Adaptation of Pediatric Speech Audiometry Tests Into Other Languages

To evaluate auditory function in children, speech audiometry is widely used in routine clinical settings across many countries. However, appropriate test materials are not available in several languages to date. Adapting a speech audiometry test to another language poses a significant challenge. The objective of this study was to offer a comprehensive framework for the adaptation of speech audiometric tests into other languages. To date, this is the first universal protocol of its kind that systematically considers linguistic, phonological, and audiological aspects.

The present paper is a methodological study for instrument translation; it provides a protocol and example for adaptation and standardization of the Mainzer Audiometric Test for Children (MATCH) to another language. The prospective adaptation process is divided into six phases: identifying test items and validating picture recognizability among children; ensuring linguistic conformity by comparing the phoneme distribution of the test vocabulary to spontaneous speech reference data; recording the speech material in a sound-treated environment following International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards; equalizing the intelligibility of the recorded items through speech recognition testing in adults; standardizing the test on a cohort of normal-hearing children aged 3-6 years, stratified by age; finally, the diagnostic validity of the adapted test is evaluated by comparing speech recognition thresholds to pure-tone audiometry results in a clinical sample. Additionally, to determine sensitivity, specificity, and optimal cutoff points for detecting hearing loss, ROC analysis is used.

Inclusion criteria

• Age: limits for age groups: 2-4,5; 4,5-5,5; 5,5-7, respectively.
• For control goups: normal hearing verified by pure tone audiometry and tympanometry
• For hearing-impairment groups: stable sensorineural hearing loss confirmed by audiological diagnostics

Exclusion criteria

• Children presenting with symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections
• Known speech-language developmental disorders
• Cognitive disorders