Pure-tone audiometry

Pure-tone audiometry is a hearing test used to determine the presence and degree of hearing loss. It measures the quietest sound that a person can hear at different frequencies, both low and high.

Procedure

Pure-tone audiometry is performed in a soundproof room. The person being tested listens to sounds through headphones. The sounds are played at different volumes and frequencies. The person indicates when they can hear the sound. The results are plotted on an audiogram, a graph of the softest sounds a person can hear at different pitches or frequencies.

Uses

Pure-tone audiometry is used to identify hearing impairment and determine its severity. It can also help to identify the type of hearing loss, whether it's sensorineural, conductive, or a mix of both.

Limitations

While pure-tone audiometry is a valuable tool in identifying hearing loss, it does not provide information about a person's ability to understand speech or the impact of hearing loss on their daily life. Other tests, such as speech audiometry, may be used in conjunction with pure-tone audiometry to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of hearing function.

See also

• Audiogram
• Hearing test
• Sensorineural hearing loss
• Conductive hearing loss
• Speech audiometry

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  Diagram of the human ear
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  Bone conduction hearing test