Speech Reception Threshold (SRT) and Acoustic Reflex Threshold (ART) are two hearing tests that are often performed together.
SRT measures the softest level at which you can understand 50% of spoken words. It is a good measure of your ability to hear and understand speech in everyday listening situations.
ART measures the intensity of sound that is required to trigger a reflex contraction of the stapedius muscle in the middle ear. This reflex helps to protect the inner ear from loud sounds.
The SRT and ART tests are performed by placing a probe in the ear canal. The probe delivers pure tone and speech stimuli to the ear. The audiologist will adjust the intensity of the stimuli until they can detect a response from you (in the case of SRT) or from the stapedius muscle (in the case of ART).
The SRT and ART tests can be used to diagnose and monitor a variety of ear conditions, including:
- Sensorineural hearing loss
- Conductive hearing loss
- Middle ear infections
- Meniere’s disease
- Otosclerosis
The SRT and ART tests are also used to assess the effectiveness of hearing aids and other treatments.
Both the SRT and ART tests are safe and painless. They typically take about 15-30 minutes to complete.
Here are some of the common uses of SRT and ART tests:
- To diagnose and classify hearing loss
- To monitor the progression of hearing loss over time
- To assess the effectiveness of hearing aids and other treatments
- To identify people who are at risk for hearing loss
- To screen for hearing loss in children
If you have any concerns about your hearing, or if you have a history of hearing loss in your family, it is important to see an audiologist for a hearing assessment. The SRT and ART tests are valuable tools that can help diagnose and monitor a variety of ear conditions.
