Pure tone audiometry

Pure tone audiometry is a type of audiometry used to measure hearing sensitivity. This test primarily measures the air conduction thresholds and bone conduction thresholds of an individual, providing an important component of an audiological evaluation.

Overview

Pure tone audiometry is a behavioral test used to measure hearing sensitivity. This involves the presentation of pure tones of varying frequencies and intensities to one ear at a time. The individual's responses to these tones are recorded and used to plot an audiogram, a graph that represents an individual's hearing thresholds.

Procedure

The procedure for pure tone audiometry involves the use of an audiometer, a device that can generate pure tones at specific frequencies and intensities. The individual undergoing the test wears headphones, and the audiologist presents tones at different frequencies (measured in hertz) and intensities (measured in decibels).

The individual is instructed to respond each time they hear a tone, regardless of how faint it may be. The softest sound that the individual can hear at each frequency is considered their hearing threshold at that frequency. These thresholds are then plotted on an audiogram.

Air Conduction and Bone Conduction

Pure tone audiometry measures both air conduction and bone conduction thresholds. Air conduction testing involves the transmission of sound through the outer, middle, and inner ear. Bone conduction testing bypasses the outer and middle ear and tests the sensitivity of the inner ear directly.

Interpretation

The results of pure tone audiometry are interpreted by an audiologist. The audiogram provides a visual representation of an individual's hearing sensitivity at different frequencies. The audiologist can use this information to determine the type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss, if present.

Limitations

While pure tone audiometry is a valuable tool in assessing hearing sensitivity, it does have some limitations. It is a subjective test and relies on the individual's responses. Therefore, it may not be suitable for individuals who cannot provide reliable responses, such as young children or individuals with cognitive impairments.

See Also

• Audiogram
• Audiology
• Hearing loss
• Audiometer

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