Evaluation of Operating Conditions on a Bekesy-Type Audiometer

Abstract

INTRODUCTION With the development of the new audiometer reported by Békésy¹ in 1947, the need for research applied to the evaluation of this testing device has become increasingly apparent. Reger³ points out that "several testing features of the 'instrument-patient' combination need early investigation" and offers a number of specific research suggestions. The present study was undertaken to provide some of the evaluative data required on the Békésy audiometer before the classic laboratory method of adjustment can be considered with respect to its general applicability in the hearing clinic. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of testing time and signal attenuation rate on three criterion measures: (1) threshold value at 1000 cycles per second (cps), (2) variability of response above and below mean threshold value, and (3) threshold reliability of test-retest audiograms. APPARATUS The apparatus of the study consisted of a Reger model of