Performance in spectro-temporal modulation (STM) detection tests has been connected to crucial supra-threshold hearing abilities such as speech-in-noise understanding, thus showing promise for clinical use. Based on extensive research, a clinical STM detection test named Audible Contrast Threshold (ACT) test has recently been introduced in various diagnostic devices. The ACT test is designed to complement pure-tone audiometry (measuring Hearing Level) with a language-independent hearing-in-noise assessment (measuring Contrast Level) in the clinic, thus allowing hearing-care professionals to more holistically diagnose hearing deficits and consequently offer more personalized hearing compensation solutions. This talk will provide an overview of the research work connected to the ACT test, including (i) the lead-up research focusing on facilitating the STM detection task in the target population of older hearing-impaired listeners and optimizing the correlation between the measured thresholds and supra-threshold speech-in-noise performance, (ii) the design of the ACT test, optimizing STM for clinical use in terms of hardware, test duration, and usability, and (iii) the clinical validation of the ACT test in different language groups and its connection to hearing-aid processing needs. Current and future applications of the ACT test in the context of clinical use, hearing-aid rehabilitation, and large-scale research studies will be discussed.
Johannes Zaar (Wed,) studied this question.