Audiological testing is advancing rapidly. Researchers are continuing to find ways to understand human hearing better and determine how best to diagnose and manage disorders that affect the auditory system. Audiologists no longer use tuning forks and whispered voices to assess a person’s hearing threshold; technology is revolutionizing today’s testing process. What has been the progression over the years?
Early Hearing Tests
As mentioned, an early hearing test usually consisted of using a tuning fork or whispered voice to test the individual’s hearing ability. Audiometers were introduced in the early 20th century. The audiologist would use headphones and calibrated tones to measure a person’s sensitivity. They then had a standardized measure that could be used to determine a person’s hearing sensitivity. Today’s tests incorporate digitization and computerization for more precise results.
Pure-Tone Audiometry
Audiologists use pure-tone audiometry as the standard test to determine hearing loss. The patient listens to different frequencies and volumes of tones through headphones and alerts the audiologist when they hear a tone.
Speech Audiometry
Speech audiometry determines a person’s ability to hear speech in various settings. The test evaluates the person’s ability to understand speech in a quiet setting. The audiologist then evaluates how well the person hears when background noise is present.
Tympanometry
Tympanometry is used to determine the function of the middle ear. It examines how the eardrum’s movement changes when the air pressure changes.
Otoacoustic Emissions
Healthy ears admit tiny sounds. Otoacoustic emissions tests measure these sounds to determine if sensory hair cells are damaged. Any damage can impact a person’s hearing.
Technology and Advanced Audiological Testing
Advanced technology has done wonders for audiological testing. Doctors can now do hearing aid simulations to allow users to learn what they can expect with hearing aids. They use computer models to help patients try different styles and settings before purchasing.
Quick Speech-in-Noise testing has been around for some time, but technology has streamlined the process. Audiologists spend less time determining how well a person hears when there is background noise. Many people struggle in these situations when they have hearing loss.
Computerized systems are also being used to improve the accuracy of tests while making them more efficient. Audiologists also turn to technology to help them interpret test results. This technology makes diagnosing and managing a patient’s hearing loss easy.
Teleaudiology is a branch of telehealth that allows patients to receive hearing services remotely. Patients may consult with a doctor, have their hearing aids fitted or adjusted remotely, and more. Patients previously unable to access these services can now do so easily.
Better Care
Technology allows patients to receive better care. Doctors can create customized treatment plans that meet their unique needs with these advances. They can also comprehensively assess the patient to make an accurate diagnosis and use sophisticated diagnostic tools to obtain detailed information about hearing loss.
This technology is also used to create customized hearing aids and assistive devices that meet the patient’s specific needs. Problems can be diagnosed earlier before they escalate. Prompt treatment benefits the patient by reducing the risk of social and emotional issues often seen with hearing loss.
Patients need to ask their audiologists about advanced testing techniques. With the help of technology, subtle changes can be detected before they become more pronounced, and doctors can identify issues in children who cannot share what they are experiencing. Learn more today about this technology and how it may benefit you.
