Advancing hearing research with the NAL ecologically momentary assessment platform for real-world insights

Abstract

Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) is an invaluable tool for assessing people's behaviours and experiences in their natural surroundings. We have developed a smartphone-based EMA tool, called NEMA, that has contributed to over 10 research studies by providing meaningful real-world insights into how individuals with hearing loss interact with various hearing device technologies. By providing real-world perspectives that complement traditional lab-based tests, NEMA offers a more comprehensive understanding of everyday hearing and communication challenges. Its advanced features include cloud-connectivity, customisable surveys, cross-device acoustic feature measurements from the environment, and a back-end platform enabling real-time data monitoring and visualization. To derive vital insights from this rich data stream, advanced analytical methodologies are applied. However, there exist limitations with smartphone-based EMAs that can influence their overall effectiveness. We identify these constraints and discuss strategies to alleviate participant burden and increase task relevance. These initiatives aim to enhance compliance and diversify data collected. Current work involves integrating smartwatches and additional sensor technology into our next generation NEMA platform. This progression aims to facilitate a more comprehensive capture of diverse data sets, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of individual auditory experiences.