Interactive & Automated Hearing Screening Device

BRIEF TECHNOLOGY

  • This is an Android-based automated hearing screening device calibrated according to the ANSI S3.6-2004. The system consists of specially developed hearing screening apps (Android), a sound card, a miniature microphone, and a passive noise cancellation headphone. An algorithm automatically presents the test tone, monitors ambient noise levels, and classifies the test result.

INSPIRATION OF THE INVENTION

  • Simple, easy-to-use for self-screening of one’s hearing yet still have valid results. This should lead to early identification and intervention of hearing loss.

PROBLEM STATEMENT & CURRENT ISSUES

  • Traditionally, hearing screening that is commonly done in schools or public places requires the use of a screening audiometer, done by a trained personnel, need to measure the environmental noise levels every now and then throughout the screening session by using a sound level meter; 
  • Yet, hearing screening test results can be invalid due to the environmental noise levels may not conform to the maximum permissible ambient noise levels (MPANLs) specified by the standard for hearing screening;
  • Use of a mobile sound-proof audiology booth would be ideal for a conducive screening environment but this is expensive.

INVENTIVENESS  & NOVELTY

  • An algorithm automatically presents the test tone, monitors ambient noise levels, and classifies the test result. 
  • The miniature microphone monitors the environmental noise levels in real-time to halt the screening process when the levels exceed the maximum permissible ambient noise levels (MPANLs) specified by the standard for hearing screening. 
  • The system comes with two hearing screening levels: at 25 dB HL and 40 dB HL. 
  • A digital calibration algorithm is used for the microphone and the headphone.

USEFULNESS & APPLICATION

  • The system can be used for self-assessment hearing screening tests at schools, general practitioners’ offices, speech-language pathologists’ practices or in any outreach programs as the system can be used in a fairly typical, quiet room.

IMPACT OF THE PRODUCT

  • Easy-to-use, customized hearing screening application
  • Ensure valid hearing screening test results, thus, avoiding over-referral for diagnostic assessment
  • Self-test
  • Should assist in early identification and intervention of hearing loss especially among school children
  • Schools can have their own, regular hearing screening programs 

MARKET POTENTIAL 

Kindergartens, schools, private clinics (GP offices), Speech-language pathologists practices, primary health clinics

TRL :  7

Project Leader : Prof. Madya Dr. Cila Umat 

Co-Researcher : Prof. Madya Dr. Gan Kok Beng 

Dept./Fac./Inst : Center for Rehabilitation & Special Needs Studie, Faculty of Health Sciences

Expertise : Audiology

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