Do you also notice a slight difference in your hearing? Let's talk about audiometry!

Do you sometimes feel like you can't hear someone talking, or that you have to turn up the volume on the TV? Or have you noticed that your little one doesn't respond well to sounds? In times like these, a hearing test, or `(Audiometry)` test, is a test that is done to find out exactly how good our hearing is. There's nothing to worry about, it's very simple. Shall we talk about this in more detail?

What is an audiometry test?

Simply put, this test is what audiologists do to find out if you have hearing loss. It is sometimes called a complete hearing evaluation.

Imagine, in a country like America, most people get a basic hearing test or a complete hearing test like this at least once in their lives.

• For newborn babies: A basic test is done at birth to make sure they can hear well.
• For young children: These basic tests can be done at their health clinic or school. If they seem to have a hearing problem, a full test can be done.
• For adults: Often, adults take these tests because they can't hear what other people are saying properly, or because they have to turn up the volume on the TV, laptop, or phone too much.

There are several types of hearing tests. The most important thing is that these tests do not require any special preparation and are not painful.

What types of hearing tests are there?

If you have a hearing screening, it will check if your hearing is normal. If the results of that initial screening suggest a problem, you may be referred for a full hearing test.

These ``Audiometry`` tests show what type of hearing loss you have, and whether it is mild, moderate, or severe. Here are some of the main types of tests:

• Pure-tone testing: This is the most common test. It involves seeing if you can hear a sound at each pitch, no matter how softly you say it. This is done on both young children and adults.
• Bone conduction testing: This tests to see if there are any problems with the tiny hair cells in the part of your inner ear called the cochlea. You know, the cochlea is the part of your ear that sends vibrations to your auditory nerve and then to the part of your brain that deals with hearing.
• Speech testing: This test can be done by adults as well as some children. In this test, you have to listen to some words and then repeat them. This test checks how well you understand what is being said and whether you can distinguish and recognize the words.
• Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR): This test measures the function of the inner ear's communication pathways to the brain. It is often used for young children, those who have difficulty performing the above-mentioned pure-tone testing, and those who have lost their hearing due to a brain injury.
• Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE): This test is used to check the functioning of the inner ear. It measures the subtle sounds produced by the inner ear, called OAEs. It is often performed on infants and young children.
• Tympanometry: This tests how well your eardrum moves. It can also detect a ruptured eardrum, fluid buildup in the middle ear, or wax buildup.

How are these tests done? It's very easy!

Although the details vary, most tests involve putting you in a sound-treated room, putting on headphones or earphones, and listening to sounds, tones, and words coming through them. You don't need to prepare anything in advance.

How to do pure-tone testing

This is the most common test. Here's what happens:

• You will be placed in a special soundproof room.
• You will be given headphones or small earphones that you put in your ears.
• The audiologist uses a machine called an audiometer, which emits sounds at different intensities (pitch) and loudness levels.
• You have to raise your hand, press a button, or say 'yes' as soon as you hear a sound.
• The audiologist will record your responses on a chart called an ``audiogram.`` This will show the nature of your hearing problem, that is, the level of impairment.

How to do a bone conduction test

This test sends sound directly into your inner ear:

• The audiologist places a small device behind your ear or on your forehead.
• The device emits sound. The sound causes your skull to vibrate.
• This vibration goes straight to your inner ear, bypassing your outer and middle ears.
• The audiologist compares the results of this test with the results of the ``Pure-tone'' test to determine the type of hearing loss you have.

How to do the Speech test

The audiologist may also perform this speech test along with the ``Pure-tone`` test:

• Like the ``Pure-tone'' test, you have to put on headphones or earphones.
• The audiologist says the words slowly and loudly.
• You have to say those words again.
• He notes which words you say as quietly as possible. Sometimes he also tests your word recognition by saying the words a little louder.

How to do the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test

Unlike the ``Pure-tone`` test, you don't have to respond to the sounds. But it is very important to remain still :

• You will be fitted with earphones. The audiologist will attach small sensors called ``electrodes'' to your head. These are attached to the skin and connected to a ``computer''.
• These electrodes record how your brain responds when you play certain sounds through earphones, that is, brainwave activity.
• This brain wave pattern is visible on the computer screen. The audiologist reports the results by looking at those computer printouts.

