Accuracy of the Novel Entraview Mobile Device to Increase Access to Conduct Hearing Loss Screening In Underserved Communities in India

Deshmukh BG, Bhisegaonkar DA, Phatak P, Sachdeva S, Kueffer F, Sahai G and Bhatnagar K

Published on: 2021-07-22

Abstract

Hearing loss is a common sensory deficit in the elderly. Hearing loss can impair communication and thus impact everyday life, causes loneliness and frustration. Medtronic developed Shruti program in 2013 as an innovative, cost-effective way to address the problem of ear disease and hearing loss, across the care continuum of screening, referral, and treatment. A prospective study was conducted to assess accuracy of the ENTraview telemedicine device and CHWs assessment to a standard audiogram performed by an audiologist. 50 adults with or without hearing loss were tested prospectively.  Mobile audiometry, using the ENTraview device, was performed by a CHW in two settings – a quiet environment (in a sound booth) and a noisy environment and these subjects also went under standard audiometry. Shruti ENTraview audiology functionality accuracy was examined and in a noisy environment, sensitivity rate of the ENTraview audiology functionality to screen significant HL was 100%. The corresponding specificity rate was 74%, or a 26% false positive rate. In  quiet environment, sensitivity rate was also 100% and  specificity rate of  Shruti device improved with specificity equal to 81% and false positive rate of 19%.The burden of ear disease and hearing loss, within communities across India, is high and barriers exist, for patients and providers, including access to early screening and diagnosis.  The Shruti program created an accurate way to increase access to screening/awareness, early diagnosis, and affordable treatment, for individuals with diagnosed ear disease as well as hearing loss, through their technology innovation and WHO guideline-based trained CHW workforce.