Use of mobile phone based hearing app Hear WHO for self detection of hearing loss

Abstract

Angshuman Dutta, Shazia Khan and Zubair Akhtar

Introduction Hearing loss has severe effects on the individual. Most hearing-impaired adults delay obtaining treatment. Diagnostic hearing testing at an appropriate facility is difficult and new methods for screening are needed to provide easy access for patients and optimum outcomes on rehabilitation.

Aim The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of android application-based hearing screening by Hear WHO app vis a vis pure tone audiometry.

Methodology 160 patients for hearing evaluation by pure tone audiometry where subjected to app-based hearing test Hear WHO. The test was evaluated in terms of sensitivity and specificity when compared against gold standard such as Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA).

Results The sensitivity of WHO hearing app Hear WHO was 82% and 95% specific as compared to pure tone audiometry. WHO based hearing app was considered a feasible option for screening of hearing.

Conclusion The application may be used as a screening tool for hearing loss

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