Békésy audiometry
Pronunciation: BAY-kuh-shee
A self-recording audiometric technique in which the patient controls the signal level by pressing and releasing a button, producing a tracing that can reveal patterns indicative of cochlear or retrocochlear pathology.
Full Definition
Békésy audiometry, named after Georg von Békésy, is an automated procedure in which the patient presses a button when they hear a tone and releases it when they do not, causing the attenuator to sweep up and down while the frequency either sweeps continuously or is fixed. The resulting tracings are classified into Types I–V, with Types III and IV suggesting retrocochlear involvement and Type V indicating non-organic hearing loss. Although largely superseded by electrophysiological tests in contemporary practice, Békésy patterns are still referenced in historical case notes and medicolegal documents. Editors should note that the accented form 'Békésy' is preferred in formal clinical writing; the unaccented 'Bekesy' is acceptable in informal contexts but should be consistent throughout a document.
Usage
Usage note: Retain the diacritics 'Békésy' in formal publications. Specify the tracing Type (I–V) when summarising results; do not omit the numeral.
In Context
- "Békésy audiometry revealed a Type IV tracing pattern, prompting referral for MRI of the internal auditory meati." — Audiological assessment report
- "A Type II Békésy pattern is consistent with cochlear hearing loss and does not require immediate further investigation." — Continuing professional development article