Evaluation of an internet-based speech-in-noise screening test for school-age children

Marya Sheikh Rashid, Wouter A. Dreschler, Jan A. P. M. de Laat

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Abstract

Objective: To evaluate a Dutch online speech-in-noise screening test (in Dutch: Kinderhoortest) in normal-hearing school-age children. Sub-aims were to study test-retest reliability, and the effects of presentation type and age on test results. Design: An observational cross-sectional study at school. Speech reception thresholds (SRTs) were obtained through the online test in a training condition, and two test conditions: on a desktop computer and smartphone. The order of the test conditions was counterbalanced. Study sample: Ninety-four children participated (5-12 years), of which 75 children were normal-hearing (25dB HL at 0.5kHz,20dB HL at 1-4kHz). Results: There was a significant effect for test order for the two test conditions (first or second test), but not for presentation type (desktop computer or smartphone) (repeated measures analyses, F(1,75)=12.48, p <0.001; F(1,75)=0.01, p=0.982). SRT significantly improved by age year (first test: 0.25dB SNR, 95% CI: -0.43 to -0.08, p=0.004. Second test: 0.29dB SNR, 95% CI: -0.46 to -0.11; p=0.002). Conclusions: The online test shows potential for routine-hearing screening of school-age children, and can be presented on either a desktop computer or smartphone. The test should be evaluated further in order to establish sensitivity and specificity for hearing loss in children
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)967-975
JournalInternational Journal of Audiology
Volume56
Issue number12
Early online date2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

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