Pure Tone Audiometry Test Woodridge

You're about to undergo a pure tone audiometry test, which assesses your ability to hear faint sounds at different frequencies. It's conducted in a soundproof room with headphones. You'll respond to sounds by pressing a button or raising your hand. The test measures your hearing threshold in decibels (dB) to identify potential hearing loss.

Your results will help diagnose and treat hearing problems. As you learn more about the test, you'll discover how it helps create a map of your hearing abilities and what to expect from the results.

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, Parkinson, Stretton, Browns Plains, Regents Park, Forestdale, Forest Lake, Springfield Lakes and Waterford West.

What Is Pure Tone

When you're getting a hearing test, a soundproof booth and headphones are often used to administer a series of tones, known as pure tones, to assess your hearing abilities. These tones are used to determine the faintest sounds you can hear at different frequencies. You'll be asked to indicate when you hear a tone, and the results will help identify any hearing loss or difficulties you may be experiencing.

The pure tones used in the test are single-frequency sounds that aren't mixed with any other frequencies. They're used to assess your ability to hear sounds at different pitches, from low frequencies like rumbling thunder to high frequencies like a bird chirping. By responding to these tones, you'll be helping the tester to create a map of your hearing abilities, which can be used to diagnose any hearing problems you may have. This information is crucial in determining the best course of treatment for your specific hearing needs.

Audiometry Test Procedure

A typical audiometry test procedure involves several key steps, and it's usually conducted in a soundproof room to minimize background noise. You'll be seated in a chair and asked to wear headphones. The test administrator will explain the procedure and what you can expect. You'll be instructed to indicate when you hear a sound, and you'll typically do this by pressing a button or raising your hand.

As you undergo the test, you'll be presented with a series of tones at different frequencies and volumes. The administrator will be in another room, controlling the sounds you hear. You won't be able to see them, but you'll be able to communicate through an intercom system. The test is designed to assess your hearing abilities, and it's essential to follow the instructions carefully. You'll be asked to respond to the sounds you hear, and the administrator will take note of your responses. The entire procedure is usually quick and straightforward, lasting around 15-30 minutes.

Hearing Threshold Measurement

You've just undergone the audiometry test procedure, and now it's time to take a closer look at how your hearing threshold is measured. This is done by determining the softest sounds you can hear at different frequencies. You'll be asked to respond when you hear a tone, and the volume will be adjusted accordingly. The goal is to find the lowest level at which you can detect the sound.

As you respond to the tones, your hearing threshold is determined. It's the minimum sound level that you can perceive, and it's usually measured in decibels (dB). If your hearing threshold is higher than normal, it may indicate hearing loss. You might have difficulty hearing soft sounds, or you might need to turn up the volume on your TV or phone. The measurement of your hearing threshold will help identify any potential issues with your hearing, and it'll provide a baseline for future tests. It's an important part of the audiometry test, and it'll help you understand your hearing abilities.

Test Equipment Used

During the pure tone audiometry test, the equipment used is crucial for accurate measurements. You'll be seated in a soundproof room with headphones on, and the equipment will be connected to an audiometer. This device generates the pure tones you'll hear during the test. The audiometer is typically connected to a computer or a separate control unit that allows the audiologist to adjust the frequency and intensity of the sounds.

You'll be asked to respond when you hear a tone, and your response will be recorded. The equipment used is designed to minimize background noise and distractions, ensuring that the test results are as accurate as possible. The headphones you wear are specifically designed for audiometry tests, and they're calibrated to provide consistent sound levels. As you take the test, you can expect the equipment to be adjusted and calibrated to meet your specific needs, allowing the audiologist to get an accurate measurement of your hearing threshold.

Types of Audiometry

Depending on your specific needs, there are several types of audiometry tests that can be used to assess your hearing. You'll typically undergo one of two main types: air conduction or bone conduction audiometry. Air conduction tests involve listening to sounds through headphones, which is the most common method. It's used to assess your ability to hear sounds in everyday life.

You may also undergo bone conduction tests, which use a device placed behind your ear to transmit sound vibrations directly to your inner ear. This type is used when your doctor suspects you have a problem with your middle ear. There are also specialized tests, such as speech audiometry, which assess your ability to understand speech in noisy environments. You might also undergo high-frequency audiometry if you're exposed to loud noises at work. Your doctor will choose the most suitable test based on your symptoms and medical history.

Test Result Interpretation

Your test results will be recorded on an audiogram, a graph that plots the softest sounds you can hear at different frequencies. It's a visual representation of your hearing ability, and you'll see lines or symbols that indicate the threshold of your hearing. You'll notice that the graph has two main parts: one for each ear. This allows you to compare your hearing between the two.

As you look at your audiogram, you'll see that it's divided into different frequency levels. You'll be able to see how well you can hear low-frequency sounds, like deep voices, and high-frequency sounds, like children's voices. The results will show you the decibel level at which you can hear each frequency. If you don't hear a sound at a certain frequency, it'll be marked on the graph. Your doctor will interpret the results, and you'll discuss what they mean for your hearing and overall health. They'll use the results to determine if you have any hearing loss and recommend treatment options.