In co-operation with the Viennatone Company we developed an apparatus to perform a "semiautomatic speech audiometry (SAS)". The patient is instructed to repeat the understood words into a cassette recorder when a signal lamp is on. The sequence of the test including the attenuation of intensities and a programmed change of the ear to be tested is automatically controlled. The evaluation of the patient's answers can be carried out by the assistent at any time that is suitable. The advantages of the SAS are a gain in time and the fact that during the test performance the assistent is free to pursue other activities. With the means of the SAS the possibility is now available to perform speech audiometry in very well frequented surgeries of specialists. In a surgery the apparatus was tested in 700 patients with success.