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Whether you're trying to get a diagnosis for complete hearing loss or just an auditory processing challenge, you'll have to undergo a series of hearing tests. Unfortunately, most people are unfamiliar with basic hearing tests and what they mean. Before you talk with your doctor about your hearing challenges, it's important that you familiarize yourself with the options. Here's a look at some of the things you should know.
Pure Tone Tests And General Hearing Loss
Pure tone testing is the traditional hearing test that most people receive as children. This testing involves wearing a set of headphones to block out any surrounding noise and then identifying tones played on one side or the other of the headphones. The tones are played at varying frequencies and volumes to identify any particular levels of broad-spectrum hearing challenges.
Speech Tests For Processing Issues
Speech tests require the test-taker to listen to a series of words or sentences and then repeat them back to the tester. This is important for helping doctors identify cases where patients are not struggling with any physical hearing issues but instead are struggling to process, interpret, and retain the words that they hear. Auditory processing challenges are common for those on the Autism spectrum as well as those with other developmental challenges.
Acoustic Reflex Testing For Broad-Spectrum Hearing Loss
If you are dealing with symptoms of broad-spectrum hearing loss, an acoustic reflex test can help diagnose it. Acoustic reflex tests identify your brain's response to acoustic input. Your doctor can use the results of these tests to assess the severity of any broad-spectrum hearing loss so that you can seek adequate amplification, such as hearing aids.
Brainstem Response Tests For Communication Challenges
If you're having trouble articulating the results of your hearing tests, your doctor may suggest an auditory brainstem test instead. Much like the one used for newborn hearing screens, a brainstem test will assess your body's actual brainstem response to auditory input. This determines if your inner ear is receiving sound and if your brainstem is recognizing the auditory input.
These are just a few of the many things that everyone should know about hearing tests, especially if you're struggling to hear things around you. Even if you're only having trouble in crowded or noisy environments, you should talk with your doctor as soon as possible about your struggles. They can order the necessary hearing tests to determine the source of the issue.
To learn more, contact a hearing test provider such as Accurate Hearing Technology Inc.
Share18 January 2023
