What type of testing is used to assess the function of the inner ear specifically?

Bone conduction testing is a specific method used to assess the function of the inner ear. It works by bypassing the outer and middle ear, directly stimulating the cochlea through vibrations applied to the skull. This test helps determine if there is a sensorineural hearing loss, as it isolates the cochlear function directly. When the inner ear is functioning correctly, the patient can perceive the vibrations as sound.

Pure tone audiometry primarily assesses hearing sensitivity across a range of frequencies but does not specifically isolate inner ear function, as it includes both air and bone conduction measures. Visual reinforcement audiometry is mainly used for children and evaluates responses to sounds in a visual context, not specifically the inner ear. Speech audiometry focuses on understanding and repeating words, which assesses higher-level auditory processing rather than the specific function of the inner ear.