Overview
Hearing tests, also known as audiological evaluations, are diagnostic procedures used to assess your hearing ability and identify potential hearing problems.
Types of Hearing Tests
Pure Tone Audiometry
- Measures hearing sensitivity at different frequencies
- Patient wears headphones and responds to beeping sounds
- Tests frequencies from 250 Hz to 8000 Hz
- Results plotted on an audiogram
Speech Audiometry
- Evaluates ability to understand spoken words
- Includes Speech Recognition Threshold (SRT)
- Tests Word Recognition Score (WRS)
Tympanometry
- Measures eardrum movement
- Evaluates middle ear function
- Helps identify fluid buildup or eardrum problems
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)
- Tests inner ear function
- Particularly useful for infants
- Measures cochlear response
What to Expect
Before the Test
- Avoid loud noise exposure for 12-24 hours
- Report any current ear problems
- Bring current medication list
During the Test
- Medical history review
- Physical examination of ears
- Series of listening tests
- Response to various sounds and words
Test Duration
- Typically 30-60 minutes
- May vary based on test types needed
Results Interpretation
Normal Hearing Range
- 0-25 decibels across frequencies
Degrees of Hearing Loss
- Mild: 26-40 dB
- Moderate: 41-55 dB
- Moderately severe: 56-70 dB
- Severe: 71-90 dB
- Profound: >90 dB
Follow-up Care
- Discussion of results with audiologist
- Treatment recommendations if needed
- Regular monitoring as advised
When to Get Tested
- Difficulty understanding conversations
- Frequent requests for repetition
- TV/radio volume complaints
- Age-related screening
- Occupational requirements