Validation of Non‐Soundproof Tablet Audiometry in Pediatrics: Comparison With Traditional Audiometry

Objectives Portable, tablet‐based audiometry has been proposed as a diagnostic tool for patients unable to access traditional sound booth audiometry. However, the validity of tablet‐based audiometry for diagnostic use in pediatric patients has not been established. The objective of this study is to validate self‐administered tablet‐based diagnostic audiometry in a pediatric clinic setting. Methods Children 4 to 17.9 years‐old were recruited from a pediatric audiology clinic. Tablet audiometry was performed with tablet‐based software, SHOEBOX Audiometry (Ottawa, ON) at six frequencies (250–8000 Hz). Hearing thresholds from traditional pure tone audiometry in a sound booth were used as a gold‐standard comparison. Hearing loss was defined as ≥ 1 hearing threshold of > 20 dB. Results 120 children underwent tablet‐audiometry, though not all were able to complete the test. In 948 individual frequencies tested, the mean threshold difference was −0.95 dB (95% CI –1.5 to −0.42 dB) between traditional and tablet audiogram. Most tablet‐assessed thresholds (92%, n = 873) were within 10 dB of corresponding traditional audiometry thresholds. Tablet audiometry demonstrated 92% sensitivity (95% CI 84%–97%) and 85% specificity (95% CI 77%–92%) for diagnosis of hearing loss. Test–retest reliability of tablet audiometry was high, with 93% (55/59) of test–retest hearing threshold differences falling within ±5 dB. Conclusion Tablet audiometry is valid and reliable for children aged 5–17 years who can successfully complete testing in a non‐soundproof clinic setting. It may serve as a tool for remote hearing testing, with potential applications in schools, clinics, and research. Level of Evidence 2