HIS Pure Tone & Speech Audiometry

Question 1

What does pure tone audiometry primarily assess?

Accepted Answer

Hearing threshold across frequencies

Answer

Pure tone audiometry is a fundamental hearing test that measures a person's hearing sensitivity for specific pure tones (single frequencies). It determines the softest sound (threshold) an individual can hear at various frequencies, typically ranging from 250 Hz to 8000 Hz. This provides a detailed audiogram, which is a graphical representation of their hearing thresholds, helping to identify the type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss.

Question 2

Which unit is used to measure hearing thresholds?

Accepted Answer

dB HL

Answer

Hearing thresholds are measured in decibels Hearing Level (dB HL), which is a standardized unit used in audiometry. dB HL references the average hearing threshold of young, healthy adults, meaning 0 dB HL represents normal hearing. This unit allows for a consistent comparison of an individual's hearing ability against a normative standard, making it the appropriate unit for reporting hearing thresholds.

Question 3

What is the purpose of masking during pure tone audiometry?

Accepted Answer

Isolate the test ear

Answer

Masking is a critical procedure used during pure tone audiometry to prevent the non-test ear from hearing the sound presented to the test ear. When the sound presented to the test ear is loud enough to cross over to the non-test ear, masking introduces a narrow-band noise to the non-test ear. This ensures that the measured threshold accurately reflects the hearing ability of only the ear being tested, preventing false results and ensuring test validity.

Question 4

Which frequencies are commonly tested in a standard pure tone audiogram?

Accepted Answer

250 Hz to 8000 Hz

Answer

A standard pure tone audiogram typically tests hearing thresholds at octave and inter-octave frequencies ranging from 250 Hz to 8000 Hz. This range covers the most critical frequencies for understanding human speech and environmental sounds. Testing these specific frequencies provides a comprehensive overview of a person's hearing ability across the speech banana and helps characterize the nature of any hearing loss.

Question 5

What does the speech recognition threshold (SRT) assess?

Accepted Answer

Minimum intensity to repeat words

Answer

The Speech Recognition Threshold (SRT) assesses the softest level at which a person can correctly identify and repeat 50% of spondee words (two-syllable words with equal stress). It is a measure of hearing sensitivity for speech and serves as a valuable cross-check for pure tone average thresholds. The SRT helps confirm the reliability of pure tone results and provides insight into a person's ability to detect speech.

(HIS) Hearing Instrument Specialist Certification Practice Test

(HIS) Hearing Instrument Specialist Certification Practice Test

HIS Pure Tone & Speech Audiometry