Validation of Non-Soundproof Tablet Audiometry in Pediatrics: Comparison With Traditional Audiometry.
Amy E Ensing1, Lauren Mueller1,2, David S Lee1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
The Laryngoscope
|March 19, 2026
Summary
Tablet audiometry is a valid and reliable tool for diagnosing hearing loss in children aged 5-17 years. This portable method offers a promising alternative for remote hearing testing in various settings.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Traditional sound booth audiometry is inaccessible for some patients.
- Tablet-based audiometry offers a portable alternative.
- Its diagnostic validity in pediatric patients requires establishment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate self-administered tablet-based diagnostic audiometry.
- To assess its utility in a pediatric clinic setting.
Main Methods:
- Recruited children aged 4-17.9 years from a pediatric audiology clinic.
- Utilized SHOEBOX Audiometry software for tablet audiometry at six frequencies (250-8000 Hz).
- Compared results against traditional pure-tone audiometry in a sound booth as the gold standard.
Main Results:
- Mean threshold difference between tablet and traditional audiometry was -0.95 dB.
- 92% of tablet-assessed thresholds were within 10 dB of traditional results.
- Demonstrated 92% sensitivity and 85% specificity for hearing loss diagnosis, with high test-retest reliability (93% within ±5 dB).
Conclusions:
- Tablet audiometry is valid and reliable for children aged 5-17 years in non-soundproof settings.
- It is a suitable tool for remote hearing testing.
- Potential applications include schools, clinics, and research.
