What is the primary purpose of pure-tone audiometry in hearing assessment?
Pure-tone audiometry is used to determine a person’s hearing threshold levels at different frequencies, helping diagnose hearing loss severity.
Which type of hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve?
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs due to damage in the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve, affecting sound clarity and volume.
What is the function of the tympanometry test in audiology?
Tympanometry evaluates middle ear function by measuring eardrum movement in response to changes in air pressure.
Which hearing assessment method is commonly used for newborns?
Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing is a quick and non-invasive method used to screen newborns for hearing impairments.
Which factor can contribute to noise-induced hearing loss?
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds, such as machinery or music, can damage the hair cells in the cochlea, leading to noise-induced hearing loss.
Why is speech audiometry an important part of hearing assessment?
Speech audiometry evaluates an individual's ability to hear and understand speech, providing insight into their real-world hearing abilities.