By Hael Mahmoud Younes, student of the Master in Clinical Audiology and Hearing Therapy

Abstract

Background and Objectives: the basic audiological exam includes speech audiometry as a necessary component. The study aimed to assess the effects of hearing loss on speech difficulty in Kurdish populations compared to a healthy control group. In addition, the study aimed to establish a Kurdish Speech Audiometry.

Material and Methods: the case-control study analyzed 100 patients, divided into two groups: 50 with hearing loss and 50 with normal hearing assessed by speech audiometry. The initial clinical interviews with the cases were conducted at Zakho General Hospital in Zakho city in the period from October 1st, 2023, to August 1st, 2024. Examination of the ear canal are performed as the first steps in a basic audiological evaluation, Pure Tone Audiometry and Speech Audiometry. All of the research’s variables were covered by a questionnaire that was developed for the study.

Results: sound recognition results were compared between the patients for the right, left, and bilateral ears. Control patients had significantly higher results in speech recognition than patients with hearing loss. Sound recognition threshold in the right ear, with 3 (25%) at 60dB, left ear 10 (83.33%) and bilateral ears 6 (15.79%) at 40dB in the patients. and 0 (0%) in the healthy controls.

Conclusion: the patients with hearing loss have significantly higher rates of speech difficulty compared to the healthy controls. The lists of words can be used as a guide for identification of hearing loss to the Kurdish populations. Observed across the two monosyllabic and polysyllabic word lists. And the lack of differences between Speech Reception Thresholds (SRTs) and Pure Tone Audiometry (PTAs). Identifying the underlying causes and potential interventions for individuals experiencing hearing loss.

Keywords: pure Tone Audiometry, Speech Audiometry Test, Hearing Loss, Sound Detection Threshold and Sound Recognition Threshold.

Download the full Research Work: Younes, H. M. (2024). Assessing of hearing loss impacts on speech difficulties using speech audiometry. SAERA