4 Different Types of Hearing Tests

Seeking help is the first step in an attempt to fix your hearing. Without the help of a professional audiologist, it's tough to make the tweaks needed to improve your lifestyle. Of course, a hearing test isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. There are various types of tests audiologists use to determine the problem and come up with a method to improve your hearing.

So, what are they and what can you expect? Continue reading to find out more:

1) Pure-tone testing

During a pure-tone test, the audiologist will use a variety of pitches and tones to measure your hearing. The way the test works is by using air conduction to determine your level of hearing. To do this, the audiologist will ask you to sit in a booth designed for the test and listen to sounds through headphones. Every time you hear one, you'll be asked to raise your hand and signal. The results are put on an audiogram to show the type and extent of your hearing loss.

2) Bone conduction testing

This is another form of pure-tone testing that is often used in conjunction with the above. Audiologists do this because bone conduction testing gives them greater insight into the problem by measuring your inner ear's response to sound. This allows them to determine the hearing loss because they can compare the results for patterns or anomalies. During this hearing test, you can expect a small conductor that sends vibrations into the ear to be placed behind your ear.

3) Speech testing

Speech testing is simple in theory, but it provides audiologists with lots of data regarding your hearing. The process is as straightforward as using speech to tell whether you can hear faint sounds as much as 50% of the time. To do this, the audiologist will perform the test in different environments, such as noisy or quiet. Usually, they will do it in a less noisy environment first and then add more sounds to determine how well you can cut through a buzz in the background.

4) Otoacoustic emissions

Hair cells in your inner ear vibrate and make otoacoustic emissions. However, when there is a problem, OAEs won't be produced and your hearing is affected. This happens when the average rate of 25 to 30 decibels is exceeded. To analyze whether your hearing loss is higher than 25 to 30 decibels, the audiologist will attach a probe to your cochlea. The microphone and speaker stimulate the inner ear, and the device measures the output. This hearing test often deals with blockages, so you will most likely have a problem that is repairable if you are sent for one.

When should see an audiologist?

There are obvious signs, such as dramatic hearing loss, but the signals can also be subtle. For example, turning up the volume of the TV to an unusually high level. Also, always asking people to repeat themselves is another sign.

If you're in doubt, don't hesitate to contact us for our expert opinion. Our audiologists will figure out the problem and provide a solution so that your lifestyle isn’t affected.