Hearing Tests for Adults
A diagnostic hearing evaluation is individualized, based on the history you (and/or your famiy) provide, the reason for the test, and the health status of the individual being tested. The test takes place in a large sound booth with a very large window facing the audiologist.
Testing meets the State of Tennessee's requirements for a hearing evaluation:
Air conduction
Bone conduction
Word discrimination in quiet and with background noise
Frequency specific measurement of tolerance to loud sounds
Otoscopy
At least eight frequencies are measured, depending on the severity of the hearing loss. The frequency range is 125 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing is added to the test protocol if indicated.
A diagnostic hearing test is necessary to fit an individual with hearing aids, to quantify a sudden hearing loss or to provide helpful information to the physician who referred for a specific reason.
The audiologist will interpret the results, answer questions, and provide you with specific goals and recommendations.
An auditory processing test may be recommended for people with normal hearing sensitivity but difficulty hearing in some environments.
Hearing Re-Evaluations
If the time comes for your hearing to be re-tested, results are compared with the previous exam to estimate the progression of the hearing loss. Symmetry of hearing, word discrimination, and tolerance to loud sounds enables the audiologist to rule out many medical underlying causes for the hearing loss. About 20% of those tested are found to have another medical condition, and they are referred to their primary care physician or to another specialist if indicated. Patient complaints that often trigger a medical referral include one sided deafness, one sided tinnitus (ringing or roaring in the ear), vertigo or imbalance, ear pain or drainage, swallowing difficulties, and chronic Eustachian disorders.
Screening versus Test
Often at a company or community center sponsored health fair, individuals receive free hearing screenings. There are many differences between hearing screenings and hearing tests. It's important to know these differences in the event that further testing is required.
A hearing screening tests four frequencies at 25 dB. If the individual hears all four frequencies, they pass the screening. However, if the individual does not hear all four frequencies, further testing is recommended. A screening only determines the need for further testing. A screening usually takes 3-4 minutes.
Hearing Tests for Seniors
"Senior" may be an age or a state of mind or a state of body.
If the individual needs a slower pace, no matter what the age, accommodations in the test time, type and procedure can be made. Calibrated earphones or insert earphones are selected, based on the status of the outer ear.
Many automatic hearing tests can ease the experience for the individual who finds it challenging to respond. Appalachian Audiology also utilizes a wheelchair accessible sound booth
