Did you know that there are several different types of hearing tests? The pure-tone test is the most common, and it measures your auditory thresholds (i.e., the softest volume at which you can hear), but in order to get a complete picture of your hearing loss, additional types of tests may be needed. One such test is the speech-in-noise test.
What Is a Speech-In-Noise Test?
Speech-in-noise (SIN) tests use audio of speech or conversation with background noise to test how well you can hear and understand what is said. You’ll sit in a soundproof room with headphones on, listening to the audio. At the end of each segment, you’ll repeat what was said. The volume and pitch of the speech will change, as will the background noise, creating a variety of scenarios.
What Does Speech-In-Noise Testing Assess?
While pure-tone testing determines your auditory thresholds, SIN testing simulates realistic listening scenarios to assess your listening comprehension. Basically, pure-tone testing finds out what sounds your ear can pick up, and then SIN testing can determine how well your ear and brain work together to process those sounds and interpret what you’re hearing: when you hear sounds, are you interpreting them correctly? And, can background noise complicate your ability to listen?
Why Are Speech-In-Noise Tests Important?
Hearing is a complex process: sound waves travel through our ears and undergo several steps before they can be heard. SIN testing is a specialized test that hones in on one step in that hearing process to grant a more nuanced portrait of your hearing loss.
SIN testing is especially valuable in diagnosing hidden hearing loss, which is a type of hearing loss that occurs when your auditory thresholds (as determined by a pure-tone hearing test) fall in the “normal” hearing range, but you still struggle to hear speech well in noisy environments. (Check out a previous blog post about hidden hearing loss!)
Additionally, if you’re already a hearing aid user, you can take a SIN test with your hearing aids in to test their efficacy in noisy environments. Speech amplification and background noise suppression are two very powerful features in hearing aids, and we want to ensure that they’re working well for you.
Where to Get a Speech-In-Noise Hearing Test?
At your first hearing evaluation with an audiologist, they may run any number of hearing tests to evaluate your hearing loss and ear health. Based on what you discuss during your consultation, your audiologist may elect to perform a SIN test. You are also able to speak up and ask for a SIN test if you think that would provide valuable insight into your hearing health.
If you’re interested in a hearing evaluation and SIN test, contact Charleston ENT & Allergy today to get one scheduled.