Audiometric Testing Procedures Flashcards

What is a 'false positive' response during pure-tone audiometry?

Answer: A patient responds when no tone was actually presented

A false positive occurs when the patient raises their hand or signals a response even though no tone was presented, indicating unreliable testing behavior.

Which audiometric configuration is classically associated with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)?

Answer: Notch at 4,000 Hz with better thresholds at adjacent frequencies

Noise-induced hearing loss characteristically produces a notch (threshold dip) at 4,000 Hz, with recovery at 8,000 Hz, due to the cochlear resonance response to hazardous noise.

What is the recommended ambient noise level (in dB SPL) for audiometric testing in a test booth at 500 Hz according to ANSI standards?

Answer: 11.5 dB SPL

ANSI S3.1 specifies maximum permissible ambient noise levels; at 500 Hz the limit is 11.5 dB SPL to allow valid threshold testing down to 0 dB HL.

What audiometric finding distinguishes sensorineural hearing loss from conductive hearing loss?

Answer: Bone conduction thresholds are elevated and match air conduction thresholds

In sensorineural hearing loss, both air and bone conduction thresholds are elevated with no significant air-bone gap, indicating inner ear or neural involvement.

What is the minimum air-bone gap (in dB) that is considered clinically significant for diagnosing conductive hearing loss?

Answer: 15 dB

An air-bone gap of 15 dB or greater at two or more frequencies is considered clinically significant and suggests conductive pathology in the outer or middle ear.

Which condition would most likely produce a Type As (shallow) tympanogram?

Answer: Otosclerosis or malleus fixation

A Type As tympanogram shows a peak at normal pressure but with reduced compliance (shallow peak), characteristic of stiffness-related conditions like otosclerosis.

When should audiometric equipment be calibrated according to ASHA and ANSI guidelines?

Answer: Daily listening checks with full electroacoustic calibration annually

ASHA and ANSI recommend daily biological listening checks to detect obvious problems and full electroacoustic calibration at least annually per ANSI S3.6 standards.