Does Language Matter When Using a Graphical Method for Calculating the Speech Intelligibility Index?

BACKGROUND

Graphical methods for calculating the speech intelligibility index (SII), such as the count-the-dot audiogram, are useful tools in quantifying how much weighted audibility is restored when amplification is used for individuals with hearing loss. The band-importance function (BIF), which is an important component of the SII, depends on the language. Thus, language may affect the prediction of weighted audibility using the graphical SII.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to apply language-specific BIFs to develop and compare graphical SIIs for English, Korean, and Mandarin.

RESEARCH DESIGN

The graphical SIIs were developed and compared using a research design that applied and analyzed existing datasets.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Language-specific BIFs and dynamic ranges were used to derive graphical SIIs for English, Korean, and Mandarin. SII predictions were compared by calculating the language-specific predictions for the same audiometric configurations.

RESULTS

The graphical SIIs for English, Korean, and Mandarin yielded different unaided and aided predictions for the same audiogram configurations.

CONCLUSIONS

A graphical SII helps patients easily understand their weighted audibility for unaided and aided conditions; thus, it is a useful counseling tool in the clinic. The most accurate graphical SII's will, however, be based on a patient's spoken language.