BIAP Recommendation n° 19/1

THE USE OF COMPUTER SCIENCE IN AUDIOPHONOLOGY

Computer science is a rapidly developing science. In the field of audiophonology, practicioners now have the possibility of using adapted software in various aspects of their activity:

-files and records management

-realization and evaluation of audiophonological tests

-choice of auditory devices and prostheses programming of cochlear implants settings and management of pre/post implantation data

-various pedagogical and educational actions

APPLICATIONS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

1) files and records management

Be they administrative, technical or medical records and files, they can now be perfectly structured and managed.

2) realization and evaluation of audiophonological tests

Informatic packages are now widely used in audiophonological tests. The wide availability and dissemination of such material increases, however, the number of methodological and interpretation risks.

The Commission wishes to remind that:

1. Any audiophonological test, whether or not realized with the help of an informatic software, must be carried out by an experienced practicioner using reliable equipment, checked at regular times.

2. Any such exploration must be confronted with the clinical table

- See annexed document -

3) choice of auditory devices and prostheses

Computer science is used to optimize and control the prosthetic adaptation, taking into consideration the available audiometric data.

We insist on:

-the existence of numerous methodologies

-the limits of these methodologies, unable to take into account an ever-varying clinical picture

-the absolute necessity to use computer science, given the exponential increase in the number of available prosthesic devices

- See annexed document -

4) programming of cochlear implants settings and management of pre/post implantation data

This new technique relies heavily on computer science. See remarks under title (2)

5) pedagogical and educational actions

Numerous systems based on computer science are being used.

I. Interest

-objectivization of certain communication and performance parameters

-child's motivation

II. Limits

Computer tools are technical tools, they should be used selectively and considered as one element among others

of the education or rehabilitation process.

-problems may arise if the child spends too long periods of time in front of the screen (see annexed document).

-the right software should be chosen. A description of the characteristics of each software should be available, so as to facilitate the choice (see annexed document)

To conclude, the commission wishes to highlight the fact that the use of any software, whatever its application area, the elaboration hypothesis and the competence of the person exploiting or interpreting it, may lead to alterations which are not always noticeable, given the apparent infallibility of computer science.

Annexed documents available on request

Madrid (E) 01.05.1995