Tag Archives: Speech audiometry

November 19, 2013   Subtheme 2※Learning and Assessment Design Enhanced with Technology, ◎Research Seminar

Cantonese Time-Compressed Speech Test: Normative values for young adults

Lau, C.T.L., McPHERSON, B. and Fuente, A. Cantonese Time-Compressed Speech Test: Normative values for young adults. Asia Pacific Journal of Speech Language and Hearing, 15, 197-210. 2012.

Cantonese is a Chinese dialect spoken by over 50 million speakers in China and around the world. However, few Cantonese assessment tools for (central) auditory processing disorders are available. One common auditory processing assessment tool presented to English language listeners is time-compressed speech. The present study aimed at creating a prototype time-compressed speech test in Cantonese and developing initial normative data for this population. Fifty young Cantonese-speaking adults participated in the study. Three lists of bisyllabic Cantonese words with 0%, 45%, and 65% time compression rates were presented. Over 95% correct word recognition scores at all three compression rates were found. Word recognition scores were very similar for 0% and 45% compression lists but a relatively large standard deviation and slight mean drop in performance was noted for the 65% compression list. There was no significant difference between left and right ears or between genders. These results were comparable to previous studies of time-compressed speech performance for normal hearing listeners in other languages. From the findings, it was concluded that 45% is an appropriate time compression rate· for evaluating the auditory closure abilities of Cantonese-speaking individuals and that a Cantonese time-compressed speech test may be useful in the clinical diagnosis of (central) auditory processing disorders in Cantonese speaking individuals.

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November 19, 2013   Subtheme 2※Learning and Assessment Design Enhanced with Technology, ◎Research Seminar

Chinese speech audiometry material: Past, present, future

 Ma, X.,McPHERSON, B. and Ma, L. Chinese speech audiometry material: Past, present, future. Hearing, Balance and Communication, 11, 52-63. 2013

Speech audiometry plays an important role in the assessment of hearing abilities, as it may more accurately reflect auditory function in the daily communication environment of listeners than other auditory assessment measures. Speech perception tests have been developed for over a century in Western countries, and they are commonly used procedures in North America and Europe, as well as Australia. The course of history and scientific progress has influenced speech audiometry in both its clinical and research aspects. Test materials developed from syllables and words to phases and sentences, and test protocols have evolved from using only simple speech stimuli in quiet to hearing-in-noise tests. In the early years, the purpose of speech audiometry was primarily to evaluate telecommunication systems. Today, speech tests are more often applied to assess speech perception abilities for individuals with hearing impairment. In addition to aiding diagnosis of the location of peripheral auditory pathology and measuring (central) auditory processing abilities, with the development of auditory amplification devices speech tests are also utilized to assess the outcomes of hearing aid and cochlear implant rehabilitation. Compared to the well documented speech test materials of Western countries, development in this field in China has been relatively delayed. A lack of material standardization, few test versions for the numerous Chinese dialect groups or for non-Chinese language minority populations, and insufficient test materials for children, have obstructed the development of speech audiometry in China. This review highlights key research milestones in the development of Chinese speech audiometry material, including work conducted in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, and suggests priorities for future research in this field in China.
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