Evaluation of Speech Recognition Scores in Garhwali and Hindi: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract Background: Speech recognition scores are known to have several clinical implications. However, the choice of stimulus material has a major influence on the test results. Objective: This study aimed at understanding whether there were any differences in speech recognition scores when a Hindi word list was presented instead of Garhwali word list for Garhwali speakers. Methodology: A group of 30 Garhwali speakers (age range = 17–26 years) with hearing sensitivity within normal limits were included in this study. Speech recognition scores were obtained for all the participants using Hindi word list (standardized) as well as Garhwali word list which was prepared for the study. The stimuli were presented to the participants at 20 dB sensation level (SL), 30 dB SL, and 40 dB SL. The obtained scores were compared between each word list for all the listeners using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The results indicated that there were only marginal differences in the speech recognition scores obtained using Hindi word list and Garhwali word list. Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed that there were no significant differences between the speech recognition scores obtained using both the word lists. Conclusion: Hence, it was concluded that on those Garhwali speakers who are also familiar with Hindi, outcomes of speech recognition scores do not vary even if we use a standardised Hindi word list.