Fact · Speech recognition
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association says that when the speech recognition threshold and the pure tone average disagree, the results are inconsistent, which can be an early sign of pseudohypacusis, or exaggerated hearing loss.
Checked against its source on October 17, 2026
In the source's own words
“Disagreement between the speech recognition threshold and pure tone average is an indication of inconsistency in test results. This inconsistency may provide an early indication of pseudohypacusis”
Determining Threshold Level for Speech (ASHA Guidelines, 1988), American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 1988, Background.
Open the original- What it measures
- Pseudohypacusis is a term for hearing loss that is reported but not physical, often called exaggerated or non-organic hearing loss. The guideline lists other causes of disagreement too.
- What it does not show
- The guideline also lists test equipment faults, a patient misunderstanding the instructions, developmental level and irregular hearing sensitivity as causes. A disagreement is a reason to retest, not a diagnosis.