As we age, maintaining our hearing health becomes increasingly important. For those over 55, regular hearing checks are essential to ensure we stay connected with the world around us. Regular hearing tests can also check whether we have adequate sound stimulation traveling down our hearing nerve to our hearing centers in our brain, to keep our brain fit. One of the most common and effective methods for assessing hearing is the audiometry test. It is also known as a hearing test, pure tone audiometry or a diagnostic audiological assessment. If you’re preparing for your first audiometry test, here’s what you can expect.
At Victorian Hearing, we provide a thorough full diagnostic hearing assessment during each initial consultation. Many clients visiting our clinic express surprise, saying, “Oh, I haven’t had that done before.” We believe that a complete full diagnostic hearing assessment is crucial to establish a comprehensive baseline of your hearing health. This allows us to accurately monitor any changes or declines in your hearing over time.
Purpose of an Audiometry Test
An audiometry test is designed to evaluate your hearing acuity by measuring your ability to hear sounds at different pitches and volumes. This assessment helps identify any hearing loss or abnormalities that may be present. Conducted in a soundproof booth or a sound-treated room, the audiometry test is crucial for diagnosing conditions that could affect your hearing and determining the most effective treatment or management options.
Preparing for the Test
When you arrive for your audiometry test, you’ll be greeted by a friendly, university-qualified audiologist who will guide you through the entire process. There’s no need to feel anxious; the test is straightforward and painless. You won’t need any special preparation, but it’s a good idea to avoid exposure to loud noises for at least 24 hours before your appointment to ensure the most accurate results.
The Audiometry Test Procedure
- Initial Consultation: The audiologist will begin with a brief discussion about your medical history and any hearing concerns you might have. This helps build a picture and tailor the test to your specific needs.
- Visual Examination: The audiologist will perform a visual inspection of your ears using an otoscope (ear torch) to check for any physical obstructions or abnormalities that could affect your hearing.
- Tympanometry: Tympanometry assesses the condition of your middle ear and mobility of the eardrum (tympanic membrane) by creating variations of air pressure in the ear canal. This test is quick and involves placing a soft plug into your ear, which changes the pressure and generates tones. It helps detect issues such as fluid in the middle ear, eardrum perforations, or Eustachian tube dysfunction.
- Pure Tone Audiometry: This part of the test involves listening to a series of tones through headphones or insert phones (they look like earbuds). You’ll be seated in a sound-treated room to eliminate background noise interference. The audiologist will ask you to press a button each time you hear a tone, even if it’s very faint. These tones will vary in pitch (frequency) and volume (intensity) to map out your hearing thresholds.
- Bone Conduction Test: A small device clipped on a headband will be placed behind your ear to send sounds directly to your inner ear via vibration through to the bone of your skull. This helps determine if hearing loss is due to issues arising within the outer or middle ear, or if it’s sensorineural (related to the inner ear). If it is an outer or middle ear issue, this is known as conductive hearing loss and can most likely be treated medically or surgically.
- Speech Audiometry: In this portion, you’ll listen to and repeat back words or sentences at different volumes. This helps assess how well you can discriminate between different speech sounds, and it’s an important aspect of everyday communication.
What to Expect During and After the Test
The audiometry test usually lasts between 30 to 60 minutes. During the test, the audiologist will give you clear instructions and ensure you’re comfortable throughout. Afterwards, your Audiologist will review the results with you, explaining what they mean for your hearing health. Recommended next steps, such as considering hearing aids, further tests, or medical treatment will be discussed and reports sent to referring doctors/specialists.
The Importance of Regular Hearing Checks
Taking care of your hearing is essential for maintaining your overall health. Hearing loss can develop gradually, often going unnoticed until it significantly affects your quality of life. Regular audiometry tests are crucial for detecting changes early, enabling timely interventions that can improve your hearing and overall well-being.
If you haven’t had a hearing test recently, consider scheduling one. It’s a simple step that can make a significant difference in how you experience the world. Remember, better hearing promotes better communication, strengthens relationships, and enriches your life.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your audiologist with any questions or concerns. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Your hearing health matters, and we’re dedicated to helping you maintain it. With ten clinics across Melbourne, you are sure to find a friendly smile and support from the Victorian Hearing team. Call (03) 9558 8842 or book online.