You're about to undergo an audiometry test, a comprehensive evaluation of your hearing ability that will determine the type and degree of any hearing loss you may be experiencing, such as conductive, sensorineural, or mixed hearing loss. The test measures your hearing sensitivity, identifying the lowest sound level you can hear, and plots the results on an audiogram. You'll sit in a soundproof room, wearing headphones, and respond to sounds of varying frequencies and volumes. The test typically takes 30 minutes, and the results will help your audiologist develop a personalized treatment plan. Now, get ready to discover more about what your test results might reveal.

What Is an Audiometry Test

When you step into an audiologist's office, you'll likely encounter a device that resembles a high-tech headphone – this is the audiometer, the cornerstone of an audiometry test. This device is used to measure your hearing sensitivity, helping the audiologist diagnose and evaluate hearing disorders, such as hearing loss or tinnitus. The test is crucial in determining the type and degree of hearing loss, which can be conductive, sensorineural, or mixed.

During the test, you'll be asked to wear the audiometer, and the audiologist will play a series of tones, words, or sounds through the headphones. You'll be instructed to respond when you hear the sound, and the intensity of the sound will be gradually decreased to determine the lowest level you can hear. The results will be plotted on an audiogram, which is a graph that shows the range of sounds you can hear. This information will help the audiologist recommend appropriate treatment options, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other interventions.

How the Test Is Performed

You'll be seated in a soundproof room, and the audiologist will give you the audiometer to wear. This device, usually a pair of headphones or earbuds, is connected to a machine that produces sounds of varying frequencies and volumes. The audiologist will explain the test procedure and what you're expected to do.

You'll be asked to indicate when you hear a sound by pressing a button or raising your hand. The audiologist will start with a low volume and gradually increase it until you respond. This process is repeated for different frequencies, usually ranging from low rumbles to high-pitched squeaks. You might be asked to cover one ear or switch headphones to test each ear separately.

During the test, the audiologist will take note of the softest sounds you can hear at each frequency. This information helps create an audiogram, a chart that displays your hearing thresholds. The entire process usually takes around 30 minutes, but it may vary depending on the type of test or your individual needs.

Types of Audiometry Tests

There are several types of audiometry tests, each serving a distinct purpose in evaluating your hearing abilities. The type of test you'll undergo depends on your specific needs and the concerns of your healthcare provider. Pure Tone Audiometry is the most common type, measuring your ability to hear different frequencies and intensities of sound. Speech Audiometry assesses your ability to hear and understand speech, often in noisy environments. Bone Conduction Audiometry is used to evaluate your inner ear and auditory nerve function, testing how well you can hear sounds transmitted through your skull. Tympanometry measures the movement of your eardrum and the pressure in your middle ear, helping to identify issues like ear infections or Eustachian tube dysfunction. Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) testing examines the inner ear's ability to produce sounds, often used to detect hearing loss in infants. These tests help your healthcare provider create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique hearing needs.

Who Administers the Test

One's audiometry test is typically administered by an audiologist or a hearing specialist. You'll likely meet with a professional who has a degree in audiology and has received specialized training in hearing tests. They'll have the necessary expertise to accurately assess your hearing and provide you with personalized results.

You may also encounter an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctor, also known as an otolaryngologist, who may refer you to an audiologist for testing. In some cases, a hearing aid specialist or a primary care physician may also conduct the test, although this is less common.

During the test, you'll be asked to wear headphones or earphones, and the administrator will provide you with instructions on what to expect and how to respond. They'll guide you through the process, ensuring you're comfortable and relaxed throughout the test. Remember, the administrator is there to help you, so don't hesitate to ask questions if you're unsure about anything.

What to Expect During Testing

During the audiometry test, about 10-15 minutes are typically required to complete the entire process. You'll be seated in a soundproof booth, wearing earphones or headphones, to minimize external noise. The audiologist will then instruct you to respond to a series of sounds, usually beeps or tones, by raising your hand or pressing a button when you hear them.

The test will begin with a range of frequencies, from low to high pitches, to assess your ability to detect different sounds. You'll be asked to indicate the softest sound you can hear at each frequency. The audiologist will then adjust the volume and pitch to determine your threshold for hearing.

You may also be asked to cover one ear and listen to a series of words or phrases through the earphones. This is to assess your ability to understand speech. The test may be repeated in each ear separately to compare your hearing abilities. Throughout the test, the audiologist will provide guidance and support to ensure you're comfortable and understand the process.

Test Results and Interpretation

Once you've completed the audiometry test, the audiologist will review your results, plotting them on an audiogram to identify any patterns or areas of concern. The audiogram is a graph that displays your hearing thresholds for different frequencies and ears. You'll see the results of your air conduction and bone conduction tests, which will help the audiologist determine the type and severity of any hearing loss.

The audiologist will look for specific patterns or shapes on the audiogram, which can indicate different types of hearing loss. For example, a flat line on the audiogram might indicate a conductive hearing loss, while a sloping line could indicate a sensorineural hearing loss. The audiologist will also compare your results to established norms to determine the degree of your hearing loss.

Your test results will be classified into one of five categories: normal hearing, slight hearing loss, mild hearing loss, moderate hearing loss, or severe hearing loss. The audiologist will use this information to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Common Hearing Problems Identified

Identifying the type of hearing problem you're experiencing is crucial in determining the appropriate course of treatment. The results of your audiometry test may reveal that you're experiencing one of several common hearing problems.

You may have conductive hearing loss, which occurs when sound waves can't reach your inner ear due to problems in your outer or middle ear. This can be caused by earwax buildup, perforated eardrums, or middle ear infections. Alternatively, you might have sensorineural hearing loss, which affects the inner ear or auditory nerve. This can be caused by age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, or certain medical conditions.

Other common hearing problems include mixed hearing loss, which is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. You might also experience tinnitus, characterized by ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in your ear when there's no external noise. Additionally, you could have auditory processing disorder, where your brain has difficulty processing auditory information. Knowing the specific type of hearing problem you're dealing with will help you move forward with the right treatment plan.

Treatment Options and Next Steps

Frequently, people who've received a diagnosis of a hearing problem are left wondering what to do next. You may be feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about the treatment options available. It's essential to understand that there are various treatment paths you can take, depending on the type and severity of your hearing loss.

Firstly, your audiologist or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist will discuss the most suitable options with you. If you have a conductive hearing loss, you might require medical treatment, such as earwax removal, antibiotics, or surgery. For sensorineural hearing loss, which is the most common type, you may be recommended hearing aids or cochlear implants.

It's crucial to understand the pros and cons of each option and to ask questions. You may also want to consider seeking a second opinion or exploring alternative treatments, like auditory therapy or assistive devices. Your audiologist or ENT specialist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, helping you regain control over your hearing and communication.

Conclusion

You've completed your audiometry test and received your results. Now it's time to move forward. Depending on the type and severity of your hearing loss, your doctor or audiologist will discuss treatment options with you. This may include hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other assistive devices. In Australia, it's essential to take proactive steps to improve your hearing and enhance your overall quality of life. Don't hesitate to ask questions or express concerns about your treatment options.

By taking proactive steps, you can improve your hearing and enhance your overall quality of life. All Ears in Hearing is based in Rochedale South and Shailer Park. We service all the surrounding areas of Rochedale, Shailer Park, Logan, Mount Gravatt, Acacia Ridge, Parkison, Strettong, Browns Plains, Regents Park, Forestdale, Forest Lake, Springfield Lakes and Waterford West.