Accuracy and Pitfalls in the Smartphone-Based Audiometry Examination

Document Type : Systematic Review

Authors

1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia.

2 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia.

3 Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara.

Abstract

Introduction:
Approximately 466 million people suffer from hearing loss worldwide, with Indonesia ranking fourth in Southeast Asia. However, conventional pure-tone audiometry is not yet available in many areas because of its high cost. Numerous available smartphone-based audiometry applications are potential alternative screening tools for hearing loss, especially in Indonesia. This study examined the findings on the validation of smartphone-based audiometry applications to assess hearing functions available in Indonesia.
 Materials and Methods:
Based on the established eligibility criteria, this study was conducted by browsing the relevant literature validating smartphone-based audiometry applications in Indonesia. Relevant study data, such as the author, year, location, implementation procedures, and outcomes, were extracted and summarized.
 Results:
This systematic review found 17 relevant and eligible publications. Of the six applications tested, 5 were found to have good validity, such as uHearTM, Audiogram MobileTM, AudCalTM, Hearing TestTM e-audiologia, and WuliraTM. All smartphone-based audiometry was tested only for the air conduction threshold and was influenced by several factors.
 Conclusion:
Because smartphone-based audiometry is inexpensive, simple, and more accessible than conventional audiometric testing, it can be useful as a screening modality or alternative approach to assess hearing function. Unfortunately, smartphone-based audiometry cannot replace conventional audiometry in diagnosing hearing impairment.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
Volume 36, Issue 2
March and April 2024
Pages 421-431

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