audiometric

Audiometric refers to audiometry, the systematic measurement of hearing ability. An audiometric assessment uses calibrated equipment to determine a person’s hearing thresholds across frequencies. It is commonly performed in clinical settings, occupational health programs, and research.

The most common test is pure-tone audiometry, which presents pure tones at frequencies typically from 250 Hz to 8000 Hz through headphones or insert earphones. The tester adjusts the tone level until the patient detects it, recording the threshold in decibels Hearing Level (dB HL). Bone conduction testing uses a skull vibrator to bypass the outer and middle ear and helps distinguish sensorineural from conductive loss. In addition, tympanometry or other measures of middle-ear function may be included to assess the status of the middle ear.

Speech testing is another component of audiometric assessment. Speech audiometry evaluates understanding of speech using standardized words or sentences, yielding measures such as the speech reception threshold and word recognition score. These results complement pure-tone findings and aid in functional assessment of communication ability.

Results are summarized in an audiogram, a graph of threshold dB HL by frequency. Equipment must be calibrated according to standards set by organizations such as ISO and ANSI, and testing conducted in a sound-treated environment to minimize ambient noise. Pediatric testing may involve age-appropriate procedures.

Applications include diagnosing hearing loss, fitting and evaluating hearing aids, monitoring occupational noise exposure, and guiding rehabilitation. Limitations include patient cooperation, ear canal conditions, and calibration accuracy. The term audiometric thus relates to the measurement methods used to evaluate hearing within the broader field of audiology.