Speechtest s for CI users without using hearing booth?

Introduction:

Cochlea Implant (CI) users without hearing impairment on the contralateral ear need masking of this ear for testing speech discrimination. By using the audio input of the speech processors neither masking nor a hearing booth is necessary for measurements.

Material and Method:

We compared the Freiburg monosyllable test at 65 dBSPL and OLSA (Oldenburger Satztest) in different test setups. A classic test situation in the booth and as well a direct input via audio input of the processor was used. 20 patients performed the monosyllable speech test in both conditions with 7 of them also being analysed by OLSA. A total of 9 patients do not achieve sufficient speech recognition in the monosyllable test. 4 patients refused to perform the OLSA test.

Results:

Speech recognition differed in 80% of the patients from 5 – 10% in test setups. This deviation is congruent to the previously described literature. 20% of the patients showed an improvement of up to 15% by using the audio input of the speech processor. The OLSA showed divagating results in the different test setups.

Conclusion:

The presentation of the test signal via the audio input of the speech processor provides an easier workflow for patients and audiologist. External factors like conditions in the hearing lab, movement of the head and masking noise do not influence the measurements. In 80% of the patient the results of the Freiburger monosyllable test match the results in the hearing booth. The divagation in the results of the OLSA must be analysed closer concerning possible influencing parameters.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)