Which of the following is NOT a method used for speech audiometry?

Speech audiometry encompasses various techniques to assess an individual's auditory processing capabilities, speech recognition thresholds, and overall communication ability. The purpose of this assessment is often to facilitate the diagnosis of hearing impairments and to determine appropriate rehabilitation strategies.

Measuring the ability to recognize sub-threshold speech levels typically refers to the assessment of speech understanding at levels below an individual's threshold of hearing. This technique is not standard in speech audiometry, which is generally focused on evaluating speech comprehension and recognition at audible levels rather than those that are imperceptible to the individual.

In contrast, the process of differential diagnosis of hearing loss includes utilizing speech audiometry as a tool to determine the nature and severity of the hearing impairment. Evaluating an individual's capacity for auditory processing is essential in understanding how they perceive and comprehend speech. Estimating communication functionality is also a critical aspect, using findings from assessments to inform rehabilitation and support strategies.

Thus, the identification that recognizing sub-threshold speech levels is not a typical method aligns with the fundamental goals and practices of speech audiometry.