 |
Descriptions and definitions of hearing tests
The purpose of a hearing test is to quantify and qualify a patient's hearing in terms of the degree of hearing loss, the type of hearing loss and the configuration of the hearing loss. A typical audiological assessment will also include a case history, physical exam, test of middle ear function, pure tone audiometry and speech audiometry.
Hearing tests are also carried out for purposes of monitoring hearing loss. Once the problem has been identified, a treatment and management plan is put into place. The plan may include medical or surgical intervention, prescription of personal hearing aids, prescription/provision of assistive listening devices, skills development through aural (audiologic) habilitation/rehabilitation or simply monitoring the condition through periodic assessment.
There are several types of hearing tests used in modern audiology, ranging from the simplistic to highly advanced. Below are descriptions and definitions of tests utilized at Advanced Audiology Institute.
Pure-Tone Test
Pure-tone audiometry is a behavioral test used to measure hearing sensitivity using pure-tone thresholds (PTT's). PTT's indicate the softest sound audible to an individual at least 50% of the time. The usual primary purpose of pure-tone tests is to determine the type, degree and configuration of hearing loss. The audiologist will test your hearing with a variety of pitches and will ask you to signal when you hear these different tones. Patients unable to cooperate because of young age or other conditions cannot undergo pure tone audiometry. They may need to have the auditory system tested by other methods.
Speech Audiometry
These tests utilize spoken words rather than tones and are designed to assess the sensitivity (threshold) or intelligibility of speech. The threshold is the level at which a patient can correctly repeat 50% of the words spoken to them.
Tympanometry
This test is used to detect problems in the middle ear. A device inserted into the ear changes air pressure in the ear, which makes the ear drum move. A machine then records the results. Patients hear a tone as the measurements are taken. This test measures the response to sound at different pressures.
Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)
Otoacoustic emissions are tiny sounds that emerge from the inner ear, either spontaneously or shortly after the ear is exposed to an external sound. The primary purpose of otoacoustic emission (OAE) tests is to determine cochlear status. This information can be used to screen hearing (particularly in neonates, infants or individuals with developmental disabilities), partially estimate hearing sensitivity within a limited range, differentiate between the sensory and neural components of sensorineural hearing loss and test for functional hearing loss. No behavioral response is required.
Videonystagmography (VNG)
Videonystagmography (VNG) is one of the only tests available that can decipher between a unilateral (one ear) and bilateral (both ears) vestibular loss. A VNG tests inner ear and central motor functions to provide information on the functionality of each ear. It can determine the existence of vestibular disease, which can cause dizziness or balance problems.
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
The auditory brainstem response test (ABR) is a painless, non-invasive test used to determine the condition of the nerves used for hearing and other nervous system components responsible for hearing. During the test you will hear moderately loud clicking and hissing sounds. The responses your body sends will be recorded by electrodes on your skin and sent to a computer that compiles the various results into one report. The audiologist then uses that report to determine the condition of the nerves.
Central Auditory Processing Evaluation
A central auditory processing evaluation is a series of tests given by an audiologist in the diagnosis of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), also known as Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD.) The tests require the patient to listen to a variety of signals/sounds/words and to respond to them through either repetition, pushing a button or another form of response. Most of these tests require that a patient be 7 or 8 years of age, since the variation in brain function of younger children is so marked.
|
 |
Hearing Loss
Tinnitus
Hearing Protection
Hearing Tests
Insurance Filing
Balance Disorders
FAQs
|
