Original Research
The internal and external consistency of a speech reception threshold test for isiZulu speakers with normal hearing sensitivity
Submitted: 10 March 2017 | Published: 25 June 2018
About the author(s)
Seema Panday, Discipline of Audiology, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaHarsha Kathard, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
Mershen Pillay, Discipline of Audiology, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Wayne Wilson, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia
Abstract
Background and objectives: This study investigated reliability, particularly the internal and external consistency, of a new isiZulu speech reception threshold (SRT) test.
Methods: To examine internal consistency, 21 adult isiZulu speakers with normal hearing sensitivity completed the SRT test using the first and second halves of the SRT wordlist in the same test session. To examine external consistency, a separate 23 adult isiZulu speakers with normal hearing sensitivity completed the SRT test, using the whole word list on two occasions 4 weeks apart. Consistency of SRT test scores in these test conditions was measured using intraclass correlation coefficient analyses (a measure of the consistency or reproducibility of different observations of the same quantity) and Bland and Altman analyses of agreement (a comparison of measurement error with the expected variation amongst subjects).
Results: Intraclass correlation coefficient values ranged from 0.69 to 0.79, showing the isiZulu test scores were highly consistent between the test and retest conditions used in this study. Bland and Altman analyses showed that isiZulu speakers with normal hearing sensitivity can be expected to return isiZulu SRT test scores that differ by no more than 7.5 dB HL – 8.7 dB HL between original and repeat assessments.
Conclusion: The isiZulu SRT test was reliable, showing high internal and external consistency, when used to assess first-language speakers of isiZulu with normal hearing sensitivity. These findings warrant continued development of the isiZulu SRT test for eventual clinical use. This development should include validating this test on first-language speakers of isiZulu with and without hearing loss.
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Crossref Citations
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Lai Pheng Cheoy, Foong Yen Chong, Rafidah Mazlan, Hui Woan Lim
International Journal of Audiology vol: 60 issue: 8 first page: 578 year: 2021
doi: 10.1080/14992027.2020.1864485