Advanced Hearing and Balance Specialists have audiologists providing hearing tests in Utah and South Nevada.
A hearing test, also known as an audiometric evaluation, is a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s hearing ability. During a hearing test, various sounds of different frequencies and volumes are presented to the individual through headphones or speakers.
The test measures the softest sounds a person can hear at different frequencies across the range of human hearing. This helps identify any hearing loss or abnormalities in hearing sensitivity. Other aspects, such as speech understanding in background noise, may also be evaluated.
Overall, a hearing test provides valuable information about an individual’s hearing health and helps determine appropriate treatment options if hearing loss is detected.
Why Seeing a Doctor of Audiology is Important
The audiologists at Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists are highly-trained professionals with advanced degrees in audiology, specializing in the diagnosis and management of hearing and balance disorders. Their extensive education and clinical experience enable them to accurately assess hearing health and provide comprehensive care.
Unlike hearing aid dispensers, audiologists are qualified to conduct thorough evaluations, including diagnostic testing, interpretation of results, and personalized treatment plans. They have the expertise to identify underlying medical conditions that may affect hearing and can collaborate with other healthcare professionals as needed.
Furthermore, audiologists offer a wide range of services beyond just hearing aid fitting. They provide counseling, rehabilitation, and ongoing support to individuals with hearing loss, addressing communication challenges and improving overall quality of life. In essence, seeking care from a Doctor of Audiology ensures that you receive the highest standard of hearing healthcare tailored to your specific needs.
Why Would I Need a Hearing Test?
Regular hearing tests are essential for maintaining overall health and well-being, as well as for addressing any potential hearing issues early on. As our senses play a vital role in our daily lives, including communication, safety, and enjoyment, detecting and managing hearing loss promptly is crucial.
Professional audiologists at Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists recommend regular hearing tests to individuals of all ages, particularly if they notice any signs of hearing difficulty or if they are at risk due to factors such as aging, exposure to loud noises, or medical conditions.
What Are the Types of Hearing Tests?
Our comprehensive hearing tests encompass various types of evaluations to thoroughly assess your hearing health. These tests include:
Pure-Tone Testing
Pure-tone testing is a fundamental component of a comprehensive hearing evaluation. During this test, individuals wear headphones and are presented with tones at various frequencies and volumes.
The goal is to determine the softest sounds that can be heard across the range of human hearing. By identifying thresholds for different frequencies, audiologists can assess the degree and configuration of any hearing loss present.
Pure-tone testing helps guide treatment decisions and ensures that individuals receive appropriate interventions to improve their hearing health and overall quality of life.
Speech Testing
Speech testing is an essential part of a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Unlike pure-tone testing, which measures the softest sounds a person can hear, speech testing assesses an individual’s ability to understand spoken words.
During this test, recorded or live speech stimuli are presented at different volumes and background noise levels. The individual is then asked to repeat the words or sentences they hear.
Speech testing helps audiologists evaluate how well someone can hear and understand speech in real-life situations, such as conversations or group settings. This information is crucial for determining the impact of hearing loss on communication abilities and for guiding appropriate treatment recommendations, including hearing aids or assistive listening devices.
Bone Conduction Testing
Bone conduction testing is a type of hearing evaluation that assesses the function of the inner ear and middle ear structures. Unlike traditional air conduction testing, where sounds are delivered through headphones, bone conduction testing bypasses the outer and the middle ear by transmitting vibrations directly to the inner ear through the bones of the skull.
During the test, a small device called a bone oscillator is placed on the forehead or mastoid bone behind the ear. The individual hears sounds through vibrations conducted to the inner ear, bypassing any issues in the outer or the middle ear.
This test helps audiologists differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss and determine the type and severity of hearing impairment. Bone conduction testing is valuable in diagnosing conditions such as otosclerosis, conductive hearing loss, and certain types of inner ear disorders.
Tympanometry
Tympanometry is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the function of the middle ear and mobility of the eardrum, also called the tympanic membrane. During the test, a soft-tipped probe is placed in the ear canal, and air pressure variations are introduced to measure how the eardrum responds.
The results are plotted on a graph called a tympanogram, which provides information about the middle ear’s pressure, compliance, and overall function. Tympanometry helps identify conditions such as middle ear infections, eustachian tube dysfunction, perforated eardrum, and otosclerosis.
