What frequencies are tested when measuring bone thresholds?

The testing procedure is repeated at specific frequencies from 250 to 8000 hertz (Hz, or cycles per second) for each ear, and the thresholds are recorded on a graph called an audiogram. Bone conduction testing is done by placing an oscillator on the mastoid process and measuring threshold at the same frequencies.

How do you read an audiogram bone conduction?

The blue X line shows the left ear results from an air conduction test. The red O line shows the right ear results. If a bone conduction test is also needed, the results will be marked using a blue > line for the left ear and a red < line for the right (not pictured below).

What frequencies are tested for air conduction?

Air conduction hearing thresholds are measured for tonal stimuli at the range of frequencies from 0.125 kHz to 8 kHz with the use of headphones.

What is bone conduction audiometry?

Bone Conduction audiometry is conducted by placing a bone oscillator behind the ear instead of using headphones. The bone oscillator transmits sound through bone vibration to the cochlea or inner ear, bypassing the middle and outer ear.

Why do we do bone conduction testing?

This test is important in helping to determine if there is a problem with the outer ear, such as the ear canal, or the middle ear, such as the eardrum or the bones of the middle ear.

Is bone conduction worse than air?

It is possible that bone-conduction thresholds can be worse than air-conduction thresholds by 20 dB on the basis of normal vari- ability. However, a statement to the effect that this difference is due to ex- pected intertest variability will be cor- rect only once out of every 5,000 times the statement is made.

Why do we do bone-conduction testing?

What does bone-conduction testing assess?

Bone conduction testing is another type of pure-tone test that measures the inner ear’s response to sound. If there is damage or a blockage in the outer or middle ear, bone conduction audiometry testing may be used.

What are bone conduction thresholds in audiometry?

Bone conduction audiometry sends vibrations via a bone oscillator directly to the inner ear, so bone conduction thresholds should be equal to or better than air conduction thresholds in the same ear. Bone conduction thresholds are often marked with an < for the right side or an > for the left side.

How is a bone conduction test performed?

A bone conduction test is performed by placing a headband on the patient. The headband has a small square-like box that is placed behind the patient’s ear. This is an oscillator and this is how the sound is presented to the patient. The oscillator vibrates and sends the pure-tone sound directly into the cochlea, bypassing the outer and middle ear.

How effective are bone conduction implants for mixed hearing loss?

For mixed hearing loss, a bone conduction system can be very effective, but more amplification is needed to overcome the sensorineural element at the cochlea. In this case, the direct-drive design of the BONEBRIDGE Active Bone Conduction implant is the ideal treatment option.

What is the best bone transducer for audiometric testing?

Since its introduction in the 1970s the RadioEar B71 has been the bone transducer of choice for audiometric testing. In response to RoHS directive 2011/65/EU, which took effect in July 2014, RadioEar has developed the B71 bone transducer.