The effect of hearing loss above 2 kHz on temporal resolution and speech understanding in noise.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate temporal resolution, speech understanding in noise, and daily communication difficulties in individuals with sensorineural hearing loss above 2 kHz.

METHOD: Thirty adults aged 38-59 years with high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss (HF-SNHL) were included as the study group, and 30 individuals aged 37-59 years with normal hearing as the control group. Participants completed the Gap Detection, Random Gap Detection, Turkish Matrix Test (TMT), and the Speech, Spatial Perception, and Hearing Quality (SSQ) scale. Statistical comparisons and decision-tree analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Significant differences between groups were observed in temporal resolution tests, speech recognition thresholds (SRT), and speech intelligibility percentages in -5 dB signal to noise ratio condition of the TMT, as well as in SSQ results. Decision-tree analysis indicated that the Speech Perception subscale of the SSQ and the TMT SRT in noise procedure were considered useful for identifying HF-SNHL.

CONCLUSIONS

Temporal resolution was found to be reduced, and speech comprehension in noise impaired in individuals with HF-SNHL. The SSQ played a decisive role in identifying individuals with HF-SNHL.