subject: What Is The Speech Reception Threshold Hearing Test? [print this page] As a component of your screening, the speech reception threshold hearing test, or SRT, is one of the most important screenings you will have when you go in to see an audiologist for a thorough and comprehensive screening. This process tells the doctor if you have any lost ability to hear as well as what type and what extent it is at. Everyone's situations is very different, but for many people, this type of testing is a critical component to getting treatment so they can get back to doing the things they enjoy doing.
Prior to the Screening
Before the screening occurs, your audiologist will get a full medical history from you and discuss with you the range of steps available to you during this process. You will then be put into a soundproof room. This room blocks out the sounds coming from the surrounding area so you have every ability to hear the sounds they will provide to you. Then, you will wear a pair of headphones. In doing so, you will be able to hear various sounds that the audiologist will provide to you. There is nothing painful or invasive with the process.
What Happens During the Testing?
Once you are ready, the doctor will administer the speech reception threshold hearing test. During the SRT, you will be told the steps to take to communicate about the sounds you hear. Generally, you will be asked to repeat two-syllable words during this screening. You will hear the word and then need to repeat it. However, the sound and intensity of the sounds you hear will rise and fall throughout the screening. The goal is to find the lowest level at which you are able to repeat at least half of the words presented to you.
Your doctor will tell you how to do this portion of the screening. Generally, it will take just a few minutes to go through. If you have any difficulty, don't worry. That is a part of the process. No one is able to hear all sounds provided. You just need to do your best to respond to what you do hear well enough to repeat. This will give the doctors a good idea of how well you can hear these types of sounds and at what level.
This is just one part of the overall hearing test you will have. However, since most people can hear conversations and sounds, but they often cannot understand what is being said, this is a very important portion of this screening. Be sure to do your best and not to strain yourself during it. It's a good idea to let the doctors see the true condition of your ability to hear.
