{"id":219,"date":"2021-04-15T15:03:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-15T22:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nesilv.fm1.dev\/audiological-care\/hearing-loss-testing\/"},"modified":"2021-09-10T14:53:59","modified_gmt":"2021-09-10T21:53:59","slug":"hearing-loss-testing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/audiologist\/hearing-loss-testing\/","title":{"rendered":"Hearing Loss Testing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"Who should be given an audiology evaluation? \",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"An audiology evaluation should be the first course of action for anybody who even suspects a hearing loss. The sooner a diagnosis of hearing loss is made, the more successful treatment will be. Early detection means more options for the patient. Many physicians urge making audiology evaluations a routine part of your overall health care, much like regular vision exams and dental checkups. They are quick, painless and provide immediate results. \"\n    }\n  }, {\n \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What does audiological diagnostic testing cover?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"A comprehensive audiology evaluation consists of a series of individual diagnostic tests that measure different aspects of your hearing. Following a physical examination and a review of your medical history, you will be given a variety of tests to determine your hearing loss and severity.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What is a pure tone audiometry test?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"This test, also known as PTA, checks the hearing in both your ears. An audiometer is a machine that delivers sound at various sound levels and frequencies. You listen through a set of headphones, and when you hear the sound, you press a button.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What is tympanometry?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"If your eardrum is working properly, it should allow sound to pass to your middle ear. You can experience hearing problems if instead of delivering the sound to the middle ear, your ear drum sends it back. With tympanometry, your tester will seal your ear using a plastic bung, and use a machine to change your ear canal pressure. In this way, the tester can determine if you have any fluid behind your ear drum that could be causing sound to bounce back.\"\n    }\n }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What is a tuning fork test?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Tuning forks produce sound waves when tapped. With this type of test, the tester gently touches the tuning fork on their knee or elbow, making it vibrate, and then holds the tuning fork at various places around your head. This test helps to determine if sounds are not transmitting effectively into your inner ear \u2013 in other words, if you have conductive hearing loss because your auditory nerve or your inner ear are not working the way they should.\"\n    }\n }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What is a bone conduction test?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"A bone conduction test is a somewhat more sophisticated rendition of the tuning fork test. It involves placing a probe against your ear\u2019s mastoid bone, and allowing it to vibrate in order to determine how well sound is delivered through the mastoid bone.\"\n    }\n }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What is an audiogram?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"An audiogram is a means of recording the results of your hearing test on a graph. Different pitches and volumes are recorded, and the kinds of sounds that you can hear are identified. This helps to determine the kind of hearing loss you have, and enables our audiologist to determine what type of treatment or hearing aid would be best for you.\"\n}\n }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What is speech testing?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Speech (or word recognition) testing is used to measure your speech reception threshold (SRT), or the faintest speech you can understand 50 percent of the time. This is compared with your pure-tone test results to confirm the diagnosis. In addition, your ability to separate speech from background noise will be recorded. Speech testing may be administered in either a quiet or noisy environment; results are recorded on the audiogram for easy visual reference.\"\n    }\n }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What is an acoustic reflex testing?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"The acoustic reflex test measures involuntary muscle contractions of the middle ear, and is used to determine the location of your hearing problem (the ossicles, cochlea, auditory nerve, etc.) as well as the type of hearing loss.\"\n }\n }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What are otoacoustic emissions?