Why is masking important during hearing tests?

Masking is crucial during hearing tests primarily because it prevents crossover or cross-hearing. In situations where one ear is tested, sounds can potentially be heard by the opposite ear, leading to inaccurate results. This is especially pertinent when there is a significant difference in hearing sensitivity between the ears. If the test ear hears a sound that is also perceived by the non-test ear, the results could falsely reflect the hearing ability of the better ear instead of the ear being tested.

By using masking, a sound is introduced into the non-test ear to ensure it does not contribute to the test results. This creates a clearer picture of an individual's hearing ability in each ear, allowing for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plans. Therefore, proper masking techniques are essential to obtain valid thresholds for audiometric testing.