Békésy Audiometry
Pronunciation: BAY-keh-shee
A self-recording audiometric technique in which the patient continuously tracks their own hearing threshold by pressing a button as tones are presented in a sweeping or fixed-frequency mode, yielding diagnostic pattern types.
Full Definition
Developed by Georg von Békésy, this procedure requires the patient to actively indicate audibility by holding a button (making the tone quieter) and releasing it (making the tone louder) as a motor-driven attenuator varies stimulus level. The resulting tracing pattern—classified into Types I through V—can differentiate cochlear from retrocochlear pathology based on the relationship between continuous and pulsed tone tracings. Békésy audiometry has been largely replaced in clinical practice by acoustic reflex testing and auditory brainstem response, but it remains historically significant and appears in older literature. Editors should capitalise 'Békésy' (note the accent on the 'e') as it is an eponym; the accent is frequently lost in non-specialist editing.
Usage
Usage note: Always retain the accent: Békésy, not Bekesy. Capitalise as an eponym. Note that this test is now largely of historical and research interest rather than routine clinical use.
In Context
- "The Békésy Type IV tracing pattern supported the diagnosis of retrocochlear pathology, prompting referral for MRI." — Historical diagnostic audiology report
- "Editors should retain the acute accent in 'Békésy' and resist auto-correct substitutions that remove diacritical marks." — Editorial style note