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The contour test of loudness perception
R M Cox1, G C Alexander, I M Taylor
1University of Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
Ear and Hearing
|November 14, 1997
Summary
The Contour Test provides reliable loudness perception data for hearing aid fitting. This test offers good patient acceptance and rapid administration for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Hearing Science
- Psychoacoustics
Background:
- Accurate loudness perception measurement is crucial for effective hearing aid fitting.
- Standardized tests are needed to quantify loudness perception across different sound levels.
- The Contour Test was developed to address these clinical needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the rationale, normative data, and reliability of the Contour Test for clinical hearing aid fitting.
- To provide data on sound levels for seven loudness categories (very soft to uncomfortably loud).
- To evaluate the impact of stimulus type and increment size on loudness perception measurements.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments were conducted with normal-hearing and hearing-impaired listeners.
- Experiment 1 established normative data using warble tones and speech stimuli.
- Experiment 2 assessed test-retest reliability and the effect of stimulus increment size.
Main Results:
- Normative data for loudness categories are reported in HA-12 cm3 coupler levels and dB HL.
- Loudness growth functions differed between warble tones and speech.
- Test-retest reliability was generally good, with most differences within 6 dB.
Conclusions:
- Standardized loudness perception measurement is feasible for clinical practice.
- The Contour Test is a viable tool with good patient acceptance and acceptable reliability.
- Further research is needed to link clinical loudness data to optimal hearing aid amplification.