Linguistic criteria for selecting sentences for a Hearing In Noise Test for children: An observational and cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Hearing In Noise Tests have been developed for children without considering the linguistic complexity of the sentences used. However, linguistic complexity influences correct sentence repetition. Aim and research questions: This study aims to identify linguistic parameters influencing sentence repetition accuracy to select sentences for a Dutch Hearing In Noise Test for children. The research question is: What lexical and grammatical parameters influence verbal repetition accuracy of sentences derived from a Dutch Hearing In Noise Test when performed by 6-year-old, typically developing children? Method: For this observational, cross-sectional study, 40 children aged 6 performed a sentence repetition task derived from a Hearing In Noise test for adults. The sentence complexity was described beforehand with one lexical parameter, age of acquisition, and four grammatical parameters, specifically sentence length, prepositions, sentence structure and verb inflection. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: Sentences with a higher age of acquisition (OR = 1.615) or greater sentence length (OR = 1.309) had a higher risk of verbal inaccuracy. Sentences including a spatial (OR = 1.254) or other preposition (OR = 1.229) were at increased risk for incorrect repetition, as were complex sentences (OR = 1.630) and sentences in the present perfect (OR = 1.474) or future tense (OR = 2.538). Conclusion: The variation in verbal repetition accuracy in 6-year-old children is significantly influenced by both lexical and grammatical parameters, specifically: age of acquisition, sentence length, prepositions, sentence structure and verb inflection. Recommendation: Linguistic criteria should be considered when selecting or creating sentences for hearing tests for children, in order to prevent biased test results. Before implementing the new, Dutch sentence lists in clinical practice, future research should focus on validation and standardisation of these lists. Creation and recording of additional sentences may be necessary.