Audiometry tests or hearing tests are used to check your ability to hear sounds. If you have hearing loss, this test helps determine whether you have mild, moderate or severe hearing loss. Depending on the test results, your audiologist may suggest treatments, such as cochlear implants or hearing aids.
What is an audiometry test?
Audiometry tests, also known as hearing tests, are used to determine how well your hearing functions. This test also helps determine the severity of your hearing loss and detects other issues related to the functions of the inner ear. An audiologist will help interpret the test results.
Why an audiometry test is performed?
An audiometry test is performed to determine your ability to hear sounds. This can also be done as a part of your routine health checkup. Your doctor may recommend this test if you have:
- birth defects
- chronic ear infections
- inherited conditions, such as otosclerosis, which occurs when an abnormal growth of bone prevents structures within the ear from functioning properly
- an injury to the ear
- inner ear diseases, such as Ménière’s disease or an autoimmune disease that affects the inner ear
- regular exposure to loud noises
- a ruptured eardrum
How are the hearing tests performed?
Specifics may vary, but for most tests, you’ll sit in a sound-treated room and listen for sounds, tones or words piped into your ears via headphones or earphones. You don’t need to do anything to prepare for a hearing screening or hearing test.
How to prepare for an Audiometry test
An audiometry exam requires no special preparation. All you have to do is show up to your appointment on time and follow the audiologist’s instructions.
What happens after an Audiometry test?
After the test, your audiologist will review your results with you. Depending on how well you hear volume and tone, your doctor will tell you about any preventive measures you should take, such as wearing earplugs around loud noises, or any corrective measures you may need, such as wearing a hearing aid.
What do abnormal results mean?
There are many kinds and degrees of hearing loss. In some types, you only lose the ability to hear high or low tones, or you lose only air or bone conduction. The inability to hear pure tones below 25 dB indicates some hearing loss.
The amount and type of hearing loss may give clues to the cause, and chances of recovering your hearing.
The following conditions may affect test results:
- Acoustic neuroma
- Acoustic trauma from a very loud or intense blast sound
- Age-related hearing loss
- Alport syndrome
- Chronic ear infections
- Labyrinthitis
- Meniere disease
- Ongoing exposure to loud noise, such as at work or from music
- Abnormal bone growth in the middle ear called otosclesclerosis
- Ruptured or perforated eardrum
You can now easily book an audiometry test in Bangalore. Several audiometry test centres in Bangalore offer them at an affordable price. The audiometry test cost in Bangalore may vary depending on the type of audiometry testing you opt for. Generally, audiometry test costs in Bangalore start from 300 rupees only.
Frequently asked questions about Audiometry test
Is an audiometry test painful?
No, the audiometry test is not painful.
When is an audiometry test required?
Your doctor may recommend this test to detect sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.
How long does an audiometry test take?
The initial test may take 5 to 10 minutes, but a detailed test may take an hour.
Does the audiometry test have side effects?
No, the audiometry test is considered safe and has no side effects. However, some people may experience discomfort due to earphones or earplugs, which may disappear after the test.
What is the normal range for the audiometry test?
The normal range of human hearing is 20 to 20000 Hertz. However, the sound range typically measured during the audiometry test is 500 to 3000 Hertz.