The Audioscan: a high frequency resolution audiometric technique and its clinical applications.
The Audioscan is a form of high definition audiometry based on iso-hearing level frequency sweeps, which was developed by Meyer-Bisch in 1990. Compared with traditional tone audiometry, it sweeps across the preset frequency range at a predetermined sweep rate and provides a continuous audiometric curve. Because the device has a maximum frequency range of 125-16 000 Hz with 64 frequencies per octave, the Audioscan method can, theoretically, give 64 times as many values as fixed-frequency audiometry, which may give greater accuracy and sensitivity. An advantage of this is its capacity to detect mild audiometric deficits such as narrow notches situated between the frequencies normally tested. These may represent very limited auditory lesions, at a stage when they cannot be detected by routine audiological methods. Thus, the Audioscan method can give not only a detailed audiometric curve, but also provide important indicators of mild auditory dysfunction. The Audioscan device (e.g. Essilor model) is commercially available for clinical purpose. It is a software-based system, which can also be used for pure tone audiometry and Békésy audiometry. This paper reviews the general aspects of the Audioscan technique and current applications for detecting auditory dysfunction. This would be valuable to provide some guidelines on the Audioscan assessment, and contribute to a clarification of the clinical application of Audioscan and facilitate further research.
Zhao
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School of Psychology, Cardiff University, PO Box 901, Cardiff CF10 3GY, Wales, UK. Zhaof1@cf.ac.uk
Stephens
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D
Meyer-Bisch
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D001299:Audiometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D001309:Auditory Threshold; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000175:diagnosis