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The Accuracy of Smartphone Sound Level Meter Applications (SLMAs) in Measuring Sound Levels in Clinical Rooms
Yula C Serpanos1,2, Janet R Schoepflin1,2, Steven R Cox1
1Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Adelphi University, Garden City, New York.
Journal of the American Academy of Audiology
|January 20, 2021
Summary
Calibrating smartphone sound level meter applications (SLMAs) with external or internal microphones improves accuracy for measuring sound levels above 40 dBA. However, SLMAs may overestimate lower sound levels, necessitating careful use in clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Acoustics
- Mobile Technology
Background:
- Smartphone sound level meter applications (SLMAs) show variable accuracy due to device and app differences.
- Previous research indicates inconsistent performance of SLMAs in measuring sound levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the accuracy of smartphone SLMAs for measuring sound levels in clinical rooms.
- To compare SLMA accuracy with and without calibration of internal and external microphones.
Main Methods:
- A quasi-experimental design was employed using two iOS SLMAs on an iPhone 6S.
- Measurements included white noise stimuli and sound levels in quiet and simulated background noise.
- Accuracy was compared against a Type 1 sound level meter using chi-square analysis.
Main Results:
- Calibrated SLMAs demonstrated significantly higher accuracy for sound levels ≥ 40 dBA.
- Both calibrated and uncalibrated SLMAs overestimated sound levels below 40 dBA.
- SLMAs with calibrated microphones can verify audiological screening environments.
Conclusions:
- Calibrating smartphone microphones enhances SLMA accuracy for clinical sound level measurements above 40 dBA.
- Clinicians should calibrate microphones before using smartphone SLMAs for room and background noise monitoring.
- Overestimation of low-level sounds (< 40 dBA) by SLMAs requires attention during clinical use.
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