Table of Contents
1. What is air conduction testing?
Air conduction testing is an auditory test that is used to assess a person’s hearing. During the test, a series of tones are presented to the patient through headphones at different frequencies and intensities. The patient is then asked to indicate when they can hear the sound. This helps to identify any hearing loss and the type of hearing loss.
2. What is the purpose of air conduction testing?
The purpose of air conduction testing is to diagnose hearing loss, assess the severity of hearing loss, and identify whether the hearing loss is sensorineural, conductive, or both.
3. How is air conduction testing conducted?
Air conduction testing is typically conducted in a soundproof room. The patient is fitted with headphones and a series of tones are presented at different frequencies and intensities. The patient is then asked to indicate when they can hear the sound.
4. What are the different types of air conduction testing?
The two main types of air conduction testing are pure tone testing and speech audiometry. In pure tone testing, a series of tones are presented at different frequencies and intensities. The patient is then asked to indicate when they can hear the sound. Speech audiometry involves presenting speech at different frequencies and intensities and the patient is asked to repeat back what they hear.
5. Who should undergo air conduction testing?
Air conduction testing is typically recommended for people who have symptoms of hearing loss, such as difficulty hearing in noisy environments or difficulty understanding speech. It can also be used for people who have been exposed to loud noise or have a family history of hearing loss.
6. What are the risks associated with air conduction testing?
Air conduction testing is generally considered a safe procedure. There is a small risk of ear discomfort or pain due to the loudness of the tones.
7. How long does air conduction testing take?
Air conduction testing typically takes between 10-30 minutes, depending on the type of testing being conducted.
8. What is the difference between air conduction testing and bone conduction testing?
Air conduction testing is conducted by presenting tones to the patient through headphones. Bone conduction testing involves presenting tones to the patient through a vibrating bone conductor, which bypasses the outer and middle ear and directly stimulates the inner ear.
9. What are the results of air conduction testing?
The results of air conduction testing can help the audiologist diagnose hearing loss, assess the severity of the hearing loss, and identify whether the hearing loss is sensorineural, conductive, or both.
10. What should I expect after air conduction testing?
After air conduction testing, the audiologist will discuss the results with the patient and may recommend further testing or treatment. The audiologist may also refer the patient to an ear, nose, and throat specialist or hearing aid specialist for further evaluation and treatment.