Bone conduction testing is a type of hearing test that allows an audiologist to determine whether a person is experiencing sensorineural or conductive hearing loss. This test involves the use of vibrations that are transmitted directly through the skull, bypassing the external and middle ear, to gauge hearing ability.
Typically, this test is administered alongside an air conduction test or pure-tone audiometry, which is usually the type of hearing test you think of when you think of a hearing test. The procedure is gentle and non-invasive, designed to be painless for the individual undergoing the test. Here’s a brief overview of what the test entails.
Test Overview
The bone conduction test is generally performed immediately following the air conduction test. During the bone conduction test, the audiologist switches the traditional headphones for a specialized headband equipped with a bone vibrator. The headband is positioned around the head along the mastoid bone behind the ear.
Throughout the exam, the audiologist will direct the patient to signal, either by raising a hand or pressing a button, upon detecting sounds. These auditory cues are presented at varying intensities and through each ear separately to pinpoint potential hearing loss.
Test Functionality
The bone conduction test transmits sound through the mastoid bone to the inner ear. By circumventing the outer and middle ear, it becomes possible to identify which portion of the ear hearing loss is coming from. The audiologist determines the softest tone a person can perceive, which provides insights into the degree of hearing loss. Difficulty in detecting sounds via the bone vibrator may suggest inner ear or sensorineural hearing loss, while challenges with the air conduction test may point to conductive hearing loss.
Types of Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is hearing loss that occurs in the inner ear and is often permanent. Upon diagnosis, a hearing specialist can collaborate with you to explore management strategies for your symptoms. These often involve the use of hearing aids, which can significantly enhance your ability to engage in conversations and preserve social interactions after a loss of hearing has been established. If you’ve noticed you sometimes struggle to hear conversations with friends at Mothership Coffee, it may be the SNHL you’re experiencing.
Conductive hearing loss is hearing loss that occurs in the outer and middle ear. Â Medicine or surgery can sometimes fix this form of hearing loss; a hearing specialist can help determine the cause and provide treatment options.
For further information on auditory health or to set up a hearing test, contact Nevada Ear + Sinus Institute to schedule an appointment.
Call Nevada Ear + Sinus Institute at (702) 735-7668 for more information or to schedule an appointment.