What is a shadow curve in audiometric testing?

A shadow curve in audiometric testing refers to the phenomenon where the better hearing ear responds to sounds intended for the poorer ear. This typically occurs during a hearing test where tones are presented to the ear with poorer hearing thresholds, and the sound can be perceived by the better ear due to the body’s shadowing effect on the sound waves. This can create a false representation of hearing ability because the results obtained may not accurately reflect the hearing capability of the ear being tested.

In this context, understanding the shadow curve is essential for audiologists to interpret test results correctly. It helps them differentiate between the actual hearing threshold of each ear and any misleading responses caused by the proficient ear. Therefore, the presence of a shadow curve can indicate a need for further testing or a different approach to accurately assess the patient’s hearing abilities.