VALIDATION OF THE SELF-ADMINISTERED VERSION OF THE BATUTA MUSIC PERCEPTION TEST

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the reliability of the self-administered version of the BATUTA music perception test, designed to test musical perception in people with hearing impairment. Method: Participants with normal hearing who completed the BATUTA test in person, accompanied by a speech therapist, formed the in-person group (IPG). Participants who self-reported hearing and completed the online version of the test formed the self-administered group (SAG). The Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA test was applied, followed by the Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner (DSCF) pairwise comparison, to analyze the results for both groups across the rhythm, pitch, and timbre modules. Results: Comparing the IPG (n=51) and SAG (n=91) results showed a significant difference when the BATUTA’s timbre module was performed in its self-administered version using a mobile phone and no difference for the rhythm module in any test set. The pairwise comparison among headphones, speakers, computer’s integrated speakers, mobile phone speakers, and in-person (controlled conditions) yields a significant difference in the pitch and timbre modules when performed through mobile phone speakers. Conclusion: The use of computer sound ensures the reliable assessment of the rhythm, pitch, and timbre modules of the BATUTA, comparable to its in-person administration in a controlled test environment. The self-administered version of BATUTA is a reliable instrument for assessing the musical perception of individuals with hearing impairment.