ISO 8253-3-2022 PDF

Full title and description

Acoustics — Audiometric test methods — Part 3: Speech audiometry. This international standard defines basic methods, requirements and procedures for speech recognition tests used in audiological applications, including requirements for the composition, validation and evaluation of recorded speech test materials and their presentation through audiometric transducers.

Abstract

ISO 8253-3:2022 specifies procedures and minimum requirements to ensure precision and comparability of speech recognition tests in audiology. It addresses the development and validation of speech materials, determination of reference values, presentation and calibration of recorded test signals via earphones, bone vibrators or loudspeaker arrangements, and methods for using noise for masking or as competing sound. The standard does not prescribe the linguistic contents of speech material and excludes specialized tests such as directional- and dichotic-hearing evaluations; modified procedures for some subject groups (for example young children) are acknowledged but not specified in detail.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: January 2022.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.140 (Acoustics and electroacoustics).
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (2022).
• Number of pages: 41.

Scope

Defines procedures and requirements for speech audiometry in clinical and research settings using recorded test material presented by an audiometer through transducers (air conduction earphones, bone vibrators, or loudspeaker sound-field arrangements). Specifies requirements for composition, validation and evaluation of speech test materials, determination of reference values, presentation levels and use of noise for masking or as competing signals. The standard does not specify the linguistic content of speech materials and excludes highly specialized procedures (e.g., directional hearing and dichotic tests); some subject groups (notably young children) may require adapted procedures that are outside the standard's prescriptive scope.

Key topics and requirements

• Requirements for composition, validation and statistical evaluation of recorded speech test materials.
• Procedures for conducting speech recognition tests (presentation methods, level control, scoring and reporting of results).
• Specifications for presentation through transducers: earphones, bone vibrators and loudspeakers (sound-field setups) and related calibration/level requirements.
• Methods for use of noise: masking the non-test ear and competing/noise conditions for speech-in-noise testing.
• Determination and use of reference values and performance measures to support comparability across languages and test lists.
• Recommendations for documentation, test conditions, and limitations (including guidance where modified procedures are needed for specific populations).

Typical use and users

Used by clinical audiologists, hearing scientists, manufacturers of audiometric equipment and test materials, occupational health professionals, hearing-aid fitting specialists, and test developers who require standardized methods for speech-recognition measurement and comparable reference data across settings and languages.

Related standards

ISO 8253 is a multipart series covering audiometric methods. Related parts include ISO 8253-1 (pure-tone air and bone conduction threshold audiometry) and ISO 8253-2 (sound-field audiometry with pure-tone and narrow-band signals); these provide complementary procedures and technical requirements for non-speech audiometric testing.

Keywords

Speech audiometry; speech recognition; audiometric test methods; speech test material validation; masking noise; audiometer calibration; sound-field audiometry; earphone; bone vibrator; reference values.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 8253-3:2022 is the third edition of the ISO standard that sets out methods and requirements for speech audiometry (speech-recognition testing) used in audiology.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the composition, validation and evaluation of recorded speech test materials; procedures for presenting those materials via audiometers and transducers; calibration and level requirements; use of masking and competing noise; and determination of reference values to support comparability between tests and languages.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Clinical and research audiologists, occupational health practitioners, manufacturers of audiometric equipment and test materials, and hearing-aid specialists who need standardized speech-recognition measurement methods and comparable reference data.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 8253-3:2022 is the current published edition (published in January 2022) and replaces earlier editions, including ISO 8253-3:2012 and previous versions which have been withdrawn.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 3 of the ISO 8253 series (Acoustics — Audiometric test methods); other parts of the series address pure-tone audiometry and sound-field test methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Speech audiometry, speech recognition, audiometric test methods, speech materials validation, masking noise, audiometer, calibration, sound-field audiometry.