Cochlear neural degeneration is key to the variation in word scores among people with similar thresholds

Key Points

• Cochlear neural degeneration impacts word scores, despite similar auditory thresholds among individuals.
• Word score variations were noted in individuals with thresholds of 25 dB and 30 dB, with differences showing importance in outcomes.
• Observational analysis of auditory function explored neural pathways related to hearing loss and word recognition.
• Findings suggest assessing cochlear health may enhance understanding of variations in hearing abilities among individuals.