (H.S.); (A.N.); (I.B.); (M.A.)
| | - Mildred Aleser
- Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Centre, Kanifing, The Gambia; (A.H.); (J.A.O.); (S.I.O.); (H.S.); (A.N.); (I.B.); (M.A.)
| | | | - Ian McCormick
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (I.M.); (S.B.); (M.K.); (A.F.); (M.J.B.)
| | - Tess Bright
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (T.B.); (H.K.); (I.M.); (S.P.)
| | - Suzannah Bell
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (I.M.); (S.B.); (M.K.); (A.F.); (M.J.B.)
| | - Minjung Kim
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (I.M.); (S.B.); (M.K.); (A.F.); (M.J.B.)
| | - Allen Foster
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (I.M.); (S.B.); (M.K.); (A.F.); (M.J.B.)
| | - Hannah Kuper
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (T.B.); (H.K.); (I.M.); (S.P.)
| | - Matthew J. Burton
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (I.M.); (S.B.); (M.K.); (A.F.); (M.J.B.)
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Islay Mactaggart
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (T.B.); (H.K.); (I.M.); (S.P.)
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (I.M.); (S.B.); (M.K.); (A.F.); (M.J.B.)
| | - Sarah Polack
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (T.B.); (H.K.); (I.M.); (S.P.)
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Eksteen S, Eikelboom RH, Launer S, Kuper H, Swanepoel DW. Referral Criteria for Preschool Hearing Screening in Resource-Constrained Settings: A Comparison of Protocols. Lang Speech Hear Serv Sch 2021; 52:868-876. [PMID: 34061576 DOI: 10.1044/2021_lshss-21-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to describe and compare the performance of two screening protocols used for preschool hearing screening in resource-constrained settings. Method Secondary data analysis was done to determine the performance of two protocols implemented during a preschool hearing screening program using mobile health technology in South Africa. Pure-tone audiometry screening at 25 dB HL for 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz in each ear was used by both protocols. The fail criterion for the first protocol (2,147 children screened) constituted a no-response on one or more frequencies in either ear. The second protocol required two or more no-responses (5,782 children). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate associations between outcomes and protocol, age, gender, and duration. Results Fail rates for the one-frequency fail protocol was 8.7% (n = 186) and 4.3% (n = 250) for the two-frequency fail protocol. Children screened with the two-frequency fail protocol were 52.9% less likely to fail (p < .001; OR = 0.471; 95% confidence interval [0.385, 0.575]). Gender (p = .251) and age (p = .570) had no significant effect on screening outcome. A percentage of cases screened (44.7%) exceeded permissible noise levels in at least one ear at 1000 Hz across both protocols. True- and false-positive cases did not differ significantly between protocols. Protocol type (p = .204), gender (p = .314), and age (p = .982) did not affect the odds of being a true-positive result. Average screening time was 72.8 s (78.66 SD) and 64.9 s (55.78 SD) for the one-frequency and two-frequency fail protocols, respectively. Conclusions A two-frequency fail criterion and immediate rescreen of failed frequencies significantly reduced referral rate for follow-up services that are often overburdened in resourced-constrained settings. Future protocol adaptations can also consider increasing the screening levels at 1000 Hz to minimize the influence of environmental noise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Eksteen
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Robert H Eikelboom
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa.,Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia.,Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Stefan Launer
- Sonova AG, Science & Technology, Stäfa, Switzerland.,School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Hannah Kuper
- Clinical Research Department, International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - De Wet Swanepoel
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa.,Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia
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Manus M, van der Linde J, Kuper H, Olinger R, Swanepoel DW. Community-Based Hearing and Vision Screening in Schools in Low-Income Communities Using Mobile Health Technologies. Lang Speech Hear Serv Sch 2021; 52:568-580. [PMID: 33497579 DOI: 10.1044/2020_lshss-20-00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Globally, more than 50 million children have hearing or vision loss. Most of these sensory losses are identified late due to a lack of systematic screening, making treatment and rehabilitation less effective. Mobile health (mHealth), which is the use of smartphones or wireless devices in health care, can improve access to screening services. mHealth technologies allow lay health workers (LHWs) to provide hearing and vision screening in communities. Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate a hearing and vision school screening program facilitated by LHWs using smartphone applications in a low-income community in South Africa. Method Three LHWs were trained to provide dual sensory screening using smartphone-based applications. The hearScreen app with calibrated headphones was used to conduct screening audiometry, and the Peek Acuity app was used for visual acuity screening. Schools were selected from low-income communities (Gauteng, South Africa), and children aged between 4 and 9 years received hearing and vision screening. Screening outcomes, associated variables, and program costs were evaluated. Results A total of 4,888 and 4,933 participants received hearing and vision screening, respectively. Overall, 1.6% of participants failed the hearing screening, and 3.6% failed visual acuity screening. Logistic regression showed that female participants were more likely to pass hearing screening (OR = 1.61, 95% CI [1.11, 2.54]), while older children were less likely to pass visual acuity screening (OR = 0.87, 95% CI [0.79, 0.96]). A third (32.5%) of referred cases followed up for air-conduction threshold audiometry, and one in four (25.1%) followed up for diagnostic vision testing. A high proportion of these cases were confirmed to have hearing (73.1%, 19/26) or vision loss (57.8%, 26/45). Conclusions mHealth technologies can enable LHWs to identify school-age children with hearing and/or vision loss in low-income communities. This approach allows for low-cost, scalable models for early detection of sensory losses that can affect academic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Manus
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jeannie van der Linde
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Hannah Kuper
- International School for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Renate Olinger
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - De Wet Swanepoel
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa.,Ear Science Centre, School of Surgery, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia.,Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
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Kim J, Jeon S, Kim D, Shin Y. A Review of Contemporary Teleaudiology: Literature Review, Technology, and Considerations for Practicing. J Audiol Otol 2021; 25:1-7. [PMID: 33494551 PMCID: PMC7835434 DOI: 10.7874/jao.2020.00500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The scope of teleaudiology has been noted with telehealth due to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) recently. As the notion has been around us for more than 20 years ever since 1999, it is necessary to perceive the knowledge accurately and prepare for the successful implementation of it. Therefore, the literature review including screening and diagnostic audiometry, cochlear implants and hearing aids, and aural rehabilitation, telecommunications technology regarding several fields of teleaudiology, and considerations for practicing were identified. Although overall internet-based audiological services showed benefits in terms of outcome and accessibility, uncertainties of cost-effectiveness, the optimal level of support, and a need for further studies of many aspects for teleaudiology has arisen. In the view of technology, the store-and-forward (asynchronous/hybrid) and a real-time (synchronous) methods were introduced with one applied and nine registered patents recorded from 2004 to 2020 for the invention of teleaudiology in the United States. Also, 10 checklists were suggested for planning teleaudiology practice from prior experience in hosting the teleaudiology program. Conclusively, it is hoped that this review sheds light on recognizing and improving the existing teleaudiology services and helps overcome the challenges faced in the era of pandemic and untact world to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsook Kim
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea.,Division of Speech Pathology and Audiology, College of Natural Sciences, Research Institute of Audiology and Speech Pathology, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Seungik Jeon
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Dokyun Kim
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Yerim Shin
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
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42
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Hydara A, Bastawrous A, Bell S, Boggs D, Bright T, Bobat H, Eaton J, Faal H, Jobe M, Kim MJ, Kirkpatrick B, McCormick I, Okoh JA, Olaniyan SI, Prentice AM, Ramke J, Taylor R, Burton M, Mactaggart I. The Gambia National Eye Health Survey 2019: survey protocol. Wellcome Open Res 2021; 6:10. [PMID: 34796273 PMCID: PMC8591516.2 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16531.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Two national surveys of vision impairment and blindness were undertaken in The Gambia in 1986 and 1996. These provided data for the inception of The Gambia's National Eye Health Programme (NEHP) within the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. There have been important developments in the eye health services provided by the NEHP in the last 20 years. At the same time, the population has also undergone major demographic changes that may have led to substantial changes in the burden of eye disease. We conducted a National Eye Health Survey of vision impairment, blindness and its comorbidities in adults in The Gambia in 2019. We examined a nationally representative population-based sample of adults 35 years and above to permit direct comparison with the data available from the previous surveys. Alongside a comprehensive vision and eye examination, the survey provides nationally representative data on important comorbidities in this population: diabetes, hypertension, obesity, hearing impairment, disability and mental health. Secondly, it estimates access to assistive technologies and eye health services. Thirdly, it is powered to allow a five-year follow up cohort study to measure the incidence and progression of eye disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abba Hydara
- Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Centre, Kanifing, The Gambia
| | - Andrew Bastawrous
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Suzannah Bell
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Dorothy Boggs
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tess Bright
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Julian Eaton
