Hearing Tests & Hearing Loss
How is hearing tested?
Hearing tests are simple to do and are non-invasive. The aim of the hearing test is to determine the softest sound a person can hear (hearing threshold) over a range of frequencies (pitches). For the most accurate results, testing should be performed in sound proof conditions.
Headphones are placed over the ears and pure tones or beeps are presented at various frequencies and volume levels to ascertain the softest sound you can hear at each frequency. You are required to respond (usually by pressing a button) to each sound that you hear, no matter how soft. As hearing loss can affect ears differently, both ears are tested separately.
The results are plotted on a graph called an Audiogram. The frequency or pitches are measured in Hertz (Hz) and are marked on the horizontal axis. The pitch increases from left to right, with the lower numbers representing lower pitch or bass sounds and the higher numbers representing higher pitch or treble sounds. The loudness of sound is marked on the vertical axis and is measured in decibels (dB). 0dB represents the softest sound heard by a normal healthy ear. 120dB is usually considered to be the loudest sound tolerated by a person.
How well you can hear speech is also tested. To hear speech, you need the ability to detect or hear the sounds of speech and secondly, the ability to understand speech. The audiogram show’s a person’s hearing ability, but it does not indicate how clearly a person can understand speech. For a speech test, words are presented through the headphones at various volume levels and you are required to repeat back what you heard. A person who has difficulty understanding speech even with a lot of volume, may be limited in the benefits that hearing aids can provide.
We also have the equipment to do tests of middle ear function. These tests are helpful in determining the cause of hearing loss by giving us information on how well the eardrum moves with pressure changes and how the ossicular chain (small bones in our middle ear) react to loud sounds.
At All Ears in Hearing, we will discuss the results of the hearing loss assessment with you and send a report to yourself or to your GP if you wish. A Medicare rebate is available for General Practitioner Referrals, Ear Nose and Throat Specialist referral, Neurologist referral or referral through the Chronic Disease Management Program.
At All Ears in Hearing Rochedale South and Springwood, we have the right equipment, so you can actually see inside your own ears!
Talk to us about hearing lossWhat is hearing loss?
Hearing threshold is the level of the softest sound a person can hear. Normal hearing is considered to be between 0dB and 20dB. The deviation of the hearing threshold from ‘normal hearing’ is called the hearing loss.
Hearing loss is described in degrees of hearing loss and is classified as either mild (thresholds at 25dB-35dB), moderate (thresholds at 40dB- 65dB), severe (thresholds at 70dB-85dB) or profound (thresholds at 90dB or above). Those with a mild hearing loss may have difficulty only in noisy situations, whilst those with a moderate, severe or profound hearing loss may have difficulty hearing in all situations.
Signs of hearing loss
Hearing loss progresses slowly, so it can sometimes be very difficult to gauge how your own hearing is. As most people adapt to the loss by using compensatory strategies such as lip-reading, it is usually family or friends who comment first.
The common signs of a hearing loss are:
- Difficulty understanding conversations especially when there is ‘noise’ present
- Asking people to repeat themselves
- Group conversations are hard to follow
- People seem to mumble.
- The television and radio are at high volume levels
- Can’t hear clearly on the telephone.
- Difficulty telling direction of sound
Why are people mumbling?
Speech consists of vowels and consonants in specific frequency and loudness categories. A person with normal hearing can hear all these speech sounds clearly in a quiet environment. As hearing deteriorates, some speech sounds become harder to hear or even inaudible. These speech sounds are usually the sounds that give speech its clarity. Without these important speech sounds, speech may seem unclear or that the person is mumbling. A hearing device makes these sounds audible again, resulting in clearer speech.
Types & causes of hearing loss
Hearing loss can be categorised into 4 types, depending on what part of the auditory system is damaged.
A sensorineural hearing loss refers to a problem in the inner ear, either in the hair cells of the cochlea or the hearing nerve or both. The more common causes of a sensorineural hearing loss are due to the ageing process and damage to the hair cells by exposure to loud noise. Other causes may be genetic, certain medications and diseases such as rubella. The majority of all sensorineural hearing losses are a permanent loss, so medical intervention such as surgery or medication rarely improve the hearing loss. Hearing devices are the best option to enhance hearing and communication.
A conductive hearing loss refers to a problem in the outer or middle ear that prevents sound from reaching the inner ear normally. This hearing loss is common in children due to middle ear infections and/or fluid behind the ear drum. Other causes may be genetic (otosclerosis), perforation of the eardrum, damaged ossicles or a build up of wax. In the majority of these cases, the hearing loss can be reversed with medical intervention. If not, hearing devices may be of benefit.
A mixed hearing loss is a combination of both a sensorineural and conductive loss.
A central hearing loss results from damage or impairment to the nerves of the central nervous system, either in the pathways to the brain or in the brain itself.
How hearing loss can affect an individual
- Drop in self esteem and confidence levels
- Stress and irritability due to frustration in communicating
- Fatigue – many people may report feeling tired at the end of the day as a lot of effort has gone into listening
- Embarrassment
- Withdrawn / Antisocial behaviour due to the difficulty of not being able to follow conversation
- Lack of concentration in conversation
How hearing loss can affect family and friends
- May find themselves talking for the other person
- Sacrificing some social activities
- Frustrated and tired due to difficulty in communicating
- Embarrassed in company
Hearing Instruments can help ease the frustration, embarrassment and fatigue associated with hearing loss. Many studies have shown the benefits of hearing instruments and the difference they can make. Many people who wear hearing aids and also their families, report improved relationships, more social activity, reduction in stress, anger and frustration and an overall improvement in quality of life.
Frequently asked questions
How is my hearing tested?
You wear headphones and listen for soft beeps at different pitches, pressing a button each time you hear one. Each ear is tested separately, ideally in sound-proof conditions. It is non-invasive, and your audiologist explains each step so you know what to expect.
What is an audiogram?
An audiogram is a graph of your hearing test results. Pitch runs along the bottom, from low to high, and loudness runs down the side. It shows the softest sound you can hear at each pitch in each ear. Your audiologist walks you through yours and what it means for everyday listening.
Why is speech tested as well as beeps?
Hearing sounds and understanding speech are two different things. The audiogram shows what you can detect, but not how clearly you understand words. In a speech test you repeat words you hear at different volumes, which helps your audiologist explain your options.
What do mild, moderate, severe and profound hearing loss mean?
These are labels for how soft a sound must be before you can hear it. Mild hearing loss may only cause difficulty in noisy places, while moderate, severe and profound levels can make hearing harder in most situations. Your audiologist explains which description fits your results.
What is a middle ear test?
A middle ear test checks how well your eardrum moves when air pressure changes, and how the small bones of the middle ear respond to loud sounds. It gives your audiologist more information about how your ears are working, and it is part of the wider assessment.
What are the signs I might have hearing loss?
Hearing change often happens slowly, so it can be hard to notice. You might ask people to repeat themselves, find noisy places difficult, or turn the television up. A hearing test can check how your hearing is. If hearing drops suddenly, see your GP or an emergency department the same day.
Will you send my results to my GP?
Yes, if you would like that. Your audiologist discusses the results with you and can send a report to you, to your GP or to an ENT specialist. Just let the team know your preference at your appointment.
Can I get a Medicare rebate for a hearing test?
Only with certain referrals, such as a GP referral, an ENT specialist or neurologist referral, or the Chronic Disease Management program. Whether you qualify depends on your circumstances, so ask our team. Call Rochedale South on 07 3841 3764 or Shailer Park on 0478 282 561.