Training outcomes for audiology students using virtual reality or traditional training methods

PLoS One. 2020 Dec 3;15(12):e0243380. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243380. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

Due to limited space and resources, it can be difficult to train students on audiological procedures adequately. In the present study, we compared audiology training outcomes between a traditional approach and a recently developed immersive virtual reality (VR) approach in audiology students. Twenty-nine first-year audiology students participated in the study; 14 received traditional training ("TT group"), and 15 received the VR training ("VRT group"). Pre- and post-training evaluation included a 20-item test developed by an audiology educator. Post-training satisfaction and self-confidence were evaluated using Likert scales. Mean post-training test scores improved by 6.9±9.8 percentage points in the TT group and by 21.1±7.8 points in the VRT group; the improvement in scores was significant for both groups. After completing the traditional training, the TT group was subsequently trained with the VR system, after which mean scores further improved by 7.5 points; there was no significant difference in post-VR training scores between the TT and VRT groups. After training, the TT and VRT groups completed satisfaction and self-confidence questionnaires. Satisfaction and self-confidence ratings were significantly higher for the VR training group, compared to the traditional training group. Satisfaction ratings were "good" (4 on Likert scale) for 74% of the TT group and 100% of the VRT group. Self-confidence ratings were "good" for 71% of the TT group and 92% of the VRT group. These results suggest that a VR training approach may be an effective alternative or supplement to traditional training for audiology students.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Audiology / education*
  • High Fidelity Simulation Training / methods*
  • Humans
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Professional Competence / statistics & numerical data
  • Prospective Studies
  • Self Concept
  • Students, Health Occupations / psychology*
  • Students, Health Occupations / statistics & numerical data
  • Virtual Reality*
  • Young Adult

Grants and funding

Audilab provided support in the form of salaries for authors JMA, MR, NM but did not have any additional role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The specific roles of these authors are articulated in the author contributions section.