Word Recognition Score
Also written as: WRS — Word Recognition Score
A measure expressed as a percentage of monosyllabic words correctly repeated by a patient during a speech audiometry test, used to assess suprathreshold speech understanding.
Full Definition
The word recognition score (WRS), sometimes called word discrimination score or speech discrimination score, quantifies a patient's ability to correctly identify single-syllable words presented at a comfortable listening level, typically 40 dB above the speech reception threshold. It is a fundamental metric in audiological assessment, helping to differentiate between conductive and sensorineural pathologies and to determine hearing aid or cochlear implant candidacy. WRS is expressed as a percentage and is derived from standardized phonemically balanced (PB) word lists. Editors should note that 'discrimination' is now considered a deprecated synonym for this measure in many guidelines, with 'recognition' being the preferred term. The score should always be reported alongside the presentation level.
Usage
Usage note: Prefer 'word recognition score' over the deprecated 'word discrimination score'. Always state the presentation level in dB HL alongside the percentage score.
In Context
- "The word recognition score of 64% in the right ear was consistent with a moderate degree of cochlear damage." — Audiological assessment report
- "A rollover in word recognition score at higher presentation levels was noted, raising suspicion of retrocochlear pathology." — Clinical case summary