Speech Audiometry

Measuring How You Understand and Respond to Speech

Speech Audiometry is an essential diagnostic tool used to assess how well a person can detect and comprehend spoken words. At Umang Speech and Hearing Clinic, we use speech audiometry alongside tone-based tests like Pure-Tone Audiometry (PTA) to gain a complete understanding of a patient’s hearing ability—especially how it affects communication in real-life situations.

While PTA measures the softest tones a person can hear, speech audiometry evaluates how clearly they can recognize, repeat, or interpret words. This helps us determine not just the presence of hearing loss, but how it impacts everyday speech understanding and communication.

Signs You May Need a Speech Audiometry Test

You may be advised to undergo speech audiometry if you:

• Struggle to follow conversations, especially in group settings

• Can hear sounds but have trouble understanding spoken words

• Often ask people to repeat themselves

• Experience distortion or muffled speech

• Have difficulty talking on the phone

• Suspect that your hearing aids aren’t helping as expected

This test is also valuable in hearing aid evaluation and post-treatment assessments.

Types of Speech Audiometry Tests

We may perform one or more of the following during your visit:

• Speech Reception Threshold (SRT): Measures the softest level at which a person can recognize and repeat common words

• Speech Discrimination or Word Recognition Score (WRS): Assesses how well a person can understand words at a comfortable loudness level

• Most Comfortable Listening Level (MCL): Determines the volume at which speech sounds most natural and comfortable

• Uncomfortable Loudness Level (UCL): Identifies the level at which sounds become uncomfortably loud

These tests help fine-tune hearing aids, select appropriate therapy strategies, and guide overall treatment planning.

How the Test Is Performed

Speech audiometry is conducted in a quiet, sound-treated room. The patient listens to words or sentences through headphones or speakers and is asked to repeat what they hear. These words vary in volume, clarity, and context to simulate real-life communication scenarios.

The process is simple, non-invasive, and typically completed within 15–30 minutes. It is suitable for adults and children who are able to respond verbally or through gestures.

Why Choose Umang Speech and Hearing Clinic?

Holistic Hearing Testing: We combine tone-based and speech-based diagnostics for complete auditory profiling
Customized Assessments: Speech tests are tailored for age, language, and communication ability
Technology-Assisted Analysis: Modern audiological equipment ensures accurate and detailed results
Expert Interpretation: Clear, actionable reports explained in simple terms
Integrated Rehabilitation: Immediate follow-up with hearing aid support or therapy as needed

Let’s Improve Your Everyday Communication

Don’t settle for hearing sounds—make sure you’re truly understanding them. Schedule a speech audiometry test at Umang Speech and Hearing Clinic and take the first step toward clearer conversations and confident listening.