The standardization of formats for data storage is fundamental to simplify the cross-institutional exchange and thus the efficient use of data and the combination of different data sources. An international group of experts is therefore currently working on such standardization for audiological data structures to advance data-driven audiology. Here, the FAIR principles are to be taken into account, and in particular, interoperability is to be guaranteed.

OpenEHR is an interoperability standard that allows clinical concepts to be described and stored unambiguously, both syntactically and semantically. So-called archetypes are created for this purpose. For a clinical concept, an archetype defines which data elements are relevant and fully describes the existing data and metadata. For specific use cases such as the creation of forms, analyses on databases, or the development of applications, so-called templates are developed that combine and constrain the data elements from existing archetypes.

To develop generally usable open data standards for audiological data and to disseminate their application, a community-driven approach is being pursued. Everyone interested can get involved in reviewing standards and thus contribute to their usability and acceptance; or develop new standards for additional audiological tests. In May 2023, an EFAS International Working Group "Standardized Data Formats for Big Data in Audiology" was founded to bundle the activities. Within this framework, meetings are held to exchange ideas and plan activities, as well as hands-on workshops on how to use the relevant tools.

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All archetypes developed to date can be found in the Clinical Knowledge Manager (CKM) of the Highmed consortium:

https://ckm.highmed.org/ckm/projects/1246.152.56

Open EHR:

https://openehr.org/

„FAIR” Data Principles:

https://www.go-fair.org/fair-principles/