Exploring Various Kinds Of Hearing Tests

Hearing tests are essential for diagnosing and assessing hearing loss, determining its type and severity, and helping to formulate appropriate treatment plans. Various kinds of hearing tests are available, each designed to evaluate different aspects of hearing. 

The ability to hear is a beautiful gift. For this reason, people should do everything they can to protect it. Fortunately, as a professional recommends, regular hearing tests can help.

These tests can detect problems with hearing early in their development. As a result, individuals may be able to avoid further hearing loss or learn more about the underlying conditions contributing to their hearing problems. There are also several types of hearing tests available. People can work with their healthcare providers to determine which type or types of tests are best for them and their situations.

Who Needs To Have Their Hearing Tested?

Contrary to popular belief, people of all ages can and should have their hearing tested. Young children, for example, are often tested at birth or by three weeks of age and then at regular intervals as their doctors recommend. Adults, especially those at risk of hearing loss, may be checked regularly as well, especially as they age.

Furthermore, a test is advisable if there are any changes in a person's hearing. If you need help deciding whether to schedule a hearing test, how often you need testing, or if you're at an increased risk for hearing loss, speak with a healthcare professional. Additionally, remember that there is no harm in getting tested, but putting off testing can be risky.

Consider Pure Tone Audiometry Testing

While there are many hearing tests, one of the most common is pure tone audiometry testing. With this type of testing, an individual puts on headphones in a soundproof environment. Then, they are asked to signal when they hear a sound.

Doctors can learn more about how a person hears at different frequencies through this test. This test can work well with children since it is simple to conduct. Also, using headphones can help doctors determine if a person has more hearing difficulty or loss in one ear versus the other.

Give Otoacoustic Emissions Testing A Try

The term "otoacoustic emissions testing" may be a mouthful, but this helpful test can tell a lot about what's going on inside a person's ears. Otoacoustic testing is performed by inserting a tiny probe. Sounds are then emitted into the ear. As they are cast, the test measures how the cochlea responds. This test, most commonly used with children, can also check for certain other hearing and ear-related issues, such as fluid build-up.

Think About Bone Conduction Audiometry Testing

Bone conduction audiometry testing is similar to otoacoustic emissions testing in sending sounds to the cochlea. However, in this type of testing, the testing device may be placed behind the ear or, in some cases, on the forehead. As the skull vibrates in response to the emitted sounds, sound waves are sent to the cochlea. The test results can alert a healthcare professional to issues with the middle, inner, or outer ear

Here's an overview of the common types of hearing tests:

1. Pure-Tone Testing (Audiometry)

Purpose: Measures the faintest tones a person can hear at selected pitches (frequencies), from low to high. Procedure:

• The patient wears headphones.
• A series of tones at different pitches and volumes are played in each ear.
• The patient indicates when they hear a sound by raising a hand or pressing a button.
• Results are plotted on an audiogram to determine hearing sensitivity across frequencies.

2. Speech Testing (Speech Audiometry)

Purpose: Assesses the ability to hear and understand speech. Procedure:

• The patient listens to and repeats back words presented at different volumes.
• The test evaluates speech recognition threshold (SRT) and word recognition score (WRS).
• SRT is the lowest volume at which speech can be heard 50% of the time.
• WRS measures how well speech is understood at a comfortable listening level.

3. Tympanometry

Purpose: Evaluates the condition of the middle ear and mobility of the eardrum (tympanic membrane). Procedure:

• A probe is placed in the ear canal, changing air pressure while emitting a tone.
• The movement of the eardrum in response to the pressure changes is measured.
• Results help diagnose middle ear conditions such as fluid, infection, or eardrum perforations.

4. Acoustic Reflex Testing

Purpose: Tests the reflexive contraction of the middle ear muscles in response to loud sounds. Procedure:

• Similar to tympanometry, a probe is inserted in the ear canal.
• Loud sounds are presented, and the contraction of the middle ear muscles is measured.
• Helps in diagnosing issues with the auditory nerve and brainstem.

5. Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Testing

Purpose: Measures sound waves produced by the inner ear (cochlea) in response to auditory stimuli. Procedure:

• A small probe containing a microphone and speaker is placed in the ear canal.
• Sounds are played, and the probe measures the echo response from the cochlea.
• OAEs are present in individuals with normal hearing but absent or reduced in those with hearing loss.
• Commonly used for newborn hearing screenings and to monitor cochlear function.

6. Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Testing

Purpose: Evaluates the auditory nerve pathways from the ear to the brainstem. Procedure:

• Electrodes are placed on the scalp and earlobes.
• Sounds are played through headphones, and the electrical activity of the auditory nerve and brainstem is recorded.
• Used for infants, young children, or individuals who cannot participate in standard hearing tests.

7. Balance Tests (Vestibular Testing)

Purpose: Assesses the function of the inner ear's balance organs. Common Tests:

• Electronystagmography (ENG) and Videonystagmography (VNG): Measures eye movements in response to visual stimuli and changes in head position.
• Rotary Chair Test: Assesses the vestibular system's response to rotational movements.
• Posturography: Evaluates balance control by measuring the body’s responses to movement on a platform.

8. Tuning Fork Tests

Purpose: Helps differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Common Tests:

• Rinne Test: Compares air conduction (AC) and bone conduction (BC) hearing. The tuning fork is struck and placed on the mastoid bone (BC) and then near the ear canal (AC).
• Weber Test: Determines lateralization of sound. The tuning fork is placed on the forehead or the top of the head. Sound will lateralize to the ear with conductive hearing loss or the better ear in cases of sensorineural hearing loss.

Hearing tests can cost

Affordable hearing test cost can cost depending on the type of test:

• Quick hearing screening: This test can determine if a more comprehensive hearing test is needed and costs at the Ear Institute.
• Diagnostic hearing test: This test can include a 2-hour consultation and other diagnostic tests and costs at NB-Hearing.
• Hearing test: Hearing Works offers hearing tests.

Conclusion

Hearing tests are vital tools in diagnosing and understanding hearing loss, allowing audiologists and healthcare professionals to tailor treatment and intervention strategies effectively. Depending on the patient’s age, symptoms, and specific hearing concerns, a combination of these tests may be used to obtain a comprehensive understanding of their hearing health.

As you can see, there are many types of hearing tests available. These are a few of the many possibilities. Your doctor may suggest one of the above tests, other tests, or a combination of tests, depending on your situation, needs, and concerns. The important thing is to be proactive about protecting your hearing and follow your healthcare professional's advice.