A comparative analysis of the results of pure-tone audiometry, smartphone self-hearing test application and turkish version of hearing handicap inventory for elderly on adults over 65 years old

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to test the usability of the Smartphone Self-Hearing Test Application in elderly whose clinical audiometric measurements cannot be done for various reasons. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This research was put into practice with 97 people who fit the research criteria; in 4 (four) predetermined hearing aid dispensing clinics in Ankara, Çankaya. Pure-tone hearing thresholds were determined using 'Hearing Test', a self-administered smartphone application. Hearing Handicap Inventory for Elderly was also applied to all participants. Demographic data of participants were noted. Pure tone hearing thresholds obtained from mobile application, pure tone hearing thresholds determined from clinical audiometric measurements, and results of Hearing Handicap Inventory for Elderly were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 97 participants, 53 of them are male, 44 of them are female. There was strong, positive correlation between the pure tone hearing thresholds that were obtained using mobile application and the clinical audiometry. There was no difference between the mobile application thresholds and clinical audiometric thresholds at 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 and 6000 Hz frequencies (p>0.05). Mobile application reflected the degree of hearing loss better than HHIE. Hearing aid use was found not to have a significant effect on mobile application measurements. CONCLUSION: Hearing test mobile application can be used to predict pure tone air-conducted hearing thresholds in elderly patients that cannot get clinical audiometric measurements. Keywords: Mobile hearing test application, Hearing Handicap Inventory For Elderly, pure-tone audiometry