Evaluating psychometric properties of the Cantonese integrated Digit-in-Noise Test: perhaps the 2-digit sequence can also be used for hearing screening.

Abstract

Objective: This study developed and validated the Cantonese integrated Digit-in-Noise Test (iDIN) for speech-in-noise measurement and hearing screening.

Design: The development of the Cantonese iDIN followed the International Collegium of Rehabilitative Audiology guidelines. Its psychometric properties, including normative data, psychometric function, test-retest reliability, and criterion validity, were established. Additionally, a preliminary comparison of the effectiveness of 2- and 3-digit SRTs in hearing screening was conducted.

Study sample: The sample included 40 young adults with normal hearing and 65 older adults, with and without hearing loss.

Results: Mean SRTs for 2-, 3-, and 5-digit with forward recall were -11.5 ± 1.3, -12.0 ± 1.0, and -11.3 ± 0.9 dB SNR in young adults, respectively. The slopes for the psychometric functions of these sequences were 20.26, 18.61, and 19.10 %/dB, respectively, and measurement errors were 0.80, 0.61, and 0.71 dB. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the 2- and 3-digit SRTs were .941 and .974, indicating high discriminative ability in hearing screening.

Conclusions: The Cantonese iDIN shows robust psychometric properties. Despite the 3-digit test's slightly better screening performance, shorter test during associated with the 2-digit suggests its potential for hearing screening.