Description

Audiometry

In our newly opened Audiology service at the center of
our hospital, Audiometry, Tympanometry, Acoustic Reflex Measurements, Optoacoustic
Emission (OAE) tests and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR / BERA) tests are
performed.

What is Audiometry?

It is a test to determine how well we can hear and the
degree of hearing loss. In this test, Pure Tone Audiometry, Bone Canal
Audiometry, Speech Audiometry, Masking are performed.

Pure tone audiometry (air conduction test), this test
determines the hearing degree of the patient and the type of hearing loss. It
is performed by giving a pure tone from a headset to the ear and measuring that
tone up to the sound it can perceive in decibels (dB). This measurement is
called the threshold. 1000 Hz is the frequency that can be easily
perceived by many people. Since the threshold level is easily obtained at this
frequency, the threshold test usually starts at 1000 Hz. The test in the diameter
device starts at 1000 Hz. 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz, 6000 Hz, respectively. At
8000 Hz, 500 Hz, 250 Hz and 125 Hz, stimuli are sent to the patient at certain
frequencies and the responses are recorded. The patient is diagnosed
according to the curves formed by the results. Determining the threshold
level that the patient can hear with pure sounds given through earplugs from
the external auditory canal, In routine conventional measurements, it is
generally evaluated between 125-8000 Hz. Thresholds are recorded in a
graphic called an audiogram.

The thresholds are determined by placing the bone conduction
audiometry (bone conduction test) on the protrusion behind the ear called the
mastoid and measuring at frequencies between 250-4000.

Speech audiometry (Speech test) is a measure of a patient’s
ability to hear and understand speech.

Masking noise is a test performed by sending a sound
resembling wind noise to the untested ear to prevent incorrect measurement of
the tested ear.