OBJECTIVE: Matrix sentence tests use words from a fixed word matrix to compose syntactically equivalent, but semantically unpredictable sentences. These tests are suitable for monitoring performance of cochlear implant (CI) users by repeated speech intelligibility testing. This study evaluates the Dutch matrix sentence test in CI users in quiet and in noise. It then investigates the possibility to improve the test-retest reliability for CI users by selecting subsets of sentences. DESIGN: Repeated speech intelligibility testing was performed in quiet and in noise. The effect of sentence selection on the test-retest reliability was predicted by computer simulations and experimentally evaluated using a cross-over design. STUDY SAMPLE: Fifteen post-lingually deafened CI users, of which eleven participated in the cross-over study. RESULTS: The test-retest reliability equaled 2.3 dB in quiet and 1.3 dB in noise. The simulations predicted an improvement in test-retest reliability, especially in quiet. The cross-over study did not confirm the predictions. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study suggest that the homogeneity of the sentences is not the prime component underlying the test-retest reliability. The Dutch matrix speech material and the selected subsets of sentences were equally suitable for speech intelligibility testing in CI users.
OBJECTIVE: Matrix sentence tests use words from a fixed word matrix to compose syntactically equivalent, but semantically unpredictable sentences. These tests are suitable for monitoring performance of cochlear implant (CI) users by repeated speech intelligibility testing. This study evaluates the Dutch matrix sentence test in CI users in quiet and in noise. It then investigates the possibility to improve the test-retest reliability for CI users by selecting subsets of sentences. DESIGN: Repeated speech intelligibility testing was performed in quiet and in noise. The effect of sentence selection on the test-retest reliability was predicted by computer simulations and experimentally evaluated using a cross-over design. STUDY SAMPLE: Fifteen post-lingually deafened CI users, of which eleven participated in the cross-over study. RESULTS: The test-retest reliability equaled 2.3 dB in quiet and 1.3 dB in noise. The simulations predicted an improvement in test-retest reliability, especially in quiet. The cross-over study did not confirm the predictions. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study suggest that the homogeneity of the sentences is not the prime component underlying the test-retest reliability. The Dutch matrix speech material and the selected subsets of sentences were equally suitable for speech intelligibility testing in CI users.
Authors: Elke M J Devocht; A Miranda L Janssen; Josef Chalupper; Robert J Stokroos; Erwin L J George Journal: PLoS One Date: 2016-08-18 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Elke M J Devocht; A Miranda L Janssen; Josef Chalupper; Robert J Stokroos; Erwin L J George Journal: Trends Hear Date: 2017 Jan-Dec Impact factor: 3.293
Authors: L J G Lambriks; M van Hoof; J A Debruyne; M Janssen; J Chalupper; K A van der Heijden; J R Hof; C A Hellingman; E L J George; E M J Devocht Journal: Trials Date: 2020-06-23 Impact factor: 2.279