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Comparative Study
. 2023 Mar 28;18(3):e0283519.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283519. eCollection 2023.

Validation of web-based audiometry version of HEARZAP

Pandi Renganath P  1 , Vidya Ramkumar  1
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Validation of web-based audiometry version of HEARZAP

Pandi Renganath P et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to verify the accuracy of the web-based audiometer HEARZAP in determining hearing thresholds for both air and bone conduction.

Method: Using a cross-sectional validation design, the web-based audiometer was compared to a gold standard audiometer. Participants in the study totaled 50 (100 ears), of which 25 (50 ears) had normal hearing sensitivity and 25 (50 ears) had various types and degrees of hearing loss. All subjects underwent pure tone audiometry, including air and bone conduction thresholds, using the web-based and gold standard audiometers in a random order. A pause between the two tests was allowed if the patient felt comfortable. The testing for the web-based audiometer and gold standard audiometer was done by two different audiologists with similar qualifications in order to eliminate tester bias. Both the procedures were performed in a sound treated room.

Results: For air conduction thresholds and bone conduction thresholds, respectively, the mean discrepancies between the web-based audiometer and the gold standard audiometer were 1.22 dB HL (SD = 4.61) and 0.8 dB HL (SD = 4.1). The ICC for air conduction thresholds between the two techniques was 0.94 and for the bone conduction thresholds was 0.91. The Bland Altman plots likewise indicated excellent reliability between the two measurements, with the mean difference between the HEARZAP and the gold standard audiometry falling within the top and lower limits of agreement.

Conclusion: The web-based audiometry version of HEARZAP produced precise findings for hearing thresholds that were comparable to those obtained from an established gold standard audiometer. HEARZAP, has the potential to support multi-clinic functionality and enhance service access.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exists

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. web-based audiometry testing on a laptop connected to transducers via a splitter.
HEARZAP
Fig 2
Fig 2. (A-K): Bland Altman plots showing difference against mean for air conduction thresholds across frequencies between gold standard and HEARZAP audiometry.
Fig 3
Fig 3. (A-H): Bland Altman plots showing difference against mean for bone conduction thresholds across frequencies between gold standard and HEARZAP audiometry.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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