[Experience in the use of current methods in early and differential diagnosis of hearing disorders]

The authors review acoustic tests available for practitioners and sufficient for early diagnosis of hypoacusis. Low-frequency tuning--forks (C32, C64) are essential for detection of early conductive hypoacusis, whereas tests for acoustic sensitivity in high-frequency range (10-20 kHz) and in ultrasound band help differentiate neurosensory hypoacusis and otosclerosis. Registration of acoustic evoked potentials, electrocochleography are effective but not easy to perform techniques provided by only large audiological centers. Impedancemetry is more simple and permits more accurate diagnosis of the origin of neurosensory and mixed hypoacusis, it can be used in mass screenings, especially in children. Medical institutions furnished with currently available "battery of tests" can solve the problem of early diagnosis of acoustic defects.