Audiometry

Best Audiometry Treatment & Diagnostics in Sadashiv Peth, Pune

Any person can get affected by hearing loss. A recent study shows that there is about 25 percent of people above the age of 50 experiences hearing loss, and there is 50 percent of people above the age of 80 experiences hearing loss. By the use of audiometry, one can test for his/her hearing loss.

During an audiometry test, your hearing functions are tested. Typically, the audiometry exam test comprises of the following test:

• Testing both intensity and the tone of sounds.
• Balance issues.
• Issues regarding the linear ear functions.

Normally, an audiologist performs the test.

Sound intensity is measured in decibel (dB). An average healthy human can hear low intensity sounds such as whispers which are about 20dB and loud intensity sounds such as jet engine which ranges from 140 to 180dB.

The tone sound is measured in Hertz (Hz). A healthy human can hear tones between the ranges of 20-20,000Hz.

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The Reason for Performing Audiometry

To test your hearing condition an audiometry test is performed. Thus, an audiometry test is done for hearing loss which can be caused by the following reasons:

• Sometimes hearing loss in a person can be a birth defect.
• Hearing loss in a person can occur if he/she is suffering from chronic ear infections.
• Hearing loss can also be hereditary, e.g. Otosclerosis.
• Any kind of ear injury can also cause hearing loss.
• Hearing loud music and noises.

Daily exposure to loud noises over long a period can cause hearing loss. Using earplugs to protect your ears in a rock concert is important as the intensity of the sound is over 85dB which can easily cause hearing loss in just a few hours.

Risks Involved in Audiometry

There are no risks present as audiometry is a noninvasive procedure. Thus, anyone can get their ear checked for hearing loss.

Preparations Required for Audiometry

There is no typical preparation required for an audiometry exam. Just being on time for your appointment and following your audiologist’s instructions is enough.

Types of Audiometry Test

The types of audiometry tests are as follows:

• Pure-tone audiometry
• Self-recording audiometry
• Speech audiometry
• Impedance audiometry
• Subjective and objective audiometry

What procedure is used to Perform Audiometry?

The test that involves the measurement of the quietest sound that you can hear at different pitches is known as pure-tone audiometry. In this test, an audiometer is used to play sounds through a headphone. A variety of sounds will be played through your headphone by your audiologists such as tones and speeches, these audios will be played into one ear at a time at different intervals. Normally, your audiologist will ask you to raise your hand when the sound becomes audible.

Sometimes, your audiologist will play a sound sample and ask you to repeat the words that you can hear. This test will also help your doctor or audiologist to determine the extent of your hearing loss.

To check how well you can hear vibrations through your ear a tuning fork may be used. A metal instrument is placed against the bone behind your ear or a bone oscillator is used to check how well vibrations are passing through your inner ear. Bone oscillators produce the same vibrations as a tuning fork.

Following Audiometry Test

Your results will be reviewed by your audiologists after the test has been performed. You will be told about the types of prevention that you have to take by your audiologists depending on how well you can hear the tone and volume. Some preventive measures are as follows:

• Avoiding loud noises and wearing earplugs around such loud noises.
• Avoid hearing loud music for long period.
• Wearing a hearing aid in public if recommended by your doctor.

Conclusion

Audiometry is performed to check how well you can hear with your ear and to check if there is any hearing loss. Audiometry is a noninvasive process and it carries no risks and it’s safe for all ages. People above the age of 50 should get an audiometry test as their chances of having hearing loss is high.