Pure-Tone Audiometry and Masking

Description

Pure-Tone Audiometry and Masking, one of five texts planned within the Basic Audiometry division of the Core Clinical Concepts in Audiology Series, is a text devoted strictly to these important areas.

Early sections describe integral concepts that provide foundation for the comprehensive audiologic evaluation, such as a basic acoustics overview, equipment, and calibration. This textbook leads the reader through preparation for testing and step-by-step generation of a pure-tone audiogram. Thorough description and many examples are provided relative to major parameters involved in audiogram interpretation: type of hearing loss, magnitude, configuration, and symmetry. The second section of the textbook relates to masking theory and procedures involved in clinical masking, particularly during pure-tone audiometry. Examples are provided here, in addition to sections regarding obtaining valid measures, pearls and pitfalls encountered during testing, audiogram interpretation with common hearing disorders, advanced applications for utilization of pure-tone stimuli in diagnostic Audiology, and more. This textbook serves as a framework for integration of additional audiologic procedures with pure-tone audiometry as its base. Many of the most difficult concepts for a beginning audiology student are addressed: references of the decibel in basic acoustics, calibration of equipment, interpretation of the audiogram, and masking procedures.

Table of contents

· Foreword by Series Editors James W. Hall, III, Ph.D. and Virginia Ramachandran, Au.D.
· Preface
· Acknowledgments
· About the Author
· Introduction

1. Rationale for Pure-Tone Audiometry

· Purposes
· Scope of Practice Issues
· References

2. Acoustics Overview

· Simple Harmonic Motion
· Frequency

· Intensity
db IL (Intensity Level)
db SPL (Sound Pressure Level)
dB HL (Hearing Level or Hearing Threshold Level)
dB SL (Sensation Level)

· Phase
· Complex Waveforms
· References

3. Preparation for Pure-Tone Testing

· The Hearing Clinic

· Equipment
Audiometer Types
Audiometer Controls
Transducers

· Calibration and the ANSI Standards
· The Daily Listening Check
· Patient Preparation
· Infection Control
· References

4. Threshold: Methods of Ascertaining and Recording

· Psychophysical Methods
Method of Adjustment
Method of Constant Stimuli
Method of Limits
Modified Hughson-Westlake Procedure

· The Audiogram
Forms
Audiometric Symbols

· Manual Pure-Tone Threshold Audiometric Procedures
Air Conduction Testing
The Pure-Tone Average
Bone Conduction Testing

· Obtaining a Valid Audiogram
Clinician Variables
Patient Variables
Stimulus Variables
Environment Variables

· References

5. Audiogram Interpretation

· Important Parameters
Magnitude
Type
Configuration
Symmetry

· Imparting Pure-Tone Findings
· References

6. Masking

· Masking in the Hearing Sciences
· Clinical Masking
· Masking Theory

· Rules of When Masking Should Be Implemented
Air Conduction (AC) Testing
Bone Conduction (BC) Testing

· Types of Noise Used Clinically
· Plateau
· Masking Procedure
· Recording of Results
· Sensorineural Acuity Level (SAL) Test
· Challenging Masking Cases
· References

7. Unconventional Pure-Tone Techniques

· The Pediatric Patient
Electrophysiology
Behavioral Observation Audiometry (BOA)
Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)
Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA)
Immittance Audiometry

· Tuning Fork Tests
· Nonorganic Hearing Loss
· Ultrahigh-Frequency Audiometry
· Conclusions
· References

8. Identification Audiometry: Hearing Screening

· Screening for Outer and Middle Ear Disorders
· Screening of Infants From Birth to Six Months
· Screening of Toddlers: 7 Months Through 2 Years
· Screening of Preschool-Aged Children
· Screening of School-Aged Children

· Screening of Adults
Disorder
Impairment
Disability

· Conclusions
· References

9. Sample Audiograms: Frequently Seen Hearing Disorders

· Conductive Hearing Loss
Otitis Media
Otosclerosis
Ossicular Chain Disarticulation
Cholesteatoma

· Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Presbycusis
Ménière’s Disease
Ototoxicity
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

· Central Disorders
Acoustic Neuroma
Auditory Neuropathy

· Auditory Processing Disorders (APD)
· References

10. Pure-Tone Audiometry: Past, Present, and Future

· Additional Historical Perspective
Békésy Audiometry
Tone Decay
Short Increment Sensitivity Index (SISI)
Alternate Binaural Loudness Balancing (ABLB)

· Pearls and Pitfalls: Current Pure-Tone Audiometric Techniques and Masking
Preparation for Testing
Pure-Tone Testing Session
Report Writing

· Additional Utilizations of Pure-Tone Stimuli
· Future Trends
· References
· Glossary
· Index