CPT® Code 92560

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The Bekesy audiometry test, identified by CPT® Code 92560, is a specialized hearing assessment that utilizes pure tone air conduction to evaluate a patient's auditory capabilities. This test is unique in that it allows the patient to actively control the intensity of the sound stimulus, which distinguishes it from other standard hearing tests. The primary purpose of the Bekesy audiometry is to assist in differentiating between types of hearing loss, specifically identifying whether the loss is cochlear, related to the inner ear, or neural, associated with the auditory pathways in the brain. During the procedure, patients are typically situated in a soundproof environment, wearing earphones that facilitate the testing of each ear independently. The test involves a gradual progression through the entire range of audible frequencies, where the patient is equipped with a button to manage the sound's pitch and intensity. The patient is instructed to maintain pressure on the button until the sound is no longer perceptible, at which point they release the button. This action triggers a decrease in sound intensity, which then increases again once the button is released, allowing the patient to indicate when they can hear the sound once more. This back-and-forth process continues across all tested frequencies, producing a zigzag tracing that is recorded throughout the assessment. The results of the Bekesy audiometry are then interpreted, culminating in a comprehensive written report detailing the findings. It is important to note that CPT® Code 92560 is specifically designated for screening tests, while CPT® Code 92561 is used for diagnostic tests that may follow.