AAO-HNSF Certificate Program for Otolaryngology Personnel

Masking –Air Conduction

How does sound cross to the other ear? –The headphones can vibrate causing the patient to hear through bone conduction –Sounds escape from the headphones and are heard through air conduction

AAO-HNS/F

Certificate Program for Otolaryngology Personnel Workshop

4

Masking –Air Conduction

Interaural attenuation—the reduction of sound energy between the ears. The interaural attenuation when using headphones is 40 dB. The interaural attenuation with inserts is 60 dB.

AAO-HNS/F

Certificate Program for Otolaryngology Personnel Workshop

5

When to mask for air Conduction? 3 factors

–Intensity of the stimuli –Interaural attenuation –Hearing of the non-test ear

If the air conduction threshold in the non-test ear  40 dB, MASK.

AAO-HNS/F

Certificate Program for Otolaryngology Personnel Workshop

6