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Speech Audiometry

It is an important tool for diagnosing and treating hearing loss.

Speech Audiometry - Huntington, NY - Long Island, NY - Huntington Hearing

Speech Audiometry: What Is It and Why Is It Important?

Speech audiometry is a type of hearing test that measures how well a person can understand and repeat speech sounds. It is often used along with pure-tone audiometry, which tests the ability to hear different frequencies of sounds. Speech audiometry can help diagnose the degree and type of hearing loss, as well as evaluate the benefits of hearing aids or cochlear implants.

How Does Speech Audiometry Work?

Speech audiometry involves two main tests: speech recognition threshold (SRT) and word recognition score (WRS). The SRT is the lowest level at which a person can identify 50% of a list of common words, such as "boat", "pool", or "dime". The WRS is the percentage of words that a person can correctly repeat from a list of single-syllable words, such as "pick", "nice", or "fail". The words are presented at a comfortable listening level, usually 30-40 dB above the SRT.

The tests are usually performed in a soundproof booth with headphones or speakers. The person being tested has to repeat the words they hear, either verbally or by writing them down. The tester records the responses and calculates the scores.

What Do Speech Audiometry Results Mean?

Speech audiometry results can provide valuable information about the nature and severity of hearing loss. For example:

  • A normal SRT and WRS indicate normal hearing or mild hearing loss.
  • A higher than normal SRT and a lower than normal WRS indicate moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss, which affects the inner ear or the auditory nerve.
  • A higher than normal SRT and a normal WRS indicate conductive hearing loss, which affects the outer or middle ear.
  • A lower than normal SRT and a lower than normal WRS indicate retrocochlear hearing loss, which affects the brainstem or the brain.

Speech audiometry can also help determine how well a person can communicate in everyday situations, such as talking on the phone, listening to music, or following conversations in noisy environments. It can also help assess the effectiveness of hearing devices, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, by comparing the scores before and after using them.

Who Should Have Speech Audiometry?

Speech audiometry is recommended for anyone who has signs or symptoms of hearing loss, such as difficulty hearing certain sounds, asking people to repeat themselves, turning up the volume on TV or radio, or avoiding social situations because of hearing problems. It is especially important for children who have speech or language delays, learning difficulties, or behavioral issues that may be related to hearing loss. Speech audiometry is also useful for people who have normal pure-tone audiometry results but still have trouble understanding speech in noisy situations. This may indicate a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD), which affects how the brain processes sound information.

How to Prepare for Speech Audiometry?

Speech audiometry is a simple and painless procedure that does not require any special preparation. However, there are some tips that can help ensure accurate results:

  • Avoid exposure to loud noises for at least 24 hours before the test, as this may temporarily affect your hearing.
  • Remove any earwax or foreign objects from your ears before the test, as this may interfere with sound transmission.
  • Inform the tester if you have any ear infections, colds, allergies, or other conditions that may affect your hearing.
  • Relax and focus on the words you hear during the test. Try not to guess or fill in the blanks if you are not sure.
  • Ask for clarification or repetition if you do not understand the instructions or the words.

Speech audiometry is an important tool for diagnosing and treating hearing loss. It can help identify the type and degree of hearing loss, as well as evaluate how well a person can communicate with speech sounds. Speech audiometry is recommended for anyone who has signs or symptoms of hearing loss, or who wants to improve their hearing abilities with hearing devices.