Name of the Procedure:

Bekesy Audiometry

• Common Names: Bekesy Audiometry
• Technical/Medical Terms: Automatic Audiometry, Continuous Tone Audiometry

Summary

Bekesy audiometry is a type of hearing test that uses an automatic tracking technique to measure a person's hearing sensitivity. It's designed to determine how well a person can hear sounds at various pitches and volumes.

Purpose

Bekesy audiometry helps diagnose hearing loss by identifying the softest sounds a person can hear at different frequencies. The primary goals are to:

• Assess the degree and type of hearing loss.
• Aid in creating an appropriate treatment or management plan for hearing issues.

Indications

This procedure is recommended for individuals who:

• Experience difficulty hearing or understanding speech.
• Have a history of exposure to loud noises.
• Have ear-related symptoms such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or vertigo.
• Require hearing assessment for occupational purposes.

Preparation

• Patients may be advised to avoid loud noises for 24 hours before the test.
• No special fasting or medication adjustments are typically required.
• Ensure ears are free from excessive ear wax, as it can affect the results.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is seated in a soundproof booth and wears headphones.
2. A continuous tone is played, and its intensity automatically adjusts based on the patient’s responses.
3. Patients control a button to indicate when they can and cannot hear the tone.

4. The test tracks the thresholds of hearing across various frequencies.

   Tools and Equipment:

   • Audiometer with Bekesy audiometry capabilities
   • Soundproof booth
   • Headphones

Anesthesia or Sedation: Not required.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 20-30 minutes.

Setting

Bekesy audiometry is performed in an audiology clinic or a specialized hospital department.

Personnel

• Audiologist or trained technician conducts the test.
• Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist) may review and interpret results.

Risks and Complications

Bekesy audiometry is a low-risk procedure. Rarely, patients might experience:

• Mild discomfort from wearing headphones.
• Anxiety or confusion with the test process, particularly if inexperienced.

Benefits

• Accurate assessment of hearing ability.
• Identification of the type and degree of hearing loss.
• Information to guide treatment options, such as hearing aids or medical interventions.

Recovery

• Immediate recovery; patients can resume normal activities immediately after the test.
• Follow-up with the audiologist or ENT specialist to discuss results and potential treatment plans.

Alternatives

• Pure-Tone Audiometry: Measures hearing thresholds at specific frequencies without continuous tone adjustments.
• Speech Audiometry: Assesses the ability to understand and repeat spoken words.

• Tympanometry: Evaluates the function of the middle ear and eardrum.

  Pros and Cons Compared to Bekesy Audiometry:

• Pure-Tone Audiometry: Easier for patients to understand, but less detailed.
• Speech Audiometry: Useful for real-world hearing issues but does not measure specific frequency thresholds.
• Tympanometry: Focuses on middle ear function, not direct hearing sensitivity.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient may feel a bit of anticipation or concentration but generally will not experience pain. The environment is controlled to be quiet and comfortable. Post-procedure, there should be no lingering discomfort, and results are typically shared in a follow-up appointment.