Validation of uHear, an iOS-based Application, as a Screening Tool for Hearing Loss

Abstract Background: Hearing loss (HL) is the third most common cause of years lived with disability with high prevalence in Southeast Asia. With a global shortage of health professionals and rising dependence on telehealth care, many smartphone based applications such as the iOS based uHear app have shown promising results in the detection of HL. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to validate the use of the uHear app in the assessment of HL. Materials and Methods: We conducted an analytical study to compare the uHear app with pure tone audiometry in detecting HL in 69 individuals with and without hearing complaints. Results: A strong association was noticed in higher frequencies. Conclusion: uHear app can be used as a good screening tool; however, the practical application may be limited by regional and demographic variations.