puhtasääniaudiometria

Puhtasääniaudiometria, also known as pure-tone audiometry, is a fundamental audiological test used to measure an individual's hearing threshold at various frequencies. This non-invasive procedure helps determine the softest sound a person can hear at different pitches, ranging from low to high. The test is conducted in a sound-treated booth to minimize external noise interference.

During puhtasääniaudiometria, the patient wears headphones. A series of pure tones, each at a specific frequency and intensity, are presented to one ear at a time. The patient is instructed to signal, typically by raising a hand or pressing a button, whenever they hear the sound. The audiologist then adjusts the intensity of the tone until the patient can hear it 50% of the time. This process is repeated for each tested frequency.

The results of puhtasääniaudiometria are plotted on an audiogram, a graph that visually represents hearing ability. The x-axis represents frequency in Hertz (Hz), and the y-axis represents intensity in decibels (dB HL). The resulting data points indicate the hearing threshold for each frequency, allowing for the identification of hearing loss, its type (e.g., conductive, sensorineural, or mixed), and its degree (mild, moderate, severe, or profound). This information is crucial for diagnosis, treatment planning, and rehabilitation of hearing impairments.