Abstract:
Objective: This study evaluated the reliability of the digits-in-noise (DIN) test
application across various low and high-end digital devices utilizing different
transducers and sound file types.
Design: The study utilized a cross-sectional within-subject design.
Methods: The study consisted of two objectives. In the first objective, 40 normal
hearing participants aged between 18 to 24 years (mean: 20; SD= 1.9) were recruited.
Speech Reception Thresholds (SRTs) across Android smartphones (one low-end and
one high-end smartphone), as well as an Android tablet coupled with different
transducers (headphones and earphones) were compared. For the second objective,
participants comprised of 12 normal-hearing females aged between 23 to 24 years
(mean: 23, SD= 0.5). SRTs were compared across three different sound file types
(OGG file, AAC file and MP3 file).
Results: There was no significant difference in the SRTs between electronic devices
or transducers used (p< 0.05). Furthermore, between the different sound files used,
the difference was also not significant (p< 0.05).
Conclusions: The DIN test is reliable when conducted across different electronic
devices, regardless of the transducer or sound file type used. Therefore, the DIN test
is clinically valid when downloaded and performed on Android devices despite the cost
of the device thus offering greater usability in a variety of audiological contexts.
