Development and standardization of new hearing in noise test in Arabic language

Background: Hearing in noise test (HINT) sentence test is one of adaptive speech in noise tests. It has been used in many clinical applications such as recording of speech perception threshold using sentences material in quiet and in noise and verifying the benefit from hearing-aid amplification and cochlear implants, especially in noise. The aim of the present study was to design and to develop and standardize an Arabic version of HINT sentences lists and also to apply HINT to subjects with SNHL. Methods: Everyday sentences were used in an adaptive procedure to estimate the sentences speech recognition thresholds (sSRT) in quiet and noise; the material consisted of 28 phonemically balanced lists. This study included 150 normal hearing subjects and also 30 subjects with bilateral mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss. Results: The mean sSRT threshold in normal hearing subjects in quiet was 19 dB(A)±0.08 dB. The mean of S/N ratio at threshold in the noise 0° condition was -10.36 S/N ratio ± 0.58. The mean S/N ratio at threshold in the noise 90° condition was -10.45 S/N ratio ±0.41. While, the mean S/N ratio at threshold in the noise 270° condition was -11.69 S/N ratio ±1.70. As regards SNHL group, the mean of sSRT in quiet was 49.46 dB(A)±0.68 dB. The mean of S/N ratio at threshold was -7.69 S/N ratio ±0.68, -8.18±0.33 and -8.18±0.35 in the noise conditions 0°, 90° and 270° respectively. Conclusions: The statistical reliability and efficiency of the test suit it to practical applications.