In the United States alone, there are about 32.5 million people that suffered hearing loss. This number is increasing as the years pass. But research shows that 30% of all hearing losses are caused by excessive exposure to loud noises and is very much preventable. So, how exactly do we protect our ears? Here are […]
Auditory brainstem response (ABR) Audiometry is a neurologic test of auditory brainstem function in response to auditory (click) stimuli. First described by Jewett and Williston in 1971, ABR Audiometry is the most common application of auditory evoked responses. Test administration and interpretation is typically performed by an audiologist. (Neil Bhattacharyya, MD, Jan 21, 2009, http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/836277-overview)
The primary purpose of Otoacoustic emission (OAE) tests is to determine cochlear status, specifically hair cell function. This information can be used to (1) screen hearing (particularly in neonates, infants, or individuals with developmental disabilities), (2) partially estimate hearing sensitivity within a limited range, (3) differentiate between the sensory and neural components of Sensorineural hearing […]
This test involves the presentation of a continuous tone to determine whether the threshold for the tone has changed (becomes poorer) over time. The test helps differentiate sensory from neural hearing loss, and is used in the diagnosis of cochlear versus retro cochlear lesions and eighth nerve tumours. While this test is still in use, […]
Behavioural test methods include Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA), Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA), and Conventional Audiometry. The goal of all testing is to determine the softest levels of tones and speech that a child can hear. The softest sound a child can hear 50 percent of the time, is called a “threshold”. Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA): […]
Tympanometry is a test used to detect disorders of the middle air. Air pressure in the ear canal is varied to test the condition and mobility (movement) of the ear drum
This is an assessment of the patient’s ability to understand speech. The patient is played a tape of a series of words at varying intensities. The percentage of words correctly repeated is plotted against the intensity to produce a speech audiogram. Phonetically balanced words are to be used. Outcomes: Normal Hearing – all words are […]
The testing of hearing is most often carried out by establishing the threshold of hearing, the softest sound which can be perceived in a controlled environment. It is typical to do this testing with pure tones by providing calibrated tones to a person via earphones, allowing that person to increase the level until it can […]