Audiometry Flashcards
what is a patients hearing threshold?
the quietest sound that an individual can hear
what type of sound is used for audiometry?
pure tones
what are pure tones?
sounds with a specific, single frequency
what two types of sound conduction are assessed in audiometry?
air conduction (AC) bone conduction (BC)
how is the AC threshold assessed?
using headphones
what is being assessed in AC testing?
the entire auditory pathway
how is BC threshold assessed?
using a bone conductor
what is being assessed in BC testing?
the function of the inner ear
what is the symbol used for unmasked AC in the right ear?
open red circle
what is the symbol used for unmasked AC in the left ear?
open blue X
what is the symbol used for unmasked BC?
open black triangle
what are the three main types of hearing loss?
sensorineural
conductive
mixed
what causes permanent SNHL?
damage to the hair cells or the hearing nerve
what is seen on audiometry of SNHL?
progressive decline of both AC and BC together
what is seen on audiometry of CHL?
significant air bone gap
BC = normal AC = below normal
