Reaching from afar: Pitfalls and promises of online auditory testing

Abstract

Online testing of speech perception and auditory abilities over the Internet can be a cost-effective and efficient way to collect data. It eliminates travel requirements, provides flexibility in scheduling tests, and enables broader and safer outreach to potential participants. However, online testing also involves considerable risks to data quality and integrity stemming from multiple factors, which are often difficult to control. These include access to an appropriate testing environment, availability of broadband Internet connection, and adequate computing and audio equipment. Participants also need to have a sufficient level of computer literacy and engagement. In recent years, several approaches and software applications have been used for online data collection. Selection of a specific approach involves a careful balancing of its strengths and weaknesses, based on the goals of a specific study. This presentation will describe one such approach that led to the development of Basic Auditory Skills Evaluation (BASE) battery. The battery was designed for comprehensive online assessment in adults with cochlear implants and has been recently extended to examine speech perception in other populations. The presentation will describe some applications of BASE battery, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using this approach to online auditory testing, and review initial findings.