Audiometry is used to diagnose and treat hearing loss, to monitor the effectiveness of hearing aids and other assistive devices, and to measure hearing acuity.

Pure-tone audiometry is the most common type of audiometry. It involves presenting a series of pure tones at different frequencies and intensities to the patient and asking them to indicate when they can hear the tone.

Pure-tone audiometry is used to determine the patient's hearing threshold, to identify the type and severity of hearing loss, and to assess the patient's ability to understand speech.

The hearing threshold is the softest sound that a person can hear.

The unit of measurement for hearing threshold is decibels (dB).

The range of normal hearing is 0 to 20 dB.

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss.

Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by damage to the cochlea, the auditory nerve, or the brainstem.

Conductive hearing loss can be caused by obstruction of the ear canal, perforation of the eardrum, otitis media, or other conditions that affect the transmission of sound waves to the cochlea.

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.

Central hearing loss can be caused by damage to the brainstem, the auditory cortex, the thalamus, or other parts of the central nervous system.

The symptoms of hearing loss can include difficulty hearing speech, difficulty understanding conversations, tinnitus, and other symptoms.

Hearing loss is diagnosed using a variety of tests, including audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, and auditory brainstem response.

Hearing loss can be treated with a variety of methods, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, surgery, and other treatments.

The prognosis for hearing loss depends on the type and severity of the hearing loss. Some types of hearing loss are permanent, while others can be treated with hearing aids, cochlear implants, or surgery.