Performance-intensity functions of Mandarin fricative-affricate nonsense word test: preliminary findings

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose: Mandarin speech perception tests are scarce in Malaysia. Speech perception tests developed in other Mandarin-speaking countries are not suitable for local use due to colloquial and cultural differences. A previous study developed a digitally recorded nonsense word test that emphasizes Mandarin sibilant fricatives and affricates. However, no performance-intensity function has been established for the test. This study aimed to establish and compare the baseline performance-intensity function of the nonsense word lists between speaker genders. Method: Native Mandarin-speaking young adults with normal hearing (n = 55) participated in this study. Test stimuli were two lists of nonsense words recorded from a male and a female speaker. Each list has 18 vowel-consonant-vowel nonsense words. During testing, each list was presented monaurally to participants via insert-earphones at seven intensity levels in 5 dB-step decrements. The sequence of speaker genders and the nonsense words within each list was randomized. The identification scores of participants were measured. Results: A two-way repeated-measure ANOVA revealed that there is a significant interaction effect between speaker genders and intensity levels. Pairwise comparisons showed significant differences in identification scores between 0, 5, 15, and 20 dB HL for nonsense words of both speaker genders. However, no significant difference was found between pairs of 20, 25, and 30 dB HL. Different speaker gender lists yielded similar results. Conclusion: Performance-intensity function was developed for the Mandarin fricative-affricate nonsense word test. The test has the potential to be used as a speech audiometry test in local clinics.