An algorithm that administers adaptive speech-in-noise testing to a specified reliability at selectable points on the psychometric function

• Published in: International journal of audiology 2013-11, Vol.52 (11), p.795-800
• Main Authors: Keidser, Gitte, Dillon, Harvey, Mejia, Jorge, Nguyen, Cong-Van
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acoustic Stimulation; Algorithm; Algorithms; Auditory Threshold; Automation, Laboratory; Case-Control Studies; Correction of Hearing Impairment - instrumentation; Deviation; Female; Hearing Aids; Humans; Male; Measurement; Noise; Noise - adverse effects; Perceptual Masking; Persons With Hearing Impairments - psychology; Persons With Hearing Impairments - rehabilitation; Predictive Value of Tests; Psychoacoustics; psychometric function; Psychometrics; Reliability; Reproducibility of Results; Speech Perception; speech performance in noise; speech reception threshold; Speech Reception Threshold Test
• ISSN: 1499-2027; 1708-8186
• DOI: 10.3109/14992027.2013.817688

Abstract Objective: To introduce and verify an algorithm designed to administer adaptive speech-in- noise testing to a specified reliability at selectable points on the psychometric function. Design: Speech-in-noise performances were measured using BKB sentences presented in diffuse babble-noise, using morphemic scoring. Target of the algorithm was a test-retest standard deviation of 1.13 dB within the presentation of 32 sentences. Normal-hearing participants completed repeated measures using manual administration targeting 50% correct, and the automated procedure targeting 25%, 50%, and 75% correct. Aided hearing-impaired participants completed testing with the automated procedure targeting 25%, 50%, and 75% correct, repeating measurements at the 50% point three times. Study sample: Twelve normal-hearing and 63 hearing-impaired people who had English as first language. Results: Relative to the manual procedure, the algorithm produced the same speech reception threshold in noise (p = 0.96) and lower test-retest reliability on normal-hearing listeners. Both groups obtained significantly different results at the three target points (p < 0.04) with observed reliability close to expected. Target accuracy was not reached within 32 sentences for 18% of measurements on hearing-impaired participants. Conclusions: The reliability of the algorithm was verified. A second test is recommended if the target variability is not reached during the first measurement.