Professional
Technical
IVT
speech reception threshold
Softest level at which a person can understand 50% of two-syllable words, measuring functional hearing for speech.
Full Definition
Speech reception threshold (SRT) is the minimum intensity level at which an individual can correctly repeat 50% of spondee words (two-syllable words with equal stress on each syllable). This threshold provides a functional measure of hearing sensitivity for speech and serves as a cross-check for pure tone average results. SRT should correlate within 10 dB of the three-frequency pure tone average (500, 1000, and 2000 Hz) in cases of consistent hearing loss patterns.
Usage
Usage note: Always spell out on first use, then abbreviate as SRT. Measured in dB HL.
In Context
- "The speech reception threshold of 55 dB HL correlated well with the pure tone average." — Audiometric results
- "Masking was required for speech reception threshold testing due to asymmetrical hearing loss." — Test protocol note
Also known as
SRT
spondee threshold
speech threshold
Don't confuse with
speech discrimination score
speech detection threshold
uncomfortable loudness level