Testing in Noise Based on the First Adaptive Matrix Sentence Test in Slovak Language

Abstract

This study deals with an acoustic perceptual test performed on the basis of adaptive matrix tests, which represent a modern and reliable tool that can be used not only in perceptual phonetics but also for detecting problems related to hearing. The tests used, based on the first Slovak adaptive matrix, provided extensive test material, which was evaluated through a series of tests implemented according to ICRA (International Collegium of Rehabilitative Audiology) guidelines. Healthy listeners took part in the tests, and, during the tests, they listened to prepared sentence stimuli simultaneously with noise. Out of a total number of 30 tests, 15 tests met the demanding criteria. The tests were evaluated from the point of view of the word recognition score, the slope of the psychometric curve function, and also the threshold values corresponding to word recognition at the levels of 20%, 50%, and 80%. We also investigated and compared the impact of two different testing strategies (open and closed test format) and also the impact of experience or unfamiliarity with the test routine used. The created tests achieved SRT50 = −7.03 ± 0.79 dB and a slope of 13.13 ± 1.60%/dB.