Not many know that in countries with the largest population in the world, namely China there are approximately 100 million people suffering from hearing loss. This certainly raises a lot of concern given the sense of hearing is one important component for humans.

Therefore, the recent University of Southampton through one of his research institute, Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) has created a hearing test that is expected to help people with hearing loss in China.

Purpose of making this test is to determine the extent of hearing loss experienced by many millions of people in China and whether these people need the guidance of a doctor and a hearing aid or not.

Previous tests have been tested on more than one million people in parts of Europe. However, when compared with conditions in China, the fact is so lame. In Europe alone the percentage of people who experience hearing loss and using the tools is estimated that only 16 per cent, whereas in China the figure is only 1 percent.

Remarkably, this test can be done over the phone making it easier for individuals to obtain an objective assessment of hearing ability and guidance on whether they should seek a professional counselor to deal with it or not.

Test developed at the ISVR is based on the ability of respondents to listen to the presentation of three digits such as “2-5-9″ by being given the background of a sound. After the presentation finished, respondents were asked to press the appropriate number on the telephone keypad.

When respondents could answer correctly, it shows that the noise level increases so that the test was more difficult, on the contrary when the respondents gave the wrong answer means that the noise level decreased and the test becomes easier. Overall these tests indicate that the highest noise level that is compatible with the respondent’s answer is correct.

Performance on the test reflects the difficulties experienced by people with hearing impairments in daily life because these people have to understand what others are saying with a sound background noise.

This test was developed by Professor Mark Lutman and Dr. Li Guoping of the ISVR. “This project will provide significant social impact in China. Because there are at least 100 million adults who have hearing loss and this is a hearing test in adults over the phone the first in China,” said Dr. Li as reported from healthcanal.

“It is hoped to spread the use of this test in China will increase awareness of hearing problems and the availability of the solution can reduce the economic burden, health and social costs of hearing loss in a large Chinese population.

“The burdens will increase an increasingly aging population unless there is an effort that can be done to reduce the impact of hearing loss,” added Professor Lutman.