How to perform an autonomic auditory emission test (OAE)

This measures what are called `(Otoacoustic Emissions - OAEs)`. Simply put, these are the subtle sounds your inner ear makes when it responds to external sounds. If you have a hearing loss, your inner ear does not produce these `(OAEs)`:

• The audiologist will place a small earphone-like device, called a probe, in your ear.
• The probe sends a sound into the ear and measures the sound that comes back.
• Your test results are displayed on a monitor.

How to perform Tympanometry

Your eardrum is a thin membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. When a sound from outside hits the eardrum, it vibrates. Those vibrations travel through the middle ear to the inner ear and send signals to the brain. The brain interprets those signals as sound. Tympanometry measures how the eardrum responds when a small amount of air pressure is applied to the ear:

• The audiologist will place a small probe in your ear. It may look like an earphone.
• A small device connected to it sends a little air into the ear.
• That device has a graph called a ``tympanogram.'' It records the movement of the eardrum. It is from this that the audiologist can tell how the eardrum is working.

When will I know the test results?

Most of the time, the audiologist will tell you the test results right away. Don't worry, they will explain everything.

Your results are shown on a chart called an ``audiogram.'' It compares your hearing to normal ranges and shows how your ear responds to different sound intensities (high to low) and sound levels (very quiet to very loud).

What if I have a hearing problem?

If the tests confirm that you have a hearing problem, don't panic. The audiologist will explain it to you and advise you on what to do next. For example:

• If a hearing test or tympanometry results show that you have wax or fluid in your middle ear, your audiologist may refer you to an otolaryngologist (ENT) to remove the wax or fluid.
• Otherwise, if your ``Pure-tone'' test shows that you have a hearing loss, the audiologist will tell you the following:
• Do you have mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss?
• What kind of hearing devices do you have that help you hear better? For example, you could talk about different types of hearing aids. Or you could talk about hearing aids like cochlear implants.
• It also tells you what kind of experience you will have when using those devices.
• If you choose hearing aids, the audiologist will select them and fit them for you. This will take a separate appointment.
• If your audiologist recommends that you consider cochlear implants, they will refer you for further testing and evaluation.

How often should I have a hearing test?

This really varies from person to person.

• If you work in a very noisy environment , such as in the construction industry or a factory, it's a good idea to have your ears checked at least once a year, as the chances of hearing damage are higher in such environments.
• Otherwise, you may not need a full hearing test until you are in your 50s or 60s, when many people begin to experience age-related hearing loss.

The most important thing is that if you have any doubts or problems about your hearing, do not delay and ask your family doctor, who will refer you to an audiologist.

Are there ways to test my hearing at home?

Yes, there are now at-home hearing tests available online and in apps. These can give you a small clue as to whether you have any hearing problems.

But remember, just doing a home test like that won't tell you exactly what the problem is or what needs to be done about it. Therefore, to get an accurate diagnosis and the necessary advice, you should definitely have a full examination by an audiologist.

Audiometry tests are the best way to find out if you have a hearing loss. If you do, you're not alone. Millions of people around the world have varying degrees of hearing loss. Often, this hearing loss gets worse over time. You may not notice it right away, but it can be noticeable when you can't hear what others are saying clearly or when the TV is too loud.

So, what should we take home from this story? (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so let's recall the most important points from what we've talked about:

• A hearing test is nothing to be afraid of, and it doesn't hurt.
• If you can't hear what's being said, if you constantly have to turn up the TV volume, or if your child doesn't seem to respond well to sounds, it's important to get a hearing test.
• An audiologist will perform these tests and give you the necessary advice.
• If you are diagnosed with a hearing problem, there are solutions and help available. Hearing aids and cochlear implants are just a few of them.
• If a problem is identified early, it is easier to treat and can make life easier.

Therefore, if you have even the slightest doubt about your hearing, do not be shy or put off, see a doctor and, if necessary, seek the advice of an audiologist. Your hearing health is in your hands!

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