A hearing test is an essential diagnostic test for assessing a person’s hearing ability and detecting hearing problems early. It uses audiometers, electronic devices that measure the hearing threshold at different sound frequencies. This test is fundamental for detecting, diagnosing and monitoring hearing disorders, providing crucial information about the health of the hearing system.
How is a hearing test carried out?
A hearing test is usually carried out in a soundproof booth or room to avoid outside interference.
The process includes several types of tests:
- Pure-tone audiometry: Assesses hearing using pure tones. The patient wears headphones and has to indicate when they hear a tone, which varies in frequency (from 250 Hz to 8000 Hz) and intensity (measured in decibels, dB).
- Speech audiometry: Measures the ability to understand speech. The patient is asked to repeat words spoken at different volume levels, assessing speech recognition and discrimination.
- Impedance testing: Also known as tympanometry, this measures how the middle ear responds to pressure changes, helping identify problems with the mobility of the eardrum and the tiny bones of the middle ear. There are other tests that must necessarily be carried out in hospitals and can’t be done at hearing centres or clinics, since they’re used mainly for young children or people who can’t undergo pure-tone audiometry. What’s more, for very young patients, depending on their age, it’s advisable to carry out the hearing test using one method or another.
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAE): Assesses the function of the outer hair cells in the cochlea. It’s particularly useful in newborns and for the early detection of hearing problems.
- Auditory evoked potentials: Measures electrical activity in the brain in response to sounds. This makes it useful for assessing the hearing pathway from the ear to the brain, especially in patients who can’t undergo pure-tone audiometry.
- Play audiometry: From age 3 to age 6, this type of hearing test uses games to measure children’s hearing. Only a few specialist paediatric centres or clinics offer it, as in most cases this test is carried out in hospitals.
What is an audiogram?
An audiogram is a graphic representation of a person’s hearing ability. It’s the result of a hearing test, which measures a person’s ability to hear sounds at different pitches and volumes. The audiogram is mainly used to diagnose hearing loss and determine its severity and type.
Parts of an audiogram
- Horizontal axis (Frequency – Hertz):
- Frequency: Represents sound frequencies, from low (bass) to high (treble), measured in Hertz (Hz). The range of frequencies tested usually runs from 125 Hz to 8000 Hz.
- Vertical axis (Hearing level in dB):
- Sound intensity: Represents how loud a sound needs to be for the person to hear it, measured in decibels (dB). Typical values range from -10 dB (better than average) to 120 dB (profound hearing loss).
Symbols and what they mean
- Red circles (O): Represent the hearing thresholds for the right ear.
- Blue crosses (X): Represent the hearing thresholds for the left ear.
Reading an audiogram
The audiogram lets you see how a person hears at different frequencies. Here are some key points for reading it:
- Normal hearing:
- Thresholds between -10 dB and 20 dB across all frequencies indicate normal hearing.
- Mild hearing loss:
- Thresholds between 20 dB and 40 dB.
- Moderate hearing loss:
- Thresholds between 40 dB and 70 dB.
- Severe hearing loss:
- Thresholds between 70 dB and 90 dB.
- Profound hearing loss:
- Thresholds above 90 dB.
Why is an audiogram important?
An audiogram is essential for:
- Diagnosis: Identifies the type and severity of hearing loss.
- Treatment planning: Helps specialists decide on the use of hearing aids, cochlear implants or other treatments.
- Monitoring: Allows tracking of hearing loss progression and treatment effectiveness.
- Prevention: Identifies hearing problems at an early stage, allowing for early intervention.
Audiogram charts showing hearing thresholds at different frequencies
Normal hearing range
The hearing thresholds in this audiogram are between 0 dB and 20 dB across all frequencies tested (125 Hz to 8000 Hz), indicating hearing within the normal range.
There’s no sign of significant hearing loss at any of the frequencies tested.
Consistency between both ears
The thresholds for the right ear (red) and the left ear (blue) are fairly consistent, suggesting there’s no notable hearing asymmetry between the two ears.
