ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recently, internet-based applications of medicine are in the process of rapid development, where concepts of telemedicine and multimedia are important in these application. Hearing test is one of the essential procedures in the otologic field, especially in telediagnosis. A current study for tele-hearing test has some limitations in masking problems or making fully automated system. The aim of this study is to develop a digital air-conduction pure tone audiometer with automated making, which can be used through web-based or off-line to compare the threshold of hearing using conventional and digitalized audiometer in both normal and handicapped hearer. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: To develop an automated audiometer system, we prepared a test scenario data file according to the pure tone test procedure. This scenario was executed in the audiometer main, which is supported by sound card and keyboard (mouse) for output and feedback, respectively, for the examinee. Pure tone for test and white band noise for masking is generated in audiometer sound generation block. To compare this automated audiometer with the conventional one, 25 normal hearers (50 ears) and 25 handicapped hearers (50 ears) were tested. RESULTS: Easy Audiometer 1.0 was developed. The difference of hearing threshold between the two different system was 3-6 dB in the normal hearer group and 2.5-3.5 dB in the handicapped hearer group. Scatter plots showed a close relationship between these two different systems. CONCLUSION: Easy Audiometer 1.0 showed reliable results of hearing threshold in the patient with unilateral hearing who needs masking procedure. Screening and basic hearing tests may be conducted through this Easy Audiometer 1.0 and it could play a part in telediagnosis in the otologic field.