If you have noticed a decline in your hearing compared to previous years, you might be experiencing hearing loss. To confirm or rule out hearing loss, a professional evaluation from an audiologist that measures the range and sensitivity of your hearing might be necessary. This test is known as Audiometry.
In this article, we will explain in detail what an audiometry test is and how to interpret its results, known as an audiogram. We will also explore other hearing tests, providing a comprehensive way to check your hearing.
Get started by checking your hearing
To check your hearing, start by booking a visit with a GP (general practitioner), an ENT (otolaryngologist), or an audiologist. These professionals can help you with any questions about hearing loss and guide you through the hearing evaluation process.
Remember, early detection of hearing loss is crucial to its treatment. With an accurate diagnosis, doctors can provide interventions to improve your hearing. Learning about hearing tests is an excellent first step towards better hearing and a better life.
What is Audiometry and an audiogram?
Audiometry is the most common test for diagnosing hearing loss. It shows how well you can hear different sounds and is performed for each ear separately.
Audiometry is a simple and painless test. You will listen for sounds for a few minutes and share with the audiologist what sounds you can hear. This response involves pushing a button each time you hear a sound.
One benefit is you receive your test results at the end of your visit, meaning they are ready immediately after the end of your test session.
Example scheme of the audiogram with two examples of the hearing curves. The green curve represents normal hearing as it contains below the 25dB threshold. The red curve represents moderate-severe hearing loss with a focus on high frequencies.
The result of Audiometry is called an audiogram. The audiogram is a two-axis chart that shows how well you can hear different sounds. On the horizontal line, you will find different pitches or frequencies of sounds, measured in units called Hertz (Hz). Lower pitches are on the left, and higher pitches are on the right.
On the vertical line, there are different volumes of sounds measured in units called decibels (dB). Softer sounds are at the top, and louder sounds are at the bottom. The further down the markings on the audiogram, the harder it is for the person to hear.
The audiogram can show if you have hearing loss and how severe it is. There are four levels of hearing loss: mild (26-40 dB), moderate (41-60 dB), severe (61-80 dB), and profound (81 dB and above).
For example, if the markings on your audiogram are primarily in the 25-40 dB range, you might have mild hearing loss. This range could mean you need help hearing soft sounds or understanding people when there's a lot of noise around. But if the markings are in the 81 dB or above range, you might have profound hearing loss. That means you might only be able to hear very loud sounds or no sounds at all.
Other hearing tests
An audiogram is not the only way to evaluate hearing. It only allows you to learn about the current condition of your hearing. To diagnose your hearing loss type or causes, you may benefit from one or more of the following:
● Speech audiometry test: This test checks how well you can hear and understand words. You will listen to a series of words or sentences and try to repeat them back.
● Bone conduction test: This test checks how well sounds transmitted through your skull reach the inner ear. It can help determine if your hearing loss is conductive (caused by problems in the ear canal, eardrum, or middle ear) or sensorineural (caused by problems in the inner ear or nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain).
● Tympanometry: This test measures the movement of your eardrum when air pressure is changed in your ear canal. It helps to determine if the middle ear is functioning properly.
● Acoustic reflex test: This test checks how the muscles in your middle ear react to loud sounds. It can help find problems with the nerves that carry sound from your ears to your brain.
● Otoacoustic emissions test (OAE): This test checks how the tiny hair cells in your inner ear respond to sound. These hair cells help you hear, so this test gives a lot of useful information about the type of hearing loss you experienced.
In some cases you may be referred for an MRI test. This test helps doctors check if there are any abnormalities in your ears or brain to determine why you are having hearing problems.
Doctors like an otolaryngologist (ENT) or audiologist will use these tests to determine how to help you. Usually, you will then receive a treatment proposal to solve the causes or choose a hearing aid which can greatly improve your ability to hear sounds and aid communication.
CTA - link to our other article
CTA - link to our other article - second proposition
Summary
If you have noticed that your hearing is weakening, we recommend you visit a professional (ENT or audiologist) who will evaluate your hearing with one of the described tests.
Remember, taking care of your hearing is as important as taking care of any other body part. If you are having trouble hearing, get help immediately. The sooner a hearing problem is found, the sooner something can be done to help you so you can live a full and happy life.
.svg)
