Speech perception of hearing-impaired children in mainstream acoustic environments: An exploratory study

Author(s): Bamford, J. M.

Journal/Book: Deaf Educ. 1997; 21: C/O G F E Clark, 2 Gaters Gardens, Sandford, Crediton, England EX17 4LU. British Assoc Teachers Deaf. 26-31.

Abstract: The detrimental effects of noise and reverberation on speech perception have been well-documented. For hearing-impaired listeners the effects can be particularly marked. Past studies of classroom acoustics suggest less than optimal listening environments, yet class sizes are growing and more hearing-impaired children are spending more of their time in mainstream classes. There is a need to update information on classroom acoustics and furthermore to assess students' speech perception in real, rather than simulated environments. This modest pilot study examines the speech perception ability of BKB Sentences of four primary age hearing-impaired school children in their mainstream classrooms and in their usual withdrawal area. Reverberation times were calculated and S:N ratios measured for both sets of rooms. Speech perception scores were obtained with combinations of hearing aids, FM systems and lipreading. In all rooms, acoustic conditions were less than optimal. The results show the importance of spreading combined with FM use in helping to counteract the poor acoustics. Examination of each child's individual performance was valuable for planning habilitative strategies.

Note: Article Smythe RL, Townfield Sch, Townfield Hearing Impaired Unit, Townfield Lane, Wirral, Merseyside, ENGLAND

Zurück | Weiter