No abstract

When additional information about computed dynamic posturography was provided, the subjects did not improve their ability to feign vestibular weakness. This investigation supports the use of scoring computed dynamic posturography results by the formulae of Cevette et al. in separating aphysiologic behavior from vestibular impairment.

No abstract

Two experiments were conducted to examine the intelligibility of 12 of the 72 passages of connected discourse prepared by Cox and McDaniel (1984, 1989) in the development of the Speech Intelligibility Rating (SIR) test. Intelligibility was assessed with a method-of-adjustment procedure in the presence of two maskers. One was a multi-talker babble with a variable S/N ratio environment that yields intelligibility scores that are potentially level-dependent because of the almost inevitable difference in speech intensity from passage to passage. The second was a signal-correlated noise with a constant S/N ratio environment that provides scores that are essentially level-independent. Two homogeneous subsets of nine passages each were identified that yield equivalent intelligibility scores. The outcome underscores the value of incorporating a signal-correlated noise masker that yields scores that are relatively unaffected by small differences in signal level among passages.

Normal-hearing subjects were tested and retested using two spondee threshold criteria: a strict 50% correct rule and a 50% or 75% correct (or both) rule. The 50% criterion produced lower thresholds at the cost of poorer test-retest reliability and longer test durations. Both decision rules gave lower threshold SPL values and required less testing time during the second trial. A proposed benefit-cost ratio model indicated that the 50% or 75% (or both) decision rule gives a better return on the investment of clinical effort.