In the Hughson-Westlake procedure, how many dB steps do you ascend until the person responds?

In the Hughson-Westlake procedure, the correct method for ascending the dB levels involves increasing the intensity of the sound by 5 dB increments until the test subject responds. This approach allows for a gradual and sensitive assessment of hearing threshold. The use of smaller increments, such as 5 dB, enables audiologists to pinpoint the threshold more accurately, which is essential for diagnosing hearing loss or establishing baseline hearing levels. By ascending in 5 dB steps, rather than larger increments, the procedure minimizes the risk of overshooting the threshold and provides a clear and precise determination of the individual's hearing capabilities.