Audiometry Test Procedures and Equipment

The percentage of sounds a person can hear correctly during a speech test.

The level of sound intensity used during a speech test.

A program designed to identify hearing loss in newborns and provide early intervention services.

A test used to screen for hearing loss in newborns that measures the sound produced by the hair cells in the inner ear.

A test that measures the brain's response to sound, specifically from the auditory nerve.

The distance between the listener and the speaker, usually measured in feet.

The level of loudness or softness of a sound.

The ability of the middle ear to change pressure to match the air pressure in the ear canal.

The number of times a sound wave vibrates per second, measured in Hertz.

The difference in loudness between the signal and background noise.

A type of audiometry test used for children ages 6 months to 3 years, where a toy appears when a sound is heard to encourage the child to respond.

A type of audiometry test used for infants under 6 months, where the infant's behavior is observed for changes when a sound is presented.

This test measures how much the eardrum moves in response to changes in air pressure in the ear canal. It provides information about the functioning of the middle ear.

This test measures the volume of the middle ear, looking for blockage or fluid buildup. It provides information about the functioning of the middle ear.

This test assesses the middle ear's response to loud sounds, helping identify problems with the middle ear muscles.

This test identifies the softest level at which a person can understand speech, typically using two-syllable words. It provides information about how well a person can hear and understand spoken words.

These are two-syllable words with equal stress on both syllables, commonly used to assess speech recognition.

This is the ability to hear sounds through the bones of the skull.

This is the ability to hear sounds through the air, using air conduction.

This test measures the loudness level needed to elicit a reflex in the middle ear, typically between 85-100dB.

A device that bypasses the cochlea and sends signals directly to the brainstem, helping individuals with severe hearing loss perceive sound but not necessarily understand speech.

A titanium implant that protrudes from the skin behind the ear, used for conductive hearing loss. It conducts sound vibrations directly to the inner ear.

A condition where soft sounds cause extreme negative reactions, potentially leading to anger, anxiety, or physical discomfort.

A test that measures eye movements in response to head movements, used to assess vestibular function.

A condition in which sounds become overwhelming and unbearable, leading to discomfort or pain.

A test used to assess balance by having the patient stand on a platform that moves and adjust their balance in response to varying conditions.

A test that uses clicks or tone bursts to measure the response of the vestibular system, specifically the saccule and utricle.

The act of playing a different sound to counteract tinnitus, often a tone opposite to the tinnitus frequency.

Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR) is a hearing test that utilizes high repetition stimuli to measure the brain's response to sound, using algorithms to analyze the results. It can assess hearing thresholds and frequencies more accurately than the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR).

Wave V in an auditory brainstem response (ABR) test indicates that the sound signal has reached the brainstem. Absence of Wave V suggests a potential problem with the auditory pathway.

Body-worn hearing aids are the most powerful and affordable option. They are often used by children and can accommodate different hearing frequencies. They feature an ear mold that fits the pinna and directs amplified sound into the ear.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are another popular type, known for being powerful and affordable. They offer versatility in frequency adjustment and can be customized with open or closed ear molds.

Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids are smaller than BTEs, using a thin wire instead of tubing to direct sound to the ear. They are popular among adults due to their discreet nature and natural sound pickup.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are molded to fit the ear, with the microphone and receiver located in the ear canal. They are suitable for moderate-to-severe hearing loss but lack the power for profound loss.

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are smaller versions of ITEs, appealing to adults with good dexterity. They are suitable for moderate-to-severe hearing loss.

Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids are designed to be discreet and comfortable. They offer a close proximity to the eardrum for direct sound delivery but can be prone to distortion.

Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aids are extremely discreet, almost invisible in the ear. They share advantages and disadvantages with CICs.

Light-driven hearing aids use a transducer on the tympanic membrane to translate light into vibrations, providing a wide range of frequencies..

Cros/Bicros hearing aids are designed for single-sided deafness, transmitting sound from the weaker ear to the hearing device on the stronger ear.

Bone conduction hearing aids are an alternative for single-sided deafness or conductive hearing loss (where sound doesn't reach the inner ear through air).

Ossiointegrated hearing aids (BAHA) involve a titanium implant placed behind the ear, which is attached to a sound processor that vibrates the bone to deliver sound.

A cochlear implant converts sound into electrical signals that are sent to the cochlea, stimulating the auditory nerve and transmitting information to the brain.

A cochlear implant - converts sound to electrical signals for the cochlea.

A bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) - uses a titanium implant to vibrate the bone and deliver sound.

Middle ear implants - amplify sound vibrations directly in the middle ear.

Auditory brainstem implant (ABI) - sends electrical signals directly to the brainstem.