title: Reliability and accuracy of a method of adjustment for self-measurement of auditory thresholds.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the reliability and accuracy of a method for measuring pure tone air conduction thresholds in which the user adjusts test tones to threshold, using an iPad, automated instructions, and minimal supervision.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective nonrandomized validation study.
  
  
  METHODS
  University hearing research laboratories and audiology clinics.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-five adults with hearing loss in at least 1 ear ranging from mild to severe.
  
  
  METHODS
  Automated measurement of pure tone air conduction thresholds using the following: a software-controlled adaptive method, and a user-controlled method of adjustment, both implemented on a calibrated iPad and using standard audiometry earphones.
  
  
  METHODS
  Test-retest reliability of both methods, comparison of thresholds measured with automated techniques to thresholds measured using manual audiometry.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For both iPad methods, test-retest differences were smaller than those reported in other studies for manual audiometry. Average automated versus manual threshold differences were within the range of expected variance of manual audiometry. Subjects preferred the adjustment method.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both iPad self-test methods yield accurate and reliable pure tone air conduction thresholds.
authors.affiliation: IntriCon Corporation, Arden Hills, Minnesota, USA.
authors.forename: Dianne J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Van Tasell
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Folkeard
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone / Q000379:methods*; D001307:Auditory Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000502:physiology; D012984:Software