What is the appropriate level for the masking signal during Word Recognition testing?

The appropriate level for the masking signal during Word Recognition testing is set at the presentation level of the test ear minus 20 dB. This approach ensures that the masking signal is adequately loud to prevent the test ear from picking up any sound from the non-test ear, thus facilitating an accurate assessment of word recognition ability in the presence of background noise or in cases of unilateral hearing loss.

Setting the masking level at this specific level balances two critical factors: ensuring that the masking is effective without being overly loud, which could interfere with the ability to recognize the words clearly. This strategy maximizes the test's validity and reliability by minimizing cross-hearing while allowing the individual to perform at a realistic presentation level.

Using a different level, such as at the most comfortable loudness (MCL) or at threshold, could either result in inadequate masking or cause unnecessary stress on the hearing ability being tested. Additionally, masking below threshold could potentially allow cross-hearing to occur, leading to misleading results. Thus, maintaining the masking signal at a level calibrated at the test ear's presentation level minus 20 dB is essential for effective and accurate Word Recognition testing.