A multilingual audiometer simulator software for training purposes

Abstract

Conclusion: A set of algorithms, which allows a computer to determine the answers of simulated patients during pure tone and speech audiometry, is presented. Based on these algorithms, a computer program for training in audiometry was written and found to be useful for teaching purposes. Objectives: To develop a flexible audiometer simulator software as a teaching and training tool for pure tone and speech audiometry, both with and without masking. Methods: First a set of algorithms, which allows a computer to determine the answers of a simulated, hearing-impaired patient, was developed. Then, the software was implemented. Extensive use was made of simple, editable text files to define all texts in the user interface and all patient definitions. Results: The software ‘audiometer simulator’ is available for free download. It can be used to train pure tone audiometry (both with and without masking), speech audiometry, measurement of the uncomfortable level, and simple simulation tests. Due to the use of text files, the user can alter or add patient definitions and all texts and labels shown on the screen. So far, English, French, German, and Portuguese user interfaces are available and the user can choose between German or French speech audiometry.

Keywords::

• Audiometry
• algorithms
• computer
• simulation
• teaching tool
• masking

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Ms E. Clamann for her help in preparing this text.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.