A Web services-based distributed system with browser-client architecture to promote tele-audiology assessment

Area of Science:

• Telecommunications
• Audiology
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Conventional hearing assessments require in-person visits.
• There is a need for accessible and remote audiological services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a distributed system for remote hearing assessment.
• To explore the use of internet and telecommunication for audiological evaluations.

Main Methods:

• A browser-server architecture with an application server and database was developed.
• A pilot study involved 25 subjects assessed remotely by three audiologists.
• Different data communication configurations were tested.

Main Results:

• The distributed system demonstrated feasibility for remote hearing tests.
• Remote testing can potentially replace traditional face-to-face audiological evaluations.
• The system architecture supports a new service model, separating technical and clinical aspects.

Conclusions:

• The developed system shows significant potential for improving clinical hearing care.
• Remote hearing assessment offers a viable alternative to conventional methods.
• Future applications in medical facilities and distance audiology are planned.