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.
Sound relayed from the machine to the patient is done at different frequencies and intensities. The patient is required to respond whenever he hears the sound by either raising his hand or pressing a button. The hand raised has to correspond with the side of the ear that has heard the sound. This is repeated until the sound is very faint. The reading is then examined for any abnormality then recorded on an audiogram.
There are many conditions that have contributed to people losing their hearing ability. One of such condition is called acoustic neuroma. This is a slow growing tumor on the cranial nerve, which has the responsibility of the sense of hearing and balance. In addition to the loss of hearing ability, it can also cause paralysis of the face.
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.
To test babies, the audiologist uses an otoacoustic emission test. This test is fast, simple and the child does not feel any pain. A tiny earpiece which contains a microphone and a small loudspeaker is securely placed in the ear. The loudspeaker produces clicking sound inside the ear which is passed to the cochlea. A well functioning cochlea responds by resending the sound to the ear canal which is heard by 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.
Young children are tested using a technique called reinforcement audiometry. Speakers are used to relay the sounds in the testing room and the child responds by turning towards the sound outlet. Every time this is done, the audiologist has to reward the child to keep him motivated. The frequencies are changed at different levels to see if the child can hear even at the lowest sound. Testing much older children and adults is done by use of pure tone audiometry technique. An audiometer is used to transmit sounds through headphones at different pitches and levels.
Sound relayed from the machine to the patient is done at different frequencies and intensities. The patient is required to respond whenever he hears the sound by either raising his hand or pressing a button. The hand raised has to correspond with the side of the ear that has heard the sound. This is repeated until the sound is very faint. The reading is then examined for any abnormality then recorded on an audiogram.
There are many conditions that have contributed to people losing their hearing ability. One of such condition is called acoustic neuroma. This is a slow growing tumor on the cranial nerve, which has the responsibility of the sense of hearing and balance. In addition to the loss of hearing ability, it can also cause paralysis of the face.
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.
To test babies, the audiologist uses an otoacoustic emission test. This test is fast, simple and the child does not feel any pain. A tiny earpiece which contains a microphone and a small loudspeaker is securely placed in the ear. The loudspeaker produces clicking sound inside the ear which is passed to the cochlea. A well functioning cochlea responds by resending the sound to the ear canal which is heard by 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.
Young children are tested using a technique called reinforcement audiometry. Speakers are used to relay the sounds in the testing room and the child responds by turning towards the sound outlet. Every time this is done, the audiologist has to reward the child to keep him motivated. The frequencies are changed at different levels to see if the child can hear even at the lowest sound. Testing much older children and adults is done by use of pure tone audiometry technique. An audiometer is used to transmit sounds through headphones at different pitches and levels.
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