Performance of Sinhala speaking normative hearing children on Monosyllabic – Trochee – Polysyllabic Test (MTP)

Abstract

Development of Monosyllabic-Trochee-Polysyllabic (MTP) test in Sinhala aim is to be used in measuring auditory performances in children who are audiological rehabilitated with their native language. Participants were selected with simple random sampling method, from the preschool and school set up. The participants were chosen upon obtaining written consent form to ensuring their voluntary involvement for the study. A Total number of two hundred (200) subjects were tested, which includes hundred and five (105) males and ninety five (95) females between the ages two (2) to eight (8) years which then was categorized into six (6) sub-groups according to their age. All participants must be native Sinhala speakers with normal hearing with no audiological and otological problems, with normal speech and language development and with equally same age. For this purpose, all participants directed to a pre-test evaluation. Prior to administering the test, a pilot study was carried out. After that, test was administered by using formulated Sinhala MTP word list where the subject was asked to repeat or point out relevant picture similar to the presented stimuli. Marks allocated for each correct pattern identification and/or word identification. SPSS analyzing data indicated the MTP performance score was not affected by age group. Through the study, except the word ―banana‖ (kεsεl), rest of the words in Sinhala MTP test, was age appropriate and socio- culturally appropriate for Sinhala speaking children in Sri Lanka. Further, MTP list can use as a clinical assessment tool for cochlear implantees and hearing aid users. ( Key words- MTP, Auditory performances, Pattern and Word Identification)