Speech audiometry is a very basic way to test for hearing loss \u2013 but it plays an extremely important role in your complete hearing evaluation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unlike other hearing tests, which measure a patient\u2019s hearing abilities, speech audiometry measures a patient\u2019s comprehension abilities. Audiologists often use speech audiometry in conjunction with other tests during a hearing loss evaluation. Speech tests can sometimes reveal a hearing impairment that other tests don\u2019t disclose or measure effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speech audiometry assesses your ability to hear and comprehend spoken words. The test is usually completed in five to ten minutes and has two components \u2013 one measures your speech reception threshold (SRT) and the other determines your speech discrimination (SD) abilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The results are scored using a percentage scale. They are also charted on an audiogram, which measures the decibel level, frequency and gravity of hearing loss. Your audiologist will help you understand your speech audiometry test scores, which can reveal the type, frequency and severity of a hearing impairment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speech tests have two parts, which are conducted similarly but measure different comprehension abilities. During both SRT and SD tests, you will listen to prerecorded speech through headphones and respond to the prompts directly to the test administrator.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speech testing is different than other hearing tests because it reveals how a patient comprehends words. Some people who display hearing loss during other tests still have excellent recognition and comprehension abilities; conversely, some people whose hearing tests are otherwise normal struggle to understand spoken sound. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speech tests are the most accurate imitation of how you hear and communicate in the real world, so their results help your doctor provide better counseling, treatment, advice and more.<\/p>\n\n\n