Which test measures hearing using sound waves?

• A. Angiography
• B. Audiometry
• C. Barium swallow
• D. Albumin test

Answer: (B)

Assessing how well someone hears by testing their response to calibrated sounds is what audiometry does. In this test, an audiometer delivers tones at various frequencies and volumes through headphones or a bone conductor, and the person signals when they hear each sound. The quietest level at which they can detect each frequency is recorded, producing an audiogram that shows the hearing threshold across the range of sounds. This directly measures auditory sensitivity and helps identify types and degrees of hearing loss.

The other options involve different purposes: angiography uses X-rays and contrast to visualize blood vessels, a barium swallow uses radiographic images after swallowing barium to examine the esophagus and stomach, and an albumin test assesses protein levels in the blood. None of these determine hearing ability, which is why audiometry is the correct choice.