AAO-HNSF Certificate Program for Otolaryngology Personnel

Basis of Audiometric Evaluation: Terminology and Concepts Minimum Audibility Curve

– The human ear is more sensitive to certain frequencies than to others. Our auditory systems are most sensitive to the mid frequencies. Consequently, it requires less physical energy to make a 2000 Hz audible (reach the threshold of audibility) than for a 250 Hz or a 6000 Hz tone.

AAO-HNS/F

Certificate Program for Otolaryngology Personnel Workshop

37

Basis of Audiometric Evaluation: Terminology and Concepts

• Pure Tone: Sounds generated by the audiometer for the purpose of assessing hearing. A pure tone is frequency specific with little spectral splatter.

• There are no pure tones in speech

• The tones may be presented either single or pulsed

AAO-HNS/F

Certificate Program for Otolaryngology Personnel Workshop

38

Basis of Audiometric Evaluation: Terminology and Concepts • Warble tone: Tonal stimuli that are modulated. Frequency may deviate by as much ± 10 %

• Warble tones may be useful for patients with tinnitus or with children

• Results should not differ from pure tones

AAO-HNS/F

Certificate Program for Otolaryngology Personnel Workshop

39