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QuickSIN SNR loss calculator (speech in noise)

Enter the number of key words repeated correctly in two QuickSIN lists, out of 30 each, and the expected benefit of a directional microphone to get the average score, the SNR loss, the SNR-50, the severity category and the remaining loss.

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Value out of range

Value out of range

dB

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Results

SNR loss (25.5 − average score)

4.5 dB

Mild SNR loss (3 to 7 dB): some difficulty in noisy places
Average score (out of 30)
21.0
SNR-50 (27.5 − average score)
6.5 dB
Remaining SNR loss with the microphone benefit
1.5 dB

The QuickSIN calculator gives the SNR loss, the SNR-50, the severity category and the remaining loss after a microphone benefit from the number of key words repeated correctly in noise.

How the calculation works

  • Enter the score of each list, out of 30.
  • Enter the benefit of a directional microphone, if any.
  • Read the SNR loss and its category.

Example

Lists scored 20 and 22 give an average of 21.0 key words. The SNR loss is 25.5 − 21.0 = 4.5 dB and the SNR-50 is 27.5 − 21.0 = 6.5 dB. This is a mild loss. A directional microphone that brings a gain of 3 dB leaves a remaining loss of 1.5 dB, which is within the normal range.

Why it matters

The calculator helps audiology students, audiologists and hearing aid fitters who want to summarize a speech-in-noise result, and people who struggle in restaurants and want to understand what the number means.

Good to know

Results from two lists are averaged to reduce the variability of the test, and a difference of about 2 dB between repeated measures is within the normal variation. The loss is measured at a given level of presentation, usually 70 dB HL for normal hearing and 80 dB HL for hearing loss, so the audibility of the speech affects the result. A listener who has an SNR loss of 10 dB needs the speech to be 10 dB above the noise in comparison with a person with normal hearing, which is hard to obtain in a noisy room with hearing aids that amplify noise as well as speech. Directional microphones bring about 3 to 5 dB in good conditions, and remote microphones placed near the speaker bring 10 dB or more, which is why they are valuable for children at school. Training in listening and a change of strategy, such as sitting with the back to a wall, also help. The score is a screening tool and a full assessment is made by an audiologist.

The pure-tone average calculator grades the audiogram, the NAL-R calculator prescribes gain, the DPOAE calculator treats cochlear screening and the battery life calculator estimates the running cost of an aid.

Frequently asked questions

What is the QuickSIN test?

QuickSIN is a speech-in-noise test with six sentences per list, each with five key words, presented in four-talker babble. The signal-to-noise ratio falls by 5 dB at each sentence, from 25 dB to 0 dB, and the listener repeats the sentences.

How is the SNR loss computed?

The SNR loss is 25.5 minus the total number of key words correct. A score of 25.5 corresponds to a loss of zero, and each missed word adds one decibel. The SNR-50, the ratio for 50 % correct, is 27.5 minus the score, with a normal value near 2 dB.

Why test it when there is an audiogram?

The ability to understand speech in noise cannot be predicted from the audiogram. Two people with the same thresholds can differ by 10 dB or more, and the test helps in the choice of aids, such as directional or remote microphones.

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Results are estimates provided for information purposes. They do not replace professional advice.

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