Understanding speech in noisy places can be frustrating even when standard hearing tests show normal results. The audiologists at Hearing Improvement Center use specialized Hearing in Noise Testing to measure how well you understand speech when background noise is present. This testing reveals difficulties that traditional evaluations might miss, especially in common situations like restaurants, family gatherings or busy offices.
Many people who struggle to hear in noisy environments don’t realize that their difficulty isn’t just about volume – it’s about how their brain processes competing sounds. Our testing identifies these specific challenges and helps us recommend hearing aids with features designed to address your particular hearing needs. We analyze the results to find solutions that will help you follow conversations more easily, even in challenging listening environments where background noise competes for your attention.
Quick Speech-in-Noise (QuickSIN) Test
The QuickSIN test is designed to estimate your signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) loss by presenting sentences in a background of multi-talker babble at varying SNRs. This test quickly quantifies your ability to hear in noise and helps our audiologists determine the best course of treatment. There are numerous benefits to this evaluation, including:
- Provides a one-minute estimate of SNR loss
- Quantifies your ability to hear in noise
- Assists in selecting appropriate amplification and assistive technologies
- Demonstrates the benefits of directional microphones in hearing aids
- Offers valuable information for counseling
Our team will consider your symptoms and medical history when determining what kind of testing is necessary for your individual needs.
Audible Contrast Threshold (ACT) Test
The ACT test is an innovative, non-speech test that predicts your speech-in-noise ability using modulated noise signals. This language-independent test is quick to administer and provides results that can guide hearing aid fitting and programming.
The ACT test is based on Spectro-Temporal Modulation (STM) detection and is designed to assess speech perception in noise while accounting for individual hearing loss. It provides an ACT value ranging from -4dB nCL to 16dB nCL, with lower values indicating a better ability to hear speech in noisy environments. Clinically, the ACT test helps optimize hearing aid settings by automatically adjusting features based on the ACT value or guiding manual adjustments, like noise reduction and directionality. This ensures that hearing aids are tailored for real-world listening situations, improving overall speech clarity and comfort.
Our Commitment to Your Hearing Success
We provide advanced hearing tests and personalized treatment plans to improve speech clarity in everyday settings. By including hearing in noise tests like QuickSIN and ACT in evaluations, we can measure how background noise affects hearing, demonstrate the benefits of hearing aids and assistive devices, and make evidence-based adjustments to hearing aid settings. These tests also help track progress over time, ensuring hearing aids continue to meet individual needs.
Schedule Your Hearing in Noise Test Today
Don’t let difficulty hearing in noisy environments hold you back any longer. If you or a loved one are struggling to understand speech in the presence of background noise, contact Hearing Improvement Center today to schedule your hearing in noise test with one of our skilled audiologists. Take the first step towards better hearing and improved communication in challenging listening situations.