Abstract
A new adaptive test has been developed to determine the bandwidth of speech (with a center frequency of 1 kHz) required for 50% intelligibility. Measuring this speech-reception bandwidth threshold (SRBT), in addition to the more common speech-reception threshold (SRT) in noise, may be useful in investigating the factors underlying impaired suprathreshold speech perception. A wider-than-normal SRBT points to a deterioration in suprathreshold sound processing in the 1-kHz frequency region. Both the SRT in noise and the SRBT were measured for 10 normal-hearing and 34 hearing-impaired listeners. To keep the speech signal above hearing threshold for all frequencies, speech and noise spectra were shaped to fit in the dynamic range of individual listeners. The average SRBT of the normal-hearing listeners was 1.4 oct. Most hearing-impaired listeners needed a wider bandwidth to reach 50% intelligibility. Some wider SRBTs were predicted by the SII model (speech intelligibility index) from a high presentation level or narrow dynamic range. The remaining differences between the performance of normal-hearing and hearing-impaired listeners are probably caused by an impaired suprathreshold sound processing in the 1-kHz frequency region. [Work supported by the Foundation ‘‘Heinsius-Houbolt Fonds.’’]
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
