Self-directed automated audiometry for the diagnosis of hearing loss in adults (provisional title)

Status:

In progress

Technology type:

Diagnostic

Decision:

Selected

Prioritisation programme:

HealthTech

Rationale:

TBC

ID number:

10909

Description:

Topic Description Topic title: Self-directed automated audiometry for the diagnosis of hearing loss in adults Hearing loss occurs when there is a problem in the hearing system that prevents sound signals from reaching the brain. It is the second most common cause of disability in the UK. Around 10 million adults could benefit from hearing aids, yet only an estimated 3 million currently use them. Many people with gradual hearing loss delay getting treatment sometimes through a lack of awareness. Untreated hearing loss is associated with stigma, social isolation, depression, an increased risk of dementia, and reduced quality of life. Audiology services face severe workforce shortages and have some of the longest NHS waiting times. Technologies which support self-directed automated diagnostic hearing tests are available. These diagnostic audiometers can detect whether a person is experiencing hearing loss by observing their response to sounds of varying pitches and volumes. This type of audiometry is portable and can be used within waiting rooms of audiology services, freeing up audiologist’s time usually spent conducting hearing tests. These technologies could help to reduce wait times in audiology and enable faster access to diagnosis, hearing aids and other interventions, potentially reducing the psychological, social, and emotional impacts of hearing loss. In this assessment, NICE will evaluate self-directed automated audiometers to support the diagnosis of hearing loss in adults. It will review the evidence that is available and assess the potential clinical and cost-effectiveness of the technologies, as well as identify evidence gaps to help direct evidence generation.

Project Team

Project lead

Bruce Smith

Email enquiries

If you have any queries please email HealthTech2@nice.org.uk

Stakeholders

External assessment group

CEDAR (Centre for Healthcare Evaluation Device Assessment and Research)

Timeline

Key events during the development of the guidance:

For further information on our processes and methods, please see our CHTE processes and methods manual