Speech audiometry is a hearing test that measures your ability to understand speech. It is different from pure tone audiometry, which measures your ability to hear different frequencies of sound.
Speech audiometry is an important test because it can help determine how well you can hear and understand speech in everyday listening situations. For example, it can help determine how well you can hear and understand speech in noisy environments, such as a restaurant or a busy street.
There are two main types of speech audiometry tests:
- Speech reception threshold (SRT) : This test measures the softest level at which you can understand 50% of spoken words.
- Word recognition score (WRS) : This test measures the percentage of words that you can understand correctly at a comfortable listening level.
Speech audiometry tests are typically performed in a soundproof booth. You will wear headphones and listen to a recording of speech sounds. The audiologist will adjust the intensity of the speech sounds until you can understand them correctly.
The results of speech audiometry tests can be used to diagnose and monitor a variety of hearing conditions, including:
- Sensorineural hearing loss
- Conductive hearing loss
- Auditory processing disorder
- Meniere’s disease
- Otosclerosis
Speech audiometry tests can also be used to assess the effectiveness of hearing aids and other treatments.
Speech audiometry is a safe and painless test. It typically takes about 15-30 minutes to complete.
Here are some of the benefits of speech audiometry:
- It can help to determine how well you can hear and understand speech in everyday listening situations.
- It can be used to diagnose and monitor a variety of hearing conditions.
- It can be used to assess the effectiveness of hearing aids and other treatments.
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. Speech audiometry is a valuable tool that can help diagnose and monitor hearing loss and to ensure that you receive the best possible treatment.
