Development of Speech Intelligibility in Noise with Picture Identification (SPIN-PI) test: a new assessment approach for children with auditory processing disorders

Abstract Background Auditory processing disorders (APDs) impact a child’s ability to understand speech, especially in noisy environments. Current speech-in-noise tests often use lengthy sentences, potentially causing memory difficulties. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and standardize the Speech Intelligibility in Noise with Picture Identification (SPIN-PI) test. The SPIN-PI test focuses on assessing a child’s auditory figure-ground skill, attention, and memory, making it particularly beneficial for children with APDs, language deficits, and communication difficulties. Methods This cross-sectional study included 100 school aged validation group passed normal through otological, audiological, and psychometric evaluation. A new response by picture identification was developed utilizing existing SPIN tests for children; items were developed and assessed for validity (face, content, and construct validity) and reliability (test–retest measures). This was followed by standardizing the SPIN-PI test. Results Twenty pictures representing 20 sentences were selected by face validity. Through content validity, the item content validity index (I-CVI) of each picture showed an acceptable level of 0.83 with a scale CVI average score of 0.958 for all items, revealing an excellent score. Twenty sheets were designed, each containing the validated picture representing the sentence and three odds. The SPIN-PI test scores correlated strongly with the SPIN test, indicating good construct validity. Measures of reliability revealed a good external consistency reliability. Conclusion The developed SPIN-PI test provides an easy, applicable, and reliable approach for evaluating children with APDs, language deficits, and communication difficulties.