Hearing test

Hearing test is a procedure that assesses a person's ability to hear different sounds. It is often used to identify hearing loss in individuals who may not be aware of their condition.

Types of Hearing Tests

There are several types of hearing tests, each designed to measure different aspects of hearing. These include:

• Pure Tone Audiometry: This is the most common type of hearing test. It measures the quietest sound that a person can hear at different frequencies.

• Speech Audiometry: This test measures a person's ability to hear and understand speech. It is often used in conjunction with pure tone audiometry to provide a more complete picture of a person's hearing ability.

• Tympanometry: This test measures the movement of the eardrum in response to changes in air pressure. It can help identify problems with the middle ear, such as fluid or a perforated eardrum.

• Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Testing: This test measures sounds that are produced by the inner ear in response to a stimulus. It can be used to identify damage to the hair cells in the inner ear.

Procedure

A hearing test is typically conducted in a quiet, soundproof room. The person undergoing the test will wear headphones and respond to a series of tones or words. The results of the test are often plotted on an audiogram, which is a graph that shows a person's hearing ability at different frequencies.

Interpretation of Results

The results of a hearing test can help identify the type and degree of hearing loss. This information can be used to determine the most appropriate treatment options, which may include hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other interventions.

See Also

• Audiogram
• Hearing loss
• Audiologist

Hearing test Resources
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