Work

Validation of self-hearing test in non-clinical setting: a systematic literature review

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: This systematic literature review is focused on comparing automated audiometry with manual audiometry in nonclinical settings, with the primary objective of obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the advantages, limitations, and overall efficacy of automated audiometry. METHODS: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines and being registered at PROSPERO, the review utilises Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools to evaluate the quality and rigour of 11 selected research studies. RESULTS: Key findings highlight sensitivity and specificity ranging from 71% to 98.5%. Time efficiency considerations reveal a 12.3% faster smartphone screening time than conventional screening. The validation in children, as demonstrated, underscores the potential use of self-administered applications as initial tests for hearing problems in this demographic. CONCLUSION: This comprehensive review underscores the validity, reliability, and potential advantages of automated audiometry over traditional methods in nonclinical settings. While manual audiometry has long been considered the gold standard, automated audiometry demonstrates comparable outcomes, yielding clinically acceptable audiograms and offering potential cost-saving benefits.

Source: Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2026.101803

Authors: Nor Hidayah Mohammed Hatta, Wan Najibah Wan Mohamad, Mohd Normani Zakaria, Mohd Fadzil Nor Rashid, Mohd Syaiful Nizam Abu Hassan, Hasrul Hosshan

Institutions: Universiti Sains Malaysia, Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar, Sultan Idris Education University, Sultan Zainal Abidin University

Language: English

Topic: Hearing Loss and Rehabilitation

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,070