Masking in Audiology

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to masking in audiology, including definitions, processes, and important factors in clinical testing.

Masking

The process by which the threshold of hearing for one sound is raised by the presence of another sound (masker).

Test Ear (TE)

The ear that is being evaluated (tested) at the time, having no masking in it, only the tone/word.

Non-Test Ear (NTE)

The ear that is NOT being evaluated at the time; this is the better ear and it has the masking noise in it.

Crossover

Inadvertent acoustic stimulation of the NTE resulting from a signal presented to the TE.

Interaural Attenuation (IA)

The difference in sound intensity that must occur to prevent sound from being perceived in the opposite ear.

Undermasking

Occurs when there is insufficient masking in the NTE to prevent crossover to the TE.

Overmasking

Occurs when the masking noise in the NTE is at an intensity great enough to influence thresholds in the test ear.

Masking Plateau

The intensity range between the minimum necessary masking level and the maximum permissible masking level.

Response to Masking

When testing, masking is applied properly to keep the non-test ear occupied while testing the test ear.

A narrow band noise.

What is the masking signal for air conduction testing?

A narrow band noise.

What is the masking signal for bone conduction testing?

Speech noise.

What is the masking signal for speech testing?

AC= triangle for right, square for left; BC= bracket opening to right for right, bracket opening to left for left.

Symbols for audiograms

In everyday life, masking is often unwanted background noise, while in clinical audiometry, masking is intentionally delivered to the NTE.

Clinical Masking vs Everyday Masking

Asymmetrical differences in hearing

Audiologists must be aware of these differences when determining if masking is necessary.

Effective Masking

A sufficient amount of masking noise presented in the NTE to prevent crossover.

Speech Reception Thresholds (SRTS)

Masking can also be used to accurately assess word recognition abilities for each ear.