What does a hearing test involve?

Common types of hearing tests encompass a variety of evaluations designed to assess different aspects of auditory function. Pure Tone Audiometry measures the quietest sounds a person can hear at various frequencies, providing a detailed profile of hearing sensitivity. Speech Audiometry evaluates the ability to understand speech, including tests for speech recognition thresholds and clarity of word discrimination. Tympanometry examines the middle ear’s function by measuring eardrum responses to air pressure changes, useful for identifying issues like fluid buildup or eardrum perforations. Acoustic Reflex Testing assesses the reflex contraction of the middle ear muscles in response to loud sounds, helping pinpoint the hearing problem’s location along the auditory pathway. Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) test for sounds emitted by the inner ear in response to auditory stimuli, indicating cochlear health. Lastly, Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) measures electrical activity in the auditory nerve and brainstem, crucial for diagnosing hearing loss in infants and others unable to undergo conventional testing. Collectively, these tests provide a comprehensive evaluation of hearing health, aiding in the diagnosis and management of hearing impairments.