Do you sometimes have difficulty hearing what someone is saying and have to ask them to "speak again"? Or do you feel like you need to turn up the volume on the TV or radio a lot more than usual? Do you sometimes hear words slurred when you're talking in a crowded place? These could be small signs that your hearing is a little weak. Don't worry, this is something that happens to many people. Today, we'll talk about the audiometry test, which is a hearing test that is done to find out exactly how far this hearing loss is and what the cause is.
Why does our hearing become impaired?
Hearing loss is something we see all the time. More than half of people over the age of 65 have some degree of hearing loss, especially in the elderly. But age is not the only cause. Certain diseases and accidents can also affect our hearing.
Simply put, if you think your hearing has decreased slightly, the first and most important step to finding the cause and deciding what to do next is an audiometry test.
Take a look at the table below, where we have listed some of the main causes of hearing loss.
| Reason | A short description |
|---|---|
| Frequent exposure to loud noises | Things like listening to loud music and working in places where machinery is operating. |
| Aging | It is natural for the delicate parts inside the ear to gradually weaken with age. |
| Ear infections or accidents | Conditions such as frequent ear infections and ruptured eardrums. |
| Some medications | Chemotherapy drugs, Viagra, and some antibiotics. |
| Other illnesses | Diseases such as meningitis, ear tumors or cancer. |
| Earwax | Sound waves are blocked from entering the ear due to a buildup of dirt. |
| Conditions that come from generations | If someone in your family has hearing loss, there is a chance that you will too. |
Are these your characteristics too?
If you suspect you have hearing loss, check to see if you have any of the following symptoms. If you experience one or more of these, it is best to see a doctor for advice.
| Symptom | How you feel |
|---|---|
| Indistinct speech | Even though you hear the words, they are not clear, as if you are listening from under water. |
| Difficulty choosing words | Difficulty understanding what someone is saying, especially when there is background noise. |
| Some letters are not audible. | Consonants such as 's', 'tha', and 'pa' are not heard in speech. |
| Always asking again | Constantly asking others to "say again" or "speak a little louder, sir." |
| Increasing the volume of the TV/Radio | Needing to turn on the television or radio louder than others in the house. |
| Avoiding social events | Tendency to avoid weddings and parties because people cannot hear what is being said in crowded places. |
What are these types of audiometry?
If you think you have a hearing problem, talk to your doctor about it. He or she may refer you to a specialist, an audiologist . He or she will examine your hearing and recommend some tests to find the cause of the problem.
You will not feel any pain during any of these tests. You will not need to make any special preparations before or rest after the test.
Pure Tone Audiometry
This is the most common hearing test. If you've ever had a hearing test at school or at work, you're probably familiar with it.
- You will be seated in a quiet room and given a pair of headphones.
- The person taking the test plays sounds at different pitches and different volumes, to only one ear at a time.
- You need to raise your hand and signal as soon as you hear the sound .
- Sometimes a small device (bone oscillator) is placed on the bone behind your ear and vibrations are sent through it to see if you can hear the sound. This sends sound directly to the inner ear and is tested.
Speech Audiometry
This is the same test as the one above. You have to wear headphones and sit in a quiet room. But this time you hear words instead of sounds.
- Words are played at each sound level.
- You have to repeat the word you hear. If it's a small child, ask them to show you the picture that goes with the word.
Impedance Audiometry
This involves checking the function of your eardrum.
- The doctor will insert a small device (probe) into your ear.
- This device applies air pressure to your eardrum and produces a sound.
- At that time, they measure how your eardrum moves.
The results of each of these tests are recorded on a graph called an audiogram . This gives your doctor a clear idea of the sound levels you can and cannot hear.
What can be done to treat hearing loss?
Most hearing loss is permanent. This means that it is difficult to fully regain the hearing you have lost. But don't worry. There are many ways to make the most of the hearing you have and make your life easier.
Ear Cleaning
If your hearing loss is due to earwax, it's a minor issue. Your doctor can carefully remove the wax using special tools. This is usually done in his or her office.
Hearing Aids
These are the most common methods. There are now different types of hearing aids available to suit your hearing loss. Your doctor will explain to you which type is best for you.
Surgery
Some hearing loss can be treated with surgery. For example, if fluid has accumulated behind the eardrum, a small tube can be inserted to drain the fluid. Surgery can also be used to correct problems with the eardrum or the delicate bones inside the ear.
Cochlear Implant
This is something that is done for people with severe hearing loss. In this, an electronic device is surgically implanted inside the ear. This device directly stimulates the auditory nerve, restoring the ability to hear.
Lifestyle Aids & Technology
When living with hearing problems, technology can be a great help.
- You can watch TV or videos with subtitles .
- You can use speech-to-text apps on your phone.
- There are amplification devices that can be connected to the phone.
If you are also having any hearing problems, talk to your doctor about this without delay and, if necessary, get an audiometry test.
Take-Home Message
- Although hearing loss is a normal part of aging, there are other medical conditions and causes that can affect it.
- If what is being said is not clear, or if you need to turn up the volume on the TV more than usual, don't ignore it. See a doctor immediately.
- Audiometry is a painless and simple test, so there is no need to be afraid of it.
- Although hearing loss cannot be completely cured in most cases, hearing aids, surgery, and other technologies can make life much easier.
- Only talk to your doctor to decide which treatment is best for your condition.
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