How Do Speech Audiometry Hearing Tests Work?
If your GP thinks that you might have hearing problems, then they might refer you for tests. In some cases, you'll have speech audiometry tests to start with. What is speech audiometry and how does it work?
What Is Speech Audiometry?
Speech audiometry is a quick and simple way of checking for hearing difficulties; however, it is very effective at picking up hearing loss. Its tests use speech to evaluate your hearing.
Your hearing tester will play you different words or phrases during one or two types of tests. For example, you might have a speed reception threshold (SRT) test and/or a speech discrimination (SD) test.
Your tester takes your responses to these tests to build a picture of your hearing. Your results typically include a percentage rating of your hearing and a charted audiogram analysis.
How Do SRT and SD Tests Work?
Both SRT and SD tests use speech as a measure of hearing. In both cases, you will listen to words or phrases, usually through headphones. You will be asked to repeat the word or phrases you hear.
However, the two tests aren't exactly the same. Their differences help build a broader picture of potential hearing loss or problems.
When you take an SRT test, your tester will give you a list of words you will hear during the test. Once the test begins, you will hear these words through your headphones. They will play at random and might be repeated during the test.
Every time you hear a word, you repeat it. As the test goes on, the volume level through your headphones will be incrementally reduced. So, the volume might be quite high to start with but will get quieter as the test progresses.
At some point, the volume might be too low for you to hear the words. Once you can't hear and repeat words consistently, then the test usually stops.
SD tests work in much the same way. Your aim is to repeat the words you hear through your headphones.
However, you don't get to see the words you hear in advance of an SD test. You won't know which words will be used. Plus, your volume levels don't change during this test. It uses a constant volume all the way through.
While speech audiometry tests are a useful way of benchmarking your hearing, they also tell hearing professionals more about how your hearing affects your communication skills and everyday life. This information is also useful if you have to plan how to manage hearing problems.
To find out more, contact your hearing test clinic.