Phonemic balance of word lists used in speech audiometry in Chile

Abstract

Introduction: Currently, in Chile, word lists with different characteristics are used for lo­goaudiometric assessment using spoken words as stimuli. Objectives: To assess the phone­mic balance of word lists used in logoaudiometry in Chile. Materials and Methods: A pho­nological analysis was carried out, examining the phoneme distribution of word lists from 9 authors and comparing them to the phonemic distribution findings for Chilean Spanish by Pérez (2003). Monte Carlo goodness-of-fit tests were applied to multinomial data, and proportion tests were used for binomial data of consonant and vowel phonemes grouped by manner of articulation. Lists were ranked based on their level of fit for each category concerning their Z-score. Results: Among 60 lists, only 11 fulfill phonemic balance criteria in at least five analysis categories. The lists with the highest overall fit are Palacio’s List 1 and Tato’s C1. Conclusion: The results highlight the need for word lists that accurately re­present the phoneme distribution for Chilean Spanish, as well as further research providing normative data on the current sounds of the language.