A§E
A§E Classical Tests
The A§E classical tests are based on phonemes. They are modified in such a way that
the only difference lies in the spectral content. They are used in a detection,
discrimination and identification task.
Phoneme Detection
The detection test shows fifteen phonemes(*) that
can be selected. After pushing a button, the selected phoneme will be presented
three times. The loudness can be changed by the audiometer. For routine evaluation,
levels of approx. 70 dBSPL are recommended. The patient is asked to tell whether
he/she hears the sound.
The result output is shown as a vertical list:
Phoneme Discrimination
The discrimination test shows 14 background sounds and 14 stimulus sounds(**).
Click a button to select one background and one stimulus phoneme. The stimulus phoneme
will be presented at random in a series of repetitive background phonemes.
The time intervals between the phonemes can be modified in the range 500-3000 msec
and is set at a default value of 850 msec.
The test can be run in two modes: the conditioning mode and the test mode. Pushing
the Conditioning/Test button toggles between these two modes. In each mode, the
sequences are delivered by pushing the Start button. In the conditioning mode, the
duration of the stimulus phoneme is longer than that of the background phoneme in
order to facilitate their discrimination. Visual reinforcement to orientation responses
or instrumentation reflexes may be necessary. The conditioning mode may end as soon
as the patient shows a consistent spontaneous reaction. Stop the conditioning mode
by pushing the Stop button. Then toggle to the test mode and start the test mode
by pushing the Start button again. In the test mode the stimulus phoneme has the
same duration as the background phoneme.
In both the conditioning and the test mode, the background series can be 'locked'
by pushing the current background button. This will give a series of only background
phonemes without the stimulus phoneme. At any time the stimulus phoneme can be launched
by pushing the current stimulus button.
The scores are 'correct' in case of good discrimination, 'false' in case of absence
of discrimination.
The result output is shown as a vertical list:
Phoneme Identification
The identification test consists of two sets of phonemes. One set refers to onomatopoeia
and the other to visual contrastive mouth images.
All identification tasks are closed sets in which each phoneme is repeated for a
given number of times. The default value varries for each set. The phonemes are
presented in a random order. After each presentation, the patient is 'forced' to
identify the phoneme on the pictures. The test ends when all phonemes have been
scored.
Scoring is done by clicking the phoneme that the patient declares having heard.
Alternatively, if the patient is really unable to choose, one can 'score as negative'
by clicking the Cancel button and if the patient for any reason has lost attention
and should get a second chance to identify the phoneme, one can choose to repeat
the sound. In that case, the phoneme is immediately repeated.
The result output is shown as a matrix:
(*) the phonemes are a, t, I, p, k, s, f, d, r, sh, o, b, z, m and v
(**) the phonemes are chosen to give a representative sample of normal speech. They
include the Ling-sounds (/i/, /a/, /u/, /s/, /∫/) and they allow the testing of
vowel-consonant contrasts, vowel-vowel contrasts and consonant-consonant contrasts.