Speech In Noise Tests

A person with a hearing loss will often be less able to understand speech, particularly in noisy conditions. This is especially true for people who have a Sensorineural loss – which is the most common type of hearing loss. Speech-in-Noise tests can provide useful information about a person’s hearing ability, and can help to detect the presence of a Sensorineural hearing loss.

It could be worth taking a Speech-in-Noise test if you experience particular difficulties when trying to understand what people are saying in noisy situation. It could also be helpful if any of the following applies to you:

  1. You often feel as though people are mumbling or talking very softly when speaking to you
  2. You often find yourself asking people to repeat themselves
  3. You feel “drained” after having long conversations, to the point where you try to avoid such situations
  4. You find it difficult to follow conversations when in crowded public places, such as supermarkets or busy restaurants
  5. You regularly find yourself having to turn up the volume on your television or radio
  6. You consciously bothered or irritated by background noises when you are with other people
  7. You often experience difficulties when having telephone conversations

Although this test can provide you with valuable information about your hearing, it is not a full hearing test and is not intended to be as sensitive as the diagnostic hearing tests available at your local hospital. Occasionally, factors such as background noise, and the type of equipment that you use, can have a small impact on the outcome of the test. These tests are not designed to detect Conductive hearing losses. If you are concerned about your hearing, please visit your GP who will be able to arrange a full hearing assessment.


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