HEARING TESTS

WHO NEEDS A HEARING TEST

DO CHILDREN NEED A HEARING TEST

SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS IN CHILDREN

There are different types of hearing and balance system assessments done at Hearing Point by our skilled audiologists that help in diagnosing hearing or balance issues.The tests prescribed to you will depend what you are experiencing, also considering factors such as age, medical history (current treatments, surgeries done, traumas caused by accidents etc) , hearing history ( onset/ duration of hearing or balance issues) and /or a medical referral. Click to know more about HEARING TESTS and VESTIBULAR TESTING AND HABILITATION.

HEARING TESTS FOR ADULTS

WHY DO YOU NEED A HEARING TEST?

Experts in the field suggest that individuals get their ears tested once every 10 years until the age of 50 and then every 3 years after that. This helps in early detection and timely intervention which gives successful results.

The following factors give rise to the occurrence of hearing loss

Exposure to loud sound at work
Exposure to loud music
Excessive wax production in ears
Accidents that cause head injuries.
Taking of ototoxic (harmful to the ear) drugs.
Hearing loss that has been passed on genetically by family members.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING HEARING TESTS?

1. Otoscopy

The audiologist uses an instrument to look into your ear to determine the presence of wax or any abnormalities that may hinder further healing testing.

2. Pure tone audiometry (PTA)

You will be asked to wear headphones and sit in a specially designed booth. You will be instructed to raise your hand or press a button every time you hear beeps.This test is done to find out the softest sound that you can hear. The results will be noted by the audiologist on an audiogram and will be discussed with you after all the required tests are done.

3. Bone conduction audiometry

An instrument will be placed behind your ear which sends sound through the bone to your inner ear and the same instruction for pure tone audiometry is given. This test helps to determine your type of hearing loss.

4. Speech testing

This test is conducted by giving you headphones and a microphone, and you will be required to repeat the words you hear. It measures the softest speech you can understand 50 % of the time.

5. Acoustic Reflex Testing (ART)

A tip is put in the ear which records an involuntary muscle response of the to sound.This test in addition to other assessments help in ascertaining the location of your hearing problem.

6. Tympanometry / Impedance Test

This test is not a hearing test just like the ART and uses the same instrument used for the previous test but instead of sound a slight pressure is introduced to the ear which helps determine the presence of fluid build up, wax or perforations.

7. Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA)

For this test a tester attaches/sticks electrodes on your head, scalp and behind your ears with a skin friendly adhesive and uses an instrument to record your hearing nerve’sresponse to sounds.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What are the tests that I will have to do?

The hearing tests that you have to do will be decided by your audiologist based on your medical history, referral from your doctor or hearing history which will be collected first.

2. Do i have to prepare in advance before my test?

There is no need for advance preparations prior to your hearing test unless advised by your Audiologist.

3. Do I have to carry any documents to my hearing test appointment?

Any medical reports or hearing test reports that you may have will help in providing information.

4. Will the tests be painful?

Hearing tests are non-invasive and therefore will not be painful and instructions will be provided before each test. If you feel discomfort at any point during your test please do not hesitate to inform your tester.

5. How long will I have to wait for my test results ?

Your test results will be discussed as soon as the tests are completed

6. How long will the tests take?

A lot of factors decide time duration. Please set aside at least a minimum of 1 hour for your appointment.

HEARING TESTS IN CHILDREN

DOES MY CHILD NEED A HEARING TEST?

The following factors indicate at risk children and a hearing test is advised

If child has family members with congenital hearing loss.
Premature birth and was admitted to the NICU .
Low birth weight
Exposure to medication that can lead to hearing loss
Had blood transfusion due to neonatal jaundice, had other infections such as meningitis and cytomegalovirus.

For more information see COULD MY BABY HAVE HEARING LOSS?

WHAT SIGNS DO I LOOK OUT FOR IN MY CHILD?

It is mandatory to do a hearing screening test for your child if he/she :

Does not startle or respond to loud sounds
Lacks attentiveness in tasks frequently and does not respond consistently to name call.
Has difficulty learning or following teachers at school, mostly indicated by poor academic performance.
Does not respond accurately to conversations.
Turns TV volume louder than needed to hear well.
Easily frustrated and gives inconsistent responses especially in environments with background noise.

If what you are currently experiencing is not mentioned but you need suggestions, please feel free to call and discuss your case with our Audiologist

WHAT TESTS WILL BE DONE FOR MY CHILD

Our audiologists are extensively trained in testing infants, toddlers and children and are experienced to look for their behavioural responses to sound.

The tests that will be done for your child will be decided by your audiologists considering factors such as age, history, developmental hearing milestones and health condition along with medical referrals if any.

For some of these tests infants and toddlers may not be cooperative and may be made to sleep or sedated under supervision.

BEHAVIOURAL OBSERVATION AUDIOMETRY (BOA)

This hearing test is done mainly for babies and younger infants where the child’s response to sounds in a soundproof booth are recorded by a trained audiologist. This test cannot be solely used to determine a hearing loss and has to be done in addition to other tests.

BRAINSTEM EVOKED RESPONSE AUDIOMETRY (BERA)

Babies upto 1 year can be made to sleep but older infants may require sedation which will be administered by your audiologist.

OTOACOUSTIC EMISSIONS (OAE)

You may be asked to put your child to sleep if he/she is not cooperative but if they are older and able to sit still then this test can be completed quickly. Tympanometry may also be done based on your audiologist’s discretion.

AUDITORY STEADY STATE RESPONSE (ASSR)

This test is done in conjunction with ABR to find out the degree of loss by recording the brain’s response to sound. The child will be made to sleep or sedated during the duration of the test to avoid disruption.