In the context of audiology, what does AC stand for?

In audiology, AC stands for Air Conduction. This term refers to the method of hearing testing where sound is transmitted through the air to the ear canal and then to the cochlea, allowing the audiologist to assess a person's hearing sensitivity in hearing assessments. Air conduction tests determine how well sound travels through the outer and middle ears before reaching the inner ear, where sound is processed.

Understanding air conduction is fundamental in audiology, as it helps differentiate between conductive hearing loss (problems in the outer or middle ear) and sensorineural hearing loss (issues within the inner ear or auditory pathways). The results from air conduction testing provide crucial information that guides hearing aid fittings and other audiological interventions.