Audiologic Assessment & Diagnosis Flashcards

What is the purpose of pure-tone audiometry?

Answer: To measure softest tones heard at each frequency

Pure-tone audiometry is used to determine the softest sounds a person can hear at various frequencies.

What does tympanometry evaluate?

Answer: Eardrum and middle ear function

Tympanometry measures eardrum movement in response to pressure changes to assess middle ear function.

What is the primary use of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs)?

Answer: Test cochlear function

OAEs are used to detect cochlear (outer hair cell) function, often in newborn hearing screening.

Why is speech audiometry performed?

Answer: To assess speech recognition and comprehension

Speech audiometry evaluates a person's ability to recognize and understand speech at different volume levels.

What is the function of an audiogram?

Answer: It graphs hearing thresholds

An audiogram charts hearing sensitivity across various frequencies and intensities.

What is auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing used for?

Answer: To detect auditory nerve and brainstem function

ABR evaluates the integrity of the auditory nerve and brainstem pathways by recording electrical activity.

Which test is best for evaluating newborn hearing?

Answer: OAE and ABR

Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) and ABR are common tests used in newborn hearing screening programs.

Why is case history important in audiologic assessment?

Answer: To guide diagnosis and testing

A comprehensive case history provides context for test results and guides diagnostic decisions.

What is the significance of bone conduction testing?

Answer: To determine type of hearing loss

Bone conduction helps distinguish between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.