Conventional audiometry is best described as which of the following?

• A. A behavioral test that measures auditory thresholds in response to speech and frequency-specific stimuli presented through earphones
• B. An objective test using otoacoustic emissions
• C. A screening test using a single frequency tone without behavioral response
• D. A genetic assay for auditory function

Answer: (A)

Conventional audiometry is a behavioral method for determining hearing sensitivity. The person actively indicates when they hear sounds, so the results reflect their actual perception and response. It uses frequency-specific stimuli—usually pure tones across a range such as 250–8000 Hz—delivered through earphones, and can include speech stimuli to gauge how well speech is heard. The threshold at each frequency, the softest level detected, is plotted on an audiogram. Because the outcome depends on the patient’s behavior and responses, it is categorized as a behavioral test. This distinguishes it from objective tests like otoacoustic emissions, which do not require a response, or screening methods that may use a single frequency tone without a behavioral response.