Hear loss and other disorders related to the sense of hearing are usually monitored using an instrument called an audiometer. It is calibrated with standardized units of measure to obtain the accurate results concerning the disorder. The test requires to be done in a room that is quite and is fitted with soundproof material. The patient is usually given a set of headphones to put on the ears. He is then expected to remain seated and be calm.
The headphones are connected to a machine that produces tones under various frequencies or pitches and at different intensities or levels. The audiologist requires you to respond by rising of your hand whenever you hear a sound. This has to be done in a way that he understands when one side of the ear is not alright by raising the left hand if the left ear is okay and the same for the right ear and hand. Some professional however, provide a button that you can press. The results produced are then analyzed and recorded on an audiogram.
There are many conditions that can cause a person to lose his ability to hear. Acoustic neuroma is one of such conditions. This is a slow growing tumor on the cranial nerve which is responsible for hearing and balance. Apart from hear loss it also causes facial paralysis.
Sporting activities or accidents can damage the eardrum which in turn causes hear loss. Vestibulocochlear nerve is also very sensitive and when damaged can affect the ability to hear. Conditions like tinnitus and vertigo can also result to hear loss if care is not taken.
There are a number of tests than can be done to check for hearing ability. This are carried out according to the type of patient and the reason the test is to be done. The type of patient can be a newborn baby, young children or even adults. Children are not able to say when they have hearing problems. The audiologist has to use special equipments to test them. The principle followed in testing children is the same but the way of doing it may vary to be able to obtain more accurate results.
An otoacoustic emission test is used to check for hear loss on babies. It is a simple test that is not painful and is very fast. It comprises of a small earpiece which has a microphone and a tiny loudspeaker. The earpiece is placed in the ear. Clicking Sound is produced by the loudspeaker and relayed to the cochlea which in turn sends it to the ear canal to be heard through the microphone.
If the sound is not heard, there could be a problem with the ear though the audiologist has to rule out other factors. If the child was not steady, he could have interrupted the process of testing and also a noisy room can also affect the results. If the test is repeated and no change is seen then an automated auditory brainstem response test is done to give accurate results.
Reinforcement audiometry is the technique recommended for testing young children. Using speakers, sound is relayed to the testing room and the child is expected to respond by turning towards the direction of sound. The audiologist rewards the child to motivate him as he performs the test repeatedly. The frequencies are altered at different levels to establish if the child can pick even the lowest sound. Testing older children and adult is different as a pure tone audiometry technique is employed. This includes the use of an audiometer to transmit sounds through a headphone in varied pitches and levels.
The headphones are connected to a machine that produces tones under various frequencies or pitches and at different intensities or levels. The audiologist requires you to respond by rising of your hand whenever you hear a sound. This has to be done in a way that he understands when one side of the ear is not alright by raising the left hand if the left ear is okay and the same for the right ear and hand. Some professional however, provide a button that you can press. The results produced are then analyzed and recorded on an audiogram.
There are many conditions that can cause a person to lose his ability to hear. Acoustic neuroma is one of such conditions. This is a slow growing tumor on the cranial nerve which is responsible for hearing and balance. Apart from hear loss it also causes facial paralysis.
Sporting activities or accidents can damage the eardrum which in turn causes hear loss. Vestibulocochlear nerve is also very sensitive and when damaged can affect the ability to hear. Conditions like tinnitus and vertigo can also result to hear loss if care is not taken.
There are a number of tests than can be done to check for hearing ability. This are carried out according to the type of patient and the reason the test is to be done. The type of patient can be a newborn baby, young children or even adults. Children are not able to say when they have hearing problems. The audiologist has to use special equipments to test them. The principle followed in testing children is the same but the way of doing it may vary to be able to obtain more accurate results.
An otoacoustic emission test is used to check for hear loss on babies. It is a simple test that is not painful and is very fast. It comprises of a small earpiece which has a microphone and a tiny loudspeaker. The earpiece is placed in the ear. Clicking Sound is produced by the loudspeaker and relayed to the cochlea which in turn sends it to the ear canal to be heard through the microphone.
If the sound is not heard, there could be a problem with the ear though the audiologist has to rule out other factors. If the child was not steady, he could have interrupted the process of testing and also a noisy room can also affect the results. If the test is repeated and no change is seen then an automated auditory brainstem response test is done to give accurate results.
Reinforcement audiometry is the technique recommended for testing young children. Using speakers, sound is relayed to the testing room and the child is expected to respond by turning towards the direction of sound. The audiologist rewards the child to motivate him as he performs the test repeatedly. The frequencies are altered at different levels to establish if the child can pick even the lowest sound. Testing older children and adult is different as a pure tone audiometry technique is employed. This includes the use of an audiometer to transmit sounds through a headphone in varied pitches and levels.
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