Evaluation of Two Spectro-Temporal Ripple Tests and Their Relation to the Matrix Speech-in-Noise Sentence Test in Cochlear Implant Recipients.
N R A van Groesen, J J Briaire, J H M Frijns
PMID 37046376WHAT IT FOUND
Two ripple tests both predicted speech-in-noise scores equally well, despite one being faster.
However, many participants scored above the limit where the cochlear implant can accurately transmit these signals, meaning the tests may be measuring artifacts rather than true hearing resolution.
Key findings
01The SMRT and STRIPES tests showed similar test-retest reliability and similar associations with speech-in-noise scores.
0210 of 15 participants scored above the critical limit where the implant processor output becomes distorted, raising questions about the validity of high scores.
03The SMRT was completed in 3 to 7 minutes, whereas the STRIPES test required 7 to 25 minutes.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
Small sample size (n=15) limits the generalizability of the findings. Participants had relatively high baseline word and sentence recognition scores, so results may not apply to poor performers. A large proportion of participants scored above the theoretical limit of the implant's ability to transmit the test stimulus accurately, complicating the interpretation of high scores. The speech-in-noise test (MST) itself showed considerable variability between sessions.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was supported by non-U.S. government research support.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that a high score on the SMRT indicates superior spectral resolution. Many participants scored above the critical limit where the implant processor output becomes distorted, meaning these scores may reflect artifacts rather than true hearing ability.