It aids audiologists in diagnosing and managing various middle ear disorders and guiding appropriate treatment options. Tympanometry is a quick, painless, and non-invasive test commonly performed as part of a comprehensive hearing evaluation.
Acoustic Reflex Testing
Acoustic reflex testing is a diagnostic procedure used to assess the integrity of the middle ear and the auditory nerve pathway. During the test, a brief, loud sound is presented to one ear, and a probe measures the involuntary muscle contractions, known as acoustic reflexes, that occur in response to the sound.
These reflexes typically involve the stapedius muscle in the middle ear and the tensor tympani muscle in the inner ear. By evaluating the strength and timing of these reflexes, audiologists can gather information about the function of the auditory system and identify any abnormalities.
Acoustic reflex testing is valuable in diagnosing conditions like sensorineural hearing loss, acoustic neuroma, and brainstem disorders. It is a painless and non-invasive test often performed as part of a comprehensive hearing evaluation to provide valuable insights into a patient’s auditory health.
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
ABR testing is a specialized diagnostic procedure used to assess the function of the auditory nerve and the brainstem pathways involved in hearing. During the test, electrodes are placed on the scalp, and the individual is presented with clicking sounds or tone bursts through headphones. The electrodes detect electrical responses generated by the auditory nerve and brainstem as they process the sound stimuli.
By analyzing these responses, audiologists can evaluate the integrity of the auditory pathway and detect abnormalities such as hearing loss, auditory nerve disorders, and tumors affecting the brainstem.
ABR testing is particularly valuable for assessing hearing in infants, young children, and individuals who are unable to participate in conventional hearing tests. It is a safe and non-invasive procedure that provides valuable information about the auditory system’s function and helps guide appropriate management and treatment decisions for individuals with hearing-related issues.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs)
OAEs testing is a diagnostic procedure used to assess the function of the cochlea, the sensory organ of hearing in the inner ear. During the test, a small probe containing a microphone and speaker is placed in the ear canal.
The speaker emits a series of low-level sounds, and the microphone records the otoacoustic emissions produced by the outer hair cells of the cochlea in response to these sounds. These emissions, which are typically very faint and cannot be heard by the individual, provide valuable information about the health and function of the cochlea.
OAEs testing is commonly used as a screening tool for hearing loss, particularly in newborns and infants, as well as to monitor cochlear function in individuals with suspected hearing issues. It is a quick, painless, and non-invasive procedure that can provide valuable insights into the integrity of the auditory system.
By undergoing these comprehensive tests with our experienced audiologists at Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists, you can gain a thorough understanding of your hearing abilities and any potential issues. Early detection allows for timely intervention and personalized treatment plans to address hearing loss and improve quality of life.
Three Main Types of Hearing Loss
There are three main types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and mixed. Each type affects different parts of the auditory system, resulting in varying degrees of hearing impairment.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear, the cochlea, or the auditory nerve pathways leading to the brain. This type of hearing loss is often permanent and is most commonly caused by aging, exposure to loud noises, genetics, or certain medical conditions such as Meniere’s disease or ototoxic medications.
Individuals with sensorineural hearing loss may experience difficulty understanding speech, particularly in noisy environments, as well as issues with hearing faint sounds. In some cases, they may also perceive sounds as distorted or muffled.
Treatment options for sensorineural hearing loss typically involve hearing aids or cochlear implants to amplify sound and improve communication.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves are unable to travel efficiently through the outer or middle ear. This can be due to blockages such as earwax buildup, fluid in the middle ear, which is often associated with ear infections, perforation of the eardrum, or abnormalities of the middle ear bones, also called the ossicles.
Unlike sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss is often temporary and can often be medically or surgically corrected. Individuals with conductive hearing loss may experience decreased sound volume, difficulty hearing faint sounds, and a sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear.
Treatment options may include removing blockages, prescribing medications to treat infections or inflammation, or surgical procedures to repair structural abnormalities.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss involves a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, meaning there is damage or impairment in both the inner/middle ear and the auditory nerve pathways.
This type of hearing loss can occur when an individual with pre-existing sensorineural hearing loss experiences additional conductive hearing loss due to factors such as ear infections, trauma, or anatomical abnormalities.
