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When an adult is experiencing auditory problems, there is more than one kind of hearing test that can measure how much hearing ability the patient presently has. In most instances, the audiologist will feel it is in the best interests of the individual to perform a variety of tests for accurate results to be obtained. In the standard hearing test, the client is asked to wear either small earplugs or headphones, as well as a small oscillator behind his ear. Various sounds of different tones and pitches will be transmitted to the person. They are to respond every time they hear a sound by either pressing a button or raising their hand in acknowledgement of the sound. They may also be asked to repeat a list of sentences or words. Some may be communicated in a louder manner, while others may be in a quieter manner. One aspect of this exam is to assess how well the client is able to understand speech at levels that are in the range of the average speaking voice. This is referred to as word recognition or speech discrimination. This will indicate to the audiologist how well the patient would be able to hear with the use of an auditory device. Another hearing test that may be administered is the Auditory Brainstem Response Test (ABR) or the Brainstem Evoked Response Test (BAER). This option is used to measure the length of time it takes for sound to make the trip from the subject's ear to the auditory centers located in the brain. This auditory choice is often undertaken if the results of the standard testing were inconclusive or if the audiologist wants to investigate further if the problem may lie in the auditory pathways that connect the ear to the brain. If something is not intact, this exam will show that to be the case. When the ABR is undertaken, the patient wears small soft earplugs in both of his ears and may also be instructed to wear a small oscillator behind the ear. On the patient's head, four electrodes are strategically placed. Sounds of different degree of loudness and various pitches will be delivered to the ears. As they take place, the electrodes will take measurements of how the brain is responding to the sounds. A computer will be used to average the responses that are taken. Waveforms will be displayed which can be interpreted by the auditory specialist. Two other options that can be used by the audiologist for a proper diagnosis include the immittance which involves a tympanometry, which introduces air pressure into the ear canal and measures how much the eardrum moves. This hearing test also measures the patient's acoustic reflexes. Yet another exam that may be conducted by the audiologist is known as the Otoacoustic Emissions Testing (OAE). The specialist will decide how many of these options he needs to pursue for a proper diagnosis of the patient's condition. See if there is a problem with your hearing. Read more about Miracle Ear hearing tests at: http://www.miracle-ear-philadelphia.com.
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