Set-size procedures for controlling variations in speech-reception performance with a fluctuating masker

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Speech Perception Research
• Psychoacoustics

Background:

• Adaptive signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) tracking is common for speech reception testing.
• Interpreting SNR-dependent effects like the fluctuating-masker benefit (FMB) can be challenging due to performance variability.
• Listener group comparisons require standardized performance metrics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the use of response set size adjustment for equalizing performance across different masker types.
• To confirm that set size adjustments do not confound measurements of the fluctuating-masker benefit (FMB).
• To establish set size as a reliable tool for comparing masker fluctuation effects between listener groups.

Main Methods:

• Nonsense-syllable identification was measured in normal-hearing listeners.
• Variables included signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), response set size, and masker type (stationary noise, modulated noise, interfering talker).
• A second experiment evaluated an adaptive set-size algorithm.

Main Results:

• Set-size adjustment impacted performance scores consistently across all masker types.
• This confirms that the fluctuating-masker benefit (FMB) is independent of set size when SNRs are matched.
• The adaptive set-size algorithm proved effective in adjusting performance levels.

Conclusions:

• Response set size adjustment is a valid and efficient method to equalize baseline performance.
• This technique facilitates accurate comparisons of masker fluctuation effects across listener groups.
• Set size adjustment is a valuable tool in audiology and speech perception research.