The Use of Digit Triplets to Evaluate Word-Recognition Abilities in Multitalker Babble
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2004
Description
The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of using digit triplets in multitalker babble as a paradigm to measure the ability of patients to understand speech in background noise. Nine digits (one to ten, excluding seven) were randomized into triplet sets and embedded in multitalker babble at 6- to -20-dB signal-to-babble (S/B) ratios. Recognition performances by 24 listeners with normal hearing and 48 listeners with sensorineural hearing loss were measured for the digit triplets and for monosyllabic words both in multitalker babble presented at 80-dB SPL. There was essentially no overlap between the distributions of performances by the two groups of listeners on either of the materials. For both groups of listeners, the difference between performances on the materials at the 50% point was approximately 18 dB. Both the word and digit materials in a background of multitalker babble are sensitive to the inabilities of listeners with hearing loss to understand speech in background noise.
Citation Information
Wilson, Richard H.; and Weakley, Deborah G.. 2004. The Use of Digit Triplets to Evaluate Word-Recognition Abilities in Multitalker Babble. Seminars in Hearing. Vol.25(1). 93-111. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2004-823051 ISSN: 0734-0451