Treatment for mixed hearing loss typically involves a combination of medical interventions, such as addressing underlying causes of conductive hearing loss, and amplification through hearing aids or cochlear implants to improve overall hearing function.
Understanding the differences between sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Seeking guidance from an audiologist or hearing healthcare professional can help individuals with hearing loss identify the most appropriate interventions to improve their communication and quality of life.
Hearing Test: What To Expect
During a hearing test at Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists, expect a thorough and personalized evaluation of your hearing health. You will meet with our expert audiologists, who will guide you through the process with care and professionalism.
The test typically involves wearing headphones while listening to various tones and sounds at different frequencies and volumes. You will respond to signals by pressing a button or raising your hand.
Additionally, speech testing may be conducted to assess your understanding of spoken words. Rest assured, our team will explain each step and answer any questions you may have.
After the test, we will review the results together and discuss any recommended follow-up steps or treatment options tailored to your needs. Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities throughout the entire process.
Hearing Test Results
Interpreting hearing test results involves analyzing various factors, such as the softest sounds detected across different frequencies, the ability to understand speech, and any abnormalities in the auditory system. Results are typically presented on an audiogram, a graph that illustrates your hearing thresholds.
If your results indicate normal hearing, no further action may be necessary, but routine monitoring is advisable. If hearing loss is detected, the severity, type, and configuration will be identified. Treatment options may include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or referral to other specialists for medical intervention, depending on the cause and extent of the hearing loss.
Our audiologists at Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists will carefully explain your results, discuss the implications, and collaborate with you to develop a personalized plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle. Regular follow-up appointments may be recommended to monitor any changes in your hearing and ensure that you receive ongoing support and care.
Hearing Test FAQs
Will I need to do anything to prepare for a hearing test?
When preparing for your hearing test appointment, remember to bring along your medical history and any relevant information about your hearing health. While having a companion with you is optional, they can offer support and help ensure you remember any important details discussed during the appointment.
Arriving a few minutes early allows time to complete any necessary paperwork and settle in before the test begins. Wear comfortable clothing for the duration of the appointment, as you will likely be seated in a quiet room. Lastly, be ready to communicate any concerns or symptoms you may be experiencing to the audiologist.
Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities at Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists.
Are there any risks to hearing tests?
Generally, there are no risks associated with standard hearing tests. The tests are non-invasive and involve listening to sounds at different frequencies and volumes.
However, in rare cases, if you have a pre-existing condition, such as a perforated eardrum or active ear infection, certain tests like tympanometry may be temporarily uncomfortable.
Rest assured, our audiologists are trained to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the testing process. If you have any concerns or specific health conditions, feel free to discuss them with our team beforehand.
How reliable are online hearing tests?
Online hearing tests can provide a preliminary assessment of your hearing ability but may not be as reliable as tests conducted by professional audiologists. Factors like the quality of headphones or speakers, background noise, and individual differences in hearing can affect the accuracy of online tests.
Additionally, online tests may not detect certain types of hearing loss or provide a comprehensive evaluation of your auditory system.
For a thorough assessment of your hearing health, we recommend scheduling an appointment with our experienced audiologists at Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists. Our team will conduct comprehensive tests using advanced equipment and provide personalized recommendations based on your results.
Can you do a hearing test on your phone?
While there are some apps available that claim to offer hearing tests on smartphones, it is important to approach them with caution. These apps may provide a basic assessment of your hearing, but they typically lack the precision and reliability of tests conducted by professional audiologists.
Other factors, such as the quality of the app, the accuracy of the device’s speakers or headphones, and the testing environment, can further impact the results.
For a comprehensive and accurate evaluation of your hearing health, we recommend scheduling an appointment with our skilled audiologists at Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists. We utilize advanced equipment and techniques to provide thorough assessments tailored to your individual needs.
Hearing Tests in Utah and Nevada | Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists
Take the first step toward better hearing health and schedule your hearing test with Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists today.
With clinics conveniently located across Utah and Nevada, including St. George, Cedar City, Murray, Hurricane, Beaver, Panguitch, Mesquite, and Overton, finding the nearest location to you is easy.
Prioritize your hearing health and book your appointment now.
