De Wet Swanepoel|James W. Hall
A Systematic Review of Telehealth Applications in Audiology
University of Pretoria|The University of Texas at Dallas|University of Pretoria|University of Florida
systematic review teleaudiology conducted peerreviewed articles reporting empirical investigations related audiological services telehealth component patientclinicians perceptions telehealth audiological services current body peerreviewed empirical studies teleaudiology limited number scope utilization spans various areas audiological service delivery including screening diagnosis intervention teleaudiology holds significant promise penetrate underserved communities requires considerable empirical research inform future implementation hearing loss pervasive global healthcare concern estimated 10 global population affected mild greater degree absence appropriate diagnosis intervention become lifelong disability serious consequences quality life societal integration participation affected persons unfortunately major dearth hearing healthcare services globally highlights possible role telehealth penetrating underserved communities study systematically reviews peerreviewed publications audiologyrelated telehealth services patientclinician perceptions regarding use several databases sourced medline scopus chinal using different search strategies optimal coverage though number studies field limited available reports span audiological services screening diagnosis intervention several screening applications populations consisting infants children adults demonstrated feasibility reliability telehealth using synchronous asynchronous models diagnostic procedures reported including audiometry videootoscopy otoacoustic emissions auditory brainstem response confirm clinically equivalent results remote telehealthenabled tests conventional facetoface versions intervention studies including hearing aid verification counseling internetbased treatment tinnitus demonstrate reliability effectiveness telehealth applications compared conventional methods limited information patient perceptions reveal mixed findings require specific investigations especially post facto surveys patient experiences teleaudiology holds significant promise extending services underserved communities require considerable empirical research inform future implementation