Development of a Revised Performance-Perceptual Test Using Quick Speech in Noise Test Material and Its Norms

Abstract

Background: Two audiometric speech measures have been recognized to have associations with hearingaid use success: the Quick Speech in Noise (QuickSIN) test and the Performance-Perceptual Test(PPT). The PPT involves using the same speech test material (Hearing in Noise Test [HINT]) twice, toevaluate patients’ objective and subjective speech recognition performance in noise and the discrepancybetween the two measures (Performance-Perceptual Discrepancy [PPDIS]). Using the QuickSIN to conductthe PPT (revised-PPT) may provide clinicians two pieces of important information from one test tohelp predict hearing aid use success and the need for counseling. Moreover, we could achieve the desiredclinical efficiency without purchasing additional test materials.<br />Purpose: This study aimed (1) to evaluate the validity and reliability of using the QuickSIN speech materialto administer the PPT and (2) to establish normative data across listeners with normal hearing (NH)and hearing loss (HL).<br />Research Design: This study used a repeated measures design.<br />Study Sample: Of the total 65 participants between 18 and 88 years of age, 20 (31%) had NH and 45(69%) had sensorineural HL, ranging from mild to profound in both ears. Thirty-two of the 45 participantswith HL were hearing aid users.Data Collection and Analysis: All participants completed the original PPT using HINT and the revised-PPT using QuickSIN, via sound field. Generalized linear mixed models were used to compare the performance,perceptual, and PPDIS data between the two test materials across all participants. Normativedata for the revised-PPT were established from all participants.<br />Results: Significant main effects for both the test material and hearing status were found for the performanceand perceptual data. All interactions were nonsignificant. There were no significant PPDISdifferences between the original PPT and the revised-PPT. Normative values for the revised-PPT wereestablished and comparable to the norms for the original PPT in the present study. The test–retest resultssuggested that the revised-PPT has good reliability. In addition, it appeared that there was a negativeassociation between underestimation of hearing ability and hearing aid use success.<br />Conclusions: It is concluded that the QuickSIN speech material can replace HINT to measure PPT. Therevised-PPT may serve as a useful and efficient clinical tool in any clinics for hearing aid fitting and counseling.<br />