- Centre for Global Mental Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- CBM Global, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hannah Faal
- University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Modou Jobe
- Medical Research Unit The Gambia, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Kanifing, The Gambia
| | - Min J. Kim
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Ian McCormick
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - John Atta Okoh
- Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Centre, Kanifing, The Gambia
| | | | - Andrew M. Prentice
- Medical Research Unit The Gambia, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Kanifing, The Gambia
| | - Jacqueline Ramke
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ruth Taylor
- East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Matthew Burton
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Islay Mactaggart
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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43
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Hydara A, Bastawrous A, Bell S, Boggs D, Bright T, Bobat H, Eaton J, Faal H, Jobe M, Kim MJ, Kirkpatrick B, McCormick I, Okoh JA, Olaniyan SI, Prentice AM, Ramke J, Taylor R, Burton M, Mactaggart I. The Gambia National Eye Health Survey 2019: survey protocol. Wellcome Open Res 2021; 6:10. [PMID: 34796273 PMCID: PMC8591516 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16531.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Two national surveys of vision impairment and blindness were undertaken in The Gambia in 1986 and 1996. These provided data for the inception of The Gambia's National Eye Health Programme (NEHP) within the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. There have been important developments in the eye health services provided by the NEHP in the last 20 years. At the same time, the population has also undergone major demographic changes that may have led to substantial changes in the burden of eye disease. We conducted a National Eye Health Survey of vision impairment, blindness and its comorbidities in adults in The Gambia in 2019. We examined a nationally representative population-based sample of adults 35 years and above to permit direct comparison with the data available from the previous surveys. Alongside a comprehensive vision and eye examination, the survey provides nationally representative data on important comorbidities in this population: diabetes, hypertension, obesity, hearing impairment, disability and mental health. Secondly, it estimates access to assistive technologies and eye health services. Thirdly, it is powered to allow a five-year follow up cohort study to measure the incidence and progression of eye disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abba Hydara
- Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Centre, Kanifing, The Gambia
| | - Andrew Bastawrous
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Suzannah Bell
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Dorothy Boggs
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tess Bright
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Julian Eaton
- Centre for Global Mental Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- CBM Global, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hannah Faal
- University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Modou Jobe
- Medical Research Unit The Gambia, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Kanifing, The Gambia
| | - Min J. Kim
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Ian McCormick
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - John Atta Okoh
- Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Centre, Kanifing, The Gambia
| | | | - Andrew M. Prentice
- Medical Research Unit The Gambia, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Kanifing, The Gambia
| | - Jacqueline Ramke
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ruth Taylor
- East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Matthew Burton
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Islay Mactaggart
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Irace AL, Sharma RK, Reed NS, Golub JS. Smartphone-Based Applications to Detect Hearing Loss: A Review of Current Technology. J Am Geriatr Soc 2020; 69:307-316. [PMID: 33341098 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a widely prevalent yet manageable condition that has been linked to neurocognitive and psychiatric comorbidities. Multiple barriers hinder older individuals from being diagnosed with ARHL through pure-tone audiometry. This is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in the closure of many outpatient audiology and otolaryngology offices. Smartphone-based hearing assessment apps may overcome these challenges by enabling patients to remotely self-administer their own hearing examination. The objective of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of current mobile health applications (apps) that claim to assess hearing. DESIGN Narrative review. MEASUREMENTS The Apple App Store and Google Play Store were queried for apps that claim to assess hearing. Relevant apps were downloaded and used to conduct a mock hearing assessment. Names of included apps were searched on four literature databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL) to determine which apps had been validated against gold standard methods. RESULTS App store searches identified 44 unique apps. Apps differed with respect to the type of test offered (e.g., hearing threshold test), cost, strategies to reduce ambient noise, test output (quantitative vs qualitative results), and options to export results. Validation studies were identified for seven apps. CONCLUSION Given their low cost and relative accessibility, smartphone-based hearing apps may facilitate screening for ARHL, particularly in the setting of limitations on in-person medical care due to COVID-19. However, app features vary widely, few apps have been validated, and user-centered designs for older adults are largely lacking. Further research and validation efforts are necessary to determine whether smartphone-based hearing assessments are a feasible and accurate screening tool for ARHL. Key Points Age-related hearing loss is a prevalent yet undertreated condition among older adults. Why Does this Paper Matter? Smartphone-based hearing test apps may facilitate remote screening for hearing loss, but limitations surrounding app validation, usability, equipment calibration, and data security should be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria L Irace
