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

Gitte Keidser*, Harvey Dillon, Jorge Mejia, Cong-Van Nguyen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Citations (Scopus)

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)795-800
Number of pages6
JournalInternational Journal of Audiology
Volume52
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • algorithm
  • psychometric function
  • reliability
  • speech performance in noise
  • speech reception threshold

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