The Forward-Backward Discrepancy in Bekesy Audiometry

Abstract

The discrepancy between forward and backward Bekesy tracings for continuous sweep-frequency signals was analyzed in 185 patients, 30 with normal hearing and 155 with various types of hearing disorders. A significant forward-backward discrepancy was observed in only a very small percentage of cochlear disorders, but in a relatively large percentage of both retrocochlear and functional disorders. Consideration of the diagnostic value of the discrepancy leads to the recommendation that backward (high to low frequency) tracing of the continuous signal be considered an integral part of the Bekesy audiogram.