Stenger Test
Pronunciation: STEN-ger
A subjective audiological test used to detect unilateral non-organic (feigned or exaggerated) hearing loss, based on the principle that a tone presented to both ears simultaneously is perceived only in the ear where it is louder.
Full Definition
The Stenger test exploits the physiological phenomenon known as the Stenger effect: when the same tone is introduced to both ears, the listener perceives sound only in the ear receiving the greater stimulus. In testing, a tone is presented at a level just below the admitted threshold in the 'poorer' ear and simultaneously at a clearly audible level in the 'better' ear. A patient with genuine hearing loss will respond to the better-ear stimulus; one feigning loss will not respond, revealing the deception. Editors should note that 'Stenger' is a proper noun and must always be capitalised. The test is used in medico-legal and occupational health contexts and results should be documented as 'Stenger positive' (non-organic loss suspected) or 'Stenger negative' (loss consistent with genuine hearing impairment).
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalise 'Stenger'; report outcomes as 'Stenger positive' or 'Stenger negative', not 'failed' or 'passed', which imply different meanings.
In Context
- "A positive Stenger test indicated the possibility of non-organic hearing loss, and the patient was referred for further assessment." — Medico-legal audiological report
- "'Stenger' must be capitalised throughout, as it is an eponymous test name; lowercase usage was found in three instances." — Editorial proofreading note