A Spanish matrix sentence test for assessing speech reception thresholds in noise

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Linguistics

Background:

• Accurate assessment of speech understanding in noise is crucial for diagnosing hearing impairments.
• Existing speech tests in noise may not adequately represent the phoneme distribution of the Spanish language.
• A standardized and optimized Spanish sentence test is needed for reliable speech reception threshold (SRT) measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize a novel Spanish sentence test for evaluating speech reception thresholds (SRTs) in noisy conditions.
• To assess the test's reliability, validity, and applicability across diverse Spanish-speaking populations.
• To ensure the test material reflects the phoneme distribution of the Spanish language.

Main Methods:

• A basic matrix of Spanish words (names, verbs, numerals, nouns, adjectives) was created to form randomized test lists with consistent syntactical structure.
• The test was optimized for SRT measurement by adjusting word presentation levels.
• Evaluation involved assessing training effects, list comparability, open-set versus closed-set formats, and performance across different Spanish varieties in 68 normal-hearing listeners.

Main Results:

• Speech reception thresholds (SRTs) were measured at 6.2 ± 0.8 dB SNR for the open-set format and 7.2 ± 0.7 dB SNR for the closed-set format.
• Minimal residual training effects (less than 1 dB) were observed after using practice lists.
• No significant performance differences were found among listeners representing various Spanish dialects.

Conclusions:

• The developed Spanish sentence test is effective and reliable for measuring SRTs in noise.
• The test is suitable for use with both Peninsular Spanish and Latin American Spanish speakers.
• Interchangeability of test lists enhances the practicality and efficiency of the test in clinical and research settings.