Speech perception in noise in patients with idiopathic sudden hearing loss. (1st April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kitoh, Ryosuke; Nishio, Shin-ya; Usami, Shin-ichi
• Is Part Of: Acta oto-laryngologica. Volume 142:Number 3/4(2022)
• Page Start: 302
• Page End: 307
• Publication Date: 2022-04-01
• Subjects: Speech perception in noise -- sudden sensorineural hearing loss -- Japanese monosyllable test -- signal-to-noise ratio -- cochlear implant; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Ear -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Throat -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology -- Electronic Resources; Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases; 617.8
• DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2022.2059565
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-6489

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Patients with unilateral hearing loss have difficulties perceiving speech in a noisy environment. Unilateral severe to profound hearing loss is most commonly caused by idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Objectives: To assess speech perception in noise among patients with idiopathic unilateral SSNHL, and examine the factors affecting the results. Material and methods: We retrospectively enrolled 93 patients with idiopathic unilateral SSNHL. The speech signal was presented at a constant sound pressure level, while the noise signal varied from +5 dB to −5 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in units of 5 dB (S0/Nhe). Results: As the SNR decreased, the percentage of correct answers also decreased. The correct answer rate decreased with increased hearing level at post-treatment. There was a correlation between age and speech perception, especially when dividing the patients into two groups: <65 years old and ≥65 years old. Conclusions and significance: The results showed that speech perception clearly decreased in a noisy environment rather than in a quiet environment, and the correct answer rate of the speech perception test in noise was significantly correlated with hearing level at post-treatment. This study provides important data for future interventions for unilateral hearing loss, including cochlear implants.