Accurate AC and BC (including masking as appropriate) for each ear are needed to ____________ .

Accurate air conduction (AC) and bone conduction (BC) thresholds, along with appropriate masking, are essential for determining the type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss. This process involves assessing how sound travels through the ear via air and bone pathways, which helps to distinguish between conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss.

When precise measurements of AC and BC are obtained, they provide critical data regarding the functionality of the outer, middle, and inner ear. For instance, if a significant difference exists between AC and BC thresholds, it typically indicates a conductive hearing loss. In contrast, if both thresholds are similarly impaired, it suggests a sensorineural hearing loss. Additionally, analyzing the configuration of the hearing loss—whether it is flat, sloping, or rising—contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the patient's auditory profile. This information is vital for effectively planning treatment strategies.

While the other options involve aspects of audiological assessment, they do not fundamentally rely on accurate AC and BC thresholds in the same way. For example, determining the impact of hearing loss on word recognition scores may involve testing someone's ability to recognize words in various listening conditions, but this assessment is not exclusively dependent on knowing precise AC and BC thresholds. Similarly, calculating pure