The correct amount of masking used in the NTE for WR testing is determined by which factor?

The correct amount of masking used in the non-test ear (NTE) for word recognition (WR) testing is determined by the type of transducer used. This is critical because different transducers (like headphones, inserts, or loudspeakers) have distinct characteristics that affect sound delivery and masking requirements. For instance, the efficiency of sound transmission and the potential for cross-hearing varies between these transducers, influencing how much masking is necessary to ensure accurate threshold measurement and to prevent the sound from the test ear from being perceived by the non-test ear.

In clinical practice, understanding how different transducers affect masking levels is essential for providing an accurate assessment of a patient's hearing ability. By selecting the right amount of masking based on the transducer, it helps prevent false conclusions about a patient's hearing capability. Other factors, such as the patient's preference for volume, the amount of hearing loss, and the presentation level of the phoneme-based (PB) words may be relevant considerations in a clinical setting, but they do not dictate the specific amount of masking needed for WR testing.