Types of Tests Used to Evaluate Hearing in Children and Adults
Every now and then, your doctor could raise you to get a hearing test. Don’t assume that one thing is wrong. Hearing tests are how doctors use to create sure that your ears work well.
With age, hearing loss becomes more likely. regarding 14 July of people ages forty five to sixty four have some degree of hearing loss. But that rises to more than 30 minutes among people who are sixty five or older. This can be why your doctor will want to test your hearing every few years, instead of just once as an adult.
Experts recommend that adults get their hearing tested every ten years until age fifty and so each three years at that time.
Why Would I Need a Hearing Test?
Some people are shocked that they have hearing loss. They need trouble hearing people talk to them when they’re in a very crowded room, or they’ve been told they raise the volume on the TV way too high.
But not all people know that they need a problem. You’ll not understand that you have hearing loss, because it’s usually a gradual process. That’s why it’s important to have your ears checked when your doctor says you should, though you think that you’re fine.
What are the different types of hearing tests?
As a part of a hearing evaluation, your child’s health care provider can do a complete health history and exam. There are many different types of hearing tests. Some of them may be used on all ages. Others types are used based on your child’s age and level of understanding.
Hearing tests for a newborn baby
There are two types of hearing technology methods for newborns and these could also be used alone or together:
Evoked otoacoustic emissions (EOAE)
A test that uses a tiny, flexible plug that’s put into the baby’s ear. Sounds are sent through the plug. A microphone within the plug records the otoacoustic responses (emissions) of the normal ear in reaction to the sounds. There aren’t any emissions in a baby with hearing loss. This test is painless and it often takes just a few minutes. it’s done while the baby sleeps.
Auditory brainstem response (ABR)
Auditory brainstem response test uses wires (electrodes) attached with adhesive to the baby’s scalp. Whereas the baby sleeps, clicking sounds are made through tiny earphones within the baby’s ears. The test measures the brain’s activity which is response to the sounds. As in EOAE, this test is painless but it takes only a few minutes.
If the screening tests finds that your child has a hearing loss, more testing is required. Babies with hearing loss should be identified by age three months. Then treatment will begin before the baby is 6 months old, an important time for speech and language development.
Hearing tests for a baby
A baby’s hearing analysis may include the EOAE and ABR tests above. also this test may be used:
Behavioral audiometry
A screening test used in babies to watch their behavior which is response to certain sounds and a lot of testing may be required.
Hearing tests for a toddler
A toddler’s hearing assessment is include the tests mentioned on top along with these:
Play audiometry
A test that uses an electrical machine to send the sounds at the different level of volumes and pitches into your child’s ears. the child often wears some type of earphones. This test will be changed slightly in the toddler age group and made into a game. The toddler is asked to do something with a toy (such as bit or move a toy) every time the sound is heard. This test depends on the child’s cooperation, which can not forever be possible.
Visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA)
In this test, where the child is trained to look toward a sound source. When the child gives a correct response and the child is rewarded through a visible reinforcement. This may be a toy that moves or a flashing light. The test is most frequently used for children between 6 months to 2 years old.
Hearing tests for an older child
A hearing evaluation for a child older than age three to four may include the tests mentioned above, along with these:
Pure tone audiometry
A test that uses an electrical machine that makes sounds at completely different volumes and pitches in your child’s ears. The child often wears some type of earphones. During this age group, the child is simply asked to respond in a way when the tone is heard in the headphone.
Tympanometry (also referred to as impedance audiometry)
A test which will be done in most healthcare provider’s offices to help find out however the middle ear is working. It doesn’t tell if the child is hearing or not. But it allows to find any changes in pressure in the middle ear. This can be a hard test to do in younger children because the child needs to sit very still and not be crying, talking or moving.
Conclusion
A hearing test isn’t a pass-fail exam. but the results will show whether or not you have got hearing loss in one or both ears and how much hearing is gone.
The intensity of the sound is measured in the units, that is called decibels. When somebody whispers in your ear, that’s thirty decibels. normal speech is sixty decibels. Shouting in your ear starts at eighty decibels.
