During air conduction testing, small foam insert earphones are placed in your ear canals. In some cases, headphones may be used instead. A series of tones are presented at various frequencies. You are required to respond by pressing a button or raising your hand whenever you hear a tone; even if it is very soft. Your results indicate to us the softest level at which you can hear a tone for each of ten different frequencies that make up the speech spectrum.
Bone conduction testing requires us to place a small oscillator attached to a headband behind your ear. Again you are asked to respond to the softest tone that you hear at various frequencies. By reviewing the results of the bone conduction testing, compared to the air conduction testing, the audiologist can determine if your hearing loss is the result of a problem in the outer, middle or inner ear.