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The limited accuracy of bone-conduction audiometry: its significance in medicolegal assessments

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

R. R. A. Coles ,
M. E. Lutman  and
D. W. Robinson
R. R. A. Coles*
Affiliation:
MRC Institute of Hearing Research, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD.
M. E. Lutman
Affiliation:
MRC Institute of Hearing Research, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD.
D. W. Robinson
Affiliation:
Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton SO9 5NH.
*
Dr. R. R. A. Coles, M.B., F.R.C.P.Ed., D.L.O., MRC Institute of Hearing Research, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD.
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Abstract

Accurate bone-conduction testing with masking is always difficult, but for clinical purposes limited accuracy suffices. However, when assessing claimants for compensation, extreme care is needed since even small apparent air-bone gaps are sometimes translated into financial abatement. This paper sets out the stringent test conditions required to achieve adequate precision. It also indicates the inaccuracies inherent in such tests, and recommends procedures for interpreting the significance of bone-conduction thresholds.

Keywords

Audiometry
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 105 , Issue 7 , July 1991 , pp. 518 - 521
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1991

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