Audiological History
A structured case history taken by an audiologist that documents the onset, progression, and context of a patient's hearing and balance complaints before testing.
Full Definition
The audiological history is a systematic, clinician-administered intake document that captures information including the nature, duration, and laterality of hearing difficulties; noise exposure history; familial hearing loss; ototoxic drug exposure; tinnitus; vertigo; and relevant medical and surgical history. It forms the interpretive framework for all subsequent objective and subjective test results. Editors reviewing audiology reports should confirm that case history findings are summarized in the presenting complaint section and that they logically connect to the chosen test battery. The term should not be abbreviated to 'history' in isolation in audiological documents, as this may conflate it with a general medical history. Comprehensive audiological history templates are often published by professional bodies as standardized intake forms.
Usage
Usage note: Should be documented as a discrete section in formal reports; avoid shortening to 'history' where confusion with general medical history is possible.
In Context
- "The audiological history revealed a 10-year occupational noise exposure history and a first-degree family member with bilateral hearing loss." — Diagnostic audiology report, presenting complaint section
- "Editors should verify that all elements of the audiological history are cross-referenced in the clinical impressions section of the report." — Audiology report writing manual