[Suitability of speech audiometry study procedures for current demands in clinical and general practice]

Abstract

The quality of the recorded audiometric test material (the "Freiburg" and "Marburg" language test) meets the High Fidelity standards of the 1960's. In the light of current technology (digital technique, compact disc, etc.), the question arises whether speech-audiometry can still contribute to diagnosis, medico-legal assessment and fitting of hearing aids. Results of the "Freiburg" language test are presented, which analyse the comparability of the individual groups in quiet and in noisy surroundings, the technical and technological aspects of the sound systems, orthophonic reproduction and the practical performance of audiometric speech tests. Finally, recommendations of the commission for speech-audiometry and hearing aids of the ADANO are presented and discussed. These may explain present and future demands and possibilities of a broad-band audiometric investigation spectrum in hospital and practice.