Flex VRA: A Modern Visual Reinforcement Audiometry System

Overview

Flex VRA is a modern visual reinforcement audiometry system used in pediatric audiology clinics to assess hearing in infants and young children through visual reinforcement. The system is designed to support reliable behavioral responses during hearing evaluations by presenting engaging visual stimuli when an auditory response is detected.

What problem visual reinforcement audiometry solves

Visual reinforcement audiometry is commonly used to assess hearing in children who are too young for conditioned play audiometry or standard behavioral testing. Traditional VRA systems often present challenges such as:

Limited stimulus variety, which can reduce engagement over repeated trials
Fixed or mechanical reinforcers that cannot adapt to different patients
Rigid room layouts that restrict monitor placement or test configuration

Flex VRA was developed to address these limitations while preserving the core clinical principles of VRA testing.

How Flex VRA differs from traditional VRA systems

Flex VRA is designed as a software-driven alternative to traditional toy-based or mechanically reinforced VRA systems.

Key differences include:

Visual reinforcement delivered through digital stimuli rather than fixed toys
Multiple stimulus options available within a single test session
Greater flexibility in system configuration and room layout
Consistent stimulus presentation without mechanical wear or maintenance

The goal is not to replace established VRA methodology, but to modernize how visual reinforcement is delivered in the clinic.

Who uses Flex VRA

Flex VRA is used by clinicians and institutions that perform pediatric hearing evaluations, including:

Pediatric audiologists
Children’s hospitals
University audiology clinics
ENT practices offering pediatric diagnostic services

The system is designed to integrate into standard audiometric workflows without changing how clinicians conduct testing.

Clinical considerations

Flex VRA functions as a visual reinforcer and does not perform sound generation, calibration, or audiometric measurement.

The system:

Does not replace an audiometer
Does not require independent calibration
Is used alongside existing audiometric equipment

This allows clinics to adopt Flex VRA without altering established testing protocols.

Adaptability and workflow

Flex VRA supports a wide range of patient behaviors and attention levels by allowing clinicians to vary visual reinforcement during a session. This flexibility can be especially useful for:

Patients with reduced attention span
Children who habituate quickly to static reinforcers
Clinics that test a wide range of ages and developmental levels

Optional advanced features may be used when appropriate, but the system is designed to function effectively without them.

Summary

Flex VRA is a modern visual reinforcement audiometry system designed to support pediatric hearing assessments through flexible, software-based visual reinforcement. By modernizing how visual stimuli are delivered, Flex VRA helps clinics maintain engagement while preserving the core principles of VRA testing.

About Flex VRA

Flex VRA systems are used in pediatric audiology clinics and medical centers worldwide and are distributed through established audiology suppliers. The system is designed to evolve with clinical needs while remaining compatible with standard audiometric practices.