The listening in spatialized noise-sentences test (LISN-S): test-retest reliability study

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Neuroscience
• Speech and Hearing Sciences

Background:

• The Listening in Spatialized Noise - Sentences Test (LISN-S) assesses speech reception in complex auditory environments.
• Understanding the test-retest reliability of the LISN-S in children is crucial for its clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the test-retest reliability of the Listening in Spatialized Noise - Sentences Test (LISN-S) in children with normal hearing.
• To determine if the LISN-S is sensitive enough to detect performance changes in children with central auditory processing disorder.

Main Methods:

• Data collected from 46 children (aged 5-11 years) over two test sessions using the LISN-S.
• The LISN-S utilizes a 3D auditory environment with speech reception threshold (SRT) measurements.
• Competing speech was manipulated in location and vocal identity.

Main Results:

• Mean performance changes on retest ranged from 0.1 dB to 1.1 dB.
• Reliability (r) ranged from 0.3 to 0.8, with all correlations significant (p < 0.05).
• Critical differences for performance improvements ranged from 2.5 dB to 4.4 dB.

Conclusions:

• The LISN-S demonstrates acceptable test-retest reliability for children aged 5-11 years.
• The test's sensitivity supports its use in monitoring auditory rehabilitation in children with central auditory processing disorder.
• LISN-S is a valuable tool for assessing auditory performance changes following interventions like FM systems or auditory training.