Research shows that digit pairs or digit triplets can be used to assess the ability of older listeners with hearing loss to understand conversations in background noise.

Scientists compared how well young people with normal hearing and older people with hearing loss understand digit-pairs (2, 6) and digit-triplets (3, 5, 1) when listening in a back- ground of several people talking.

The background noise was at a constant volume whereas the words were presented at several volumes.

For both groups, understanding the digit pairs was slightly easier than under- standing the digit triplets. Investigators conclude that two or three digits can be used equally effectively to access patients' ability to understand speech in background noise.

Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development - pg 499

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Judith LaVoie
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VA Research Communications Service
vard