The non-effect of language on the Listening in Spatialised Noise - Universal (LiSN-U) test: performance with Turkish speakers.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine whether the Listening in Spatialised Noise - Universal (LiSN-U) test, recorded and normed in Australia, is suitable for Turkish-speaking children and adults.

DESIGN

Participants performed the LiSN-U test, which comprises speech sounds common to many languages. This test assesses the ability to identify speech sounds in spatialised and non-spatialised noise, and the ability to use spatial cues to segregate target sounds from competing sounds.

STUDY SAMPLE: The study involved 76 children and 22 adults with normal hearing.

RESULTS

Speech reception thresholds in the separated condition improved with age at 1.3 dB/year (p < 0.001), and 0.4 dB/year in the co-located condition (p = 0.001). The ability to use spatial cues increased at 0.9 dB/year (p < 0.001). The mean z-scores, calculated using Australian norms, were not significantly different from zero for all three measures, for both adults and children (p > 0.25).

CONCLUSION

The study supports the validity of LiSN-U test for Turkish speakers, indicating that scores are not affected by English proficiency and suggesting that the test can be used for speakers of at least some languages other than English. This is the first demonstration that the LiSN-U test can be used without change for talkers of at least some other languages.