What is the purpose of a bone oscillator in hearing testing?

The purpose of a bone oscillator in hearing testing is to transmit sound vibrations directly to the inner ear. This device works by bypassing the outer and middle ear entirely, sending vibrations through the skull bones. When these vibrations reach the cochlea in the inner ear, they stimulate the auditory nerve, allowing the hearing professional to assess the patient's hearing ability without interference from the outer or middle ear.

This method is particularly useful in diagnosing different types of hearing loss, specifically sensorineural versus conductive hearing loss, since it directly tests the inner ear's function. By effectively delivering sound vibrations in this way, the bone oscillator provides a clear and objective evaluation of the auditory system’s capabilities.