Smartphone Weber Test
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploratory (non-inferiority) comparison study of the Smartphone vibration function with the traditional tuning-fork Weber test in the assessment of sensorineural hearing loss after middle ear surgery.
IRAS ID
224039
Contact name
Matthew Clark
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
Middle ear surgery entails a risk of inner ear damage and (sensorineural) hearing loss. Prompt diagnosis is important as systemic steroids may be beneficial where damage has occurred.
Usually, in the 24 hours after surgery, assessment for hearing loss is with a vibrating tuning fork placed on the forehead: the Weber’s test. If the heard sound lateralises to the operated ear, inner ear (and hearing) preservation is suggested. In contrast, if the sound lateralises to the opposite side, inner ear damage is likely (and steroids indicated). Unfortunately tuning forks are not readily available on most wards and this simple assessment may, therefore, not be possible.
This study will assess the vibrating smartphone's ability to diagnose sensorineural hearing loss, by direct comparison with the tuning fork in patients in the 24 hours after surgery. All patients, who would normally undergo the Weber's test routinely, will also undergo the same test but with the smartphone instead of a tuning fork and the results compared.REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/2120
Date of REC Opinion
15 Feb 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion