#Tuning fork hearing test series#

Sound is lateralized to the affected side in conductive deafness. If the sound is not heard in the middle, the sound is said to be lateralized, and thus a hearing loss is present. Hearing the sound, or feeling the vibration, in the middle is the normal response. Ask the patient to indicate whether he or she hears or feels the sound in the right ear, in the left ear, or in the middle of the forehead. Stand in front of the patient and place a vibrating 512-Hz tuning fork firmly against the center of the patient's forehead.

In the Weber test, BC is compared in both ears, and the examiner determines whether monaural impairment is neural or conductive in origin. Swartz MD, FACP, in Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination, 2021 The Weber test OAE testing is often included in newborn hearing screening programs.Ĭall Midwest Hearing at (651) 702-0750 for more information or to schedule an appointment.Mark H. This test helps determine whether there is damage to the hair cells of the cochlea. Individuals with hearing within normal limits will produce emissions when a hearing loss is significant, no sound will be produced. OAE testing utilizes a tiny probe fitted with a microphone and speaker that is used to stimulate the cochlea and measure its response. Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are sounds generated by vibrations of the hair cells in the cochlea of the inner ear. The acoustic reflex test measures involuntary muscle contractions of the middle ear, and is used to determine the location of your hearing problem (the ossicles, cochlea, auditory nerve, etc.) as well as the type of hearing loss. It measures movement of the eardrum in response to air pressure the results are recorded on a chart called a tympanogram. Tympanometry is a test of the middle ear used to detect fluid, abnormal ear pressure, eardrum perforations and tumors. Speech testing may be administered in either a quiet or noisy environment results are recorded on the audiogram for easy visual reference. Then, the audiologist will measure speech discrimination - also called word recognition ability. You will hear a recording of a list of common words spoken at different volumes, and be asked to repeat those words. Your response determines how well sound travels through different parts of your ear, helping the audiologist diagnose your type of hearing loss. When vibrated, it produces a tone that travels to the inner ear via the skull. If the results of this test are different than the air conduction test, your audiologist can use this information to determine whether you have a conductive or sensorineural hearing loss.Īlternatively, a two-pronged metal tuning fork may be placed behind the ear or on the forehead. The device sends out a vibration that passes through the skull bone to reach the inner ear. A small vibrator is placed behind the ear. Instead of sending the tones through the ear, this type of testing is able to bypass the outer and middle ear and send the tone directly to the inner ear.

If there is damage or a blockage in the outer or middle ear, or the pure tone responses suggest a hearing deficit, bone conduction audiometry testing will be used. Bone Conduction Testingīone conduction testing is another type of pure-tone test that bypasses the outer and middle ear and measures the inner ear’s response to sound. The pattern recorded will help your audiologist determine your hearing threshold. The results are charted on an audiogram, a graph that shows the type, degree and configuration of your hearing loss by comparing pitch (frequency) with loudness (intensity).

#Tuning fork hearing test series#

Wearing headphones, you will be asked to identify a series of tones by raising a hand, pressing a button, or responding verbally. Pure-tone testing (also known as pure tone audiometry) uses air conduction to measure your ability to hear sounds of various pitches and volumes. Following an otoscopic examination and a review of your medical history, you may be given any or all of the following tests: Pure Tone Testing What Does Diagnostic Testing Entail?Ī comprehensive audiologic evaluation consists of a series of individual diagnostic tests that measure different aspects of your hearing. They are quick, painless and provide immediate results. Many physicians urge making audiologic evaluations a routine part of your overall health care, much like regular vision exams and dental checkups. Early detection means more options for the patient. The sooner a diagnosis of hearing loss is made, the more successful treatment will be. An audiologic evaluation should be the first course of action for anybody who even suspects a hearing loss.