Smartphone-based national hearing test launched in South Africa

Abstract

The hearZA App – South Africa’s National Hearing Test - was launched on World Hearing Day 3 March 2016 (www.hearZA.co.za). More than 3000 people tested their hearing in the first 24 hours on iOS and Android versions of this South African English digits-in-noise test developed and validated at the University of Pretoria (Potgieter et al, 2016). The digits-in-noise test, which is self-administered, is quick and provides a valuable indication of real-life hearing ability – understanding speechin- noise.The hearZA App – South Africa’s National Hearing Test - was launched on World Hearing Day 3 March 2016 (www.hearZA.co.za). More than 3000 people tested their hearing in the first 24 hours on iOS and Android versions of this South African English digits-in-noise test developed and validated at the University of Pretoria (Potgieter et al, 2016). The digits-in-noise test, which is self-administered, is quick and provides a valuable indication of real-life hearing ability – understanding speechin-noise.