Audiometry

Best Audiometry Treatment & Diagnostics in Chembur, Mumbai

Hearing or auditory perception is one of the most important senses for us humans. Imagine how difficult life is for those who cannot hear. For people who cannot hear, their brain is unable to perceive sound through the vibrations produced in the internal ear.

If you are suffering from loss of hearing or any difficulty in perception of sound whether mild, moderate or severe, visit an audiometry hospital near you. You should know that hearing loss is treatable. Visit an audiometry doctor near you.

What is audiometry?

It is a technique or test that is performed to measure one’s ability to hear sound. Audiometry is performed when hearing loss is suspected. Audiometry test is a painless, non-invasive approach to detect different frequencies of sound that a person can hear, eventually assessing if a person can hear or not and if there is a need for a hearing aid. Audiometry is done by well-trained audiometry doctors in Mumbai.

What are the types of audiometry?

Audiometry tests are non-invasive and safe; these tests are performed by audiometry specialists in Mumbai. The different audiometry tests are:

1. Pure tone audiometry - Air conduction is used to measure hearing efficacy at different frequencies. The frequencies range from 250 to 8000 Hz. A patient is made to wear headphones and is instructed to press a button when he/she hears a tone of a certain frequency. The results are plotted on a graph by an audiometer.  
2. Speech audiometry - This test is used to measure the speech reception threshold. The aim is to identify the faintest speech and repeat 50 percent of the speech.  
3. Self-recording audiometry - The intensity and frequency of the audiometer are automatically changed in a forward or backward direction. 
4. Bone conduction testing - This audiometry test measures the inner ear's response to sound. A vibrating conductor is placed behind the ear, sending vibrations to the internal ear through a bone. It is used to determine the type of hearing loss.  
5. Acoustic reflex testing - This audiometry test is used to determine the location of the hearing problem by measuring the involuntary muscle contractions of the middle ear. 
6. Otoacoustic emissions - It is used to determine the location of the blockage, location of the damage (middle ear or hair cell damage). Tiny probes are used to perform this test along with a microphone to measure the response of the cochlea.  
7. Tympanometry - In this audiometry, the movements of the eardrums are measured against air pressure to determine if there are any perforations in the eardrum, wax or fluid build-up or any tumor.  

When do you need to see a doctor?  

If you have any type of hearing issue, consult an audiometry specialist near you.

You can request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Chembur, Mumbai.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

How is audiometry performed?

Audiometry tests are performed in a quiet soundproof room. The procedure depends on the type of audiometry test performed. For pure tone audiometry, the patient is made to wear a headphone and is subjected to a wide range of sound frequencies and measured in dB. In speech audiometry, the patient's ability to understand a minimum of 50 percent of speech from the background is measured. The rest of the audiometry tests and how they are performed are mentioned above.

How do you prepare for audiometry?

Before going for an audiometry test, keep in mind the following points:

• Clean your ears a day before the test and make sure your ear is free from wax.  
• If you are suffering from a cold or flu, let your doctor know as this may provide false readings. You should get your appointment rescheduled in such a situation.  
• Try to remain still and quiet while the test is being performed.
• You should also avoid exposure to loud sounds, noise or music.   

 What are the risk factors associated with audiometry?

Audiometry is a non-invasive test performed to measure the ability to hear sound. It does not pose any risk.

What can you expect from audiometry?

• A complete case history recording and form-filling 
• Evaluation of your case by a practitioner taking into account your hearing condition, medical history and lifestyle  
• Diagnosis and treatment of your hearing inability and balance issues if present 
• Dispensing hearing aids or other devices 

What are the possible results of audiometry?

The results of the audiometry are depicted on the audiogram with the following types of readings:

1. Normal - <25 dB HL 
2. Mild - 25 to 40 dB HL 
3. Moderate - 41 to 65 dB HL 
4. Severe - 66 to 99 dB HL 
5. Profound - >90 dB HL 

 (*HL - hearing level) 

Conclusion  

Hearing loss is treatable. All you have to do is consult an audiometry doctor near you and get an audiometry test done. Audiometry tests help distinguish and figure out the damaged area of the ear and provide you with the necessary treatment.