Hearing in Noise Test Brazil: standardization for young adults with normal hearing

Introduction: Individuals with the same ability of speech recognition in quiet can have extremely different results in noisy environments. Objective: To standardize speech perception in adults with normal hearing in the free field using the Brazilian Hearing in Noise Test. Methods: Contemporary, cross-sectional cohort study. 79 adults with normal hearing and without cognitive impairment participated in the study. Lists of Hearing in Noise Test sentences were randomly in quiet, noise front, noise right, and noise left. Results: There were no significant differences between right and left ears at all frequencies tested (paired t = 1 test). Nor were significant differences observed when comparing gender and interaction between these conditions. A difference was observed among the free field positions tested, except in the situations of noise right and noise left. Conclusion: Results of speech perception in adults with normal hearing in the free field during different listening situations in noise indicated poorer performance during the condition with noise and speech in front, i.e., 0 degrees/0 degrees. The values found in the standardization of the Hearing in Noise Test free field can be used as a reference in the development of protocols for tests of speech perception in noise, and for monitoring individuals with hearing impairment. (C) 2015 Associacao Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cervico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.