Optimization of the Speech Test Material in a Group of Hearing Impaired Subjects: A Feasibility Study for Multilingual Digit Triplet Test Development

• Main Authors: Marcin Masalski, Martyna Adamczyk, Krzysztof Morawski
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-07-01
• Series: Audiology Research
• Subjects: speech audiometry; speech intelligibility in noise; digit triplet test; digit-in-noise test; speech reception threshold; tele-audiology
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4349/11/3/32

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; <i>p</i>-value of 0.04, 0.03, 0.05) and two in modulated noise (digits 1 and 6; <i>p</i>-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.