Speech stimuli are calibrated to which standard?

The calibration of speech stimuli is typically aligned with a 1000 Hz calibration tone that precedes the word lists. This standardization is essential for ensuring that the test conditions are consistent and that speech intelligibility can be accurately assessed. The 1000 Hz tone is used as a reference point for level adjustment, allowing for the precise measurement of the speech stimuli's volume relative to a controlled environment.

This method ensures that the speech material is presented at the appropriate intensity level, making it easier to evaluate a person's hearing ability effectively. By utilizing a consistent reference tone, professionals are able to calibrate the testing environment and equipment, thereby minimizing variability in the results.

In contrast, other options may not provide the standardized reference that is crucial for achieving accurate results in hearing assessments. For instance, calibrating using the target word or live voice testing may introduce variability that could affect the reliability of the results. Additionally, using a pure tone average, while relevant in some assessments, does not specifically address the calibration of speech stimuli in this context.