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are sounds generated by vibrations of the hair cells in the cochlea of the inner ear. OAE testing utilizes a tiny probe fitted with a microphone and speaker that is used to stimulate the cochlea and measure its response. Individuals with normal hearing will produce emissions; when a hearing loss exceeds 25-30 decibels, no sound will be produced. This test helps determine whether there is a blockage in the ear canal, excess fluid in the middle ear or damage to the hair cells of the cochlea. OAE testing is often included in newborn hearing screening programs.\"\n}\n  }]\n  }\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<h2>What Does a Hearing Test Measure?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An audiologist uses a hearing test to measure your type, degree and configuration of hearing loss. An audiology evaluation consists of a series of one or more of these tests. Your audiologist will use your test results to create a treatment plan for your unique hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Who Should Have Their Hearing Tested?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An audiology (or hearing) evaluation can benefit patients of all ages, even those who do not show signs of hearing loss. Experts recommend having your hearing tested every 10 years until age 50. For those 50 and older, <a href=\"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/audiologist\/\">you should visit your audiologist<\/a> for a hearing exam every three years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Why Should You Have a Regular Hearing Test?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hearing loss is a progressive condition that often develops slowly. Many people are not aware of a change in their hearing because they adjust to the loss over a long period of time. Studies indicate that it takes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.asha.org\/Articles\/Untreated-Hearing-Loss-in-Adults\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">seven years, on average<\/a>, for a hearing impaired individual to seek treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Take the First Step Toward Treating Your Hearing Loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An audiology evaluation should be the first step for anybody who suspects a loss of hearing; the sooner it is diagnosed, the more successful treatment will be. Early detection means more options for you, your partner or a loved one with hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>The Consequences of Untreated Hearing Loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When left untreated, hearing loss can damage your physical health, emotional well-being and professional success. This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" src=\"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-1087892458-optimized-scaled-1-1280x854.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-648\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-1087892458-optimized-scaled-1-1280x854.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-1087892458-optimized-scaled-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-1087892458-optimized-scaled-1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-1087892458-optimized-scaled-1.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Increasing your <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3869227\/\" target=\"_blank\">risk of cognitive decline<\/a>.<\/li><li>Increasing your feelings of depression, anger and anxiety.<\/li><li>Reducing job performance and monetary compensation.<\/li><li>Leading to difficulty concentrating and storing new information.<\/li><li>Increasing your likelihood of suffering physical injuries, specifically falls.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Many physicians believe you should make audiology evaluations a routine part of your overall health care, just like regular vision exams and dental checkups. Hearing tests are quick, painless and provide immediate results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>What Are the Different Types of Hearing Tests?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An audiology evaluation includes a physical examination, a review of your medical history and diagnostic tests that measure different aspects of your hearing. You will be given any or all of the following tests:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Pure Tone Testing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pure-tone testing (also known as pure tone audiometry) uses air conduction to measure your ability to hear sounds of different pitches and volumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>How Is a Pure Tone Audiometry Test Done?