What is the primary goal of audiometric masking?

The primary goal of audiometric masking is to accurately measure thresholds by preventing crossover. This process ensures that the sound presented to one ear does not accidentally stimulate the other ear, which can occur if there is a significant difference in hearing sensitivity between the two ears. When testing hearing levels, especially in individuals with unilateral or asymmetric hearing loss, masking helps isolate the ear being tested. By using a noise stimulus to cover the non-test ear, audiologists can determine more precise thresholds for the test ear, leading to better diagnosis and treatment planning.

Masking is critical in audiometric assessments because without it, the results may be unreliable due to the influence of sound heard by the unaffected ear, resulting in a distorted interpretation of an individual's hearing capability. This is particularly important in clinical settings where accurate hearing measurement is vital for the appropriate fitting of hearing aids or development of rehabilitation plans.