Name of the Procedure:

Stenger Test, Speech

Summary

The Stenger test, speech version, is a quick and non-invasive audiological test used to identify cases of unilateral hearing loss where malingering (faking or exaggeration of hearing loss) is suspected. It utilizes the Stenger principle by presenting speech stimuli simultaneously to both ears to determine the patient's true hearing capability.

Purpose

The Stenger test, speech version, addresses the issue of suspected unilateral hearing loss, especially in cases where the individual may be feigning or exaggerating the severity. The goal is to accurately assess hearing by leveraging the brain's response to simultaneous sounds in both ears, ensuring that the hearing loss reported is genuine.

Indications

• Suspected unilateral (one-sided) hearing loss where malingering is a concern.
• Inconsistent results in standard audiological tests.
• Discrepancies between subjective hearing complaints and objective findings.

Preparation

• No special preparation is required for the patient.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is seated comfortably in a sound-proof room.
2. Audiometric headphones are placed over the patient's ears.
3. Speech stimuli, usually recorded sentences or words, are presented simultaneously to both ears but at different volumes.
4. The patient is asked to identify or repeat what they hear.
5. The test is based on the "Stenger principle" which states that if two identical sounds are introduced simultaneously with different loudness levels, the patient will only hear the louder sound in the ear with better hearing.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

Setting

The Stenger test is performed in an audiology clinic or outpatient setting, usually within a sound-proof booth.

Personnel

• Licensed audiologist.

Risks and Complications

• There are no known risks or complications associated with the Stenger test.

  Benefits

• Accurately differentiates between true hearing loss and feigned hearing loss.
• Provides a reliable assessment of unilateral hearing capabilities.

Recovery

No recovery time is needed. The patient can return to normal activities immediately after the test.

Alternatives

• Pure-tone audiometry
• Speech audiometry
• Auditory brainstem response (ABR) tests
• The Stenger test is often used in conjunction with these tests rather than as a stand-alone procedure.

Patient Experience

Patients typically do not experience any discomfort during the test. They will need to concentrate and respond by repeating spoken words or sentences they hear, ensuring an accurate assessment.