Evaluation of an internet-based speech-in-noise screening test for school-age children.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a Dutch online speech-in-noise screening test (in Dutch: "Kinderhoortest") in normal-hearing school-age children. Sub-aims were to study test-retest reliability, and the effects of presentation type and age on test results.

DESIGN

An observational cross-sectional study at school. Speech reception thresholds (SRTs) were obtained through the online test in a training condition, and two test conditions: on a desktop computer and smartphone. The order of the test conditions was counterbalanced.

STUDY SAMPLE

Ninety-four children participated (5-12 years), of which 75 children were normal-hearing (≤25 dB HL at 0.5 kHz, ≤20 dB HL at 1-4 kHz).

RESULTS

There was a significant effect for test order for the two test conditions (first or second test), but not for presentation type (desktop computer or smartphone) (repeated measures analyses, F(1,75) = 12.48, p < 0.001; F(1,75) = 0.01, p = 0.982). SRT significantly improved by age year (first test: 0.25 dB SNR, 95% CI: -0.43 to -0.08, p = 0.004. Second test: 0.29 dB SNR, 95% CI: -0.46 to -0.11; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The online test shows potential for routine-hearing screening of school-age children, and can be presented on either a desktop computer or smartphone. The test should be evaluated further in order to establish sensitivity and specificity for hearing loss in children.