Pure-Tone Audiometry and Masking

Pure-Tone Audiometry and Masking, one of five texts planned within the Basic Audiometry division of the Core Clinical Concepts in Audiology Series, is a text devoted strictly to these important areas. Early sections describe integral concepts that provide foundation for the comprehensive audiologic evaluation, such as a basic acoustics overview, equipment, and calibration. This textbook leads the reader through preparation for testing and step-by-step generation of a pure-tone audiogram. Thorough description and many examples are provided relative to major parameters involved in audiogram interpretation: type of hearing loss, magnitude, configuration, and symmetry. The second section of the textbook relates to masking theory and procedures involved in clinical masking, particularly during pure-tone audiometry. Examples are provided here, in addition to sections regarding obtaining valid measures, pearls and pitfalls encountered during testing, audiogram interpretation with common hearing disorders, advanced applications for utilization of pure-tone stimuli in diagnostic Audiology, and more. This textbook serves as a framework for integration of additional audiologic procedures with pure-tone audiometry as its base. Many of the most difficult concepts for a beginning audiology student are addressed: references of the decibel in basic acoustics, calibration of equipment, interpretation of the audiogram, and masking procedures.