Hearing tests are essential examinations that can provide information on a whole host of problems. In its simplest form, a hearing test is largely designed to evaluate any deficiencies in a persons hearing. However, it is oftentimes used as a means of detecting any of a wide variety of hearing issues. Different tests are provided for both children and adults, though most of these tests have similar examination methods. If you’re about to go through with a hearing test, knowing more about it may help to calm your nerves.
What Happens During a Hearing Test?
A hearing test initially involves a very thorough examination. First, you will be asked about any symptoms that you’re currently experiencing or have experienced in the past. These symptoms include everything from standard hearing loss and tinnitus to dizziness and pain. If you’re unaware, tinnitus is a condition that results in constant ringing in the ears. The healthcare professional that’s administering the exam will also inquire about any other medical problems that you’ve had in the past that could be relevant now.
The examination of your ear makes use of an instrument known as an auriscope. This small instrument is equipped with a magnifying glass that allows the healthcare professional to inspect the eardrum, as well as the passage that leads to it. These examinations are provided for the means of identifying if the patient is suffering from such conditions as a perforated eardrum, ruptured eardrum, bulging eardrum or fluid discharge. While thorough, this examination doesn’t take too long to complete. Once you’ve progressed through the exam, smaller hearing tests may be administered. The most basic of these tests requires the medical professional to use their voice to determine if the patient is suffering from a small or large amount of hearing loss.
Once this is finished, more extensive hearing tests may be provided. The first of these is known as a whispered speech test. This test requires you to cover the open portion of your ear with one of your fingers. The doctor will then stand around a foot behind you and whisper a selection of words. These words are first spoken in a very soft whisper, and become progressively louder until you signal that you have heard them. Both ears are tested separately.
The next test is what is known as pure tone audiometry. This test is administered with the usage of an audiometer, which calls for the patient to wear headphones while a selection of tones play. The tones will vary greatly, both in loudness and pitch. What you hear will start out loud, before progressively lessening until you are unable to hear the tones at all. Once this is completed, the tones will once again increase in volume. Every time you hear a tone, no matter the ear, you will press a button to let the health professional know. It’s a rather simple test that’s typically conducted a few times, with each session using tones that are of a higher pitch. Eventually, you will be asked to remove your headphones, at which point a vibrating device will be placed behind your ear. Once connected, tones will be played again, with you having to press a button each time you hear the tone.
You could also be given a tuning fork test. This metal device vibrates when struck, which sends sound waves through your ears. This test is typically administered as a means of determining how well sounds move through your ears. The tuning fork will be struck several times to check if your reactions are the same with each strike. This allows the medical professional to identify if the issues with your hearing relate to sound being unable to reach nerves or with the nerves themselves.
No matter which of these tests you are provided with when having your hearing checked out, there is typically no discomfort through the duration of the test. There are also zero risks associated with taking these tests. Once the tests have been given to you, the results will be evaluated. Certain signs point towards normal hearing, while others point towards abnormal hearing. Normal hearing is typically accompanied with being able to repeate around 90 percent of spoken words during a word recognition test, while abnormal hearing might be identified due to an inability to hear sounds at medium to lower decibel levels. Each of the aforementioned tests also work wonders in determining the extent of the hearing loss, which allows for immediate treatment recommendations.
Types of Hearing Tests For Children
While children and older babies can be tested with all of the tests mentioned previously, there are a few additional tests that are exclusively administered to children. Knowing how these tests work will help give your child a peace of mind before the test takes place. One of these is known as an AOAE test. A tiny earpiece is attached directly to a computer, while the earpiece itself is placed within either of the child’s ears. Once the earpiece is in place, small clicking noises are sent through the ear. When this occurs, the doctor pays attention to what the reactions are from the child.
Another test is the AABR test. During this test, a selection of sensors are placed on the neck and head of the child, while headphones are fitted around their ears. Sounds are then sent through the headphones, while the sensors detect how well, or otherwise, the nerves react to the sounds. Audiometry tests may also be administered. These tests play out a variety of frequencies and volumes in order to ascertain how low they can go before the child is no longer able to hear them. All of the hearing tests mentioned before work in much the same way as they do for adults.
If you are currently suffering from any hearing issues, these tests are harmless, and will allow you to get the treatment you need before the problem worsens or intensifies.