Speech in Noise test:
This test measures gives an objective understanding of your level of speech recognition difficulty. It make the assessment relevant to experiences in the real world and allows you to get a better idea of your expected outcome with hearing rehabilitation.
It helps set appropriate and realistic expectations and help support our recommendation, or introduce the idea of using Assistive Listening Devices.
How much louder does the voice need to be than the background noise, compared to someone with normal hearing?
SNR - Degree - Expected improvement with directional microphones
0-3dB - Normal - May hear normally in noise
3-7dB - Mild - Loss in ability to understand speech at the SNR used by those with normal hearing.
7-15dB- Moderate - Major difficulties in noise, Directional microphones needed to revert to normal
>15dB -Severe - Maximum SNR improvement needed.