What is one of the limitations of only looking at speech recognition performance in individuals with hearing loss?

Focusing solely on speech recognition performance in individuals with hearing loss does not take into consideration the cognitive factors that can significantly influence communication abilities. Cognitive processes such as attention, memory, and processing speed play crucial roles in how individuals perceive and understand speech. For example, even if a person has high speech recognition scores, they may struggle with comprehension if their cognitive capacity is impaired or if they are unable to effectively use contextual clues when listening.

Additionally, the interaction between hearing loss and cognitive functioning can affect how well a person is able to utilize auditory information. Studies have shown that individuals with cognitive decline may experience more difficulty understanding speech, even with the same level of hearing loss as someone with healthier cognitive function. Therefore, a holistic assessment that includes cognitive factors is necessary for a proper understanding of an individual's auditory capabilities and overall communication effectiveness.