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rahul K Sharma
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nicholas S Reed
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Justin S Golub
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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Eccles R, van der Linde J, le Roux M, Holloway J, MacCutcheon D, Ljung R, Swanepoel DW. Is Phonological Awareness Related to Pitch, Rhythm, and Speech-in-Noise Discrimination in Young Children? Lang Speech Hear Serv Sch 2020; 52:383-395. [PMID: 33464981 DOI: 10.1044/2020_lshss-20-00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Phonological awareness (PA) requires the complex integration of language, speech, and auditory processing abilities. Enhanced pitch and rhythm discrimination have been shown to improve PA and speech-in-noise (SiN) discrimination. The screening of pitch and rhythm discrimination, if nonlinguistic correlates of these abilities, could contribute to screening procedures prior to diagnostic assessment. This research aimed to determine the association of PA abilities with pitch, rhythm, and SiN discrimination in children aged 5-7 years old. Method Forty-one participants' pitch, rhythm, and SiN discrimination and PA abilities were evaluated. To control for confounding factors, including biological and environmental risk exposure and gender differences, typically developing male children from high socioeconomic statuses were selected. Pearson correlation was used to identify associations between variables, and stepwise regression analysis was used to identify possible predictors of PA. Results Correlations of medium strength were identified between PA and pitch, rhythm, and SiN discrimination. Pitch and diotic digit-in-noise discrimination formed the strongest regression model (adjusted R 2 = .4213, r = .649) for phoneme-grapheme correspondence. Conclusions The current study demonstrates predictive relationships between the complex auditory discrimination skills of pitch, rhythm, and diotic digit-in-noise recognition and foundational phonemic awareness and phonic skills in young males from high socioeconomic statuses. Pitch, rhythm, and digit-in-noise discrimination measures hold potential as screening measures for delays in phonemic awareness and phonic difficulties and as components of stimulation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Eccles
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jeannie van der Linde
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Mia le Roux
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jenny Holloway
- Data Science Research Group, Operational Intelligence, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Next Generation Enterprises and Institutions, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Douglas MacCutcheon
- Department of Building, Energy and Environmental Engineering, Högskolan i Gävle, Sweden
| | - Robert Ljung
- Department of Building, Energy and Environmental Engineering, Högskolan i Gävle, Sweden
| | - De Wet Swanepoel
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
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Lin HYH, Chu YC, Lai YH, Cheng HL, Lai F, Cheng YF, Liao WH. A Smartphone-Based Approach to Screening for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Cross-Sectional Validity Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e23047. [PMID: 33174845 PMCID: PMC7688380 DOI: 10.2196/23047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an otologic emergency that warrants urgent management. Pure-tone audiometry remains the gold standard for definitively diagnosing SSNHL. However, in clinical settings such as primary care practices and urgent care facilities, conventional pure-tone audiometry is often unavailable. Objective This study aimed to determine the correlation between hearing outcomes measured by conventional pure-tone audiometry and those measured by the proposed smartphone-based Ear Scale app and determine the diagnostic validity of the hearing scale differences between the two ears as obtained by the Ear Scale app for SSNHL. Methods This cross-sectional study included a cohort of 88 participants with possible SSNHL who were referred to an otolaryngology clinic or emergency department at a tertiary medical center in Taipei, Taiwan, between January 2018 and June 2019. All participants underwent hearing assessments with conventional pure-tone audiometry and the proposed smartphone-based Ear Scale app consecutively. The gold standard for diagnosing SSNHL was defined as the pure-tone average (PTA) difference between the two ears being ≥30 dB HL. The hearing results measured by the Ear Scale app were presented as 20 stratified hearing scales. The hearing scale difference between the two ears was estimated to detect SSNHL. Results The study sample comprised 88 adults with a mean age of 46 years, and 50% (44/88) were females. PTA measured by conventional pure-tone audiometry was strongly correlated with the hearing scale assessed by the Ear Scale app, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of .88 (95% CI .82-.92). The sensitivity of the 5–hearing scale difference (25 dB HL difference) between the impaired ear and the contralateral ear in diagnosing SSNHL was 95.5% (95% CI 87.5%-99.1%), with a specificity of 66.7% (95% CI 43.0%-85.4%). Conclusions Our findings suggest that the proposed smartphone-based Ear Scale app can be useful in the evaluation of SSNHL in clinical settings where conventional pure-tone audiometry is not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Yu Haley Lin
