[Characteristics, advantages, and limits of matrix tests]. / Eigenschaften, Leistungen und Grenzen von Matrixtests.

BACKGROUND: Deterioration of communication abilities due to hearing problems is particularly relevant in listening situations with noise. Therefore, speech intelligibility tests in noise are required for audiological diagnostics and evaluation of hearing rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the characteristics of matrix tests assessing the 50 % speech recognition threshold in noise. What are their advantages and limitations? METHODS: Matrix tests are based on a matrix of 50 words (10 five-word sentences with same grammatical structure). In the standard setting, 20 sentences are presented using an adaptive procedure estimating the individual 50 % speech recognition threshold in noise. At present, matrix tests in 17 different languages are available. RESULTS: A high international comparability of matrix tests exists. The German language matrix test (OLSA, male speaker) has a reference 50 % speech recognition threshold of -7.1 (± 1.1) dB SNR. CONCLUSION: Before using a matrix test for the first time, the test person has to become familiar with the basic speech material using two training lists. Hereafter, matrix tests produce constant results even if repeated many times. Matrix tests are suitable for users of hearing aids and cochlear implants, particularly for assessment of benefit during the fitting process. Matrix tests can be performed in closed form and consequently with non-native listeners, even if the experimenter does not speak the test person's native language. Short versions of matrix tests are available for listeners with a shorter memory span, e.g., children.

[Application of new speech intelligibility tests in silence for the assessment of acquired hearing losses]. / Der Einsatz neuer Testverfahren zur Erfassung des Sprachverstehens in Ruhe bei der Begutachtung erworbener Schwerhörigkeiten.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies comparing the Freiburg speech tests (FST) currently used in Germany to assess the severity of hearing loss with two modern speech intelligibility tests [the Göttingen sentence test (GöSa) and the monosyllabic rhyme test devised by von Wallenberg and Kollmeier (WaKo)] have indicated that a replacement of the old procedure would be possible. The current study investigates the consequences of the modern test procedures for the estimation of reduction in earning capacity resulting from hearing loss, and considers the optimal presentation levels for the WaKo test. METHODS: The FST, GöSa, and WaKo speech intelligibility tests were performed on 29 volunteers with a hearing impairment. All tests were conducted in silence. The presentation levels for the Freiburg monosyllabic test were 60, 80, and for some participants also 100 dB SPL. The WaKo test was carried out once at 45, 65, and 85 dB SPL (a reduction of 15 dB relative to the FST) and again at 40, 60 and 80 dB SPL (reduction of 20 dB relative to the FST). RESULTS: A consideration across all presentation levels revealed that the best correlation match between the two monosyllabic tests was achieved at a 20-dB reduction in presentation level for the WaKo test relative to the FST. On average, the application of modern procedures and the different options for level reduction had only a minor effect on the quantitative assessment of reduction in earning capacity.

[Indication for and verification of hearing aid benefit using modern methods of speech audiometry in German]. / Hörgeräteindikation und -überprüfung nach modernen Verfahren der Sprachaudiometrie im Deutschen.

The current guidelines for hearing aid supply in Germany employ the often criticised Freiburg monosyllabic speech test (FBE) in quiet. This test can be replaced with the monosyllabic rhyme test by von Wallenberg and Kollmeier (WaKo) in quiet and by the measurement of a speech reception threshold in an interfering noise at a moderate level (45 dB SPL) using either the Göttingen or the Oldenburg sentence test (criterion: 2 dB improvement in SNR, "signal-to-noise ratio"). This procedure was investigated in a group of 38 participants with a sensorineural hearing impairment (mild, moderate or severe hearing loss) and 11 volunteers with normal hearing. On average, comparable indications were achieved. Participants with a mild hearing loss and a selective problem with listening in interfering noise were assessed more fairly.

[Comparison of the Göttingen sentence test and the monosyllabic rhyme test by von Wallenberg and Kollmeier with the Freiburg speech test : Investigation in a clinically representative group of listeners]. / Vergleich des Göttinger Satztests und des Einsilber-Reimtests nach von Wallenberg und Kollmeier mit dem Freiburger Sprachtest : Untersuchung bei einem klinisch repräsentativen Probandenkollektiv.

