Name of the Procedure:

Bekesy Audiometry

Summary

Bekesy audiometry is a diagnostic hearing test that helps determine an individual's hearing sensitivity and identify possible hearing impairments. This test involves tracing the patient's ability to hear different tones that vary in pitch and intensity.

Purpose

Bekesy audiometry aims to diagnose hearing loss and evaluate the functioning of the auditory system. It is particularly useful for distinguishing between types of hearing loss (e.g., sensorineural vs. conductive) and for detecting issues in specific parts of the auditory pathway.

Indications

• Unexplained hearing loss
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Difficulty understanding speech
• Suspected inner ear disorder
• Auditory processing disorders

Specific symptoms or conditions that may warrant this procedure also include sudden hearing deficits, ongoing ear infections, and imbalance or vertigo.

Preparation

• No special preparation is required for Bekesy audiometry.
• Patients should avoid exposure to loud noises for at least 24 hours before the test.
• Any hearing aids should be removed before the test.
• Patients should inform their audiologist about any medications or underlying health conditions.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is seated in a quiet, sound-treated room.
2. Earphones are placed over the patient's ears.
3. The patient is given a control button connected to the audiometer.
4. The test begins by playing a series of tones that vary in pitch and loudness.
5. The patient is instructed to press the button when they can hear the tone and release it when they can no longer hear the tone.
6. This process is repeated several times to generate an audiogram that reflects the patient's hearing threshold levels across different frequencies.
7. The audiologist monitors the process and ensures accurate results.

Bekesy audiometry utilizes a specialized audiometer and typically does not require anesthesia or sedation.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete.

Setting

Bekesy audiometry is performed in a sound-treated room, often located within an audiology clinic or outpatient medical facility.

Personnel

• Audiologist

Risks and Complications

The procedure is non-invasive and carries minimal risks. Rarely, patients might experience slight discomfort due to the earphones or the tones played during the test.

Benefits

• Accurate assessment of hearing ability.
• Identification of specific types and causes of hearing loss.
• Facilitates tailored hearing treatment or intervention plans.
• Quick and reliable results.

Recovery

• No recovery time is needed.
• Patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the test.
• The audiologist will discuss the results and any necessary follow-up steps or treatments.

Alternatives

• Pure-tone audiometry: a simpler hearing test that does not provide as detailed information.
• Speech audiometry: evaluates how well the patient can understand speech.
• Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing: assesses inner ear hair cell function, mainly used for infants and young children.
• The choice of test depends on the specific clinical question and patient needs.

Patient Experience

• The patient may feel a sense of anticipation while waiting to hear the tones.
• Pressing and releasing the control button is straightforward but requires focus.
• Patients usually find the procedure easy and non-stressful.
• Post-test feedback is immediate, helping understand the next steps if any hearing loss is detected.