Remote Matrix Sentence Test on Uncalibrated Consumer Devices: Test-Retest Reliability and Laboratory Agreement in...

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Speech perception research
• Hearing science

Background:

• Speech-in-noise tests are crucial for audiology, simulating real-world listening challenges.
• The German Matrix Sentence Test (GMST) is suitable for remote audiology due to its suprathreshold presentation and calibration robustness.
• The impact of uncalibrated consumer hardware on remote GMST outcomes requires systematic investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the reliability and agreement of the online GMST administered remotely using uncalibrated consumer devices.
• To compare remote GMST results with traditional laboratory-based measurements.
• To evaluate the feasibility of remote hearing assessments with consumer-grade technology.

Main Methods:

• Twenty normal-hearing participants completed the GMST in a lab with calibrated equipment and remotely via the "Virtual Hearing Clinic" (VHC) platform.
• Remote testing utilized uncalibrated consumer devices including smartphones, laptops, and headphones.
• A randomized sequence was employed to compare different testing conditions.

Main Results:

• Remote GMST testing demonstrated high test-retest reliability (r = 0.82) and strong correlation with lab measurements (r = 0.78).
• No significant influence of headphone type, test environment, or pure-tone average was found.
• A minor, statistically insignificant bias (0.29 dB) favored lab performance.

Conclusions:

• The GMST, when administered remotely with uncalibrated consumer hardware, provides accurate and reliable results comparable to laboratory settings for normal-hearing individuals.
• These findings support the expanded use of remote hearing assessments with optimized test materials.
• Uncalibrated consumer devices are viable for remote audiological testing with the GMST.