BACKGROUND: frequency compression. AIM: to evaluate the index of speech recognition (IPRF) using frequency compression in three different ratios. Methods: monosyllabic words were recorded using an algorithm of frequency compression in three ratios: 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, generating three lists of words. Eighteen listeners accomplished the IPRF using the modified words. They were subdivided in two groups, considering familiarity with the speech material: group of audiologists (F) and group of patients (P). RESULTS: a statistically significant decrease in accuray was observed when using frequency compression. Group F presented a better performance than Group P in all of the applied ratio frequency compression ratios. CONCLUSION: Frequency compression hinders speech recognition; as the compression ratio increases, so does the level of difficulty. Familiarity with the words facilitates recognition in any hearing condition.
Hearing Aid; Hearing Loss; High-Frequency; Speech Discrimination Test
