Acceptable Noise Levels Determined by Traditional and Self-Assessed Methods
Megan Barnett1, Alisha L Jones1, Erin Westbrook1
1Department of Communication Disorders, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama.
Background:
Many apps have been developed for users to screen their hearing in their own home. The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity and efficiency of a self-assessed acceptable noise level (ANL) in comparison to the traditional ANL measurements.
Research Design:
A within-subject repeated measures research design was utilized.
Data Collection And Analysis:
Sixty-two adults with normal hearing were recruited from Auburn University and the surrounding community. ANLs were measured utilizing the traditional measurement as well as the self-assessed ANL via the Unitron uHear app.
Results:
Within-subject repeated measures of variance revealed no significant differences between traditional ANL measurements and self-assessed ANL measurements. Significant differences were found for time required for testing in each condition, revealing self-assessed testing to be significantly faster.
Conclusion:
The self-assessed ANL measurement via the Unitron uHear app is a valid and efficient measurement of ANL in adults with normal hearing.
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