Audiometry
What is audiometry?
Audiometric studies determine the patient's hearing acuity, measure the ability to distinguish different intensities and pitches of sound, and also assess acoustic reflexes and otoacoustic emissions. Audiometric studies determine the type, degree, and localization of hearing loss. Based on the results of the study, treatment or a hearing aid tailored to the patient is prescribed.
Audiometric studies determine the patient's hearing acuity, measure the ability to distinguish different intensities and pitches of sound, and also assess acoustic reflexes and otoacoustic emissions. Audiometric studies determine the type, degree, and localization of hearing loss. Based on the results of the study, treatment or a hearing aid tailored to the patient is prescribed.
When is audiometry necessary?
According to the World Health Organization, 360 million people worldwide suffer from hearing loss, including 36 million adolescents under the age of 15. Studies show that globally, 25% of patients aged 60 have hearing loss, and this figure increases to 50% after the age of 80.
Audiological screening is essential for early diagnosis of hearing loss, prevention of subsequent health complications, and improvement of the patient's quality of life.
Audiometric tests are recommended for:
- People aged 55-60, as hearing loss often begins in this age group;
- People who work in noisy environments;
- People with various diseases, such as ear infections, meningitis, diabetes, etc.
- People taking ototoxic medications;
- People with head and ear injuries.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
Hearing loss is often accompanied by symptoms that the patient should pay attention to in a timely manner. These symptoms may include:
- Acute hearing loss in one ear;
- Difficulty hearing when two or more speakers are talking at the same time;
- Difficulty hearing in a noisy environment;
- Easier understanding of male voices than female voices;
- Difficulty perceiving sounds;
- Earache during noise;
- Dizziness and balance problems;
- A feeling of fullness in the ear;
- A ringing in the ear (tinnitus).
What conditions does audiometry help diagnose and monitor?
Audiometry can determine the degree of hearing loss, as well as its type and location.
Different types of audiometry tests determine whether hearing loss is caused by damage to the outer and middle ear (conductive) or damage to the inner ear (sensorineural). A patient may also be diagnosed with a mixed type of hearing loss.
Based on the diagnosis made on the basis of audiometry, treatment can be prescribed by an otolaryngologist.
What types of audiometric tests are performed at New Hospitals?
At New Hospitals, patients can undergo:
Tone audiometry - determines the threshold for perceiving different frequencies and intensities of sound. The test determines the cause of the hearing loss and the degree of damage.
Speech audiometry - aims to identify the lowest decibel intensity at which the patient can correctly repeat 50% of the words.
How is audiometry performed?
In order to diagnose hearing loss, audiometric testing is performed at New Hospitals using the latest audiological technologies by professional audiologists with many years of experience.
The test is performed in a soundproof room using audiometric equipment.
Audiometric testing is a completely safe, non-invasive test method that does not require prior preparation for the test.
How often should a patient undergo hearing screening?
In order to diagnose hearing loss early, it is advisable for patients to undergo regular screening.
Hearing screening is recommended:
- Every 3-5 years for patients aged 5-6 to 40 years,
- Once every 1-3 years for patients aged 40-59 years;
- Every year from 60 years.
Is it possible to prevent hearing loss?
Hearing loss can have various causes, it can be caused by birth trauma, premature birth, ear and head injuries, infectious diseases, noisy work environments, as well as genetic and other factors. In some cases, hearing loss progresses despite treatment and cannot be managed, although there are many examples of hearing impairment when timely diagnosis, treatment and preventive activities of the patient have shown significant positive results.
In order to maintain ear health and prevent hearing loss, patients are recommended to:
- Do not listen to music, television and radio at high volumes;
- Use earplugs when in noisy environments;
- Consult a doctor in a timely manner if ear infections develop;
- Monitor blood pressure;
- Quit smoking;
- Get regular screenings.
