Speech Audiometry

Question 1

The Speech Detection Threshold is

Answer 1

lowest level, in decibels, at which a patient can barely detect speech.

Question 2

Speech Reception Threshold is

Answer 2

lowest hearing level at which speech can be barely understood

Spondaic words (spondees) are used for SRT testing – two syllable words
with equal stress on each syllable

Question 3

MOST COMFORTABLE LOUDNESS LEVEL

Answer 3

level at which speech is most comfortably loud for the patient

Patient instructed to determine if speech is “too soft” or “too loud” at varying levels

Normal hearing patients usually find speech comfortable at 40 - 55 dB above
speech reception threshold

Question 4

SPEECH-RECOGNITION TESTING

Answer 4

Measures the patient’s ability to understand speech when
presented at comfortable loudness levels