udiometri

Udiometry is a branch of audiology concerned with the measurement of hearing ability. It involves a series of tests designed to assess the sensitivity of a person's hearing across different frequencies and at varying sound intensity levels. These tests are crucial for diagnosing hearing loss, determining its type and degree, and monitoring changes in hearing over time.

The primary tool used in udiometry is the audiometer, an electronic device that generates pure tones at specific frequencies and intensities. The most common udiometric test is pure-tone audiometry, which involves presenting sounds to the individual and asking them to indicate when they can hear them. This is typically done using headphones, and results are plotted on an audiogram, a graph that visually represents hearing thresholds. Bone conduction audiometry is another important technique, where sound is transmitted through vibrations to the inner ear, helping to differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Speech audiometry, which assesses the ability to hear and understand spoken words, is also an integral part of a comprehensive udiometric evaluation. The information gathered from these tests guides diagnosis, treatment, and the fitting of hearing aids or other assistive listening devices.