Clinical masking in speech audiometry: a simplified approach

The optimal masking level during speech audiometry is one that falls above the minimum and below the maximum masking levels. The goal is to select a masking level that falls at the middle of the masking plateau. This article presents a simplified approach to selecting an appropriate level of contralateral masking during suprathreshold speech audiometry. The underlying theoretical concepts and prerequisite conditions are reviewed. The advantages of insert earphones when using the simplified approach are discussed.