Microprocessor, self-recording and manual audiometry

AC HTLs were measured on 12 normal-hearing young adults by (a) standardized manual, (b) self-recording (Bekesy), and (c) microprocessor audiometry stimulating standard manual procedure, to determine how threshold measurements would be affected by the 3 methods of testing when utilized in industrial hearing conservation programs for compliance with federal agency recommendations. Self-recording audiometry resulted in mean thresholds lower than standard manual audiometry by from 1-9 db; microprocessor audiometry resulted in thresholds higher than standard manual audiometry by from 0.2-4.4 db except at 4 kc/s where the microprocessor mean threshold was 3.8 db lower. Thus microprocessor audiometry more closely approximated audiometry by standard manual procedure. All 3 methods required 7-8 min per S for a 7-frequency audiogram on both ears.