What Are Hearing Tests?
Hearing tests measure how well you hear. Normal hearing is when the sound waves travel through the ear canal and reach the eardrum to produce vibration. This vibration then moves further inside the ear, which then triggers the nerve cells to send signals to the brain. This signal is interpreted by the brain to understand what you hear.
What Is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss is manifested when any part of the ear, the nerve that connects the ear to the brain, or part of the brain that controls hearing has any problem. The main types of hearing loss are:
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Conductive Hearing Loss- This type of hearing loss is when there is any problem regarding sound transmission. It can occur in all ages but mostly affects infants and young children. The most common cause is ear infections, earwax, or fluids in the ear. This type of hearing loss is usually mild, temporary, and treatable.
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Sensorineural (Nerve Deafness)- This type of hearing loss is caused due to any problem with the structure of the ear or the nerve that controls hearing. This can be present at the time of birth or at later stages in life. This type of hearing loss is usually permanent. This hearing loss can range from mild (inability to hear certain sounds) to profound (inability to hear any sound).
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Mixed Hearing Loss- When the problem is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Hearing loss is common in older people. If you are diagnosed with hearing loss, then taking proper steps can help you manage and treat the condition.
What Are the Different Types of Hearing Tests?
The hearing tests are done by either of these two :
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Audiologist- A healthcare provider who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing hearing loss.
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Otolaryngologist (ENT) Specialist- A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating ear, nose, and throat-related problems.
There are several types of earring tests. Most of the tests check the response to tones or words made at different pitches, volumes, and/or noise environments. The various hearing tests are:
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Audiometry- Also known as pure tone tests. During this test, the specialist will ask you to put on headphones. A series of tones will be sent through the headphones. They will change the pitch and loudness of the tones at different points during the test. At some points, the tones may be barely audible. The doctor will ask you to respond whenever you hear the sound. They may ask you to raise your hands or press a button. These tests will help you determine the quietest sound you can hear at different pitches.
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Tuning Fork Test- A tuning fork is a device with two prongs that are made of metal and vibrate when struck against a surface. The tuning fork is made to vibrate and is placed behind the ear. You will be asked to respond when you hear the sound at different volumes or if you hear the sound in the left ear, right ear, or both ears. Depending on the position of the tuning fork placed. This test will help you determine if the hearing loss is in one or both ears. Also, this test will help to determine whether the hearing loss is a conductive or sensorineural type.
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Acoustic Reflex Measures- This is also known as middle ear muscle reflex (MEMR). This test measures how well you hear loud sounds. The acoustic reflex is when you hear a loud noise; the tiny muscle inside the ear tightens. During this test, the provider will place a soft rubber tip inside the ear. Through this rubber tip, a series of loud noises is sent and recorded into a machine. This machine will see if the sound has triggered a reflex. If the hearing loss is severe, the sound needs to be very loud to trigger the reflex, or it may not trigger the reflex at all.
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Speech and Word Recognition Test- This test will show how well you can hear spoken language. For this test, you will have to put on headphones. The audiologist will talk to you and ask you to repeat a series of words spoken at different volumes. The audiologist will record the softest spoken word that you can read. In some cases, the test will be done in a noisy environment as some people with hearing difficulty have trouble understanding speech in a noisy environment.
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Tympanometry- This test checks the integrity and mobility of the eardrum and middle ear structures, including three small bones of the middle ear. During this test, the provider will place a small device inside the ear canal. This device will put air inside the ear canal, which makes the eardrum move back and forth. This movement is recorded on a graph called a tympanogram. This test will help to determine if there is an ear infection or other problems, such as fluid or wax buildup or a hole or tear in the eardrum.
What Does the Result Mean?
The results from these will show if you have hearing loss and what type of hearing loss is present, whether sensorineural or conductive hearing loss.
If the diagnosis is sensorineural hearing loss, then the result will show that the hearing loss is:
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Mild.
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Moderate.
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Severe.
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Profound.
Treatment and management of sensorineural hearing loss will depend upon how serious it is, and if you are diagnosed with conductive hearing loss, then the provider may advise medicine or surgery depending on the cause of the loss.
What Are the Complications of Hearing Tests?
The hearing tests are relatively safe and do not have any complications. The complications arising from these tests are very rare.
Conclusion
Hearing tests are done in order to determine if one has hearing loss and also to assess the type of hearing loss. If you suspect you have hearing loss, then consult a doctor as early as possible because when the treatment is started early, the prognosis will be better. Hearing loss can be a condition that can affect the quality of life and affect the day to day living. Further treatment and management will depend on the cause and the severity of the disease.
