A comparison of procedures and materials for speech reception thresholds.

Ascending and descending procedures were used to obtain speech reception thresholds from 32 normal-hearing subjects whereas digits and spondee words were used as test materials. Comparisons of thresholds were made for the two procedures and materials. Results indicated that slightly lower (less SPL) speech thresholds resulted from the use of a descending procedure with both types of material. In addition, digit material was found to yield generally lower threshold values than spondees. Advantages to the use of the two procedures and materials are discussed.