Speech Perception in Noise: The Basics

Abstract One of the most common complaints expressed by individuals with hearing loss is difficulty understanding speech when listening in background noise. This review paper highlights the importance of measuring speech recognition in noise and provides a guide to the basics of speech-in-noise testing. Topics included in this review paper along with relevant research findings are (a) discussion regarding the two components of hearing loss and their relation to understanding speech, (b) speech-recognition performance in quiet and in background noise, and (c) speech-in-noise testing methodology to include type of paradigm, type of noise, and type of stimulus.