Bone Conduction
BCT
Description
"Bone Conduction" test determines how well sound vibrations travel through the bones of your skull to your inner ear. A vibrating device placed behind the ear bypasses the outer and middle ear to isolate inner ear function. This test helps distinguish between sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. It’s particularly useful for diagnosing issues like otosclerosis or nerve damage. Test results shape treatment decisions, including hearing aids, surgical options, or additional hearing assessments to preserve auditory health.
Test Category
Ear Function
Procedure
Non-Invasive
Sample Type
No biological sample is needed for this test.
Units
Decibels At Hertz
Procedure Category
Measure
Test Group
Vestibular and Auditory Assessment Group
Test Group Description
Vestibular and Auditory Assessment Group: Tests in this group assess the function of the vestibular system and auditory pathways, aiding in the diagnosis of balance and hearing disorders.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: Not Available
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 0.00–25.00 dB at 500 Hz–4,000 Hz
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Abnormal results may indicate:
Acoustic neuroma (benign tumor affecting the auditory nerve)
Acoustic trauma (damage to the inner ear due to loud noise)
Barotrauma (injury caused by changes in air or water pressure)
Cerumen impaction (build-up of earwax blocking the ear canal)
Cholesteatoma (benign growth in the middle ear)
Conductive he...
Key Reasons For Testing
Differentiating Conductive and Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Focuses on the cochlea to distinguish between conductive, sensorineural, or mixed hearing loss.
Identifying Hearing Loss Type: Works with air conduction tests to pinpoint the origin of hearing loss in the inner or middle ear.
Pediatric Hearing Screening: Detects hearing issues in newborns and infants that might be missed by standard tests.
Evaluating Retrocochlear Pathologies: Identifies auditory nerve issues or conditions like acoustic neuroma affecting sound transmission to the brain.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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