In simple audiometry, how are results obtained?

• A. The results are based on subjective listening only
• B. Place the earphones on the patient, present a low-frequency tone to one ear to establish baseline, record results, then raise the tone by 10 dB until inaudible
• C. Use only very high-frequency tones
• D. Test both ears simultaneously without alternating tones

Answer: (B)

Simple audiometry measures how softly a person can hear a pure-tone stimulus in each ear by using the patient’s responses. You place earphones on the patient, start with a low-frequency tone in one ear to confirm the ear and equipment are working (establishing a baseline), and record that starting level. Then you increase the tone in fixed steps of about 10 dB until the patient indicates they hear it, noting the lowest level at which the tone is heard. Repeating this across frequencies builds a profile of hearing sensitivity for each ear. This method relies on the subject’s perception and response, which is why it’s described this way. The approach is about one ear at a time and uses successive, small increases to pinpoint the threshold, rather than testing both ears at once or relying on high-frequency tones alone.