Evaluating psychometric properties of the Cantonese integrated Digit-in-Noise Test: perhaps the 2-digit sequence can also be used for hearing screening

Abstract

Objective This study developed and validated the Cantonese integrated Digit-in-Noise Test (iDIN) for speech-in-noise measurement and hearing screening. Design The development of the Cantonese iDIN followed the International Collegium of Rehabilitative Audiology guidelines. Its psychometric properties, including normative data, psychometric function, test-retest reliability, and criterion validity, were established. Additionally, a preliminary comparison of the effectiveness of 2- and 3-digit SRTs in hearing screening was conducted. Study Sample The sample included 40 young adults with normal hearing and 65 older adults, with and without hearing loss. Results Mean SRTs for 2-, 3-, and 5-digit with forward recall were −11.5 ± 1.3, −12.0 ± 1.0, and −11.3 ± 0.9 dB SNR in young adults, respectively. The slopes for the psychometric functions of these sequences were 20.26, 18.61, and 19.10 %/dB, respectively, and measurement errors were 0.80, 0.61, and 0.71 dB. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the 2- and 3-digit SRTs were .941 and .974, indicating high discriminative ability in hearing screening. Conclusions The Cantonese iDIN shows robust psychometric properties. Despite the 3-digit test’s slightly better screening performance, shorter test during associated with the 2-digit suggests its potential for hearing screening.