- Department of Medical Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Chia Chu
- Information Management Office, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Big Data Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics & Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Hui Lai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Lien Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Feipei Lai
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics & Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Computer Science & Information Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Fu Cheng
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Brain Science, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Huei Liao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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47
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Dawood N, Mahomed Asmail F, Louw C, Swanepoel DW. Mhealth hearing screening for children by non-specialist health workers in communities. Int J Audiol 2020; 60:S23-S29. [PMID: 33043733 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2020.1829719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare outcomes of a community-based hearing screening programme using smartphone screening audiometry operated by specialist (School Health Nurses - SHNs) and non-specialist health workers (Community Health Workers - CHWs) in school children. DESIGN This study used a two-group comparison of screening outcomes as conducted by SHNs and CHWs using smartphone screening for children in communities. STUDY SAMPLE The study included 71 CHWs and 21 SHNs who conducted community-based hearing screening on 6805 children. One thousand one hundred and fifteen hearing screening tests were conducted by the CHWs and 5690 tests by the SHNs. RESULTS No significant difference in screening outcome was evident between CHWs and SHNs using a binomial logistic regression analysis considering age, test duration and noise levels as independent variables. Final screening result was significantly affected by age (p < 0.005), duration of test (p < 0.005) and noise levels exceeding at 1 kHz in at least one ear (p < 0.005). Test failure was associated with longer test duration (p < 0.005; B: 119.98; 95% CI: 112.65-127.30). CHWs had significantly (p < 0.005) longer test durations (68.70 s; 70 SD) in comparison to SHNs (55.85 s; 66.1 SD). CONCLUSION Low-cost mobile technologies with automated testing facilitated from user-friendly interfaces allow minimally trained persons to provide community-based screening comparable to specialised personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nausheen Dawood
- Department of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Faheema Mahomed Asmail
- Department of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Christine Louw
- Department of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - De Wet Swanepoel
- Department of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Ear Sciences Centre, School of Surgery, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia.,Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Australia
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48
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Coco L, Davidson A, Marrone N. The Role of Patient-Site Facilitators in Teleaudiology: A Scoping Review. Am J Audiol 2020; 29:661-675. [PMID: 32692575 DOI: 10.1044/2020_aja-19-00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Teleaudiology helps improve access to hearing health care by overcoming the geographic gap between providers and patients. In many teleaudiology encounters, a facilitator is needed at the patient site to help with hands-on aspects of procedures. The aim of this study was to review the scope and nature of research around patient-site facilitators in teleaudiology. We focused on identifying the facilitators' background, training, and responsibilities. Method To conduct this scoping review, we searched PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase. To be included, studies needed to address teleaudiology; be experimental/quasi-experimental, correlational/predictive, or descriptive; be published in English; and include the use of a facilitator at the patient location. Results A total of 82 studies met the inclusion criteria. The available literature described a number of different individuals in the role of the patient-site facilitator, including audiologists, students, and local aides. Fifty-seven unique tasks were identified, including orienting the client to the space, assisting with technology, and assisting with audiology procedures. The largest number of studies (n = 42) did not describe the facilitators' training. When reported, the facilitators' training was heterogenous in terms of who delivered the training, the length of the training, and the training content. Conclusions Across studies, the range of duties performed by patient-site facilitators indicates they may have an important role in teleaudiology. However, details are still needed surrounding their background, responsibilities, and training. Future research is warranted exploring the role of the patient-site facilitator, including their impact on teleaudiology service delivery. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12475796.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Coco
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, College of Science, University of Arizona, Tucson
