What differentiates subjective tests from objective tests in audiology?

The distinguishing factor between subjective tests and objective tests in audiology is patient participation. In subjective tests, the patient's responses are essential for interpreting the results, as these tests rely on the patient's own perceptions of sound, such as their ability to hear tones at various frequencies or to respond to verbal instructions. This means the patient actively participates in providing feedback during the assessment.

In contrast, objective tests do not involve patient input or perception. Instead, they measure physiological responses to sound or brain activity without requiring the patient to respond, using equipment such as audiometers or tympanometers to obtain data. Consequently, the level of patient participation is what primarily separates these two types of testing, highlighting the subjective nature of one while emphasizing the objective basis of the other.