Writing a report on audiometry

In summary, the difference between ear bone sound conductivity and ear air sound conductivity is that sound traveling through air reaches the sensory auditory cells differently than sound traveling through bone. This is due to the different propagation behaviors and phase differences caused by the density of the materials. It is possible to calculate the time it takes for sound to reach the auditory cells using basic acoustic physics.
  • #1
vabamyyr
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Im writing a report on audiometry and i don't understand what is the difference between ear bone sound conductivity and ear air sound conductivity. The methods they use to determine those parameters are so alike to me that it makes me wonder, what is the difference?
 
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  • #2
I am familiar with acoustics & the ear but not audiometry specifically. My thoughts are; there's a different propagation of sound reaching the sensory auditory cells through air (i.e. sound pressure wave vibrates the tympanic membrane, pressure signal couples to inner ear etc..), versus through bone in your head (denser material, causing different propagation behavior with a phase (time) difference reaching the cells, compared to air). You could even calculate the time it takes to reach the auditory cells in air-fluid compared to bone-fluid using basic acoustic physics (I leave that an exercise for the reader).
 
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  • #3


Audiometry is a specialized diagnostic procedure used to assess an individual's hearing ability. It involves the use of various tests and measurements to determine the level and type of hearing loss a person may have. One of the parameters that is evaluated during an audiometry test is the sound conductivity of the ear.

There are two types of sound conductivity in the ear - bone and air. Bone conduction refers to the ability of sound waves to travel through the bones of the skull and reach the inner ear. Air conduction, on the other hand, refers to the ability of sound waves to travel through the air and reach the inner ear through the ear canal.

The main difference between ear bone sound conductivity and ear air sound conductivity is the route that sound waves take to reach the inner ear. In bone conduction, sound waves bypass the outer and middle ear and directly stimulate the inner ear. This is why bone conduction is used to assess the functioning of the inner ear and the nerve pathways that carry sound signals to the brain.

In contrast, air conduction involves the entire hearing pathway, starting from the outer ear, passing through the middle ear, and reaching the inner ear. This method is used to assess the functioning of the entire hearing system, including the outer and middle ear, as well as the inner ear and nerve pathways.

The methods used to determine ear bone sound conductivity and ear air sound conductivity are similar in the sense that they both require the use of specialized equipment, such as an audiometer, to produce and deliver sound stimuli to the ear. However, the type of stimuli used for each method is different. For bone conduction, a vibrating device is placed behind the ear or on the forehead, while for air conduction, sounds are delivered through headphones placed on or in the ear.

In summary, the difference between ear bone sound conductivity and ear air sound conductivity lies in the route that sound waves take to reach the inner ear and the specific aspects of hearing that each method assesses. Both are important parameters in audiometry and provide valuable information about a person's hearing ability.
 

1. What is audiometry?

Audiometry is a diagnostic test that measures a person's hearing ability. It involves presenting sounds of different frequencies and volumes to determine the softest sounds a person can hear at various frequencies. This test is commonly used to identify hearing loss and determine its severity.

2. Why is audiometry important?

Audiometry is important because it helps identify hearing loss and its severity, which can impact a person's daily life and communication abilities. It is also used to monitor changes in hearing over time and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments or interventions.

3. How is an audiometry test performed?

An audiometry test is typically performed in a soundproof room by a trained audiologist. The person being tested sits in a sound booth and wears headphones. The audiologist presents sounds of different frequencies and volumes through the headphones while the person indicates when they can hear the sound by pressing a button or raising their hand.

4. What are the results of an audiometry test?

The results of an audiometry test are plotted on a graph called an audiogram. This shows the softest sounds a person can hear at different frequencies, with normal hearing falling within a certain range. The audiologist will interpret the results and determine if there is any hearing loss present and its severity.

5. What are some common reasons for abnormal audiometry results?

Abnormal audiometry results can be caused by a variety of factors, such as age-related hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss, ear infections, or damage to the ear or auditory nerve. Certain medications, medical conditions, and genetic factors can also contribute to abnormal results.

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