BACKGROUND: In a previous study [12] we compared the Freiburg speech test (number test and monosyllabic test) with the Göttingen sentence test and the monosyllabic rhyme test developed by von Wallenberg and Kollmeier. For a small group of participants we were able to demonstrate that the often criticized Freiburg speech test could be replaced by more modern test procedures. In the current study we verified this for a larger and more heterogeneous group of participants. METHOD: A total of 145 participants with hearing impairments were tested with the Freiburg speech test and the modern procedures. Both monosyllabic tests were carried out at three different presentation levels. Based on the findings of the previous study the monosyllabic rhyme test was performed in each case with a presentation level reduced by 15 dB relative to the Freiburg monosyllabic test levels. RESULTS: The feasibility to replace both parts of the Freiburg speech test by more modern test procedures could be confirmed. The comparison of both monosyllabic tests showed that a reduction in the presentation level by 20 dB for the monosyllabic rhyme test would be most appropriate to achieve on average the same results with both procedures.

[Comparison of different speech intelligibility tests in German language (Freiburg speech test vs. Göttingen sentence test and monosyllabic rhyme test)]. / Untersuchung zur Vergleichbarkeit des Freiburger Sprachtests mit dem Göttinger Satztest und dem Einsilber-Reimtest nach von Wallenberg und Kollmeier.

BACKGROUND: For assessing a noise-induced hearing loss, the Freiburg speech test (Freiburger Sprachtest) is traditionally used to examine speech recognition in silence. However, for many years this test has been shown to have serious shortcomings. Various modern procedures in German language are available as alternatives. METHODS: The aim of the current study was to compare the Freiburg number test (FBZ) with the Göttingen sentence test (GöSa) and the Freiburg monosyllabic test (FBE) with the monosyllabic rhyme test developed by von Wallenberg and Kollmeier (WaKo), all applied in silence. Overall, 31 participants with various degrees of hearing loss were tested in this study. Speech intelligibility was determined with both monosyllabic tests at presentation levels of 60 and 80 dB SPL and for some listeners also at 100 dB SPL. The maximum intelligibility was also determined. In addition, for the combination FBZ and FBE and for the combination FBZ and WaKo, the percentage of hearing loss based on speech audiometry was calculated. RESULTS: The results show that both of the modern speech tests can be used as an alternative to the Freiburg speech test. Altogether the monosyllabic rhyme test leads to higher speech intelligibility than the Freiburg monosyllabic test. Therefore, a reduction of the presentation level by 15 dB is recommended if it is intended to retain the existing tables for calculating the percentage of hearing loss. Reducing the presentation level also has the advantage that measurements at 100 dB SPL are not required anymore. A level of 100 dB SPL is assessed as unpleasant by many listeners.

[Evaluation of the Oldenburg children's rhyme test in silence and in noise]. / Evaluation des Oldenburger Kinder-Reimtests in Ruhe und im Störgeräusch.

BACKGROUND: The Oldenburg children's rhyme test (OlKi) was designed and optimized for speech intelligibility measurements for primary school pupils in silence [8, 3]. In the optimization, the intelligibility of the particular test words was equalized. METHODS: The evaluation of the test with 147 primary school pupils with normal hearing in silence and 107 pupils in noise is presented in this article. The comparability between test lists for speech intelligibility was investigated and age dependent reference functions were determined. RESULTS: The evaluation showed that intelligibility differences are larger across children within one grade than across different test lists. The reference functions of first grade pupils are shifted to slightly higher presentation levels and signal-to-noise ratios both in silence and noise. CONCLUSIONS: The 12 optimized test lists of the OlKi test are equally intelligible both in silence and noise. No list effects are expected. The degree of difficulty of the Oldenburg children's rhyme test can be compared with the Göttingen children's test II and the Mainz children's test III.