Hearing Tests
for Adults
Having your hearing tested is an important part of looking after your health as you age. Whether you are showing signs of hearing loss or are simply looking to establish a baseline, the hearing test process is simple and provides you with a snapshot of your auditory health.
Audiologists at AurisCare follow best practices by thorough evaluation in the field of audiology and hearing health, known as a comprehensive assessment, involves a detailed examination of an individual’s auditory system and associated functions.
This assessment aims to offer a thorough insight into the individual’s hearing capabilities, potential challenges in hearing, and overall auditory well being.
Case History and Lifestyle & Needs Assessment
A detailed discussion with the individual about their medical history, lifestyle, and any specific challenges or concerns related to hearing health. The Audiologist will identify the needs and desired outcomes for the patient in order to present realistic and appropriate treatment options.
Hearing Tests for Adults
Otoscopic Evaluation
The initial stage of the hearing test involves using an otoscope, a tool designed to inspect the outer ear and ear drum. This examination of the ear canal allows us to look for potential infections, abnormalities in the eardrum, or the presence of wax buildup. Additionally, we offer the option of video otoscopy for a more detailed examination.
Hearing Tests for Adults
Tympanometry
Tympanometry is a test that checks different ear conditions, both in the outer and middle ear. During this test, we’ll blow some air into your ear canal to see how your eardrum moves. If there’s a gap between your Air Conduction and Bone Conduction thresholds, this test helps your audiologist figure out why that might be happening. We may also play loud sounds in your ear to assess acoustic reflexes.
Hearing Tests for Adults
Pure-Tone Audiometry
A test designed to assess hearing sensitivity across various frequencies, a step often anticipated by individuals undergoing a hearing examination. Now, we’ll move on to the next part of your hearing check in a quiet room and it consist of air and bone conduction testing.
Hearing Tests for Adults
Air conduction test
You’ll wear either headphones or insert earphones. For Air Conduction testing, we’ll play beep sounds, and we want you to let us know when you can just barely hear them. We’ll do this at different pitch levels. The results, shown on an Audiogram with Blue X’s and Red O’s, help us understand your hearing sensitivity.
Hearing Tests for Adults
Bone Conduction Test
We’ll do bone conduction testing by placing a bone oscillator on the bone behind your ear. This sends vibrations straight through your skull to your inner ear, skipping the outer and middle ear. It helps us figure out your Bone Conduction Thresholds. If there’s a gap between your Air Conduction Thresholds and Bone Conduction Thresholds, it might suggest a certain type of hearing loss that could need medical attention.
The outcomes of this test help us identify the degree and nature of any hearing impairment. Hearing loss can arise from issues with the inner ear and/or auditory nerve (sensorineural hearing loss), complications in the middle ear (conductive hearing loss), or a combination of both (mixed hearing loss).
Hearing Tests for Adults
Speech Audiometry (in Quiet)
Speech audiometry assesses an individual’s ability to hear and understand spoken words. It consists of two distinct assessments: Speech reception Thresholds (SRT) and Word Recognition test (WRS).
Hearing Tests for Adults
SRT
For this test, you’ll hear two-syllable words getting quieter, and the aim is to figure out the lowest volume, measured in decibels, at which you can just barely understand the speech.
Hearing Tests for Adults
WRS
This is done completed using recorded words(not live speech). We play recorded one-syllable words to you at a clear volume. This helps us figure out the percentage of speech you can understand. The higher the percentage, the better you’re likely to do with hearing aids because it shows you’re good at grasping spoken words.
Speech audiometry is a useful tool for gauging an individual’s ability to comprehend speech in everyday scenarios. It is employed alongside pure tone audiometry to offer a complete assessment of their hearing capabilities.
Hearing Tests for Adults
Speech In Noise test (QUICK SIN)
Quick-SIN is an excellent method to determine the amount of speech separation required above the background noise for you to comprehend what someone is saying. To enhance your hearing in noisy environments, it’s crucial for your audiologist to grasp your Speech-in-Noise score. The Audiologist uses the measured SNR loss value to assist in choosing the appropriate level of hearing aid technology, in conjunction with the degree of hearing loss, lifestyle, and the dexterity of the individuals.
Following the comprehensive hearing assessment, our Audiologist will go through the results and will talk with you about potential treatment options. Together, you’ll decide on the most suitable option tailored to your specific hearing loss and priorities.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to most of the questions that we hear a lot about hearing solutions.
A hearing test evaluates your ability to hear different sounds, tones, and frequencies. It helps identify any issues with your hearing and determines the degree and type of hearing loss, if any.
Adults experiencing difficulty understanding conversations, needing to increase TV volume, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or frequently asking people to repeat themselves should consider a hearing test. Routine tests are also recommended for individuals over 50 or those exposed to loud environments.
A typical hearing test takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the tests performed and your specific needs.
The process involves:
- Review your medical and hearing history.
- Check your ears for blockages or issues (otoscopy).
- Listening to tones, speech, or other sounds through headphones and responding to what you hear.
- Additional tests if necessary, such as tympanometry or speech recognition.
No special preparation is needed. However, to ensure accurate results, avoid loud noises for at least 24 hours before the test.
Coverage depends on your insurance plan. Some may cover hearing tests partially or fully, especially if referred by a physician. Check with your insurance provider for details.
No, hearing tests are completely non-invasive and painless.
If hearing loss is detected, the audiologist will discuss the results with you and recommend solutions such as hearing aids, assistive devices, or further medical evaluation.
While some types of hearing loss can be treated medically, others may require hearing aids or devices to improve hearing. An audiologist can guide you on the best options.
Adults should have their hearing checked at least once every three years, or more frequently if they are experiencing symptoms or are at risk for hearing loss.