Name of the Procedure:

Screening Test, Pure Tone, Air Only
Other names: Pure tone audiometry, Hearing test via air conduction

Summary

A pure tone audiometry screening test checks your ability to hear sounds at different pitches and volumes using earphones. This test is non-invasive and helps determine the presence of hearing loss.

Purpose

It identifies hearing impairments by measuring how well you can hear sounds transmitted through the air. The main goal is to diagnose any hearing issues and potentially guide towards appropriate interventions or treatments.

Indications

• Experiencing difficulty hearing or understanding conversations
• Regular exposure to loud noise environments
• History of ear infections or hearing loss
• Monitoring hearing in patients with conditions that could affect hearing (e.g., ototoxic medications, neurological disorders)
• Routine hearing check-ups, especially for children and older adults

Preparation

• No special preparation is needed
• Avoid loud noise exposure for at least 24 hours before the test
• Remove any hearing aids or devices before the test

Procedure Description

1. You will be seated in a soundproof room.
2. You will wear a pair of headphones connected to an audiometer.
3. The audiologist will play a series of tones at various pitches and volumes.
4. You will be asked to signal (typically by pressing a button) whenever you hear a sound.

Tools/Equipment: Audiometer, headphones
Anesthesia/Sedation: None required

Duration

Approximately 10-30 minutes

Setting

The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient clinic, audiology center, or a hospital's otolaryngology department.

Personnel

The test is usually conducted by an audiologist or a trained hearing technician.

Risks and Complications

This procedure has no known risks or complications.

Benefits

• Early detection of hearing loss or related issues
• Immediate feedback on hearing health
• Basis for further intervention or treatment plans

Recovery

• No recovery time needed
• Immediate return to normal activities
• Follow-up appointments if hearing loss is detected or if further testing is required

Alternatives

• Bone conduction audiometry (measures sound transmission through bones)
• Speech audiometry (tests your ability to hear and repeat words)
• Tympanometry (measures the function of the middle ear)

Pros and Cons: Pure tone audiometry (air only) is typically quicker and less invasive compared to other methods, but it does not measure conductive hearing loss (which involves middle ear problems).

Patient Experience

The test is comfortable and pain-free. You will hear different tones, some of which may be faint, requiring concentration to detect. There might be a brief period of adjustment to the complete silence of the soundproof room.