Optimisation of BOA in Adults with Learning Disabilities
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Optimisation of Behavioural Observation Audiometry (BOA) in Adults with Learning Disabilities
IRAS ID
225721
Contact name
Siobhan Brennan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 30 days
Research summary
This research project aims to investigate the optimisation of one of the methods that we use to assess the hearing of adults with severe to profound learning disabilities. The method we are using is called ‘Behavioural Observation Audiometry’ (BOA) which involves playing sounds in a sound-field to the patient, and then observing the patient for any behavioural responses. This form of audiological assessment is generally used with children, however clinically it is sometimes used with adults with learning disabilities who are not able to perform other methods of audiological assessment, for example a standard Pure-Tone Audiometry test using a response button.
Although objective methods of audiological assessment exist which may be suitable for patients unable to give accurate behavioural responses, these methods may involve the application of electrodes or the insertion of a soft tip in the ear, which may not be tolerated by adults with learning disabilities who also have tactile defensiveness or hypertactility. Tactile defensiveness and hypertactility involves behavioural or emotional responses that are negative and out of proportion to tactile stimuli that many people would tolerate.
Therefore, in these patients, BOA is sometimes used to estimate their level of hearing. However, this test often involves playing sound stimuli that are unnaturalistic and unrelatable, and adults with learning disabilities may not respond even when we know they are able to hear the sound. Another drawback of BOA is that it is highly subjective and relies on the observer judging whether a response is present or not. This study aims to optimise BOA by using more ‘interesting’ stimuli (filtered human voice and music), and to add objectivity by having responses independently assessed by the patient’s consultee, alongside two audiological clinicians who will be blinded to the type of stimuli used.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/YH/0249
Date of REC Opinion
7 Nov 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion