Evaluation of Speech Recognition Skills in Different Noises with the Turkish Matrix Sentence Test in Hearing Aid Users

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of the Turkish matrix sentence test in evaluating the speech recognition performance of hearing aid users under different noise conditions. METHODS: Speech recognition performance of 42 individuals, 20 to 65 years of age (mean 49.1±14 years) with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was measured in noise with the Turkish matrix sentence test without a background noise and with headphones. Additionally, the participants’ speech recognition thresholds were measured with a matrix test while wearing their hearing aid under three different listening conditions in which the phases of speech and noise stimuli were changed with constant and fluctuating noise. RESULTS: Speech-recognition thresholds were better in fluctuating noise than in constant noise in all listening conditions, and this difference was statistically significant (p=0.02). In both types of noise, speech-recognition thresholds of bilateral hearing aid users (n=29) were lower (better) than those of unilateral hearing aid users (n=13) under three different listening conditions, but there was no statistically significant difference (p=0.67). Speech-recognition thresholds without hearing aids were statistically higher (worse) than those obtained with hearing aids (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Since the Turkish matrix sentence test gives useful results, this test can be used in the diagnosis, follow-up, and rehabilitation planning of hearing aid users. We observed that speech intelligibility was better, although there were differences among those with hearing loss when the speech test was conducted in fluctuating background noise with the Turkish matrix sentence test.