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 provides a protocol and an example for adaptation and standardization of the Mainzer Audiometric Test for Children (MATCH) to another language.
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.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
120
Semmelweis University
Budapest, Hungary
RECRUITINGCorrelation between SRTs obtained with the adapted MATCH and the PTA thresholds (500 Hz, 1, 2, and 4 kHz)
The primary outcome measure is the correlation between Speech Recognition thresholds obtained with the adapted MATCH and the Pure Tone Audiometry thresholds (500 Hz, 1, 2, and 4 kHz).
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year.
Test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients, ICC)
Secondary outcome measures include test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients, ICC), to verify the reproducibility of the measurements.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year.
Diagnostic performance
ROC analysis will be used to establish optimal cut-off points for clinical decision-making and to quantify the diagnostic performance of the test.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year.
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