Age-related changes on a children's test of sensory-level speech perception capacity

Normative data, as a function of age, were obtained on a test designed to assess sensory-level speech perception capacity, the Three-interval Forced-Choice Test of Speech Pattern Contrast Perception, otherwise known as THRIFTSPAC (or THRIFT for short). Performance under the input modalities of hearing alone, speechreading alone, and the two combined was measured in 44 normally developing children between the ages of 5 years 7 months and 10 years 9 months. Results revealed that within each condition there were significant influences of age on performance for children below age 7 years. These changes appeared to be related to cognitive and, possibly, to phonological development. Implications For the clinical implementation of THRIFT are discussed.