The Binaural Advantage for Speech Recognition in Noise Ability

Abstract

Pure tone threshold testing has been considered the “gold standard” for hearing ability in the global sense. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a pure tone threshold average (for 500, 1000, 2000, and 4,000 Hz) ≤ 25 dB HL represents “no impairment. This means that patients with single-sided deafness would have “no or very slight hearing problems” according to WHO. The purpose of this research project was to demonstrate the binaural advantage and conversely the impact of single-sided deafness for speech recognition in noise ability. Twenty-eight participants were tested using the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) in both binaural and monaural conditions. Statistically significant differences between HINT performances for binaural and monaural conditions were found for all HINT stimulus conditions. The results support a recommendation for the reevaluation of the impacts of single-sided deafness by the WHO and a redefinition of what is considered normal hearing.