Evaluation of an Internet-Based Hearing Test
Author Information
Author(s): Gunther Eysenbach, Gregg Givens, Mark Krumm, Christin Bexelius, Louise Honeth, Alexandra Ekman, Mikael Eriksson, Sven Sandin, Dan Bagger-Sjöbäck, Jan-Eric Litton
Primary Institution: Karolinska Institutet
Hypothesis
Can an Internet-based hearing test effectively measure hearing loss compared to established methods?
Conclusion
The Internet-based hearing test is a valid and useful screening tool for hearing ability in a large population, though it cannot replace a clinical audiogram.
Supporting Evidence
- The Internet-based hearing test indicated hearing loss in 20% of the tested individuals.
- Self-estimated hearing loss was reported by 52% of participants.
- The study had a response rate of 29% to the questionnaire and 16% to the hearing test.
- Participants who completed the hearing test were older and more likely to have headphones.
- The Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the two tests was 0.94 for the right ear.
Takeaway
This study tested a hearing test you can take online to see if it works as well as going to a doctor. It found that the online test is helpful but not a complete replacement for a doctor's test.
Methodology
Participants completed an online questionnaire and hearing test, with results compared to self-estimated hearing.
Potential Biases
Participants with hearing loss may have been more likely to respond, skewing results.
Limitations
The study had a low response rate and potential bias in self-reported hearing loss.
Participant Demographics
560 members of the Swedish Hunters’ Association, aged 20-60, predominantly male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% confidence interval 0.005-0.359
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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