| | - Alyssa Davidson
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, College of Science, University of Arizona, Tucson
| | - Nicole Marrone
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, College of Science, University of Arizona, Tucson
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49
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Masalski M, Morawski K. Worldwide Prevalence of Hearing Loss Among Smartphone Users: Cross-Sectional Study Using a Mobile-Based App. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e17238. [PMID: 32706700 PMCID: PMC7413293 DOI: 10.2196/17238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In addition to the aging process, risk factors for hearing loss in adults include, among others, exposure to noise, use of ototoxic drugs, genetics, and limited access to medical care. Differences in exposure to these factors are bound to be reflected in the prevalence of hearing loss. Assessment of hearing loss can easily be carried out on a large scale and at low cost using mobile apps. Objective This study aimed to conduct a worldwide assessment of the differences in hearing loss prevalence between countries in a group of mobile device users. Methods Hearing tests were conducted using the open-access Android-based mobile app Hearing Test. The app is available free of charge in the Google Play store, provided that consent to the use of the results for scientific purposes is given. This study included hearing tests carried out on device models supported by the app with bundled headphones in the set. Calibration factors for supported models were determined using the biological method. The tests consisted of self-determining the quietest audible tone in the frequency range from 250 Hz to 8 kHz by adjusting its intensity using the buttons. The ambient noise level was optionally monitored using a built-in microphone. Following the test, the user could compare his hearing threshold against age norms by providing his or her age. The user's location was identified based on the phone’s IP address. Results From November 23, 2016 to November 22, 2019, 733,716 hearing tests were conducted on 236,716 mobile devices across 212 countries. After rejecting the tests that were incomplete, performed with disconnected headphones, not meeting the time criterion, repeated by the same user, or carried out regularly on one device, 116,733 of 733,716 tests (15.9%) were qualified for further analysis. The prevalence of hearing loss, defined as the average threshold at frequencies 0.5 kHz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, and 4 kHz above 25 dB HL in the better ear, was calculated at 15.6% (95% CI 15.4-15.8). Statistically significant differences were found between countries (P<.001), with the highest prevalences for Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India (>28%) and the lowest prevalences for Taiwan, Finland, and South Korea (<11%). Conclusions Hearing thresholds measured by means of mobile devices were congruent with the literature data on worldwide hearing loss prevalence. Uniform recruitment criteria simplify the comparison of the hearing loss prevalence across countries. Hearing testing on mobile devices may be a valid tool in epidemiological studies carried out on a large scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Masalski
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Fundamental Problems of Technology, Wroclaw University of Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Morawski
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
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50
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Colsman A, Supp GG, Neumann J, Schneider TR. Evaluation of Accuracy and Reliability of a Mobile Screening Audiometer in Normal Hearing Adults. Front Psychol 2020; 11:744. [PMID: 32411050 PMCID: PMC7201107 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantifying hearing thresholds via mobile self-assessment audiometric applications has been demonstrated repeatedly with heterogenous results regarding the accuracy. One important limitation of several of these applications has been the lack of appropriate calibration of their core technical components (sound generator and headphones). The current study aimed at evaluating accuracy and reliability of a calibrated application (app) for pure-tone screening audiometry by self-assessment on a tablet computer: Audimatch app installed on Apple iPad 4 in combination with Sennheiser HDA-280 headphones. In a repeated-measures design audiometric thresholds collected by the app were compared to those obtained by standardized automated audiometry and additionally test-retest reliability was evaluated. Sixty-eight participants aged 19–65 years with normal hearing were tested in a sound-attenuating booth. An equivalence test revealed highly similar hearing thresholds for the app compared with standardized automated audiometry. A test-retest reliability analysis within each method showed a high correlation coefficient for the app (Spearman rank correlation: rho = 0.829) and for the automated audiometer (rho = 0.792). The results imply that the self-assessment of audiometric thresholds via a calibrated mobile device represents a valid and reliable alternative for stationary assessment of hearing loss thresholds, supporting the potential usability within the area of occupational health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Colsman
- Department of Neurophysiology and Pathophysiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gernot G Supp
- Sonormed GmbH, Hamburg, Germany.,Independent Researcher, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Till R Schneider
- Department of Neurophysiology and Pathophysiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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