Bekesy Audiometry is a diagnostic test that measures hearing thresholds through the evaluation of the functioning of the cochlea. The word "Bekesy" is pronounced as /bəˈkeɪzi/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling of the word is derived from the name of the Hungarian biophysicist Georg von Bekesy, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1961 for his work on the mechanics of the inner ear. This test is commonly used to diagnose sensorineural hearing loss and is named after the scientist who invented it.
Bekesy Audiometry is a specialized method of evaluating hearing abilities, typically conducted using a device called a Bekesy Audiometer. This type of audiometry was developed by Hungarian scientist Georg von Bekesy in the mid-20th century. It is based on his discoveries about the mechanics of the inner ear, specifically the cochlea.
In Bekesy Audiometry, a person's hearing thresholds are determined by using a tone generator that produces pure tones at varying frequencies and intensities. The individual being tested wears earphones or inserts, and the sounds are presented to one ear at a time. The frequency and intensity of the tones are gradually adjusted, and the person indicates when they can first perceive the sound by pressing a button or providing a verbal response.
The results of a Bekesy Audiometry test are plotted on a graph called an audiogram, which displays the individual's hearing thresholds at different frequencies. This helps audiologists and other healthcare professionals evaluate the person's hearing sensitivity and identify any hearing impairments, such as sensorineural hearing loss or conductive hearing loss.
Bekesy Audiometry is widely used in clinical settings and research studies to assess hearing acuity in individuals of various age groups. It provides valuable information about an individual's auditory function and can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing disorders.
The word "Békésy Audiometry" is derived from the name of its developer, Georg von Békésy. Georg von Békésy was a Hungarian biophysicist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1961 for his work on the mechanics of the cochlea, a spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear responsible for hearing.
Békésy developed a new technique for measuring hearing sensitivity, known as "Békésy Audiometry". This method involves delivering pure tones of different frequencies and intensities to an individual's ears and measuring their hearing thresholds. It revolutionized the understanding of auditory function and contributed significantly to the diagnosis and treatment of hearing impairments. As a tribute to his groundbreaking work, this technique was named after Békésy.