Overview of Various Hearing Tests

Experiencing hearing loss as you grow older is not uncommon. Even children and teenagers, on the other hand, are susceptible to hearing loss. While some people seek treatment from an audiologist, others prefer to ignore the problem, which can have negative consequences in the long run, such as hearing loss that is irreversible.

Hearing loss can be classified into three categories:

• Conductive: Affects either the outer or middle ear.
• Sensorineural: Affects the inner ear
• Mixed: Combination of both

The following are some of the standard tests that are performed to evaluate the type of hearing loss that a person is experiencing and what treatment would be most appropriate for their situation.

Pure Tone 

To do this simple test, an audiologist will determine the faintest tone that can be heard at various pitches using a variety of different tones. The evaluation entails sitting in a room with minimal outside interference and donning headphones. Your audiologist will next play a series of sounds at various volumes and frequencies, and you will be asked to press a button whenever you hear a sound.

Speech

Another simple test that an audiologist can administer on an adult or older child is the speech test. While doing this test, you will be required to wear headphones, and your audiologists will ask you to repeat back what you have heard to them.

Audiometry

Self-recording audiometry, impedance audiometry, subjective audiometry and computer-administered audiometry are all examples of such tests. Using a variety of sound frequencies, an audiometry exam can assist in determining your hearing ability. Three components make up the test: the function of the middle part of the year as measured by mechanical sound transmission, the function of the cochlea as determined by neural sound transmission and the capacity to distinguish between different types of voices.

Tympanometry

In this hearing test, the middle ear is examined to determine how well it is functioning. This is done by checking the movement of the middle ear and eardrum. This test is critical in assisting audiologists in determining whether or not a patient needs hearing aids or medical attention.

The findings of this test are displayed on a tympanogram, which is a visual display device. When a sound wave is activated by air pressure, this is a visual representation of a patient's eardrum movement in reaction to the sound wave. Furthermore, this test is ideal for determining whether or not there is any fluid or wax buildup.

Response of the Auditory Brainstem

Finally, this type of test is useful in determining the amount of time it takes for sound to be processed in your ear. With this test, the goal is to determine whether or not the route or pathway that connects your ear to the area of your brain that comprehends sound is functioning properly.

If, after having one or more of the above tests done, you are diagnosed with hearing loss, your audiologist will then work with you to determine the best course of treatment to help, such as wearing hearing aids.