DEVELOPMENT OF SINGAPORE MANDARIN WORD RECOGNITION TEST MATERIALS

Abstract

Speech recognition tests in the audiological test battery are useful for differential diagnoses and quantifying the benefit of hearing devices. They must be conducted in a listener’s native language, so that obtained speech recognition scores are not artificially lowered due to unfamiliarity with the language. Test materials should also be phonemically balanced, contain lists that are perceptually equivalent, and have good test-retest reliability. Existing Mandarin speech recognition test materials developed in China and Taiwan are unsuitable to be adapted for testing on Singapore Mandarin speakers. This study aimed to develop a set of phonologically balanced Singapore Mandarin word recognition test materials. A total of 8 word lists with 25 monosyllables each were developed and validated with native Singapore Mandarin speakers. Results indicate that the developed Singapore Mandarin word recognition test materials are suitable for clinical use.