Assessment of speech recognition abilities in quiet and in noise: a comparison between self-administered home testing and testing in the clinic for adult cochlear implant users

Self speech recognition tests in quiet and noise at home are compared to the standard tests performed in the clinic. Potential effects of stimuli presentation modes (loudspeaker or audio cable) and assessment (clinician or self-assessment at home) on test results were investigated. Speech recognition in quiet was assessed using the standard Dutch test with monosyllabic words. Speech recognition in noise was assessed with the digits-in-noise test. Sixteen experienced CI users (aged between 44 and 83 years) participated. No significant difference was observed in speech recognition in quiet between and presentation modes. Speech recognition in noise was significantly better with the audio cable than with the loudspeaker. There was no significant difference in speech recognition in quiet at 65 dB and in speech recognition in noise between self-assessment at home and testing in the clinic. At 55 dB, speech recognition assessed at home was slightly but significantly better than that assessed in the clinic. The results demonstrate that it is feasible for experienced CI users to perform self-administered speech recognition tests at home. Self-assessment by CI users of speech recognition in quiet and noise within the home environment could serve as an alternative to the tests performed in the clinic.