Crossover, or cross-hearing, occurs when?

Crossover, or cross-hearing, occurs when the non-test ear hears the sound that is intended for the test ear. In audiometric testing, particularly when assessing hearing thresholds, sounds delivered to one ear can sometimes be perceived by the other ear, especially at higher sound intensity levels. This phenomenon can interfere with accurately determining the hearing sensitivity of the test ear because the response may originate from the non-test ear rather than the intended ear.

In the context of this question, recognizing that the non-test ear detecting the sound indicates crossover is essential for understanding auditory assessment dynamics. This knowledge helps audiologists and professionals in audiology to ensure that accurate thresholds are obtained and to consider masking techniques if crossover is suspected, thereby isolating the test ear to get valid results.