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>While wearing a pair of medical-grade headphones you will be asked to identify a series of tones by raising a hand, pressing a button or responding verbally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>Pure Tone Testing Results<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The results are charted on an audiogram, a graph that shows the type, degree and configuration of your hearing loss by comparing pitch (frequency) with loudness (intensity). The recorded pattern will help your audiologist determine your hearing threshold (the level at which you can no longer detect sound).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Bone Conduction Testing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bone conduction testing is another type of pure-tone test bypasses the outer and middle ear and measures the inner ear\u2019s response to sound. If there is damage or a blockage in the outer or middle ear, or the pure tone responses suggest a hearing deficit bone conduction audiometry testing will be used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>How Is a Bone Conduction Testing Done?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of sending the tones through the ear, this test is able to bypass the outer and middle ear and send the tone directly to the inner ear. Bone conduction testing uses a small vibrator placed behind the ear. The device sends out a vibration that passes through the skull bone to reach the inner ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>Bone Conduction Testing Results<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If the results of this test are different than the air conduction test, your audiologist can use this information to determine whether you have a conductive or sensorineural hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternatively, a two-pronged metal tuning fork may be placed behind the ear or on the forehead. When vibrated, it produces a tone that travels to the inner ear via the skull. Your response determines how well sound travels through different parts of your ear, helping the audiologist diagnose your type of hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Speech Testing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Speech (or word recognition) testing is used to measure your speech reception threshold (SRT), or the faintest speech you can understand 50 percent of the time. These results are compared with your pure-tone test results to confirm a diagnosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Speech testing may be administered in either a quiet or noisy environment; results are recorded on an audiogram for easy visual reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Tympanometry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tympanometry is a test of the middle ear used to detect fluid, abnormal ear pressure, eardrum perforations and tumors. It measures movement of the eardrum in response to air pressure; the results are recorded on a chart called a tympanogram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Acoustic Reflex Testing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The acoustic reflex test measures involuntary muscle contractions of the middle ear, and is used to determine the location of your hearing problem (the ossicles, cochlea, auditory nerve, etc.) as well as the type of hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Common Newborn Hearing Tests<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3>Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Auditory brainstem response testing is used to determine whether a specific type of hearing loss \u2013 sensorineural \u2013 exists. It is also frequently used to screen <a href=\"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/audiologist\/pediatric-hearing-loss\/\">newborns for hearing problems<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In an ABR test, electrodes are attached to your head, scalp or earlobes, and you are given headphones to wear. Your brainwave activity is measured in response to sounds of varying intensities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are sounds generated by vibrations of the hair cells in the cochlea of the inner ear. OAE testing uses a tiny probe fitted with a microphone and speaker to stimulate the cochlea and measure its response. Individuals with hearing within normal limits will produce emissions; when a hearing loss is significant, no sound will be produced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This test helps determine whether there is a blockage in the ear canal, excess fluid in the middle ear or damage to the hair cells of the cochlea. OAE testing is often included in newborn hearing screening programs.