Hearing tests used to be given in schools to make sure that children could hear the teacher in the classroom. Most adults might have never had another hearing test unless they experienced some type of hearing loss. Here are three hearing tests that are given to adults to check for hearing loss.
Pure Tone Testing
This type of hearing test is also known as a Standard Hearing Test and was the type usually given in schools. An audiologist in Topeka, Kansas will have you respond by raising your hand when you hear a tone. This test is used to find out the faintest tones that you can hear at low and high pitches, and it can help determine your levels of hearing loss.
Speech Testing
This test helps determine if you can distinguish speech and recognize words. It helps to confirm what was found out by the pure tone test and an audiologist can use the results to determine how well a hearing aid might be able to help you. Your word recognition is tested by having you repeat words at a level that is comfortable to you.
Otoacoustics Emissions Levels
The emissions are the sounds produced in the inner ear when the cochlea is stimulated. A probe is placed in the ear canal to listen for the sounds created by the hair cells when they vibrate, which echo in the middle ear. While this test is usually for newborns, it may be given by an audiologist to adults to find out the causes of their hearing loss.
If you’re having problems with your hearing, you should make an appointment with a hearing aid center to have your hearing tested. Click here to find out how a hearing aid may be able to help you regain some of your hearing so you can communicate better with your loved ones.
