Hearing Loss Tests That You May Need
Posted on: 31 August 2022
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Hearing loss can occur as you age. And, if you think you are developing some hearing loss, then a specialist called an audiologist can help you by finding a hearing aid that is best for you. Before you can learn about hearing loss services, an examination needs to be completed. Typically, a series of simple tests are done. Keep reading to learn more about a few of these tests.
Tone Testing
The first test that is commonly completed by an audiologist is called a pure tone test or a conduction test. You will be asked to place headphones over your ears. Afterward, the professional will control a machine so that beeps can be heard in the headphones. The sounds will be heard in each ear or in both ears at once. The sounds will be different in tone and volume and you will be asked to point to the ear where you can hear the noise.
The test is completed to find the lowest and highest tones that you can hear. The volume or intensity of the tone will also assist the audiologist in determining your baseline in relation to hearing loss.
If for some reason you are unable to use headphones or if your ears are sensitive, then the test can be completed in a sound booth. Beeps can be played on speakers within the booth and the hearing professional can use a microphone to speak to you inside the booth.
Speech Testing
Once a baseline is reached, the audiologist can complete speech testing. The tests use words and speech to figure out how well you can understand language and speech at different volumes.
During the testing, a sound booth or headphones will be used. Different words will be heard in both ears and you will repeat them. How well you hear the spoken words or word sounds will determine how well you can understand language. And, along with single words, you will hear sentences in your ear.
Oftentimes, individuals will use context cues to inform conversations that may not be heard properly. How well you utilize these cues, your ability to engage in conversations, and your ability to repeat individual words will be used to determine your need for hearing loss services. For example, you may need a telephone that amplifies sounds or you may need to wear hearing aids when speaking with others.
If you want to learn more about hearing loss and what you can do about it, speak with an audiologist.