How your Hearing is tested.
Children and Adults both need similar tests to understand their levels of hearing.
Understanding the Process of an Adult Hearing Test
Taking an adult hearing test is an important step in monitoring our auditory health. In this article, we will explain the process of a hearing test in simple terms while also using the official names of the various tests involved.
1. Case History
Before the actual testing begins, an audiologist will start by gathering information about your hearing health through a case history interview. This involves asking questions about your medical history, past exposure to loud noise, and any specific concerns or symptoms you may have.
2. Otoscopy
Next, the audiologist will conduct an otoscopy examination. During this examination, a tool called an otoscope is used to look into the ear canal and check for any visible abnormalities such as earwax buildup, damage to the eardrum, or signs of infection.
3. Pure-Tone Audiometry
One of the main tests in an adult hearing evaluation is pure-tone audiometry. In this test, you will be seated in a soundproof booth and given headphones or earplugs to wear. You will be asked to listen for and respond to various tones or pitches played at different volumes. The audiologist will plot your responses on an audiogram, which visually shows your hearing thresholds at different frequencies.
4. Bone Conduction Testing
Bone conduction testing measures how well your inner ear responds to sound vibrations conducted through the bones of your skull. For this test, a small device, called a bone oscillator, will be placed behind your ear or on your forehead. The results help determine if hearing loss is due to problems in the outer or middle ear, or if it is related to the inner ear or nerve pathways.
5. Speech Audiometry
Speech audiometry assesses your ability to understand and repeat spoken words. The audiologist will present a series of words at different volume levels, and you will be asked to repeat them. This test helps determine the clarity and understanding of speech in different listening conditions.
6. Tympanometry
Tympanometry assesses the mobility of your eardrum and the function of the middle ear. During this test, a soft tip will be placed in your ear, and air pressure will be varied while a tone is played. The device measures how well the eardrum moves in response to the pressure changes, providing information about any abnormalities with the middle ear and eardrum.
7. Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Testing
Otoacoustic emissions testing evaluates the function of the cochlea, the snail-shaped part of the inner ear. During this test, a small probe will be placed in your ear, emitting soft clicking or chirping sounds. The device measures the echoes produced by the cochlea in response to these sounds. If the emissions are absent or weak, it may indicate damage to the inner ear.
Conclusion
Undergoing an adult hearing test involves a series of comprehensive evaluations, each serving a specific purpose in assessing your hearing abilities. By understanding the different tests involved you can better comprehend the process and the insights it provides into your hearing health.
Regular hearing tests are vital for maintaining optimal auditory function and seeking appropriate treatment when necessary.
