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Your Guide to Hearing Tests
Most individuals get their first hearing test done under the age of ten. After this, a hearing test should be scheduled once a decade for people under the age of 60. For people over 60, once every one to two years is the best time frame to follow. What are the types of hearing tests you should know about before scheduling an appointment with your hearing health professional?
Pure-Tone Test
The most common test a hearing health professional will carry out. It requires the use of earphones and will have you sit in a soundproof room as the test is carried out. Each ear is tested one at a time to see the softest level of sound you can hear. You will need to say out loud when you hear the sound being played or you can raise a hand.
Speech Audiometry Test
Your hearing health professional will conduct this test when hearing loss is suspected. Instead of listening and responding to sounds, this test determines how well you can understand words being said. The level at which you can no longer repeat the word being played helps to understand your level of hearing loss.
Tympanometry Test
A tympanometry test focuses on your eardrum. A tiny probe is placed into your ear that reaches the middle ear, which air is then pumped through. The movements of your eardrum can be tracked across the associated graph; if the movements are found to be uncommon, it could be a sign of excess earwax built up. If your hearing health professional notices a buildup of earwax, they can professionally clean your ears removing the wax.
Acoustic Reflex Test
This is a middle ear test that measures a specific muscle’s response to sound stimuli. A probe is used to test how well this muscle contracts when sound is played. This test is a good further diagnostic tool if signs of hearing loss are found on a pure-tone test.
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Test
ABR test is good for both children and adults who cannot undergo a pure-tone test. This test uses head nodes to test for brain signals in relation to sounds played throughout the course of the test. You do not have to respond during this test, and simply need to lay still and quietly.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Test
This test targets your cochlea in particular, which is found in the inner ear. Your hearing care provider will place a small microphone in the ear, which will be used to measure inner ear responses to the sounds being played. This is another test that does not require your participation.
If you want to learn more about hearing tests and what they can do for you, schedule an appointment with a hearing health professional. They will listen to your concerns and answer and questions you may have an ease your worries about hearing tests. With these tests they will be able to find the right treatment for your hearing needs.
