Measuring Intelligibility in Word Recognition Test for Hearing Loss

In assessing hearing loss, a word recognition test is used where the sound is above the auditory threshold to measure intelligibility. The test involves listening to mono-syllable words with consonants and vowels, focusing solely on the ability to correctly identify the word without contextual or prosodic cues. The audiologist records the percentage of correct answers, aiming for over 90% to indicate normal hearing. Hearing loss can result in a reduction in loudness and clarity, with varying impacts on individuals based on genetic and environmental factors. Loss of auditory hair cells typically leads to reduced loudness, while neuron loss affects clarity. Hearing aids aim to amplify sound, addressing either the loudness or clarity aspect of the hearing loss.