Hearing Assessments Explained

It is a common belief that people who have hearing problems can’t hear sounds loudly enough, but the truth is, it is way more complicated than that. The three main problems people with hearing loss face, are:
  • They cannot or hardly hear soft sounds
  • They have difficulties to separate sounds 
  • They cannot tolerate loud sounds

Hearing Check? What Does It Mean?

Hearing tests are the easiest and most accurate way to measure what sounds you can and cannot hear. The results are shown on a graph that is called audiogram which shows the level of loudness.  This information displays us the type of hearing loss you are dealing with.
Hearing loss is measured in decibels (dB) and pitch in hertz (Hz) which measure both intensity and frequency. Hearing loss is normally described as mild, moderate, severe or profound.
If the hearing check shows some sign of hearing loss, hearing assessments needs to be performed.

How Is Hearing Tested?

Hearing assessments consist of a variety of different tests that can be used to discover the level of hearing loss. However, we should note that hearing is tested differently in adults and children.
The most simple way to test hearing is called pure tone audiometry, which involves listening to different beeps and whistles. The audiogram marks only the softest sounds you can hear.

Air conduction is a way of testing hearing by playing pure tones (whistle and beeps) through headphones. 

On the other hand, bone conduction tests the sensitivity of the cochlea by placing a vibrator on the bone behind the ear. The results of both conduction test are marked on the audiogram.

Tympanometry

Tympanometry is not about testing your hearing, but a test of finding out how the middle ear system is working. This test is performed by placing a small rubber tip inside the ear and a little air pumped into the outer ear canal. If there is something wrong with the middle ear, the test will point the blockage location.

Conducting one of these tests is crucial in order to find out the type of hearing loss you have and the most suitable treatment for you. So why wait? If you are having doubts about hearing loss, visit a hearing care professional in order to determine if you are really facing a hearing loss problem. With the right tests and accurate results, the hearing professional will determine the needed treatment.

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