Speech-in-noise screening tests by internet, Part 3: Test sensitivity for uncontrolled parameters in domestic usage

Abstract

Objective: The online speech-in-noise test ‘Earcheck’ is sensitive for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). This study investigates effects of uncontrollable parameters in domestic self-screening, such as presentation level and transducer type, on speech reception thresholds (SRTs) obtained with Earcheck. Design: Subjects performed 26 Earchecks that differed regarding presentation level (65, 71, and 77 dBA), presentation mode (monotic or diotic), and masking noise (two different low-pass filtered noises) in the lab. To investigate effects of test environment, participants conducted eight additional Earchecks at home using different transducer types (headphones or loudspeakers). Study sample: Thirty noise-exposed workers, either normal-hearing (n = 10), or with different degrees of NIHL (n = 20), participated. Results: There was a minor effect of presentation levels exceeding 65 dBA in severely impaired listeners. Diotic presentation mode yielded lower SRTs compared to monotic presentation mode. Normal-hearing test results at home were poorer than in the laboratory, whereas hearing-impaired subjects performed better in domestic testing. Using loudspeakers deteriorated SRTs significantly in comparison to headphones, but only in hearing-impaired subjects. Conclusions: A monotic presentation mode using headphones is recommended for domestic screening. Since domestic testing affects SRT results, a follow up study using a large study population should assess Earcheck's validity when performed at home.

Key Words::

• Hearing conservation
• speech perception
• instrumentation
• noise
• self-administered
• screening
• speech-in-noise
• noise-induced hearing loss

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank ZICHT for their flexible and fast support in adapting the various online tests for the experimental purposes. Special thanks to Frans Meijer of Arbouw for his extensive help in the selection of eligible participants. Also thanks to Inge Brons, for her assistance in performing all the pure-tone audiometry, and to dr. Koen Rhebergen for his contribution to this manuscript. This study was funded by Arbouw.

Notes

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

Notes

1. Similar effects were found for a stationary low-pass filtered noise combined with a high-pass interrupted noise replacing the removed high-frequency part of the noise.

2. Here we deviated from “real-life” domestic testing, but the application of low-cost headphones is a feasible option in a screening program. This approach also solved the problem that headphones were not always available for each PC.