Chapter 4: Speech Audiometry

Question 1

Usable Hearing

Answer 1

Threshold - Uncomfortable loudness level

Question 2

Speech Detection Threshold (SDT) Speech Awareness Threshold(SAT)

Answer 2

-The lowest level, in decibels, at which a subject can barely detect the presence of speech and identify it as speech
-Patient would signal yes or no if they heard the sound

Question 3

Speech Recognition Threshold (SRT)

Answer 3

-The lowest hearing level at which speech can barely be understood at least 50% of the time.
-Patient would repeat word (spondee) back to the clinician

Question 4

Word Recognition Score

Answer 4

A percentage measure that quantifies how clearly speech is heard, NOT a threshold

Question 5

Spondees

Answer 5

Two syllable words with equal stress “hotdog”

Question 6

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

Answer 6

Reflects the relative intensity of the signal (speech) and the competing noise to test a more real life situation

Question 7

Count-the-Dots Audiogram

Answer 7

A percentage representation which reflects the amount of useful speech energy that the ear may receive with a given hearing loss.

Question 8

Most Comfortable Loudness Level (MCL)

Answer 8

-Determines the level at which speech is most comfortably loud.
-People with normal hearing typically have an MCL of 40-55 dB above threshold

Question 9

Uncomfortable Level (UCL)

Answer 9

-Determines the level of speech that is uncomfortably loud for listeners
-Most hearing patients have a UCL of 100-110 dB

Question 10

Acceptable Noise Level (ANL)

Answer 10

How much competing noise can be in an environment with the ability to still hear

Question 11

Dynamic Range (DR)

Answer 11

The difference between a threshold measure and the UCL for the same signal (usable hearing)