Final answer:
An audiometry examination assesses hearing acuity by measuring the ability to hear various frequencies and intensities of sounds, represented in an audiogram. The nurse's teaching would include the basics of hearing function and what to expect during the test.
Step-by-step explanation:
An audiometry examination is a test that determines hearing acuity. It measures the ability to hear different frequencies and intensities of sound waves, providing a graphic representation of this measurement in an audiogram. The examination is performed over a range of frequencies, usually from 250 to 8000 Hz, and normal hearing threshold is represented as 0 dB across these frequencies.
Different tests, such as the Rinne and Weber tests, may be conducted to distinguish between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss using a tuning fork. Furthermore, the auditory system is designed to convert pressure waves into neural signals, allowing us to perceive sound. This system encompasses the auricle, auditory canal, tympanic membrane, ossicles, and cochlea, with each playing a crucial role in the process of hearing.
The nurse's teaching plan should focus on explaining these concepts to the patient and what to expect during the audiometry assessment. It's important for the patient to know that the test is non-invasive and that the purpose is to assess hearing function, not to measure cranial nerve function, identify middle ear inflammation, or analyze brain interpretation of sound directly.