A set of hearing tests must be completed before creating any treatment plan for hearing loss.
These tests establish the type of hearing loss you have and the severity of the condition.
In this blog, we’ll share with you the most common types of hearing tests.
But before anything else, what happens before a hearing test?
Before beginning testing for hearing loss, an audiologist will want to learn about your family and medical history. We will look over your medical history for signs of head trauma and head or neck traumas, which can predispose you or even cause hearing loss.
We will also look at your family history to see if you have a genetic issue like Meniere’s disease. This can result in hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, and nausea. Knowing your medical and family history is the first step toward an accurate diagnosis.
Types of Hearing Tests
Pure Tone Testing
This test measures your ability to hear sounds at different pitches and loudness using air conduction. Wearing headphones and sitting in a specially built booth will be required. Through the headphones, a succession of noises will be projected. You will be asked to raise your hand or click a button whenever you hear a tone. The outcomes will then be plotted on an audiogram.
Bone Conduction Testing
This is yet another pure-tone test that assesses your inner ear’s reaction to sound. A conductor will be implanted behind your ear, sending tiny vibrations straight to the inner ear through the bone.
Bone conduction testing differs from the classic version, which sends audible noises via air. If the findings of this test differ from the results of pure-tone testing, it will be easier for an audiologist to establish the type of hearing loss you have.
Speech Testing
This type of testing is used to determine your speech reception threshold (SRT), which is the faintest speech you can hear 50% of the time. It is given both in a quiet or noisy environment and assesses your ability to distinguish speech from background noise.
Acoustic Reflex Testing
This test detects involuntary muscle contractions in the middle ear and is used to pinpoint the site of your hearing impairment (the auditory nerve, ossicles, cochlea, and so on) as well as the type of hearing loss.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs)
OAEs are noises produced by the movements of the hair cells in your inner ear’s cochlea. This method of testing employs a small probe equipped with a speaker and microphone to stimulate and measure the cochlea’s response.
People with normal hearing will emit sound; however, when hearing loss surpasses 25-30 dB, no sound will be created. This test determines whether there is an ear canal blockage, damage to the cochlea’s hair cells, or excess fluid in the middle ear.
OAE testing is frequently part of newborn hearing screening programs.
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
This hearing test can identify sensorineural hearing loss. It’s also commonly used to check babies for hearing issues. Electrodes are hooked up to your head, scalp, or earlobes during an ABR exam along with headphones to wear.
Why is it important to get a hearing test?
Hearing tests are important because they serve as a baseline for audiologists to check your hearing health.
1. Hearing Tests Help Catch Hearing Loss Early On
Hearing loss can happen slowly. A hearing test can spot hearing problems early. This makes it easier for you to get help before it gets worse.
2. Improve Your Quality of Life
Hearing helps you stay connected with family, friends, and colleagues. A hearing test is beneficial because it can pinpoint what’s wrong with your hearing and help you find solutions the soonest possible time.
3. Detect Other Health Issues
Hearing loss is sometimes linked to other health problems like diabetes, heart issues, or even memory loss. A hearing test can give your doctor clues about your overall health.
4. Prevent Further Hearing Damage
If you work in a noisy place or listen to loud music often, a hearing test can tell you if your ears are being harmed. You can then take steps to protect your hearing.
5. Feel More Confident
Knowing your hearing is healthy (or getting help if it’s not) can make you feel more confident in conversations and social situations.
Regular hearing tests are an easy way to keep your ears and your life in great shape!
Hearing Tests in Washington
Link Audiology provides hearing tests in Silverdale, WA, Vashon, WA, and University Place, WA.
Based on your hearing test results and a review of your lifestyle, expert Washington audiologists at Link Audiology will create a treatment plan to address your hearing requirements.
Contact us today to book an appointment!
