Audiometry (Air Conduction & Bone Conduction)

Audiometry commonly includes Air Conduction (AC) and Bone Conduction (BC) testing. These two methods allow the audiologist to assess hearing sensitivity and help identify where a hearing problem may be occurring within the auditory system.

• Air Conduction (AC): Sounds are delivered through headphones or insert earphones to measure how well sound travels through the outer and middle ear to the inner ear.
• Bone Conduction (BC): A small bone-conduction device is placed behind the ear to transmit sound vibrations directly through the skull to the inner ear.

The results of these tests are recorded on an audiogram, a graph that displays your hearing thresholds across different frequencies or pitches.

Understanding Your Audiogram

An audiogram may initially appear as a series of lines, symbols, and numbers, but it provides a clear picture of your hearing ability. A hearing threshold represents the softest sound you can detect at a particular frequency, typically measured in decibels (dB).

By comparing your air- and bone-conduction thresholds, the audiologist can determine the degree and type of hearing loss and identify whether the hearing difficulty may be related to the outer or middle ear, inner ear, or a combination of factors.

Audiometry can also be useful for monitoring hearing over time, including before and after certain medical treatments or procedures that may affect hearing.

At Alshifa Hearing Clinic, our qualified audiologists perform comprehensive AC and BC audiometry using modern equipment and professional testing techniques to provide accurate results and personalized hearing care recommendations.