Online digital audiometry vs. conventional audiometry: a multi-centre comparative clinical study

Abstract

Objective: The primary objective of the current study was the validation of a cloud-centralized audiometry system for clinical practice. Design: A cross-sectional study design was used. Study sample: A convenience sample of patients (>10 years old) booked for follow-up appointments were invited to participate. Participants completed both conventional and online digital audiometry in a standard sound treated clinic space during a single clinic visit; tests were completed in random order. Data for both ears were included. Patients were from one of three audiological practices. Results: A total of 41 participants completed both audiometric tests. Validation study results showed that the mean difference between the two audiometric test results remained within 5 dB HL for both air and bone conduction thresholds at all tested frequencies. Conclusions: Online digital audiometry has been demonstrated as a clinically accurate method for hearing assessment.