Accuracy and Pitfalls in the Smartphone-Based Audiometry Examination.

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 uHear^TM, Audiogram Mobile^TM, AudCal^TM, Hearing Test^TM e-audiologia, and Wulira^TM. 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.