A hearing test, also known as an audiometry test, is used to assess a person’s ability to hear different sounds and pitches. It can help to identify any hearing loss or abnormalities and determine the type and degree of the loss.
Hearing tests may be recommended for people who have symptoms of hearing loss. If you experience difficulty hearing in noisy environments or difficulty understanding speech, a hearing test may be necessary.
Individuals who have certain risk factors for hearing loss, such as exposure to loud noise or certain medications may also benefit from a hearing test.
Hearing tests also serve as part of a regular check-up for people who work in certain fields, such as pilots or factory workers, or for people who are regularly exposed to loud sounds.
Types of Hearing Tests
There are several types of hearing tests that are commonly used to assess an individual’s hearing ability. These include:
- Pure-tone audiometry: This test measures an individual’s hearing threshold for different frequencies of sound. The results of a pure-tone audiometry test will show the hearing threshold for each ear at different frequencies (usually 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz, and sometimes 8000 Hz). A “normal” hearing threshold is considered to be between 0 and 25 decibels (dB) at all frequencies. If an individual has a hearing threshold higher than 25 dB at any frequency, it is considered to be a hearing loss.
- Speech audiometry: This test measures an individual’s ability to hear and understand speech. The results of a speech audiometry test will show the individual’s ability to hear and understand speech at different volumes and in different conditions (e.g. with background noise).
- Tympanometry: This test assesses the movement of the eardrum in response to changes in pressure. Tympanometry results will indicate the status of the middle ear, such as if there is fluid present, or if there is a problem with the eardrum’s mobility.
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) test: This test measures the sounds that are emitted by the inner ear in response to a stimulus. Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) results will indicate if the hair cells in the inner ear are functioning normally.
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR) test: This test measures the electrical activity of the auditory nerve and brainstem in response to sound.
- Auditory steady-state response (ASSR): This test measures the brain’s response to a steady-state sound stimulus.
- Videonystagmography (VNG): This test measures eye movement in response to sound to assess the vestibular system.
- Hearing aid evaluation: This test assesses the individual’s ability to hear with hearing aids.
Hearing test results can provide information about an individual’s hearing ability and can be used to diagnose and manage hearing loss. The results of a hearing test are usually presented as an audiogram, which is a graph that shows an individual’s hearing threshold (the quietest sound they can hear) for different frequencies of sound.
It is important to note that hearing test results are just one piece of information used to determine the overall diagnosis and treatment plan.
A thorough examination by an audiologist is necessary.
What to expect during a hearing test?
Before a hearing test, an audiologist will ask about your hearing history, symptoms, and any previous hearing tests. You will also be asked about any medical conditions or medications that could affect hearing.
It will usually take about 30-45 minutes for the whole process. The audiologist will explain the results of the test, answer any questions, and provide recommendations for any necessary follow-up or treatment.
Hearing Tests in Lawrenceville, NJ
Oracle Hearing Center provides hearing tests in Lawrenceville, NJ.
Contact us to book a hearing test today!