Comparison of hearing thresholds obtained using pure-tone behavioral audiometry, the Cantonese Hearing in Noise Test (CHINT) and cortical evoked response audiometry

Abstract

Conclusion. Speech thresholds measured using Cantonese Hearing in Noise Test (CHINT) and cortical evoked response audiometry (CERA) thresholds were highly correlated with pure-tone behavioral results. Both tests are considered to provide good estimates of hearing thresholds and can be employed to confirm the degree of hearing loss in Cantonese-speaking communities. Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate how well a speech threshold obtained using a newly developed speech assessment tool (the CHINT) and CERA thresholds relate to pure-tone behavioral results and how the results compared in terms of their ability to predict hearing thresholds. Subjects and methods. Thirty adults with normal hearing to profound sensorineural hearing loss were tested. Speech thresholds were measured using the CHINT in four conditions: quiet, noise from the front, noise from the right, and noise from the left. CERA thresholds were measured at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz in both ears. Results. Most participants had speech thresholds in quiet within±10 dB of pure-tone averages, and had CERA thresholds within±15 dB of pure-tone thresholds. Speech and CERA thresholds were highly correlated (p<0.01) with pure-tone behavioral thresholds. © 2008 Taylor & Francis.