Comparison between monosyllable and word tests in a for correlation with subjective evaluation in hearing aid users

Abstract

 We investigated the correlation between speech perception scores and subjective evaluation in hearing aid (HA) users using 67-S, 57-S monosyllable, and iCI-2004 word lists. The subjects were divided into two groups: the good speech-perception group (n=40) and the poor speech-perception group (n=16) . There were no significant differences in age or pure tone average between the two groups. The good-speech perception group showed a weak correlation either in “speech sounds” under the good conditions or under the bad conditions. In the poor speech-perception group, correlations were found for words under both the “good conditions” and “bad conditions, ” although the correlations were nothing for 57-S and for 67-S monosyllables under either condition. Since the subjective evaluation used in this study has been proposed in a guideline to measure the satisfaction level with speech perception in the daily lives of HA users, it may be reasonable to conceive that the word scores would be better correlated than the monosyllable scores. Thus, the word test is recommended, particularly for HA users with poorer speech perception. For users with good speech perception, an undernoise condition might also be required to avoid a ceiling effect in a quiet environment.