Audiometers typically provide narrow band noise for which type of testing?

Narrow band noise is used primarily in pure tone testing because it serves to isolate specific frequencies while minimizing the potential for crossover to the non-test ear. This method allows for a more accurate assessment of hearing thresholds at individual frequencies by reducing the influence of other sounds. In pure tone audiometry, the objective is to determine the softest sounds a person can hear at various frequencies, and narrow band noise helps enhance this measurement by masking out sound outside the frequency of interest, thus focusing the test on the targeted auditory stimuli.

In contrast, other types of testing, such as speech testing, may use different forms of masking or noise to simulate real-world listening conditions, while bone conduction testing is typically concerned with bypassing the outer and middle ear. Otoacoustic emissions testing assesses cochlear function and does not require the same masking techniques as pure tone testing.