There are two different speech tests performed during a hearing test. Speech recognition scores (SRT) determine how softly you are able to hear words. Word recognition scores (WRS) measures how clearly you can understand words when presented at a comfortable level.
How is the test performed?
You will first sit in the sound booth with either headphones or insert headphones on.
- Your audiologist will have you repeat a list of two-syllable words to determine your SRT.
- Your audiologist will then determine your WRS abilities. The audiologist will either present the list of words to you or you will listen to a recoded set. The phrase will be “Say the word ___” and a one-syllable word will follow, which you will repeat. The audiologist is looking for the clarity or your ability to understand words at a comfortable listening level.
Both these scores are used to compare with the hearing test. These scores can also determine if you are a good hearing aid candidate, if it is determined you have a hearing loss.