Monaural and binaural speech perception in reverberation for listeners of various ages

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Abstract
The Modified Rhyme Test (MRT) was processed through a room (volume 165 m3, reverberation time T = 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2 s). For both binaural and monaural earphone listening the tests were recorded with a manikin (Kemar) and equalization filters to compensate for the ear canal effect. Six groups of [human] subjects, 10 subjects each, had mean ages of 10, 27, 42, 54, 64 and 72 yr and average hearing threshold levels (HTL) (for 0.5, 1 and 2 kHz) of 2.7, 5.6, 6.0, 10.9, 14.4 and 17.5 dB, respectively. The individual scores for the MRT without reverberation were between 90-100% at 70 dB SPL [sound pressure level]. Children and the elderly required from 10-20 dB higher SPLs than young adults to obtain maximum scores. An analysis of variance showed that all the main effects: T, age and monaural vs. binaural listening were significant. The scores declined with T for all ages. The best scores were obtained by the young adults (27 yr olds). The binaural scores were .apprx. 5% better than monaural scores. Factors contributing to the results and practical implications for amplification are discussed.

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