The speech banana on an audiogram represents:
- A The frequency-intensity region where most speech sounds fall (250–8000 Hz, 25–65 dB HL) ✓
- B The loudness discomfort level range for speech
- C The frequency range for music perception
- D The audiometric region defining moderate hearing loss
Correct answer: A. The frequency-intensity region where most speech sounds fall (250–8000 Hz, 25–65 dB HL)
Explanation
The speech banana is the banana-shaped zone on an audiogram that encompasses the frequency (250–8000 Hz) and intensity (25–65 dB HL) region where the phonemes of conversational speech occur. Any hearing threshold that falls within or below this zone results in difficulty perceiving those speech sounds. It is used to counsel patients and parents about the functional impact of a hearing loss and to set hearing aid target gain.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.