Kyoko Nagao1,2,3, Alexa S Bullard2, Lauren E Pasko2, Olivia Pereira1, Cassidy Walter2, Mackenzie Hammond4, Jenna Pellicori-Curry5, Thierry Morlet1,2,6. 1. Nemours Biomedical Research, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware. 2. Department of Linguistics and Cognitive Science, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware. 3. Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Health Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware. 4. Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania. 5. Department of Audiology, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware. 6. Georges Osborne College of Audiology, Salus University, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.
Abstract
Background and Introduction: Tablet-based automated audiometry applications are a recent alternative method to perform pure-tone hearing testing. Children, in particular, might benefit from such apps because of the game-like interface. However, how children perceive this alternative approach has not been well studied. This study examined children's preference of hearing test and a relationship between their test preference and hearing test results. Materials and Methods: Forty children 6-12 years of age completed a pure-tone hearing test in both the tablet-based automated (tablet) method and the conventional method. Hearing thresholds were measured at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 kHz in each ear. An exit interview was conducted to obtain each child's test preference. Results: We found that 59% of the children preferred the tablet method when compared to the conventional method. Preference to the tablet method was stronger in the younger children (6 years) than older children (7-12 years). The linear regression analyses suggest that test preference does not affect the hearing test results in the conventional method, but does negatively affect the results in the tablet method. In addition, poor performance was found among children with a clinical diagnosis, in particular, in the tablet method. Discussion: These results suggest that hearing thresholds may be overestimated in children, especially those with clinical diagnosis such as attention or behavioral issues in the tablet method. Future work is needed to determine which clinical populations have potential benefit from a tablet method. Conclusions: Children's test preference is not a good index of hearing test accuracy.
Background and Introduction: Tablet-based automated audiometry applications are a recent alternative method to perform pure-tone hearing testing. Children, in particular, might benefit from such apps because of the game-like interface. However, how children perceive this alternative approach has not been well studied. This study examined children's preference of hearing test and a relationship between their test preference and hearing test results. Materials and Methods: Forty children 6-12 years of age completed a pure-tone hearing test in both the tablet-based automated (tablet) method and the conventional method. Hearing thresholds were measured at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 kHz in each ear. An exit interview was conducted to obtain each child's test preference. Results: We found that 59% of the children preferred the tablet method when compared to the conventional method. Preference to the tablet method was stronger in the younger children (6 years) than older children (7-12 years). The linear regression analyses suggest that test preference does not affect the hearing test results in the conventional method, but does negatively affect the results in the tablet method. In addition, poor performance was found among children with a clinical diagnosis, in particular, in the tablet method. Discussion: These results suggest that hearing thresholds may be overestimated in children, especially those with clinical diagnosis such as attention or behavioral issues in the tablet method. Future work is needed to determine which clinical populations have potential benefit from a tablet method. Conclusions: Children's test preference is not a good index of hearing test accuracy.
Authors: Faheema Mahomed-Asmail; De Wet Swanepoel; Robert H Eikelboom; Hermanus C Myburgh; James Hall Journal: Ear Hear Date: 2016 Jan-Feb Impact factor: 3.570
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