What is Bone Conduction Testing?
Bone conduction testing is a diagnostic procedure used to assess hearing by bypassing the outer and middle ear and directly stimulating the inner ear. During bone conduction testing, a device called a bone oscillator is placed against the mastoid bone behind the ear or on the forehead. The bone oscillator delivers vibrations to the skull bones, which are transmitted to the cochlea, the hearing organ in the inner ear. These vibrations stimulate the cochlea, allowing the individual to perceive sound even if there are issues with the outer or middle ear. Bone conduction testing helps determine the integrity of the inner ear and can differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Bone conduction testing is particularly useful in evaluating patients with conductive hearing loss, where sound transmission through the outer or middle ear is impaired. It helps audiologists and healthcare professionals determine whether the hearing loss originates from problems in the outer/middle ear or the inner ear. Additionally, bone conduction testing is valuable in assessing candidates for hearing aids and cochlear implants, as it provides insight into how sound is transmitted to the inner ear. By understanding how bone conduction influences hearing, healthcare providers can develop appropriate treatment plans to address various types of hearing loss and improve auditory function in patients.