What is the Stenger test used for?

The Stenger test is specifically designed to identify cases where an individual may be pretending to have a hearing loss, a condition known as malingering. It operates on the principle that if a person truly has hearing impairment in one ear, they will respond differently compared to someone who is exaggerating or feigning the severity of their hearing loss.

During the test, a sound is presented to both ears, but at different levels—louder in the better ear and softer in the poorer ear. A true hearing loss will cause the individual to respond to the sound, while someone who is malingering may not respond even if they can hear the sound. Therefore, a positive Stenger response indicates that the subject may be exaggerating their hearing difficulties, making it an effective tool for professionals in hearing assessments.