#audiometry test

Audio Hearing Test & Presbycusis Evaluation at Acute Hearing

Hearing health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, yet it's often overlooked until problems arise. At AcuMed Holdings in Singapore, we prioritize early detection and prevention through our comprehensive audiometry tests. These tests are essential for assessing your hearing ability and identifying any potential hearing loss, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. 

Why Should You Get an Audiometry Test? 

Introduction

Audiometry is a vital diagnostic tool used by audiologists to assess a person's hearing ability. Whether it's to detect hearing loss, evaluate the extent of impairment, or monitor changes over time, audiometry test provides valuable insights into a patient's auditory health. In this guide, we'll delve into the intricacies of how an audiometry test is conducted and the equipment commonly employed during the procedure.

The Procedure

An audiometry test in Singapore is usually conducted in a soundproof booth to minimize external noise interference. The process begins with the audiologist explaining the test to the patient, setting expectations, and addressing any concerns they might have. Then, the actual test proceeds through several steps:

Pure Tone Audiometry

Pure tone audiometry involves the patient wearing headphones or insert earphones connected to an audiometer, a specialized machine that produces sounds at different frequencies and volumes.

The patient is required to respond whenever they hear a sound by pressing a button or raising their hand.

The audiologist starts by presenting tones at various frequencies, typically ranging from low to high, and adjusts the intensity level (loudness) accordingly.

The results are plotted on an audiogram, a graph that displays the patient's hearing thresholds for different frequencies, measured in decibels (dB), and typically presented in both ears separately.

Speech Audiometry

Speech audiometry assesses the patient's ability to hear and understand speech.

The audiologist plays recorded speech stimuli at different volumes to determine the patient's speech recognition threshold (SRT), which is the softest level at which they can understand speech, and their word recognition score (WRS), which measures the percentage of words correctly identified.

This test provides crucial information about the patient's ability to comprehend speech in various listening environments.

Additional Tests

Depending on the patient's specific needs and concerns, additional tests such as tympanometry (to assess middle ear function) and otoacoustic emissions (to evaluate cochlear function) may be performed.

Equipment Used

Audiometry requires specialized equipment designed to deliver precise sound stimuli and accurately measure the patient's responses. Here are the key components typically used during the procedure:

Audiometer

The audiometer is the central device used in audiometry tests. It generates pure tones and speech stimuli at specific frequencies and intensity levels.

Headphones or Insert Earphones

These devices deliver the sound stimuli to the patient's ears in a controlled manner, ensuring accurate measurement of hearing thresholds.

Soundproof Booth

The soundproof booth provides an environment free from external noise, essential for obtaining reliable audiometric results.

Response Button or Hand-Raising Mechanism

Patients use a response button or hand-raising mechanism to indicate when they hear a sound during the test, allowing the audiologist to record their responses accurately.

Conclusion

Audiologist Australia

Audiometry is a procedure used to assess the sensitivity of a person's hearing across a range of frequencies. This test is typically performed by an audiologist using a machine called an audiometer.

Procedure of Audiometry Test

Here is a general description of how the audiometry test is done:

         Preparation:

The patient is seated in a soundproof booth or room to ensure external noises don't interfere with the test.

The audiologist will often ask about the patient's medical and noise exposure history to get a better understanding of their hearing health.

         Pure-Tone Audiometry:

The patient will wear headphones connected to the audiometer.

The audiologist will play a series of tones at various pitches (frequencies) and volumes (intensities) into one ear at a time.

The patient is asked to respond every time they hear a tone, usually by pressing a button.

The softest sound (in decibels, dB) that the patient can hear at each frequency is plotted on an audiogram, a graphical representation of hearing sensitivity.

The test will typically cover frequencies from 250 Hz to 8000 Hz, which encompasses most of the range of human speech and many environmental sounds.

         Speech Audiometry:

The audiologist will play a series of words or sentences at various volumes.

The patient is asked to repeat the words or sentences.

This test assesses the individual's ability to hear and understand speech. The results can be presented as a speech reception threshold (SRT) and word recognition score.

         Bone Conduction Testing:

Instead of using headphones, a bone oscillator is placed on the mastoid bone behind the ear.

This directly stimulates the inner ear, bypassing the middle and outer ear.

This test helps to determine if hearing loss is conductive (related to issues in the outer or middle ear) or sensorineural (related to issues in the inner ear or auditory nerve).

         Tympanometry (if included):

A small probe is inserted into the ear canal.

The device changes the pressure in the ear and measures the movement of the eardrum in response to the pressure changes.

This test provides information about the condition and function of the middle ear.

         Interpretation of Results:

After the tests, the audiologist will review the results with the patient.

The audiogram will show the type, degree, and configuration of any hearing loss.

Recommendations, which may include hearing aids, medical intervention, or other treatments, will be provided based on the results.

         Follow-up:

Depending on the findings and recommendations, a follow-up might be needed with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor, or for hearing aid fitting and adjustments.

Before undergoing an audiometry test, it's essential to avoid exposure to loud noises for at least 16 hours, as recent noise exposure can temporarily affect hearing thresholds. It's also a good idea to ensure the ears are free from excessive wax, as this can affect the test results.

Is Audiometry Test Painful?

No, the audiometry test is not painful. It is a non-invasive procedure that involves listening to sounds and responding when you hear them. Most people find the test straightforward and painless.

However, there are a few considerations:

Comfort Level: While the test is painless, some might feel slight discomfort or claustrophobia when seated in the soundproof booth, especially if the test takes a long time. This feeling is generally minor and goes away once the test is over.

Ear Pressure: If tympanometry is included, which assesses the middle ear's function by changing the air pressure in the ear canal, some might feel a sensation similar to being in an airplane when it's descending. While this isn't painful, it might feel a bit odd or uncomfortable for a brief moment.

Existing Ear Conditions: For individuals with active ear infections or other ear problems, inserting headphones or the probe for tympanometry might cause slight discomfort. It's essential to inform the audiologist of any current ear issues before the test.

If you ever feel discomfort during the test, you can inform the audiologist, and they can adjust or stop the test if necessary.

Audiometry Test in Jaipur

Discover the leading audiometry test in Singapore that offers comprehensive evaluations of your hearing capabilities. Our experienced audiologists utilize advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to assess your hearing health accurately.