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Research Article

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

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Pages 795-800 | Received 26 Sep 2012, Accepted 13 Jun 2013, Published online: 19 Aug 2013
 

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.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Elizabeth Convery, Els Walravens, and Ingrid Yeend for helping out with data collection, and the many volunteers who participated in the speech-in-noise testing.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

This work was financially supported by the Department of Health and Aging, and the HEARing Cooperative Research Centre established and supported under the Cooperative Research Centres Program – an Australian Government initiative.

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