Scoring the SSW Using Number of Errors

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Answer

That's a good question. Congratulations on understanding that if the child had a hearing loss that you would use the Traditional Analysis. You are asking if the person has a non-normal word recognition score (especially in one ear) should the Traditional method rather than NOE Analysis be used. In this case we see no evidence that the person has a hearing loss so the errors are very likely not due to a peripheral problem. Thus, I generally assume that it is due to a central effect. Therefore, if we use the Traditional approach we are likely to be subtracting out central signs on the WDS from central signs on the SSW. It would likely hurt your ability to see the central indicators on the SSW so use the NOE method when hearing is normal but word discrimination is not.

Jack Katz has been involved in the study of central auditory disorders for over five decades. He has developed effective tests and therapy procedures to evaluate and remediate this prevalent problem. He has editied several books on this topic and has written many articles and chapters and has presented on this topic nationally and internationally. He has just completed a book focusing on therapy for APD that will be distributed by Educational Audiology Association. Dr. Katz has spent 50 years developing the SSW test as a measure of central auditory function.