Which method is considered the most sensitive for detecting hearing loss?

Audiometric testing is considered the most sensitive method for detecting hearing loss because it utilizes precise equipment to measure an individual’s hearing thresholds across various frequencies. During audiometric testing, an audiologist presents pure tones at specific decibel levels, allowing for a thorough assessment of both air and bone conduction. This testing can reveal subtle degrees of hearing loss that other methods might miss.

In contrast, the whisper test, finger rub test, and tuning fork tests are more subjective and can only provide a general indication of hearing ability. The whisper test assesses a person's capacity to hear faint sounds, which may not detect mild hearing losses. The finger rub test evaluates the ability to perceive sound but lacks the sensitivity required to identify the extent of hearing loss accurately. The tuning fork test, such as the Weber and Rinne tests, can help determine the type of hearing loss (conductive versus sensorineural) but does not quantify the degree of loss as effectively as audiometric testing does. Therefore, while the other methods provide some information, they do not match the comprehensive diagnostic capability of audiometric testing.