Megan Corry1, Michael Sanders1, Grant D Searchfield1,2. 1. a Section of Audiology, School of Population Health , University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand and. 2. b Esidell Moore Centre, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To undertake a preliminary evaluation of the test-retest reliability, and accuracy of an iPad audiometer app using commercial earphones as a low-cost alternative to a clinical audiometer in a restricted sample of normal hearing participants. DESIGN: Twenty participants self-reporting normal hearing undertook four pure-tone audiometry tests in a single session. Two tests were performed with a 2-channel Type 1 audiometer (GSI-61) using EAR insert earphones and two tests with an iPad based app (Audiogram Mobile) using Apple earbud headphones. STUDY SAMPLE: Twenty normal hearing participants (13 female and seven male participants, aged 21-26 years) were recruited for the test-retest and accuracy evaluations. RESULTS: The app resulted in different thresholds to the audiometer (F(1, 19) = 16.635, p < 0.001). However test-retest reliability was similar. The app froze or quit unexpectedly over 25% of times used. CONCLUSIONS: Audiometer apps have great potential for clinical settings, especially in resource scarce environments, but reliability should not be assumed. While a low cost-alternative to standard transducers, issues of accuracy and calibration of consumer headphones need to be addressed before such combinations can be used with confidence.
OBJECTIVE: To undertake a preliminary evaluation of the test-retest reliability, and accuracy of an iPad audiometer app using commercial earphones as a low-cost alternative to a clinical audiometer in a restricted sample of normal hearing participants. DESIGN: Twenty participants self-reporting normal hearing undertook four pure-tone audiometry tests in a single session. Two tests were performed with a 2-channel Type 1 audiometer (GSI-61) using EAR insert earphones and two tests with an iPad based app (Audiogram Mobile) using Apple earbud headphones. STUDY SAMPLE: Twenty normal hearing participants (13 female and seven male participants, aged 21-26 years) were recruited for the test-retest and accuracy evaluations. RESULTS: The app resulted in different thresholds to the audiometer (F(1, 19) = 16.635, p < 0.001). However test-retest reliability was similar. The app froze or quit unexpectedly over 25% of times used. CONCLUSIONS: Audiometer apps have great potential for clinical settings, especially in resource scarce environments, but reliability should not be assumed. While a low cost-alternative to standard transducers, issues of accuracy and calibration of consumer headphones need to be addressed before such combinations can be used with confidence.
Authors: Immaculate Atukunda; Andrew Weil Semulimi; Festo Bwambale; Joab Mumbere; Nelson Twinamasiko; Mariam Nakabuye; John Mukisa; David Mukunya; Charles Batte Journal: PLoS One Date: 2022-10-07 Impact factor: 3.752