How is the WRS generally presented during testing?

Word Recognition Scores (WRS) are typically assessed to gauge a person's ability to identify and repeat words presented audibly. The standard practice for determining the intensity at which WRS is presented involves using a reference point from the Speech Reception Threshold (SRT).

Presenting WRS at 40 dB above the SRT is an established method in audiometric testing. This approach ensures that the words are delivered at a level that is comfortably above the threshold where speech can be understood, allowing for a clearer evaluation of the person's speech recognition capabilities. By using this method, audiologists can obtain an accurate reflection of auditory function that is not influenced by the detection of soft speech sounds, but rather focuses on the individual's ability to recognize and process speech at a higher, more functional intensity.

In contrast, levels based solely on a patient's Most Comfortable Level (MCL), Uncomfortable Loudness Level (UCL), or a fixed intensity may not effectively gauge speech recognition ability in a way that is comparable across individuals, as these levels can vary significantly based on personal comfort and individual hearing profiles.