Development and field evaluation of an Indonesian speech perception assessment for children with severe to profound hearing loss

We developed an auditory tool capable of distinguishing those who perceive spectral components of speech from those who rely primarily on time-intensity cues. Three-word lists with distinct syllabic patterns were developed and analysed for acoustic properties. Each word was paired with a corresponding picture card. The tool was tested in children aged 5-18 years with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss, divided into hearing aid (HA; 60 ears) and cochlear implant (CI; 11 ears) users. Fifteen children with normal hearing were also included. Among HA users, 37% demonstrated some capacity to identify words using spectral cues, whereas 53% relied primarily on time-intensity cues. Children with normal hearing and CI users primarily identified words based on spectral cues. One participant who transitioned from HA to CI showed improved use of spectral cues. Thus, this auditory tool can differentiate children who perceive speech through spectral cues versus time-intensity cues.