A new PC-based speech perception testing system ('speech pattern audiometer') is described which aims to provide a simple and efficient clinical tool to assess patients' ability to make use of the acoustic speech pattern information which is fundamental to speech perception. The speech pattern audiometer is likely to find its main application in audiology and speech and language therapy clinics with those who are deaf or who have developmental or acquired speech-perceptual disorders. This system constitutes a module of a complete speech and hearing assessment and teaching/therapy workstation.