Development and applications of alternative methods of segmentation for Mandarin Hearing in Noise Test in normal-hearing listeners and cochlear implant users

Conclusion: The study demonstrates that two methods of segmentation, i.e. word and character segmentations, produce equivalent results in the Mandarin Hearing in Noise Test (MHINT). Potentially, both methods of segmentation can be used clinically. A majority of the Mandarin-speaking cochlear implant subjects could complete MHINT - with the more relaxed adaptive rules. The results make it possible to compare the performance of cochlear implant users across languages. Objectives: The primary purpose of the present study was to evaluate the modified adaptive scoring rules and to develop alternative methods of segmentations in MHINT that are suitable for the Chinese language. Methods: Thirty Mandarin-speaking normal-hearing adults were tested with MHINT using three adaptive rules based on character and/or word segmentation of the sentences. Twenty-three Mandarin-speaking post-lingually deafened cochlear implant patients were also recruited to participate in the testing. Results: There were no significant differences in the reception threshold for sentences and speech recognition scores obtained with either method of segmentation (p > 0.05). Fifteen of the 23 cochlear implant subjects (65%) could be tested with the modified adaptive scoring rules. The performance-intensity functions of the cochlear implant subjects were shifted at least 8-10 dB to higher signal-to-noise ratios as compared with those of the normal-hearing subjects.