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Hearing Test

What is hearing test?

Hearing test is a procedure followed in order to evaluate the sensitivity of a person sense of hearing. The hearing in noise test measures a person ability to hear speech in quiet and in noise.

Hearing health is vital to a person’s overall well-being. According to the World Health Organization (WHO)* more than 5 percent of the world’s population, approximately 466 million people, have disabling hearing loss – of which 34 million are children. The numbers also show that on average people with hearing loss wait as long as 10 years before seeking help.

Signs of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss does not simply mean someone has issues with hearing soft sounds. A person dealing with hearing loss may perceive speech and other sounds as being “muffled” and they may also have difficulty hearing individual words or consonants, especially in noisy environments. Often you will notice that a person with hearing loss turns up the volume of their TV or radio to very high levels. They may also ask others to speak more slowly and clearly or to repeat themselves during conversations.

Changes in behavior, such as lost interest in participating in social events or no longer taking part in conversations, may also be a sign of hearing loss.

1. Pure tone audiometry (PTA)
You will be asked to wear headphones and sit in a specially designed booth. You will be instructed to raise your hand or press a button every time you hear beeps.This test is done to find out the softest sound that you can hear. The results will be noted by the audiologist on an audiogram and will be discussed with you after all the required tests are done.

2. Bone conduction audiometry
An instrument will be placed behind your ear which sends sound through the bone to your inner ear and the same instruction for pure tone audiometry is given. This test helps to determine your type of hearing loss.

3. Speech testing
This test is conducted by giving you headphones and a microphone, and you will be required to repeat the words you hear. It measures the softest speech you can understand 50 % of the time.

4. Tympanometry / Impedance Test
This test is not a hearing test just like the ART and uses the same instrument used for the previous test but instead of sound a slight pressure is introduced to the ear which helps determine the presence of fluid build up, wax or perforations.

5. Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA)
For this test a tester attaches/sticks electrodes on your head, scalp and behind your ears with a skin friendly adhesive and uses an instrument to record your hearing nerve’sresponse to sounds.

Types and Causes of Hearing Loss
The type of hearing loss is usually determined by where the issue arises anatomically in the ear (inner, middle or outer ear) as well as by its severity.

There are three categories commonly used to distinguish hearing loss by origin:

Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss refers to hearing loss that arises because sound cannot get through the outer or middle ear. It is often temporary and can be treated with medicine or surgery. This type of hearing loss can, among other reasons, be caused by fluid, earwax or an infection in the ear.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss comes from issues with the inner ear. This type of hearing loss is usually permanent. Age, noise and genetics are common reasons for sensorineural hearing loss.

Mixed Hearing Loss
This type of hearing loss is a combination of conductive-, as well as sensorineural hearing loss.

Additionally, a hearing loss is defined by its severity - ranging from mild to moderate and severe to profound. Hearing loss is also defined by whether one or both ears are affected and whether it was present at birth or acquired at a later point in time.

Hearing Loss Treatment
Treatment options largely depend on the type and the cause of the hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss can often be improved with medication or surgery. Sensorineural hearing loss, on the other hand, will most likely be supported by means of hearing aids or, if the hearing loss is especially profound, through cochlear implants.

If you think that you or a loved one is experiencing a hearing loss it is best to speak to an expert who will assess your hearing based on a hearing test, and who can help you find the solution that is right for you.

How Can I Prevent Hearing Loss?
Not all cases of hearing loss are preventable. However, there are several steps that you can take to protect your hearing:

  • Use safety equipment if you work in areas with loud noises, and wear earplugs when you swim and go to concerts. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication DisordersTrusted Source reports that 15 percent of people ages 20 to 69 experienced hearing loss due to loud noise.

  • Have regular hearing tests if you work around loud noises, swim often, or go to concerts on a regular basis.

  • Avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises and music.