AAO-HNSF Certificate Program for Otolaryngology Personnel

Why is Masking Necessary? • Goal of audiogram – evaluate auditory function of each ear independently. –Test using pure tones and speech stimuli • How do you know if the non-test ear is contributing to the response of the test ear? –Whenever suspected, mask!

AAO-HNS/F

Certificate Program for Otolaryngology Personnel Workshop

10

Masking –Air Conduction

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

AAO-HNS/F

Certificate Program for Otolaryngology Personnel Workshop

11

Masking –Air Conduction • Interaural attenuation – the reduction of sound energy between the ears.

• The interaural attenuation when using headphones is 40 dB.

AAO-HNS/F

Certificate Program for Otolaryngology Personnel Workshop

12