By the year 2050, it’s estimated that globally more than 2 billion individuals will be living with hearing loss. However, the number of audiologists is not on track to cover the rising demand of hearing healthcare (Windmill & Freeman, 2013). This situation prompts the question: “How can audiologists reach the growing number of people experiencing hearing loss?” Continue reading to explore how automated audiometry is addressing this question.
GSI Embraces Automated Audiometry with AMTAS
GSI AMTAS™, or Automated Method for Testing Auditory Sensitivity, is a patient-directed asynchronous teleaudiology hearing assessment tool that uses patented testing methods and accuracy algorithms to obtain diagnostic or screening audiometry. There are two versions of AMTAS—AMTAS Pro™ and AMTAS Flex™—each with two report formats available. The Audiologist Report encompasses the audiogram and the quality assessment table with the quality indicators, AMCLASS audiogram classification, and a comprehensive speech audiometry table. The Patient Report provides a description of the hearing loss and the audiometric findings.
Diagnostic Audiometry with AMTAS Pro
AMTAS Pro utilizes a software program attached to either the AudioStar Pro™ or the Pello™. Either of these audiometers is then connected to a compatible computer running the AMTAS software, allowing patients to interact and conduct the test themselves. AMTAS Pro includes diagnostic air conduction, bone conduction, and speech (SRT and WRS) testing with masking. This self-administered test typically takes about 15 minutes to complete, delivering a report with quality indicators to aid clinicians in test interpretation.
Screening Audiometry with AMTAS Flex
AMTAS Flex was designed to conduct on-the-go audiometry tests. To run AMTAS Flex, all that is required is the software, an approved tablet computer, and calibrated circumaural headphones. AMTAS Flex serves as the ideal option for eligible patients to provide clinicians with a fundamental overview of the patient's hearing thresholds. As is the same with AMTAS Pro, it is also a valuable tool for hearing care professionals that are conducting testing outside the clinic setting—allowing a larger population to undergo testing without the need for an in-person visit or clinical setting.
| FEATURE |
AMTAS PRO |
AMTAS FLEX |
| Air Conduction Diagnostic |
✔
|
✔ |
| Air Conduction Screening |
✔ |
✔
|
| Masking |
✔ |
✔
|
| Bone Conduction Diagnostic |
|
✔ |
|
Speech SRT |
|
✔ |
| Speech WRS |
|
✔ |
| Add on to AudioStar Pro and Pello |
Stand Alone |
✔ |
| VA Quasar Integration |
|
✔
|
| dB HL Range |
0 to 90 |
-20 to 100 |
| Quality Indicators |
Limited |
Comprehensive |
| Audiogram Classification |
Limited |
Comprehensive |
Closing the Gap
Although the projected number of audiologists is not predicted to meet the demands of individuals experiencing hearing loss, automated audiometry is bridging the gap between audiologists and those needing hearing assessments. Initially created as a resource for clinicians to optimize their schedules and enhance office efficiency, AMTAS has now become a technology that has expanded beyond clinical boundaries, facilitating testing options in more convenient locations like skilled nursing facilities and shopping malls. The integration of automated audiometry in the medical field broadens access to accurate hearing tests for people across diverse regions, serving as the initial step toward ensuring quality hearing healthcare, worldwide.
Laura Prigge, AuD is the Manager of Clinical Education and Training at GSI. Laura received her Doctorate of Audiology degree from AT Still University, a Master's of Arts in Audiology from UCONN and a Bachelor's of Science degree in Communication Disorders from Western Illinois University. Laura’s 20+ years of experience includes providing manufacturing support for a leading hearing aid manufacturer as well as technical audiology training and support for an international audiologic equipment company. Prior to that, she managed education and training at another hearing aid manufacturer and conducted audiologic evaluations on children, adults, and geriatric patients at a retail hearing center.
Sources
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23739060/
https://www.audiologyonline.com/videos/closing-audiology-gap-chapter-1-28330
https://www.audiologyonline.com/articles/gsi-amtas-automated-hearing-assessment-24086