Audiologists perform many tests when assessing an individual’s hearing loss and determining the right hearing solutions for their needs. One such test is known as a ‘speech in noise test’ which looks at both ears together in the presence of background noise. Its purpose is to assess how well an individual understands speech in loud settings (such as restaurants and social gatherings).
But what does this test involve and why is it important?
If you are experiencing hearing loss and would like to get a better idea of your situation through hearing tests, contact the helpful team at Melbourne Audiology Centre today.
Why is Speech in Noise Testing Important?
While traditional hearing tests reveal the degree of hearing loss that a person is experiencing, SIN tests help the audiologist to observe the types of difficulties that the individual may experience in noisier settings.
It offers many benefits for both the audiologist and the individual, including:
- Guiding decisions during the hearing aid selection process.
- Aligning expectations with what a hearing aid can realistically achieve.
- Better predictions of the improvement that various aids will have.
- Ability to better understand the benefits and limitations of various aids.
The most common type of test is the QuickSIN, which involves sentences that are presented over gradually increasing noise volume until the person is no longer able to identify it.
What to Expect in a Speech in Noise Test
This test is typically performed after the standard hearing test, while you’re still wearing headphones and in the soundproof room or booth.
The test generally consists of recorded spoken sentences, which are presented with background noise in the form of competing speech. Both ears are tested at the same time. You’ll be asked to repeat each sentence after it has been presented. Each sentence will be scored depending on how many of the important words are repeated correctly.
With each sentence played, however, the background noise will get louder. By the final sentence, it will be at the same volume as the speech (a bit like trying to hear a conversation in a crowded bar on a Friday or Saturday night).
In this situation, the lower the score the better your brain is at processing speech in noise (and the less difficulty you will have hearing in loud settings). The higher the score, on the other hand, the worse your processing ability is (and the harder it will be for you to have a conversation in a noisy environment).
While the duration will depend on various factors this can usually be completed in around 10 minutes.
Who Should Consider Speech in Noise Testing?
People with hearing loss of all degrees often complain of difficulty hearing conversation in noisy settings. As such, anyone who experiences difficulty understanding speech in loud environments should consider seeing an audiologist for a SIN test. This includes individuals with normal hearing sensitivity who struggle to follow conversations in busy settings (like crowded bars and restaurants).
Can Children Do Speech in Noise Testing?
Yes! If you are concerned that your child has difficulties understanding speech in noisy environments, it’s possible to have them tested. There are SIN tests specifically designed for children (although the age at which they will be able to reliably take the test will vary) – enquire with the clinic when making this type of appointment and they will be able to provide further information..
Contact Melbourne Audiology Centre for Speech in Noise Testing
If you have found yourself struggling to keep up with conversations in noisy environments (such as a busy restaurant, a crowded bar, or a party with loud music), a SIN test can help to identify the level of difficulty you’re experiencing and provide your audiologist with some direction on how to counter it. You don’t have to spend the rest of your life asking people to repeat themselves or smiling and nodding along even though you have no idea what’s being said – there are solutions available.
