Background In background noise, speakers adapt their speech production, giving rise to Lombard speech, which often improves speech intelligibility (SI). While intelligibility benefits of Lombard speech have been extensively studied in non-tonal languages, it remains unclear whether spectro-temporal cues, which are critical for tonal contrasts, are necessary to predict both the Lombard gain (LG) (i.e., intelligibility improvement relative to plain speech) and absolute SI in Mandarin Chinese. Methods Predictions of two SI-models were compared, namely, an automatic speech recognition (ASR)-based approach using spectral or spectro-temporal features and the speech intelligibility index (SII)-based model using spectral features. Predicted LG and absolute speech recognition threshold (SRT) values, for five female and six male speakers in stationary speech-shaped noise, were compared with empirical data. Results For both models, spectral features alone are sufficient for accurate prediction of the LG for both models. In contrast, predictions of absolute SRT were most accurate when spectro-temporal features were included, capturing substantial inter-speaker variability. Conclusions Despite the tonal nature of Mandarin, spectro-temporal features are not required to predict the LG. However, they are essential to predict the absolute SRTs, which vary across speakers.
M. Scharf, A. Warzybok, L. Wong et al.· PLoS ONE· 0 citations
PURPOSE
This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and preliminarily evaluate the Mandarin version of the Hearing and Functioning in Everyday Life Questionnaire (HFEQ-Mandarin) for older adults with hearing loss.
METHOD
The study involved a systematic translation and cultural adaptation process following international guidelines, including forward and back translation, expert committee review, and field testing with 15 participants. A total of 227 older adults completed the HFEQ-Mandarin. In the non-hearing aid subgroup (n = 109), participants additionally completed the Chinese Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening and Mini Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Psychometric analyses included exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency reliability, and correlation assessments.
RESULTS
The HFEQ-Mandarin demonstrated good cultural relevance after expert review and participant feedback. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a five-factor structure explaining 74.14% of variance. Internal consistency was excellent for the total scale (α = .905), though some subscales showed lower reliability. Correlation analyses indicated significant relationships between HFEQ scores, hearing thresholds, and self-reported hearing difficulties. Participants generally found the questionnaire understandable, though some items, particularly those related to societal support and individual resources, required refinement. The length of the questionnaire posed challenges for older adults, highlighting the need for a shorter version.
CONCLUSIONS
The HFEQ-Mandarin is a promising tool for assessing daily hearing-related functioning in Mandarin-speaking adults. Further validation with diverse samples is needed.
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.33307746.
Shangqiguo Wang, Zhi-Hong Zheng, Li-Ping Zhang et al.· Journal of Speech, Language...· 0 citations
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