audiometry
C2Technical, Medical
Definition
Meaning
The measurement of hearing ability.
The branch of audiology concerned with the quantitative assessment of a person's hearing, typically by determining the lowest sound intensity levels a person can detect at various frequencies, often represented graphically in an audiogram.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Specifically denotes the scientific, clinical procedure. Not used for informal 'hearing checks'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The associated professional (audiologist) and practice (audiology) are identical. Spelling of related terms follows regional norms (e.g., 'centre' vs. 'center').
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both variants.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both dialects, used exclusively in medical/clinical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The audiologist performed audiometry on the patient.Audiometry revealed a high-frequency hearing loss.The clinic specialises in paediatric audiometry.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, audiological, and speech & hearing science research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A person would say 'I had a hearing test.'
Technical
The standard term in clinical audiology, occupational health, and ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) medicine for formal hearing measurement procedures.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The clinician will audiometrise the patient to establish a baseline.
- We need to audiometrise the children in the study cohort.
American English
- The clinician will audiometrize the patient to establish a baseline.
- We need to audiometrize the children in the study cohort.
adverb
British English
- The thresholds were determined audiometrically.
American English
- The thresholds were determined audiometrically.
adjective
British English
- The audiometric data was plotted on a standard chart.
- We require a soundproof booth for audiometric testing.
American English
- The audiometric data was plotted on a standard chart.
- We require a soundproof booth for audiometric testing.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The doctor sent me for a hearing test.
- After the noise exposure at work, he was required to undergo regular audiometric screening.
- Advanced diagnostic audiometry, including speech-in-noise tests, provided a more nuanced picture of the patient's auditory processing deficits.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: AUDIO (hearing/sound) + METRY (measurement) = measurement of hearing.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEARING IS A QUANTIFIABLE RESOURCE (that can be measured and charted).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'аудиометрия' (direct equivalent). While the word is similar, the concept is highly specific. In everyday Russian, one would say 'проверка слуха'. Reserve 'аудиометрия' for technical/medical contexts only.
- Avoid using it as a general term for any listening device or audio equipment.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'audiometry' to refer to a simple, informal check of hearing (e.g., 'My friend did audiometry on me by whispering.').
- Confusing it with 'audiology' (the broader field of study).
- Pronouncing it as /ɔːdiˈɒmɪtərɪ/ (adding an extra syllable).
Practice
Quiz
In which setting are you most likely to encounter the term 'audiometry'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but 'audiometry' is the formal, clinical term. A 'hearing test' is the everyday expression and can refer to less formal procedures, while 'audiometry' specifically denotes the scientific measurement and charting of hearing thresholds.
Audiometry is typically performed by a qualified audiologist or, in some settings, by a trained technician under an audiologist's supervision. An ENT doctor may also interpret the results.
The primary visual result is called an 'audiogram'. It is a graph that plots hearing threshold levels (in decibels) against sound frequency (in Hertz).
Not in standard usage. While technical forms like 'audiometrize/audiometrise' exist, they are rare. The standard phrasing is 'to perform audiometry on someone' or 'to carry out audiometry'.