Comparison of two sentence tests for binaural speech audiometry in noise with normal-hearing listeners

Introduction

Binaural speech reception tests in backround noise situation are routinely measured in „spatial release from masking“, also known as Intelligibility Level Difference (ILD) and Binaural Intelligibility Level Difference (BILD). Tests include the Oldenburger Satztest (OLSA) and the Göttinger Satztest (GÖSA). The reference for the speech reception threshold in literature are similar for OLSA and GÖSA. This study intends to examine if results for OLSA and GÖSA in equal setups are comparable in normal-hearing patients.

Materials

In the study 27 normal hearing listeners were included (12 m, 15 f). The average age was 24 years (min 21 years, max 31 years). Speech reception thresholds (L₅₀) were measured in binaural settings S₀/N₀ and S₀/N_90-right, and in S₀/N_{90-right, right blocked} (monaural setting with earplug and capsule ear protection on the right). Equivalence was tested with the TOST (two one sided test). The equivalence field was defined at +/- 1,1 dB_S/N in reference to literature.

Results

In S₀/N₀ the confidence interval extends in the equivalence field and is significant. The results of S₀/N_90-right and S₀/N_{90-rechts, right blocked}vary widely and are not significant. The ILD achieves a wider confidence interval (p=0,18) and is therefore not significant, meanwhile the BILD obtains significance (p=3,3x10^-5). For the BILD equivalence is demonstrable but for the ILD it is not.

Conclusion

Since the results are only significant for the BILD and not for the ILD, the measurements from OLSA and GÖSA cannot be applied equally to the binaural measurement scheme. It can be assumed that OLSA and GÖSA cannot be compared directly in binaural noise and they cannot be applied equally in the clinical routine.

Publication History

Article published online:
24 May 2022