There are a range of different hearing tests and diagnostic procedures that we at Strauss Audiology can use to measure your hearing loss and pinpoint its actual cause. Which ear tests apply to you will depend on the severity and type of hearing loss you are experiencing, combined with other factors such as age, medical history, and hearing history. Below we will explain the possible tests and procedures:
Pure tone audiometry (PTA) test
This is a hearing test in the standard test. It is designed to measure your hearing range in each ear. This ear test can be expected at your first appointment. It is the first port of call for identifying the presence and extent of your hearing difficulties. This test will be performed in a soundproof room and asked to wear headphones. We channel sounds of different pitches and volumes into each ear using a machine called an audiometer. You will be asked to signal every time you hear a sound, usually by pressing a button or raising your hand.
Speech perception test
This hearing test measures your ability to understand speech without visual cues. You will be identifying or repeating words as you hear them, the words may be spoken by us or pre-recorded and played through headphones.
Tympanometry test
A healthy eardrum will allow sound to pass through it unimpeded. This ear test is designed to determine how well your eardrum is functioning. It will detect problems such as fluid behind the eardrum, perforated eardrum and abnormal movement of the eardrum. Tympanometry involves plugging the ear and slowly increasing the air pressure in the ear canal to measure the response of the eardrum.
Tuning fork test
A tuning fork is a metal, fork-shaped instrument that emits sound waves when tapped lightly. The tuning fork ear test involves placing the vibrating fork against your head in various places. It helps to determine whether sound is passing through the inner and middle ear normally. Abnormalities could indicate conductive hearing loss.
Bone conduction test
The bone conduction test is a slightly more specific version of the tuning fork hearing test, it involves gently placing a vibrating tuning fork against the bone behind your ear. This allows the sound waves to bypass the outer and middle ear. It helps us to determine if there are any problems with your inner ear or auditory nerves that could indicate sensorineural hearing loss.
Auditory brainstem response (ABR)
The ABR hearing test is much less common; it is usually only conducted if we suspect that your hearing loss could be caused by a problem with your auditory nerves, or a neurological disorder. It involves electrodes being placed around the head, which then measure the brain’s response to various auditory stimuli.
If you suspect you might have a hearing issue, book a consultation with us so that we can perform an appropriate ear test on you and help you in the best way possible.
About Strauss Audiology
Strauss Audiology is a professional audiology business in the northern suburbs of Cape Town, offering expert, effective hearing advice that is tailored to clients’ unique hearing needs. We conduct hearing evaluations, hearing tests and vertigo assessments, and provide a range of solutions to improve and protect clients’ hearing. This includes providing hearing aids to Cape Town clients. With 16 years of experience, and with the qualifications and certifications to deliver leading hearing care, you can trust us to take care of your hearing needs.
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