The ability to perceive sounds is integral to daily life and overall well-being. When concerns about hearing arise, medical professionals perform various assessments to evaluate auditory health. There isn’t one single “hearing test,” but rather a comprehensive set of evaluations designed to pinpoint specific aspects of hearing function.
The Main Hearing Test: Audiometry
The most common and thorough hearing assessment is known as audiometry. This test determines the softest sounds an individual can hear at different pitches and intensities. During pure-tone audiometry, sounds are delivered through headphones, assessing how sound travels through the outer and middle ear to the inner ear, a process known as air conduction. Bone conduction testing uses a device behind the ear to send vibrations directly to the inner ear, bypassing the outer and middle ear. This helps distinguish the origin of hearing loss.
Sound intensity, or loudness, is measured in decibels (dB), with higher numbers indicating louder sounds. Pitch, or frequency, is measured in Hertz (Hz), where lower frequencies correspond to low-pitched sounds and higher frequencies to high-pitched sounds. The results are plotted on an audiogram, which represents an individual’s hearing thresholds. An audiogram provides information on the type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss.
Other Diagnostic Hearing Assessments
Beyond audiometry, other specialized tests provide insights into auditory system function. Tympanometry evaluates the middle ear’s health by measuring how the eardrum moves in response to air pressure changes. This helps identify issues like fluid behind the eardrum or problems with the tiny bones in the middle ear.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) testing assesses the function of the inner ear’s outer hair cells. A small probe emits sounds and measures faint echoes produced by healthy hair cells. OAEs are frequently used for newborn hearing screenings.
The Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test, also known as BAER, measures how sound signals travel from the ear to the brainstem. This objective test does not require a patient’s active response, making it suitable for infants or individuals unable to participate in traditional hearing tests.
Speech audiometry, a component of many comprehensive evaluations, assesses an individual’s ability to hear and understand spoken words at various volume levels. This test helps determine how well a person can process speech, especially in challenging listening environments.
Reasons for Hearing Testing
Individuals may seek a hearing test for various reasons, including changes in hearing ability. Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments, is a common indicator. Ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus, or a sensation of muffled sounds can also prompt an evaluation. Many people find themselves needing to increase the volume of their television or radio, which suggests a potential hearing change.
Beyond symptoms, certain risk factors warrant hearing assessment. A family history of hearing loss or prolonged exposure to loud noise are factors. Routine screenings are important, including newborn, school, and occupational screenings. Regular hearing check-ups, such as every three years for adults over 50, establish a baseline and allow for early detection of changes.
The Hearing Test Experience
A hearing test typically begins with a consultation where the audiologist, an audiologist, gathers a detailed case history. The actual tests often take place in a soundproof room or booth to ensure accurate measurements by minimizing external noise. Individuals usually wear headphones or insert earphones during the examination.
Patients respond to sounds by raising a hand or pressing a button when they hear a tone or word. The audiologist records these responses to determine hearing thresholds. The process is painless and non-invasive, typically lasting about 30 minutes. Following the tests, the audiologist explains the results and discusses next steps or recommendations.