Basic Comprehensive Audiometry

A comprehensive audiometric evaluation consists of two essential tests. First, the audiologist determines the softest sound that a patient can hear under earphones at several different pitches. This is called testing via air conduction. Then a bone vibrator is placed behind the patient's ear to determine the softest level that the patient can hear when stimulating the inner ear directly and bypassing the outer and middle ear. This is called testing via bone conduction.

Information obtained from these two test help to determine the type of hearing loss. This may include conductive (i.e., hearing loss in the outer and/or middle ear), sensorineural (i.e., hearing loss in the inner ear) or mixed (conductive and sensorineural). The information from these two tests also allows the audiologist to determine the magnitude of the hearing loss.

In addition to these two tests, the audiologist obtains a Speech Reception Threshold (SRT) and a Word Recognition Score. The SRT is an indication of the softest level that a patient is able to hear and repeat two-syllable words and a word recognition score indicates how well a patient can repeat words presented at a comfortable listening level.

The information obtained from a comprehensive audiometric evaluation can be used to determine candidacy for hearing aids, aural rehabilitation, medical referral, hearing protection as well as a host of other possibilities.

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