Why are Hearing Tests Performed?

While 50 percent of Americans 75 and older have a degree of hearing loss, the condition isn’t dependent on age. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), roughly 18 percent of adults age 20-69 have hearing loss in both ears. Moreover, two to three of every 1,000 babies born in the United States have hearing loss. While age is the strongest predictor of hearing loss, it is important to recognize and remember that hearing loss can happen to anyone.

Why hearing tests are performed 

Living with undiagnosed hearing loss can create a life of frustration and isolation while putting an individual, especially a child, at risk for cognitive decline. Hearing tests are typically performed to:

• Check or screen newborns for hearing problems. Hearing loss in newborns can impact their ability to speak, learn or understand language. All 50 states require newborn testing for babies born in hospitals while the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force suggests all newborns are tested for hearing loss. The earlier hearing loss can be detected, the less likely a child will experience developmental delays.
• Screen children or teens for hearing loss. Although a child may have passed the newborn screening test, exposure to loud noises over time, use of certain medications, or genetic issues may sometimes create hearing loss in later childhood. As such, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests formal hearing tests for children at ages 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 years. Many children who experience speech behavior or learning problems often test positive for hearing loss. A diagnosis can help a child in school and other social situations by empowering them to hear more clearly.
• Test for suspected hearing loss. Hearing tests are crucial for anyone who notices they are having a harder time understanding words in conversations.
• Screen for hearing loss in older adults. As with children, undiagnosed hearing loss can be mistaken for other issues, such as a reduced mental capacity. Proper diagnosis can help an aging citizen regain cognitive capacities.

How hearing tests help

Hearing tests will determine the type and degree of hearing loss an individual has. The audiologist will be able to diagnose a patient with conductive, sensorineural or both types of hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is blocked from reaching the inner ear. With sensorineural hearing loss, the sound reaches the inner ear, but the nerves or sometimes the brain cannot properly access the sound waves.

Determining the type and degree of hearing loss you have will enable the audiologist to provide a solution, such as hearing aids or other assistive listening devices, to help you hear better.