Which type of words are typically used for SRT testing?

SRT testing, or Speech Reception Threshold testing, is designed to determine the lowest level at which an individual can correctly identify speech. Spondees are the type of words commonly used in this type of testing. Spondees are two-syllable words with equal stress on both syllables, such as "basket" or "hotdog." This characteristic helps present speech materials that are easier to detect and understand for individuals who may have hearing loss, as the balanced stress pattern provides better acoustic information for speech recognition.

Using spondaic words allows clinicians to assess hearing thresholds in a way that is effective and meaningful, reflecting real-life speech scenarios where understanding multi-syllable words is essential. The goal is to find the threshold at which the patient can repeat these words accurately, providing a reliable metric for assessing auditory functionality.