title: An algorithm that administers adaptive speech-in-noise testing to a specified reliability at selectable points on the psychometric function.
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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors: National Acoustic Laboratories and the Hearing CRC , Sydney, New South Wales , Australia.
authors: Gitte
authors: G
authors: Keidser
authors: Harvey
authors: H
authors: Dillon
authors: Jorge
authors: J
authors: Mejia
authors: Cong-Van
authors: CV
authors: Nguyen
mesh_terms: D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000465:Algorithms; D001309:Auditory Threshold; D057205:Automation, Laboratory; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D012048:Correction of Hearing Impairment / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010470:Perceptual Masking; D019986:Persons with Hearing Disabilities / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011571:Psychoacoustics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013067:Speech Perception; D013069:Speech Reception Threshold Test