Conventional audiometry relies on which type of response?

• A. Behavioral responses to speech and tones presented through earphones
• B. Otoacoustic emission measurements without patient response
• C. Tympanometry-based pressure changes
• D. Vibration-based bone conduction only

Answer: (A)

Conventional audiometry hinges on the patient’s ability to actively indicate when they hear a sound. The test uses air-conduction stimuli—pure tones and speech—delivered through headphones, and the child’s behavioral response establishes the hearing threshold. This direct behavioral feedback is what defines this method. In contrast, otoacoustic emissions require no response from the patient, tympanometry assesses middle-ear pressure rather than hearing, and bone-conduction testing evaluates inner-ear function via a skull vibrator but is not how air-conduction thresholds are obtained in conventional testing.