Healthway Medical Centre provides diagnostic audiometry in Malta using both air-conduction and bone-conduction testing. The assessment measures hearing thresholds across a range of frequencies and records them on an audiogram. Comparing the results helps distinguish conductive, sensorineural and mixed patterns of hearing loss, with interpretation alongside your symptoms, history and ear examination.
Conductive hearing-loss patterns
A conductive component is suggested when sound delivered through the ear canal is heard less well than sound delivered by bone conduction, creating an air–bone gap. Problems such as obstructing wax or middle-ear conditions may affect sound transmission. Audiometry helps identify the pattern but does not, by itself, establish the underlying cause.
Sensorineural and mixed patterns
Sensorineural hearing loss generally affects both air- and bone-conduction thresholds without a significant air–bone gap. It involves the inner ear or auditory nerve pathways. Mixed hearing loss combines an impaired bone-conduction threshold with an additional conductive component. Results must be interpreted carefully, using masking when necessary to assess each ear accurately.
What happens during the test
You respond when you hear tones at different pitches and volumes. Testing is carried out one ear at a time where appropriate, with instructions explained beforehand. Your responses, ear examination and previous results contribute to the assessment. The clinician discusses any limitations and whether another investigation is needed.
When hearing symptoms need urgent review
A sudden or rapidly worsening change in hearing needs prompt medical assessment and should not wait for a routine hearing-test appointment. One-sided symptoms, persistent discharge, pain, dizziness or other associated features may also change the referral plan. A normal or near-normal audiogram does not explain every ear symptom.