Predicting performance on the digits-in-noise test in noise and reverberation using the speech transmission index

This study investigated the effects of noise and reverberation on recognition of Dutch digits-in-noise (DIN) test triplets. The findings demonstrate that the STI DIN , an adaptation to the standard speech transmission index (STI), provides a reliable, low‑error predictor of DIN test performance in conditions with noise and/or reverberation when only a single speech recognition threshold (SRT) measurement in noise is...

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The STI-DIN index may improve the accuracy of digits-in-noise test interpretation in real-world or remote testing environments affected by noise and reverberation, but clinical adoption requires independent validation before changing protocols.

As remote and at-home hearing screening grows, understanding how acoustic environment degrades digits-in-noise test performance is essential for ensuring reliable results outside of sound-treated booths.

1. 01Noise and reverberation both degrade digits-in-noise (DIN) test scores in predictable ways.
2. 02The new STI-DIN index, derived from the speech transmission index, predicts DIN recognition scores.
3. 03Study focused on the Dutch-language version of the DIN test.
4. 04Findings have implications for remote and at-home hearing screening validity.
5. 05An acoustic prediction tool could help correct for environmental factors during tele-audiology assessments.

PMID

42648143

DOI

10.1016/j.heares.2026.109776.

Journal

Hearing Research

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

2b

Population

Participants assessed with the Dutch digits-in-noise test under varying noise and reverberation conditions

Intervention

Speech transmission index-derived STI-DIN index applied to predict DIN test performance

Comparator

Standard digits-in-noise test scores without acoustic correction