Audiometry

Audiometry is the measurement of hearing sensitivity using controlled sounds. It can assess how well a person detects different frequencies and sound levels.

Pure-tone audiometry: A hearing test that measures the quietest tones detectable at selected frequencies. Its frequency-specific thresholds form the standard audiogram.
Pure-tone screening: A brief hearing check that tests responses to selected pure tones. It uses simplified audiometric methods to flag possible hearing loss.
Sound frequency: The number of cycles of a sound wave occurring per second, measured in hertz. Audiometry samples frequencies because hearing sensitivity varies across them.
Tympanometry: A test of middle-ear function that measures eardrum movement as air pressure changes. It assesses middle-ear mechanics rather than hearing sensitivity across tones.
Audiogram: A graph showing hearing thresholds across sound frequencies, usually for each ear. It displays the thresholds that audiometry measures.
Speech audiometry: Testing that measures detection or understanding of spoken words at different levels. It complements tone thresholds with measures of speech perception.
Sound pressure level: A logarithmic measure of sound pressure relative to a reference pressure. It describes the physical intensity of test tones before hearing-level calibration.
Otoacoustic emissions: Sounds generated by the cochlea and measured in the ear canal with a microphone. They provide an objective cochlear check without requiring a response to heard tones.
Air conduction: Sound transmission through the outer and middle ear to the cochlea. Audiometry tests this route with headphones or earphones.
Hearing loss: Reduced ability to detect or interpret sounds compared with typical hearing. Audiometry characterizes its degree and frequency pattern.

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