You're about to take a crucial step in understanding your hearing health, as an audiometry test is a non-invasive procedure that assesses your hearing sensitivity and identifies potential hearing problems, including hearing loss, tinnitus, and earwax buildup. This 30-minute to an hour-long test, administered by a licensed audiologist or hearing specialist, will measure your ability to hear different frequencies at varying volumes. By wearing headphones or earplugs in a soundproof room, you'll be guided through the process, and your responses will help create an audiogram, a graph showing your hearing thresholds. As you explore this test further, you'll uncover more about what's involved and what it means for your hearing future.

What Is Audiometry Testing

When you're considering an audiometry test, it's essential to understand what it entails. Audiometry testing is a non-invasive procedure used to assess your hearing sensitivity. It's a crucial diagnostic tool for identifying hearing problems, including hearing loss, tinnitus, and earwax buildup. During the test, you'll wear headphones or earphones connected to an audiometer, a device that produces a range of sounds and frequencies.

The test is usually administered by a licensed audiologist or hearing specialist. They'll start by asking you about your medical history, including any hearing issues or ear problems you've experienced. Then, they'll guide you through the testing process, which typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour to complete. You'll be asked to respond to various sounds and tones, indicating when you can hear them. This helps the audiologist determine the softest sounds you can detect at different frequencies.

How Audiometry Tests Work

During the audiometry test, you'll sit in a soundproof room or booth, surrounded by specialized equipment designed to minimize external noise interference. This controlled environment ensures that the test results are accurate and reliable.

The test typically involves wearing headphones or earplugs connected to an audiometer, which is a device that produces a range of sounds at varying frequencies and volumes. The audiologist will instruct you to indicate when you can hear the sound, and you'll respond by pressing a button or raising your hand.

The sounds will be presented to one ear at a time, and you'll be tested for both air conduction (hearing sounds through the air) and bone conduction (hearing sounds through the skull). The audiologist will record your responses, noting the lowest volume at which you can hear each sound. This information will be used to create an audiogram, which is a graph that shows your hearing thresholds at different frequencies.

Types of Audiometry Tests

There are several types of audiometry tests, each designed to assess different aspects of your hearing. You may be wondering what type of test you'll need, and that depends on your specific situation.

One common type is the pure-tone audiometry test, which measures your ability to hear different frequencies at varying volumes. This test is often used to diagnose hearing loss, identify the type of hearing loss, and monitor its progression.

Another type is the speech audiometry test, which assesses your ability to hear and understand speech. This test is usually conducted in a quiet or noisy environment to simulate real-life situations.

Bone conduction testing is a type of audiometry test that measures your ability to hear sounds through the bones in your skull. This test is useful in detecting conductive hearing loss, which occurs when sound can't travel through the outer or middle ear.

Lastly, there are specialized tests like otoacoustic emissions testing and auditory brainstem response testing, which are used to diagnose specific hearing problems, such as inner ear damage or neurological issues. Your doctor will determine which type of audiometry test is best for you.

Preparing for an Audiometry Test

You've been scheduled for an audiometry test, and you're probably wondering what to expect. Don't worry, preparation is key to getting accurate results. Firstly, avoid loud noises or environments for at least 24 hours prior to the test. This includes concerts, construction sites, or using earbuds at high volumes. If you work in a loud environment, earmuffs or earplugs can help reduce noise exposure. On the day of the test, wear clothes that allow easy access to your ears, and avoid wearing anything that may interfere with the test, such as earmuffs or hats. Bring any relevant medical history or previous test results to the appointment. If you have a cold, ear infection, or earwax buildup, inform your healthcare provider, as these conditions may affect test results. Finally, arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork, and don't hesitate to ask questions if you're unsure about anything. By following these simple steps, you'll be well-prepared for your audiometry test.

Understanding Audiometry Test Results

The audiometry test results will provide a detailed picture of your hearing abilities, which can be crucial in identifying potential hearing problems or tracking changes in your hearing over time. The test results will typically include an audiogram, which is a graph that shows the softest sounds you can hear at different frequencies. You'll see two lines on the graph: one for each ear. The lines will show the degree of hearing loss you have, if any, and will help your audiologist or hearing specialist identify the type and severity of your hearing loss.

You may also receive a speech reception threshold (SRT) score, which measures your ability to hear and understand speech. This score will give your audiologist an idea of how well you can recognize spoken words. Additionally, you might receive a word recognition score (WRS), which assesses your ability to recognize words when they're spoken at a comfortable volume. Your audiologist will explain your test results to you and recommend any necessary treatments or interventions based on your specific needs.

Conclusion

You now have a thorough understanding of audiometry testing, including its purpose, procedure, and various types of tests. This knowledge will enable you to approach your exam with confidence, knowing how to prepare beforehand and what to expect during the test. Once you receive your results, you'll be able to interpret them and take the necessary steps to protect your hearing. By taking control of your hearing health, you'll be better equipped to maintain your overall well-being.

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.