A user-operated audiometry method based on the maximum likelihood principle and the two-alternative forced-choice paradigm

Abstract

Objective: 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. Design: Test-retest reliability of the user-operated audiometry system was evaluated and the user-operated audiometry system was compared with traditional audiometry. Study sample: 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: 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.

Key Words::

• Audiometry
• user-operated audiometry
• automated audiometry
• 2AFC

Acknowledgements

Financial support was received from the Danish Working Environment Research Fund no. 20070014504 and Ear Nose and Throat specialist Hans Skouby's and Hustru Emma Skouby's Foundation. Parts of this study were presented at ISAAR 2009, International symposium on Auditory and Audiological Research August 26–28, 2009, Helsingør, Denmark, and at the Association for Research in Otolaryngology Midwinter Research Meeting, February 6–10, 2010, Anaheim, USA.

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