Bayesian Optimal Pure Tone Audiometry with Prior Knowledge

Abstract: Pure tone hearing threshold measurement is the most basic and common test for diagnosis of hearing loss and for compensation of the loss with hearing instruments. Pure-tone hearing thresholds are usually assessed using a simple standardized method. By employing an optimal strategy, the thresholds can be determined with the same accuracy as the standard method with much less presentations. With prior knowledge extracted from the Beltone’s extra database, which contains over 400,000 audiograms including age and gender information, a more detailed prior knowledge will help improve the optimal strategy and efficiency of PTA process. Meanwhile, a graphical user interface is implementing the method with a more direct way to the users (doctors and patients), which makes the optimal process more accessible and easy to control.