A user-operated audiometry method based on the maximum likelihood principle and the two-alternative forced-choice paradigm. (June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schmidt, Jesper Hvass; Brandt, Christian; Pedersen, Ellen Raben; Christensen-Dalsgaard, Jakob; Andersen, Ture; Poulsen, Torben; Bælum, Jesper
• Is Part Of: International journal of audiology. Volume 53:Number 6(2014:Jun.)
• Page Start: 383
• Page End: 391
• Publication Date: 2014-06
• Subjects: Audiology -- Periodicals; Hearing disorders -- Periodicals; Deafness -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Hearing Disorders -- Periodicals; Hearing -- Periodicals; 617.8
• DOI: 10.3109/14992027.2013.879339
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1499-2027

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Objective:</italic> To create a user-operated pure-tone audiometry method based on the method of maximum likelihood (MML) and the two-alternative forced-choice (2AFC) paradigm with high test-retest reliability without the need of an external operator and with minimal influence of subjects' fluctuating response criteria. User-operated audiometry was developed as an alternative to traditional audiometry for research purposes among musicians. <italic>Design:</italic> Test-retest reliability of the user-operated audiometry system was evaluated and the user-operated audiometry system was compared with traditional audiometry. <italic>Study sample:</italic> Test-retest reliability of user-operated 2AFC audiometry was tested with 38 naïve listeners. User-operated 2AFC audiometry was compared to traditional audiometry in 41 subjects. <italic>Results</italic>: The repeatability of user-operated 2AFC audiometry was comparable to traditional audiometry with standard deviation of differences from 3.9 dB to 5.2 dB in the frequency range of 250–8000 Hz. User-operated 2AFC audiometry gave thresholds 1–2 dB lower at most frequencies compared to traditional audiometry. <italic>Conclusions:</italic> User-operated 2AFC audiometry does not require specific operating skills and the repeatability is acceptable and similar to traditional audiometry. User operated 2AFC audiometry is a reliable alternative to traditional audiometry.</p> </abstract>