Development of Trisyllabic Word Recognition in Noise Test for Marathi-Speaking Children

Abstract

Background Language and culture-specific speech perception tests help in the assessment of children's linguistic proficiency and comprehension. Recognizing difficulties in speech perception and implementing interventions in challenging auditory conditions are pivotal for their holistic development. Objective The aim of this study was to develop a speech perception in noise test in Marathi using trisyllabic words for children between the age ranges of 3 and 6 years. Method The study was conducted in two phases. The first phase comprised the development of trisyllabic word recognition in noise test in Marathi and the second phase comprised administration of the test on 90 typically developing normal hearing children aged 3 to 6 years. These children were divided into three groups (group A: >3–4 years; group B: >4–5 years; and group C: >5–6 years), with 30 participants in each group. Results As the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) increases, children across different age range show an improvement in their speech perception scores. Also, young children require a more favorable SNR compared with older children to effectively comprehend speech in noisy conditions. Conclusion The Trisyllabic word recognition in noise test will help in optimizing classroom acoustics for typical developing and hearing-impaired children. An SNR-based evaluation can provide guidance regarding interventions, amplification decisions, and auditory training, ensuring effective education and communication for children with hearing impairment.