Boothless Aided Audiometry: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Although free-field aided audiometry is not the gold standard of hearing aid verification because of its many limitations, it is still circumstantially needed. The conventional method of sound-field aided audiometry requires a sound-proof booth. However, as clinicians face a high-volume of audiometric tests ordered daily at the otolaryngology clinic, a sound-proof booth may not be always available when needed. This study aims to explore if out-of-booth free-field aided audiometry can be just as reliable as the conventional method. Methods: A pilot exploration of 10 patients (20 ears), with at least a moderate degree of bilateral symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss was conducted. Patients were recruited during their follow-up hearing aid appointments with their audiologist. All patients had been fitted with hearing aids for at least 6 months in duration, and their hearing aids were optimized. Results: Out-of-booth aided audiometry for the main frequencies of interest was reliable with good correlation between the two methods at primary frequencies (500 Hz–4 KHz). However, results in the high frequencies were less reliable and needs to be interpreted cautiously. Conclusion: Out-of-booth sound-field audiometry may be a quick and reliable method that can be used to fulfil its intended purpose with the added advantage of not needing an arguably expensive audiometric booth. However, not all frequencies of interest can be assessed with reliable measurements. Further larger studies are needed to validate the reliability of boothless sound-field audiometry to meet evolving healthcare needs.