Correlating performance on the Listening in Spatialised Noise – Sentences test (LiSN-S) with the Listening in Spatialised Noise – Universal test (LiSN-U)

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to correlate 6- to 7-year-old children’s results on each condition of the Listening in Spatialised Noise – Sentences test (LiSN-S) with the new language-independent version, the Listening in Spatialised Noise – Universal test (LiSN-U), to examine the strength of the relationship between them and with memory in a small sample of typically developing children.

Design: Correlational analysis.

Study samples: Sixteen typically developing 6- to 7-year-old children completed the LiSN-S and LiSN-U as well as the Test of Auditory Processing Skills – Third Edition (TAPS-3) number memory forward and reversed subtests which assess short-term memory and working memory, respectively.

Results: Moderate positive correlations were found between LiSN-S and LiSN-U spatially separated conditions (though this did not reach significance), and co-located conditions. Correlations between the LiSN-S and LiSN-U conditions and number memory forward and reversed subtests were not significant.

Conclusion: This study shows a moderate relationship between the LiSN-S and LiSN-U when the distractors and target speech are co-located. A study with a larger sample of participants is needed to further understand the relationship between the two tests, especially for the spatially separated condition.

Keywords:

• Correlation
• auditory processing disorder
• spatial processing
• speech perception

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the NSW Department of Education and the primary school who took part in this research. The participation of the children and their families are also appreciated. The authors thank Mark Seeto for statistical advice. This research is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Health. Sharon Cameron and Harvey Dillon acknowledge the support of Macquarie University. Dr Dillon further acknowledges the support of the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.