When should masking be utilized during word recognition tests?

Masking should be utilized during word recognition tests when there is a possibility that the non-test ear (NTE) can hear the test items being presented to the test ear. This is essential to ensure that the results of the word recognition test reflect the true performance of the test ear without influence from any sounds picked up by the non-test ear. If the NTE hears the test stimuli, it can mask or interfere with the results, leading to inaccurate assessment of the patient's hearing ability in the test ear.

In contrast, employing masking solely due to an ear infection or in a quiet environment is not appropriate, as these situations do not guarantee that the NTE is a contributing factor in hearing the stimuli. Similarly, testing when speech recognition is above 90 dB is not a standard criterion for the use of masking; instead, masking is concerned with the crossover of sound between ears, regardless of the loudness of speech recognition. Thus, masking is primarily focused on preventing contributions from the non-test ear, ensuring a valid assessment of hearing capabilities.