Authors: Frank Betances Reinoso¹
¹Sescam HUG
Background: Traditional pediatric audiology uses fragmented analogue tests lacking temporal precision and failing to capture hearing-language-cognition interplay. VIA+ (Valoración Interactiva de Audición y Lenguaje) addresses this gap as a modular mHealth platform for integrated multi-domain early childhood assessment.
Method: VIA+ combines an Android tablet app with a secure clinician dashboard, digitizing three domains via seven gamified algorithms: 1) Auditory Processing—automated Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA) with calibrated stimuli and sound localization; 2) Linguistic Analysis—digital speech audiometry with randomized word-picture matching and audio recording; 3) Cognitive Phenotyping—reaction-time tasks for inhibition (Go/No-Go) and working memory. The system logs response accuracy, latency (ms), and error patterns, storing data locally on the device for subsequent clinical review.
Results: Proof-of-concept validation showed technical stability on Android devices and successful local data storage. The gamified interface sustained attention in 3-7 year-olds, reducing abandonment. Digital latency capture provided sensitive biomarkers distinguishing auditory detection from cognitive delays impossible with manual testing.
Conclusion: VIA+ translates complex protocols into scalable digital tools, unifying auditory-cognitive data to identify neurodevelopmental biomarkers. Local data storage ensures privacy compliance while enabling large-scale, decentralized collection and future AI-driven pediatric hearing analysis.
