Standard Threshold Shift
Also written as: STS — Standard Threshold Shift
A significant change in hearing threshold relative to a baseline audiogram, typically defined as an average shift of 10 dB or more at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear, used in occupational audiology to trigger intervention.
Full Definition
Standard threshold shift (STS) is a regulatory term used in occupational hearing conservation, defined by OSHA as a change in hearing threshold relative to the baseline audiogram of an average of 10 dB or more at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear. Detection of an STS requires the employer to notify the affected worker, review hearing protection use, and refit or retrain where necessary. Some jurisdictions allow age correction (presbycusis correction) before determining whether an STS is recordable. Editors must distinguish STS from the broader clinical term 'threshold shift' and ensure it is used only in the occupational regulatory context unless otherwise defined by the author.
Usage
Usage note: Restrict to the occupational audiology context; query authors who use it interchangeably with 'threshold shift' in clinical diagnostic documents.
In Context
- "A standard threshold shift was confirmed in the right ear, and the employee was referred for full audiological evaluation." — Occupational health audiometric record
- "The author uses 'threshold shift' and 'standard threshold shift' interchangeably; editors should query whether this is intentional." — Copy-editing query