Face and Content Validity of a Probe Tube Placement Training Simulator.

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Medical Simulation
• Medical Education

Background:

• Probe tube placement is crucial for accurate real-ear measurements in audiology.
• Current guidelines recommend probe tube insertion within 5 mm of the tympanic membrane (TM).
• Inconsistent training and underutilization of real-ear measurements in clinics necessitate improved educational tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the face and content validity of adult and pediatric 3D-printed ear simulators for probe tube placement training.
• To identify barriers and facilitators for implementing these simulators in audiology education.

Main Methods:

• Two 3D-printed ear simulators (adult and pediatric) with optical tracking were developed.
• Participants (n=12) with probe tube experience assessed simulator validity and applicability via questionnaire.
• Quantitative measurements of probe tube distance to TM were recorded during simulated placements.

Main Results:

• Simulators demonstrated good face validity (adult: 65%, pediatric: 64%) and high content validity (78.7%) and educational applicability (80%).
• Average probe tube distance to TM was within the recommended 5 mm (adult: 3.74 mm, pediatric: 2.77 mm).
• Shortcomings included realism of ear model, otoscope insertion, and visualization of landmarks.

Conclusions:

• The 3D-printed ear simulators show promise as effective training tools for probe tube placement.
• Future iterations should focus on improving tactile realism and visual feedback for enhanced training.
• These simulators can help ensure audiology students achieve competency in probe tube placement prior to clinical practice.