If you think you have hearing loss, a professional Audiologist can tell you the extent of your condition and make treatment recommendations.
Pure tone audiometry is an objective test that measures your ability to hear a series of tones at different frequencies. It is used to diagnose whether your hearing loss is sensorineural, conductive or mixed.
What Is a Hearing Test?
Getting your hearing tested is one of the most critical steps to identify hearing loss and its seriousness. A health professional will ask you questions about your lifestyle and the situations you are most likely to have difficulty hearing, such as whether you struggle to listen to conversations in noisy environments or frequently need people to repeat themselves. For professional hearing test Adelaide for seniors services, check this out!
They will then conduct a series of tests to determine the severity of your hearing loss. These usually include pure tone audiometry, speech discrimination, and middle ear testing (where necessary). They may also use a tympanometry test, which measures how well your eardrum moves. It is particularly useful for detecting fluid behind the eardrum or a perforated eardrum.
Pure tone audiometry is a simple test that involves sitting in a soundproof room and listening to a sequence of tones presented at different frequencies and loudnesses. You will be asked to respond by raising your hand or pressing a button whenever you hear a style, and the results of this test are shown on a graph called an audiogram. The resulting chart shows the softest sounds you can detect at frequencies typically comprising human speech, including low-bass and high-pitched tones.
It is a primary, fast and accurate method of determining your ability to hear at various pitches and loudnesses. It can reveal if you have any damage to your inner or outer ears and the type of hearing loss, which is conductive or sensorineural.
The audiologist will also use a speech discrimination test to assess your ability to distinguish between one and two. It may test how well you can tell whether a sound comes from your left or right ear. They will also conduct a middle ear test where they will place a tuning fork inside the ear and then hit it with a tool. The resulting graph will show if the eardrum is moving correctly, indicating whether you have a middle ear problem, such as a perforated eardrum or fluid behind the eardrum. For professional hearing test Adelaide for seniors services, check this out!
Why Is a Hearing Test Important for Seniors?
People often experience hearing loss as they age. It is due to natural processes like aging and exposure to loud noises that affect the tiny hair inside the inner ear. Often, the hearing loss is gradual and goes unnoticed. If the problem is not addressed, it can lead to isolation and reduced quality of life. That is why seniors need to get a hearing test regularly. The test can identify problems and provide solutions like hearing aids.
A professional audiologist will perform the testing, using an audiometer to emit sounds of different frequencies and intensities. The results are recorded on a graph known as an audiogram and help the audiologist determine the extent of your hearing loss, what type of hearing loss you have and its cause. The audiologist will also be able to recommend a suitable treatment plan.
Getting a regular hearing test Adelaide for seniors can also help to track changes in your hearing over time. It can be useful if you plan to adjust your lifestyle, such as moving into a new home or starting a new job where you will encounter loud noises that may interfere with your hearing. Regular checks can also identify any underlying medical conditions that can cause hearing loss, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease.
Older adults must be screened regularly as the risk of developing a hearing issue increases. It is vital to catch a hearing problem early before it progresses to a stage that can interfere with your daily activities and relationships. The good news is that most cases of hearing loss can be managed effectively with the right solution. If you notice a change in your hearing, book an appointment for a free hearing test with an experienced audiologist.
How Does a Hearing Test Work?
Hearing tests are usually painless and take just a few minutes. You will be asked to wear headphones and listen to harsh tones that vary in volume and pitch. Your audiologist will record your responses on a graph called an audiogram. Each ear is tested separately, and the results will show which sounds are too soft to hear. The results will be plotted on a graph with the vertical axis showing the intensity (volume) of the sounds and the horizontal axis representing the frequency or pitch of the sound. The lower the score on your audiogram, the greater the severity of your hearing loss.