Computer-assisted audiometry versus manual audiometry

Ho, Allan, Hildreth, Anthony and Lindsey, Leon (2009) Computer-assisted audiometry versus manual audiometry. Otology & Neurotology, 30 (7). pp. 876-883. ISSN 1531-7129

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Abstract

Objective - The Otogram is an automated computer-assisted audiometer that allows patients to self-administer audiometry for their pure-tone audiogram. There has been no research published in a peer-reviewed journal, validating its use in an otology outpatient clinic. We therefore proposed to investigate and compare the inter-rater and intrarater accuracy and reliability of audiologists and of the Otogram in an English-speaking British population.

Design - Prospective nonrandomized validation study.

Setting - Secondary otolaryngology center and otology outpatient clinic.

Participants - Forty-eight NHS patients referred to an otology outpatient clinic.

Main Outcome Measures - Each patient had 2 pure-tone audiograms. Hearing thresholds in decibels hearing level were ascertained by fully trained British audiologists and by the Otogram.

Results - Using the weighted κ statistic, the level of agreement in air-conduction (κ = 0.965) and bone-conduction (κ = 0.927) thresholds between the audiologist and the Otogram on the same patient was equivalent to the inter-rater level of agreement between pairs of audiologists. Approximately 94% of air-conduction thresholds and 91% of bone-conduction thresholds measured by the Otogram fell within 10 dB of thresholds measured by an audiologist. Intrarater comparisons between audiologists were very good for air-conduction (κ = 0.978) and bone-conduction (κ = 0.964). The intrarater level of agreement between repeated Otogram thresholds was just as good for air-conduction (κ = 0.974) and bone-conduction (κ = 0.945) thresholds.

Conclusion - The Otogram is just as reliable as audiologists at determining hearing thresholds. We recommend that the Otogram can be safely used in a controlled clinical setting supervised by audiologists.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	health services research, otogram, otology
Subjects:	B800 Medical Technology
Department:	Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing
Depositing User:	EPrint Services
Date Deposited:	14 May 2010 11:59
Last Modified:	12 Oct 2019 14:40
URI:	http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/1843

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