Desarrollo de un prototipo de audiometría portátil con microcontroladores y red wifi para sincronización de tono y respuesta

Abstract

Hearing loss is a public health issue affecting millions worldwide, particularly in rural and low-income communities where access to specialized medical services and diagnostic equipment is limited. This project presents the development of a low-cost portable audiometry device, designed to facilitate early hearing impairment diagnosis in children from remote and underserved areas in Colombia. The device integrates ESP32 microcontrollers and WiFi connectivity, enabling real-time synchronization of auditory tones and patient responses with the operator.The system operates using the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) for wireless communication and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) for generating precise auditory stimuli. Calibration tests demonstrated a high level of accuracy in frequency and intensity output, with deviations below 5% across the tested range (1 kHz - 7 kHz, 40 dB - 56 dB). Field trials confirmed that the device is functional, portable, and effective in environments with moderate background noise.This project provides an accessible solution for hearing screening in communities with limited resources, reducing diagnostic barriers and promoting early detection of hearing impairments. future improvements include data storage integration, graphical audiometry representation on a larger display, and the development of an additional software module for enhanced data interpretation and diagnosis precision.