Remote auditory testing: Test-retest and user impressions

Abstract

The Portable Automated Rapid Testing (PART) application has been shown to effectively measure basic auditory processing abilities in both audiology research and clinical settings (Diedesch et. al., 2021; Lelo de Larrea-Mancera et. al., 2020). Here, the effect of testing environment and participant perception on testing location were evaluated, comparing the performance of normal-hearing and hearing-impaired participants in their homes versus a clinical setting. Results indicated no statistically significant differences in the NH group and no significant differences in HI group, except for the Dichotic FM subtest (p = 0.037). Participants reported being mostly comfortable with remote testing outside of the clinic, willing to complete testing in waiting rooms, and able to complete testing without the oversight of clinicians. Use of PART outside the clinic environment may enable access to a broader collection of testing that addresses patients’ hearing concerns beyond a pure-tone hearing test, while adding minimal time to clinic appointments.