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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
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Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Audibility and speech perception of children using wide dynamic range compression hearing AIDS
Lisa S Davidson1, Margaret W Skinner
1Central Institute for the Deaf at Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. davidsonl@ent.wustl.edu
American Journal of Audiology
|December 22, 2006
Summary
This study found that audibility and the Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) are linked to better speech perception in children with sensorineural hearing loss. Optimizing hearing aid fittings using aided thresholds and speech tests at various loudness levels is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Hearing Science
Background:
- Sensorineural hearing loss (SNH) in children impacts speech perception.
- Digital signal-processing hearing aids with wide dynamic range compression are common interventions.
- Assessing audibility and speech intelligibility is crucial for effective amplification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between audibility for specific frequencies and the Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) with speech perception in children with SNH.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of digital hearing aids with wide dynamic range compression in improving speech perception.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-six children (ages 5-15) with SNH participated.
- Audibility was measured using aided thresholds and the SII was calculated at 55 and 70 dB SPL.
- Speech perception was assessed using the Lexical Neighborhood Test (LNT) at 50 and 70 dB SPL.
Main Results:
- Higher LNT scores were observed at 70 dB SPL compared to 50 dB SPL.
- Negative correlation found between average aided thresholds (0.5-2.0 kHz) and LNT scores at 50 dB SPL.
- Positive correlation found between SII (55 and 70 dB SPL) and LNT scores at both 50 and 70 dB SPL.
Conclusions:
- Aided thresholds and speech test performance at varying sound levels are valuable for hearing aid fitting.
- These measures can help optimize amplification strategies for children with SNH.
- The findings support a comprehensive approach to audiological rehabilitation.
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