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"site-cta\">Call <span class=\"company-name \">Nevada Ear + Sinus Institute<\/span> at <a href=\"tel:+17027357668\" class=\"phone \"> <span class=\"phNum\">(702) 735-7668<\/span><\/a> for more information or to schedule an appointment. <\/p>\n<div class=\"nvd-cutout-icon-wrapper\"><span class=\"cut-out\"><svg class=\"logo-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" width=\"24px\" height=\"24px\" viewbox=\"0 0 121 121\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n  <path d=\"M60.0224 5.0457e-05C37.1446 -0.0295484 16.2448 12.9653 6.15073 33.4959C-3.94338 54.0265 -1.47144 78.5124 12.5224 96.6112L34.1336 96.6112C44.3342 96.4594 52.5236 88.1463 52.5224 77.9445L52.5224 71.6667C49.1495 74.5534 44.8509 76.1309 40.4113 76.1112C32.8184 76.0795 25.9871 71.4913 23.0857 64.4745C20.1843 57.4577 21.7803 49.3849 27.1335 44L28.1336 43.0556C27.4181 42.5614 26.7487 42.0036 26.1336 41.3889C21.4572 36.2934 21.543 28.4418 26.3295 23.4497C31.1161 18.4576 38.9572 18.042 44.2447 22.5C45.371 20.0063 46.9537 17.7452 48.9113 15.8334C53.2872 11.457 59.2225 8.99837 65.4113 8.99837C71.6001 8.99837 77.5354 11.457 81.9113 15.8334C88.5853 22.5067 90.582 32.5434 86.9701 41.2629C83.3583 49.9824 74.8493 55.6674 65.4113 55.6667C63.3457 55.6701 61.2895 55.3897 59.3002 54.8334L59.3002 77.9445C59.8425 87.9037 68.0762 95.7013 78.0502 95.7013C88.0242 95.7013 96.2579 87.9037 96.8002 77.9445C97.1195 73.0262 94.6768 68.3386 90.4628 65.7826C86.2487 63.2267 80.9628 63.2267 76.7488 65.7826C72.5347 68.3386 70.092 73.0262 70.4113 77.9445C70.4113 82.1787 73.8438 85.6112 78.078 85.6112C82.3122 85.6112 85.7447 82.1787 85.7447 77.9445C85.7154 76.7602 84.7623 75.8071 83.578 75.7778C82.4031 75.808 81.4665 76.7692 81.4669 77.9445C81.4669 79.8161 79.9496 81.3334 78.078 81.3334C77.1696 81.3483 76.2933 80.9978 75.6457 80.3607C74.9981 79.7235 74.6334 78.853 74.6336 77.9445C74.6336 73.0046 78.6381 69 83.578 69C88.5179 69 92.5224 73.0046 92.5224 77.9445C92.0485 85.5896 85.71 91.5474 78.0502 91.5474C70.3904 91.5474 64.0519 85.5896 63.578 77.9445C63.1878 70.5376 66.9174 63.52 73.2748 59.6993C79.6322 55.8786 87.5793 55.8786 93.9367 59.6993C100.294 63.52 104.024 70.5376 103.634 77.9445C103.625 89.4792 95.8898 99.5781 84.7558 102.592C73.6219 105.606 61.849 100.788 56.0224 90.8334L55.9113 90.6667C55.9113 90.7223 55.8558 90.7778 55.8002 90.8334C51.3707 98.3853 43.3835 103.144 34.6335 103.444L18.6891 103.444C38.2261 122.055 67.7826 125.334 90.9243 111.46C114.066 97.5862 125.1 69.9712 117.891 43.97C110.683 17.9687 87.0045 -0.0224246 60.0224 5.0457e-05\" fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"none\" \/>\n  <path d=\"M3.45297 20.5C5.69579 22.7351 8.73107 23.9931 11.8974 24C16.7358 23.9896 21.0945 21.0745 22.952 16.6069C24.8095 12.1392 23.8022 6.99317 20.3974 3.55556L20.3974 3.55556C18.1536 1.2813 15.0922 0.000728379 11.8974 0C7.07087 0.0634513 2.74747 2.99972 0.909001 7.46284C-0.929469 11.926 0.0714571 17.0555 3.45297 20.5\" transform=\"translate(28.513916 45.277832)\" fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"none\" \/>\n  <path d=\"M10.7222 10.7222C11.8887 9.53596 12.5464 7.94146 12.5556 6.27778C12.5524 4.61291 11.8937 3.01626 10.7222 1.83333C9.53596 0.666853 7.94146 0.00912196 6.27778 0C2.81066 0 0 2.81066 0 6.27778C0 9.7449 2.81066 12.5556 6.27778 12.5556C7.94146 12.5464 9.53596 11.8887 10.7222 10.7222\" transform=\"translate(29.133545 25.888916)\" fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"none\" \/>\n  <path d=\"M4.83335 28.2481L4.83335 28.2481C10.4138 33.8435 19.171 34.7148 25.7445 30.3285C32.3181 25.9423 34.8751 17.5216 31.8505 10.2207C28.8259 2.91987 21.0629 -1.2254 13.3134 0.322223C5.5638 1.86984 -0.0115332 8.67882 1.79156e-05 16.5814C0.00641242 20.9561 1.74408 25.1505 4.83335 28.2481L4.83335 28.2481\" transform=\"translate(48.855713 15.751953)\" fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"none\" \/>\n<\/svg><br \/>\n<\/span><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Does a Hearing Test Measure? An audiologist uses a hearing test to measure your type, degree and configuration of hearing loss. An audiology evaluation consists of a series of one or more of these tests. Your audiologist will use your test results to create a treatment plan for your unique hearing loss. Who Should&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":211,"menu_order":16,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"(702) 735-7668 | Hearing tests are the best way to diagnose hearing loss and determine treatment options. Don&#039;t wait longer. Schedule your test today.","_seopress_robots_index":"","schema":"","fname":"","lname":"","position":"","credentials":"","placeID":"","no_match":false,"name":"","company":"","review":"","address":"","city":"","state":"","zip":"","lat":"","lng":"","phone1":"","phone2":"","fax":"","mon1":"","mon2":"","tue1":"","tue2":"","wed1":"","wed2":"","thu1":"","thu2":"","fri1":"","fri2":"","sat1":"","sat2":"","sun1":"","sun2":"","hours-note":""},"service_tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/219"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=219"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/219\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/211"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=219"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"service_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/service_tags?post=219"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}