Speech Audiometry
At our audiology clinic, speech audiometry forms part of a comprehensive diagnostic process. Each assessment is carried out by an experienced audiologist using calibrated equipment in a sound-controlled environment to ensure accurate and reliable results.
What Is Speech Audiometry?
Speech audiometry is a specialised hearing assessment that measures how clearly you can hear and understand spoken words. While pure tone audiometry tests assess your ability to detect different pitches, a speech audiometry test focuses on how well you recognise and repeat speech at various volumes. This provides valuable insight into how hearing loss may affect everyday communication.
Speech audiometry evaluates your ability to detect and interpret spoken language. It measures two key elements:
Speech detection threshold: the lowest level at which you can hear speech
Speech discrimination or word recognition: how accurately you can repeat words presented at a comfortable volume
This test helps determine not only whether you can hear sounds, but whether you can understand speech clearly.
How Does a Speech Audiometry Test Work?
During a speech audiometry test, you will wear headphones and listen to recorded or live spoken words. The audiologist will ask you to repeat the words you hear.
The volume of speech is adjusted throughout the test to identify the softest level at which you can detect speech and the clarity of your responses at louder levels. Your answers are scored to calculate a percentage of speech understanding accuracy.
The procedure is straightforward, non-invasive and usually completed within a short time frame.
What Do Speech Audiometry Results Show?
Speech audiometry results provide information about:
- Your ability to detect spoken words
- Your clarity of speech understanding
- Whether hearing loss is affecting communication
- How suitable you may be for hearing aids
Results are often displayed alongside your pure tone audiogram to give a complete overview of your hearing profile. In some cases, speech understanding may be reduced even when tone detection appears relatively mild, helping guide more personalised treatment decisions.
How Long Does the Test Take?
Speech audiometry typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes as part of a full hearing assessment. It may be combined with pure tone testing and other diagnostic measures during the same appointment.
Your audiologist will explain the results immediately and discuss whether further testing or treatment is recommended.
Is Speech Audiometry Suitable for Children?
Yes. Speech audiometry can be adapted for children who are able to recognise and repeat words. For younger children, age‑appropriate speech or picture-based word tests may be used to assess speech understanding accurately.
Speech Audiometry FAQs
- What is the difference between pure tone testing and speech audiometry?
Pure tone testing measures your ability to detect specific sound frequencies. Speech audiometry assesses how clearly you understand spoken language, which is essential for everyday communication.
- Is a speech audiometry test uncomfortable?
No. The test is painless and involves simply listening to words through headphones and repeating what you hear.
- Can speech audiometry detect hearing loss?
Yes. It helps confirm the presence and impact of hearing loss, particularly how it affects communication clarity rather than just sound detection.
- Do I need to prepare for the test?
No special preparation is required. If you use hearing aids, you may be asked to remove them during parts of the assessment unless otherwise advised.
Why Choose The Forbury Clinic?
Our consultant-led audiology service combines advanced diagnostic equipment with personalised care. Each hearing assessment is tailored to your symptoms and communication needs, ensuring you receive clear explanations and practical guidance. Our experienced audiologists are committed to helping you maintain confidence in everyday conversations.