Hearing range: The hearing thresholds in this audiogram show progressive hearing loss, which worsens as frequency increases. At low frequencies (125 Hz to 500 Hz), hearing thresholds are between 30 dB and 40 dB, indicating mild to moderate hearing loss.
As frequencies increase, hearing thresholds drop to 70 dB and 80 dB at the higher frequencies (4000 Hz to 8000 Hz), indicating severe hearing loss at these frequencies.
Consistency between both ears: The thresholds for the right ear (red) and the left ear (blue) are fairly similar, suggesting symmetrical hearing loss in both ears.
Types of hearing loss
- Conductive hearing loss:
- Affects the outer or middle ear, where sounds aren’t properly transmitted to the inner ear.
- Sensorineural hearing loss:
- Affects the inner ear or the auditory nerve, and is the most common type of permanent hearing loss.
- Mixed hearing loss:
- A combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Why hearing tests matter for detecting hearing loss
1. Early detection of hearing problems:
Hearing loss can develop gradually, and a hearing test can identify it in its early stages, before it causes significant problems with communication and quality of life.
2. Assessing the severity and type of hearing loss:
A hearing test determines not only whether hearing loss is present, but also its degree (mild, moderate, severe, profound) and type (conductive, sensorineural, mixed), which is why it’s crucial for deciding on the right treatment.
3. Monitoring chronic conditions:
Conditions such as otosclerosis, Ménière’s disease, and exposure to loud noise can cause progressive hearing loss, and regular hearing tests allow these changes to be monitored and treatment adjusted accordingly.
4. Pre- and post-operative assessment:
In cases of ear surgery (such as cochlear implant placement), a hearing test is essential. It also allows hearing to be assessed before and after the procedure, helping ensure the success of treatment and rehabilitation.
5. Fitting hearing devices:
For people who need hearing aids or cochlear implants, a hearing test provides the data needed to fine-tune these devices, improving the patient’s listening experience.
6. Impact on child development:
Hearing is vital for language development and communication in children. Hearing tests in newborns and young children are essential for catching hearing problems early and ensuring timely intervention that supports healthy development.
7. Quality of life:
Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, depression, and reduced quality of life. A hearing test allows these problems to be addressed through appropriate treatment, improving the person’s overall wellbeing.
A hearing test is an essential diagnostic tool in audiology and ENT medicine, although at present, it isn’t routinely carried out as part of general health check-ups, especially for younger patients, unless other difficulties are present.
With this article, we want to highlight how important this kind of check-up is from an early age, since it can help prevent bigger problems later on.
The ability to detect and characterise hearing loss is crucial for effectively managing hearing disorders. What’s more, these tests contribute significantly to people’s quality of life by enabling early, appropriate intervention — for all these reasons, a hearing test is an essential part of assessing hearing health.
At our specialist centre, we understand how crucial good hearing health is for your wellbeing and quality of life, which is why we offer a team of highly trained professionals and cutting-edge technology to give you comprehensive care for your hearing.
Our service covers a wide range of provisions, including:
- Carrying out complete, accurate hearing tests to assess your hearing ability in detail.
- Personalised advice on the best treatment or amplification options, based on your specific needs.
- Fitting and adjusting hearing devices to ensure optimal performance and a satisfying listening experience.
- Regular follow-up and monitoring of your hearing health to make sure you receive the right care.
We invite you to visit our hearing centre for a comprehensive hearing assessment. Your hearing health is vital to your overall wellbeing, and we’re committed to giving you the best care possible.
We’re located at C/ Juan Llorens 7 in Valencia, and you can call us on 960 659 592 or message us on WhatsApp at 621 00 16 93 to book your appointment.
Our team is ready to welcome you with the professionalism and personal attention you deserve, and we look forward to seeing you soon to help you maintain the best possible hearing.
We’re passionate about helping people maintain healthy, optimal hearing, so we invite you to visit us so we can assess your case and offer you the best solutions.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch to book an appointment or request more information. We’re here to help!
