Are You Listening Properly?

You might not have noticed at first—a few missed words in a conversation, needing people to repeat themselves now and then. At home, you started turning up the TV volume, thinking nothing of it until someone pointed out it was too loud. Hearing loss often worsens gradually as we age, but with a variety of hearing tests available, we can accurately diagnose the issue and provide effective treatment.

In this article, we will shed light on the types of hearing losses and how to minimise them with novel approaches:

Which Hearing Test is Right for You?

Different hearing tests help determine whether your hearing loss is sensorineural, conductive, or mixed. From this information, companies tailor their solutions to suit customers’ needs.

Audiometry

The most familiar test is the audiometry test, where patients sit in a soundproof room and listen to various tones. This test helps determine the most suitable hearing aid for them. During the test, the patients wear earphones or headphones and indicate whether they can hear different tones and speech. The system uses a bone oscillator, a small device placed behind the ear that sends vibrations directly to the inner ear. This assesses the function of the cochlea, which converts sound waves into signals the brain can interpret.

These results are used to identify the type and severity of the hearing loss, to find a solution.

Impedance Testing

This test measures the pressure in the middle ear and evaluates the movement of the eardrum. A device called a tympanometer, which resembles a soft earplug, sends air and a low tone into the ear to assess eardrum movement.

The test is painless, and some patients describe it as feeling similar to the ‘popping’ sensation caused by air pressure changes.

It is particularly useful when there is suspicion of fluid in the ears, issues with the eustachian tube, or a perforated eardrum.

Otoacoustic Emissions Test (OAE)

This test measures how well the inner ear responds to various frequencies. A small probe with a speaker emits a clicking sound, and the response from the inner ear is recorded.

This test can detect damage to the tiny hair cells in the ear before significant hearing loss occurs. These hair cells are essential for translating sound into electrical signals that the brain can interpret.

What Can Hearing Tests Tell Us About Your Hearing Loss?

Hearing tests provide valuable insights into the nature of hearing loss, enabling the determination of the most effective treatment. They help identify whether the hearing loss is sensorineural, conductive, or mixed.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Potential causes of sensorineural hearing loss include ear injuries, regular exposure to loud noises, or a diagnosis of Meniere’s disease. Sensorineural hearing loss can result from:

– Illness

– Exposure to loud noises

– Injuries

– Developmental issues with the inner ear

– Aging

Certain medications, known as ototoxic drugs, can also lead to hearing loss. These drugs are commonly used in treating cancer, heart disease, and serious infections. Patients concerned about their medications should consult their healthcare provider.

Unfortunately, sensorineural hearing loss is typically permanent. However, the best hearing aid can be selected to help manage it.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves are unable to reach the inner ear. The positive aspect is that this type of hearing loss is often treatable with medication or surgery, depending on the underlying cause.

Common causes of conductive hearing loss include excessive earwax, fluid in the ear, or a ruptured eardrum.

Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss is the result of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss occurring simultaneously.

Who Should Get a Hearing Test?

If you sometimes struggle to understand what people are saying, does it mean you need a hearing test? If you can answer yes to any of the following questions, you should schedule an appointment with one of our top audiologists:

– Do you often ask people to repeat themselves?

– Is it hard to understand someone unless they’re facing you?

– Do you struggle to hear in noisy places like restaurants?

– Do others seem to speak too softly?

Key Takeaways

– Various hearing tests help us diagnose the type of hearing loss you have.

– Sensorineural, conductive, and mixed are the three types of hearing loss.

– If you frequently need others to repeat themselves, or if everyone seems to mumble, it’s time for a hearing test.

– Only a licensed audiologist can provide the level of care and professionalism necessary for a hearing test.

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