Unfortunately, health problems like hearing loss have become common among many people. There can be several reasons why one might experience hearing loss. Some of the most common reasons for hearing loss are exposure to loud noise, ototoxic drugs, aging, etc.
Irrespective of the reason, it will be advisable for you to consider Audiologie Centre-Ouest Montreal hearing tests. There are a variety of tests that are used to identify and diagnose hearing loss. Even if you suffer from hearing loss, you should be aware of the different difficulties as they can be beneficial.
Seven types of hearing tests:
- Pure tone testing
This test is done with the help of air conduction to measure one’s ability to hear sounds at different volumes and pitches. The patient will likely be asked to wear headphones and sit in a specially designed booth.
Multiple sounds will be played and broadcasted through the headphones. The patient will be instructed to raise their hands or press a button as soon as they hear sounds, and the same results will be charted on audiograms.
- Bone conduction testing
These tests measure one’s inner ear’s response to sound. In this test, the doctor will put a conductor behind your ear that will send minor vibrations through your bone to the inner ear. This test differs from a traditional pure tone test, using air to send audible sounds.
- Speech testing
Speech testing measures an individual’s speech reception threshold(SRT). These tests are likely conducted in a quiet or noisy environment. A speech test can measure your ability to separate speech from background noise.
- Tympanometry
Tympanometry tests are used to measure the eardrum’s movement in response to air pressure. Such tests can determine if the ear has wax buildup, fluid buildup, eardrum perforations, or tumors.
- Acoustic reflex testing
Acoustic reflex tests measure involuntary muscle contractions of the middle ear. These tests can also be used to determine the exact location of the hearing problem, ranging from the ossicles, auditory nerve, cochlea, etc.
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
These tests determine whether a specific type of hearing loss exists, like sensorineural or conductive. This test is also used for screening newborns for hearing problems. Electrodes are attached to the patient’s head, scalp, or earlobes. Headphones will also be used to measure the brainwave activity in response to sounds of various intensities.
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs)
This test consist of sound generated by the hair cells’ vibrations in the inner ear’s cochlea. This test uses a tiny probe integrated with a microphone and speaker and measure the response. OAEs help determines if your ear has excess fluid in the middle ear, blockage, or if there is any hair cell damage.