audiological history
The structured case-history component of an audiological evaluation capturing onset, progression, aetiology, and impact of a patient's hearing or balance disorder.
Full Definition
An audiological history is the systematic gathering of patient-reported information relevant to the assessment and management of hearing and balance disorders. It encompasses the onset, laterality, and progression of hearing loss; history of noise exposure, ototoxic medications, ear surgery, or infections; family history of hearing loss; tinnitus; and vestibular symptoms. The history also includes the functional and psychosocial impact of the hearing difficulty, informing rehabilitation planning. In documentation, it is typically the first section of an audiological report and is distinct from the medical history provided by a referring physician. Editors should ensure it is not reduced to 'hearing history', which omits the balance component.
Usage
Usage note: Prefer 'audiological history' over the shortened 'hearing history' in formal clinical documentation. Note that British English uses 'audiological'; American English commonly uses 'audiologic'—apply house style consistently.
In Context
- "The audiological history revealed a progressive bilateral hearing loss over five years, with no reported history of noise exposure or ototoxic drug use." — Audiology clinic report
- "The editor standardised 'audiologic case history' to 'audiological history' throughout the document per the journal's British English house style." — Copy-editing note