Ear exam

Audiometry

Audiometry provides a more precise measurement of hearing and tests the patient’s ability to hear loudness (intensity) and the speed of sound wave vibrations (tone) of sound.

Hearing loss can be assessed by generating an audiogram using this technique. Each ear is checked one at a time for the ability to hear pure tones of controlled intensity. The patient is asked to raise a hand, press a button, or otherwise indicate a sound.

Hearing occurs when sound waves stimulate the nerves of the inner ear. The signal is then relayed via nerve pathways to the brain and sound is perceived. Sound waves can travel to the inner ear through the ear canal, eardrum, and bones of the middle ear (air conduction). They can also pass through the bones around and behind the ear (bone conduction). During an audiometry exam, a tuning fork is tapped and held in the air on each side of the head to test hearing by air conduction. It is then tapped and placed against the mastoid bone behind each ear to test bone conduction. Earphones attached to an audiometer record the results of the tests.

Our audiologists can provide an audiometric assessment and recommend treatment options as necessary.

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Last updated: February 20, 2020