AudGenDB: A Public, Internet‐Based, Audiologic/Otologic/Genetic Database for Pediatric Hearing Research

Abstract

Objective: Advances in hearing research often require data from multiple specialties and large patient cohorts. We have developed a biomedical computing infrastructure, AudGenDB, which incorporates audiologic, otologic, and genetic data, as a resource for researchers internationally. AudGenDB will soon be publicly accessible via the Internet. Here, we present AudGenDB’s current capabilities. Method: A team of audiologists, otolaryngologists, geneticists, and medical informaticists has developed a large-scale data repository with a robust, web-based user interface. Data is extracted from the electronic medical record on every child who underwent audiometric testing at a single large pediatric center since 2006. Data will be updated monthly. Results: AudGenDB currently contains 57,280 audiograms, 55,997 tympanograms, 16,784 ABR datasets, 15,059 radiology reports, and 22,604 surgical procedures from 37,273 patients. An intuitive user interface permits queries on demographics; hearing loss severity, type, and configuration; laterality; radiology interpretations; genetic data (eg, GJB2 mutational analysis; and existence of SNP array data. Users can view original temporal bone CT/MRI images from almost 5,000 complete studies and take detailed measurements. Ultimately, AudGenDB will provide access to high-resolution genomic data, and will enable users to contact the custodians of original DNA samples. Public release of AudGenDB is expected later in 2011. Conclusion: AudGenDB represents the first large-scale database resource for pediatric hearing research. Using an intuitive web-based interface, both beginner and advanced users can access abundant audiologic, otologic, radiologic, and genetic datasets. By design, this resource is self-renewing and will continue to grow as we establish interfaces with additional pediatric centers.