A high-tech, fully-automated hearing test, using AI and a computer or smartphone, has been given the thumbs up by scientists.
A study by University of Manchester researchers found that the hearing test can efficiently understand human speech from the comfort of a person’s own home, rather needing to be done at a hospital clinic. It uses AI to screen out background noise and it’s done without any clinical supervision.
“Though we still need more extensive trials and a user-friendly interface, this technology could potentially make a huge difference to patients,” said Lead author Mohsen Fatehifar from The University of Manchester.
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“Specialised equipment in the clinic and the specially trained staff who are needed to use it are not always available to patients who need quick assessment.
“Additionally, people are slow to seek help when experiencing hearing difficulties: there is an estimated delay of 8.9 years between the time hearing aids are needed to the time of their adoption.
“That is why we are excited about the ability of this system to incorporate machine learning into the test procedure to make it less dependent on human supervisors.”
The scientists developed and tested an AI-powered version of the Digits-in-Noise (DIN) test that combines text-to-speech (TTS) and automatic speech recognition (ASR) technologies.
The result was a fully automated, self-administered hearing test that can be performed without clinical supervision in 10 minutes.
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Traditional tests rely on pre-recorded human speech and require a clinician to score the responses. The AI version replaces both with computer generated speech and automatic speech recognition, allowing the test to run entirely on its own.
In a group of 31 adults, some with normal hearing and others with hearing loss, results showed that the AI-powered test gave virtually the same results.
While there was slightly more variability in some cases – especially in people with a strong accent- the overall reliability and accuracy were the same.
“This study highlights how AI can make hearing tests both reliable and user-friendly, particularly for individuals who may find traditional formats—such as keyboards or touchscreens—challenging to use,” added Professor Kevin Munro, who co-authored the report with Michael Stone.
“It also marks an important step toward more personalised and accessible hearing assessments that people can complete independently at home.
“The test software will be freely available, providing a foundation for future developments using more advanced speech technologies.”
The study was funded by a Medical Research Council’s Doctoral Training Partnership grant.
