Background: The Freiburg monosyllabic test (FBE) was introduced into clinical routine almost 60 years ago. Recently, there has been renewed scientific interest in the FBE. Nevertheless, neither the earlier nor the later publications showed any evidence for a training effect. For this reason, this aspect is examined in more detail in the present study.
Methodology: All 20 test lists of the FBE were presented in a fixed, predetermined order to 40 suitable otologically normal subjects. According to DIN 45626-1, the 50 % speech discrimination score is expected at a level of 29.3 dB SPL (Sound Pressure Level). In this study, the test material was presented at a level of 29 dB SPL. The speech discrimination scores were analyzed depending on the particular test run.
Results: The mean speech recognition score (43.2 %) depended on the test run. An increase in speech recognition by 13 percent points was observed in the first three test runs. After two test runs, no further increase in speech recognition was observed.
Conclusion: When using the FBE in clinical routine, two test lists should be heard by the patients before the actual test starts. This procedure helps to improve the quality of the FBE.
Keywords: Learning effect; Measurement accuracy; Speech audiometry; Speech discrimination tests; Test–retest reliability.