Real-time measurement of ambient noise levels during hearing screening in point-of-care settings

Abstract

Access to hearing healthcare is a global issue that will necessitate several novel approaches to resolve. By evaluating the effectiveness of a hearing screening program in a non-traditional, acoustically hostile point-of-care setting, this study contributes to the global need for access to hearing healthcare. Specifically, this study measured the noise environment of a hearing screening conducted at the Minnesota State Fair, using a Sivantos Dosimeter and a custom Tabsint program, to measure ambient noise levels during hearing screenings using the Creare Wireless Automatic Hearing Testing System (WAHTS). The noise levels were measured and analyzed to determine the average and peak noise levels encountered during the hearing screenings. Normal hearing thresholds were obtained at ambient noise levels ranging from 40 to 65 dBSPL. These findings were compared to the recommended noise levels for hearing testing to determine whether current standards should be revised considering innovations aimed at improving access to hearing healthcare services in point-of-care settings.