What type of hearing loss does a positive STS indicate?

A positive Short-Term Shift (STS) indicates a temporary shifting of thresholds in hearing sensitivity. This is typically assessed through audiometric testing, where a significant change in hearing thresholds over time is observed. A positive STS suggests that an individual has experienced a temporary threshold shift, often due to factors such as exposure to loud noises or other transient conditions that may impact hearing temporarily. It highlights a momentary alteration in hearing acuity, which may or may not recover to baseline levels after the contributing factors are removed.

In the context of hearing loss, differentiating between temporary and permanent changes is crucial, and a positive STS specifically relates to shifts that are not expected to result in lasting damage. This understanding is pivotal for audiologists and hearing technicians to monitor and manage hearing health effectively.