Audiometry

Audiometry is a key test used to provide an accurate measurement of hearing. You will be required to use a headset/earphone through which a series tones are presented at various ptiches (frequencies) and volumes (intensities) to one ear at a time. You are required to press a button or raise your hand each time a tone is heard, no matter how soft. 

When testing is done with headphones or small foam insert earphones, the tone travels through the air within the ear canal in order to be heard. We call this air conduction.

We also use a bone-conduction vibrator/oscillator to test the inner ear. The oscillator is attached to a headband and placed on the bone behind the ear (the mastoid) and sound is delivered via direct vibration of the bone.The vibrations travel through the bones and tissues and fluids within the skull directly to the inner ear. Again, you are asked to respond to the softest tone that you hear at various frequencies

The softest volume (intensity) required to hear each tone is recorded on an audiogram. The results of the air conduction and bone conduction tests are compared allowing us to determine if your hearing loss is the result of a problem in the outer, middle or inner ear.

An audiogram is a graphical representation of your ability to hear different pitches (frequencies) at different volumes (intensities). It helps us determine which ear you hear better in, how mild or severe your hearing loss is. We can also clearly identify the frequencies at which you hear best and worst.