Development of Mandarin monosyllabic speech test materials in China

Abstract

In this study, monosyllabic Mandarin speech test materials (MSTMs) were developed for use in word recognition tests for speech audiometry in Chinese audiology clinics. Mandarin monosyllabic materials with high familiarity were designed with regard to phonological balance and recorded digitally with a male voice. Inter-list equivalence of difficulty was evaluated for a group of 60 subjects (aged 18–25 years) with normal hearing. Seven lists with 50 words each were found to be equivalent. These seven equivalent lists were used to measure performance-intensity (PI) functions for a group of 32 subjects with normal hearing and a group of 40 subjects with mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss. The mean slope of PI function was found to be 4.1%/dB and 2.7%/dB, respectively. The seven lists of Mandarin monosyllabic materials were found to have sufficient reliability and validity to be used in clinical situations.

• Speech perception
• Cochlear implant
• Hearing aids
• Behavioral measures

Abbreviations
MSTM	=	Mandarin speech test materials
PB	=	Phonemic balance
PI	=	Performance intensity

Abbreviations
MSTM	=	Mandarin speech test materials
PB	=	Phonemic balance
PI	=	Performance intensity

Sumario

En este estudio se desarrolló material monosilábico en mandarín (MSTMs) para su utilización en pruebas de reconocimiento de palabras en audiometría vocal en clínicas audiológicas chinas. Se diseñaron materiales monosilábicos en mandarín con un nivel alto de familiaridad, balanceados fonéticamente y grabados digitalmente con una voz masculina. La equivalencia en el grado de dificultad entre las listas fue evaluada por un grupo de 60 sujetos (edades 18-25 años) con audición normal. Se encontraron siete listas de 50 palabras cada una con dificultad equivalente. Estas listas fueron utilizadas para medir la función de desempeño/intensidad (PI) en un grupo de 32 sujetos normoyentes y en un grupo de 40 sujetos con hipoacusia sensorineural leve a moderada. La curva media de la función PI fue de 4.1%/dB y 2.7%/dB, respectivamente. Se determinó que las siete listas monosilábicas en mandarín eran suficientemente confiables y válidas para ser utilizadas en situaciones clínicas.