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Optimization of the Speech Test Material in a Group of Hearing Impaired Subjects: A Feasibility Study for
Marcin Masalski1,2, Martyna Adamczyk1, Krzysztof Morawski3
1Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland.
Background:
The development of the global digit-in-noise test requires optimization of each language version on a group of normal-hearing native-speakers. An alternative solution may be an adaptive optimization during ongoing tests in a group of subjects with unknown hearing impairments. The objective of the research was to compare the optimization results between these groups.
Methods:
Digit triplets consisting of three pseudo-randomly selected digits were presented in speech-shaped noise at various signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), according to the protocol of the final speech test. Digit-specific and position-specific speech reception thresholds (SRTs) were determined and compared between groups.
Results:
The study sample consisted of 82 subjects, 26 normal-hearing subjects and 56 patients with diverse hearing disorders. Statistically significant differences in digit-specific SRTs between the control and the investigated group were obtained for three digits in continuous noise (digits 0, 4, 6; p-value of 0.04, 0.03, 0.05) and two in modulated noise (digits 1 and 6; p-value of 0.05 and 0.01). An analysis including only ears with SRTs within the range of the normal hearing control group showed no statistically significant differences between digits.
Conclusion:
Optimization of speech material can be carried out in a group of subjects with unknown hearing impairments, provided the ears with scores outside normal range are rejected.
