Evaluation of a clinical method for measuring comfortable loudness for speech

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Clinical Otolaryngology
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Assessing hearing function is crucial for effective audiological rehabilitation.
• Determining most comfortable loudness levels for speech is a key component of hearing aid fitting and speech perception testing.
• The reliability of clinical methods for this measurement directly impacts patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the test-retest reliability of a clinical method for measuring most comfortable loudness for speech.
• To assess the influence of hearing loss severity and pure-tone configuration on measurement reliability.
• To determine if the approach mode (ascending vs. descending) affects reliability.

Main Methods:

• A clinical method using spondaic words was tested on 100 subjects with sensorineural hearing loss.
• Test-retest reliability was assessed using both ascending and descending approach modes.
• Subjects were analyzed in subgroups based on hearing loss severity and pure-tone configuration.

Main Results:

• The method demonstrated high test-retest reliability across all subjects and subgroups (r = 0.73 to 0.93).
• Reliability was not significantly affected by approach mode, hearing loss severity, or pure-tone configuration.
• High percentages (85-92%) of subjects showed test-retest differences within +/-5 dB, indicating clinical reliability.

Conclusions:

• The evaluated clinical method for measuring most comfortable loudness for speech is reliable and valid for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss.
• The procedure is rapid, requires no special equipment, and is easy to perform.
• This method is recommended as a preferred clinical procedure due to its demonstrated reliability and practicality.