Udiometry

Udiometry is the practice of measuring hearing ability, specifically the perception of sound at different frequencies and intensities. It is a crucial component of audiological evaluations and is performed by audiologists and other hearing healthcare professionals. The primary tool used in udiometry is an audiometer, a medical device that generates pure tones and speech stimuli at controlled levels.

The most common type of udiometry is pure-tone audiometry. This involves presenting a series of pure tones, typically ranging from 250 Hz to 8000 Hz, at varying intensities. The individual being tested indicates when they can hear the sound, and this threshold of hearing is recorded for each frequency. This data is then plotted on an audiogram, a graph that visually represents the hearing thresholds.

Speech audiometry is another important aspect of udiometry. This evaluates an individual's ability to understand spoken words at different presentation levels. It helps to determine the most comfortable listening level (MCL) and the speech reception threshold (SRT), which is the lowest intensity at which a person can correctly identify 50% of spoken words. Understanding speech in the presence of background noise is also often assessed.

Udiometry is essential for diagnosing hearing loss, determining its type and severity, and monitoring changes in hearing over time. The results guide treatment decisions, such as the recommendation for hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other rehabilitative strategies. It is a non-invasive and painless procedure fundamental to assessing and managing auditory health.