Characteristics of the quick repeat-recall test (Q-RRT)

Abstract

Objective To determine the reliability and validity of the Quick Repeat-Recall Test (Q-RRT). Design Within-subject repeated measures. Participants completed the Q-RRT at a speech level of 75 dB SPL in 2 noise configurations at signal-to-noise ratios of 5, 10, and 15 dB in a counterbalanced order, along with the full-RRT. The Q-RRT was repeated after 1–3 weeks to estimate within-session and between-session reliability. Participants also completed external validation measures relating speech-in-noise ability (Hearing-In-Noise Test, HINT), memory (Reading Span Test, RST; Forward Digit Span Test, DST-F), and noise acceptance (Tracking of Noise Tolerance, TNT). Study sample Twenty-five normal-hearing listeners (mean age = 63.9 years). Results Group Repeat and Recall scores were similar between the full-RRT and the Q-RRT. However, Listening Effort and Tolerable Time ratings were significantly poorer for the full-RRT than the Q-RRT. The average repeat scores correlated with the HINT scores, while the recall scores correlated with the DST-F and RST scores. Tolerable Time ratings also correlated with the TNT scores. Within-session and between-session test-retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients were fair-to-excellent (0.41–0.91) depending on the outcome measures. Conclusions The Q-RRT is a reliable and valid measure of speech-in-noise ability, working memory, listening effort, and noise acceptance.