Types of Tests Used to Evaluate Hearing in Children and Adults

A hearing test is incredibly important to assess the health of your hearing. They are useful for both children and adults, picking up on the early signs of hearing loss – and also helping to identify any other underlying hearing conditions. 

An audiologist can conduct a hearing test to help you understand the state of your hearing health. What a lot of people don’t know is there are multiple types of tests used to evaluate hearing in children and adults. In this post, we explain everything you need to know hearing tests for children and adults:

Auditory Brainstem (ABR) Test

ABR is a test that is used in both children and adults. It specifically looks to detect sensorineural hearing loss – hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear or issues with the nerves there. Sensors are blacked behind each ear, and the patient will wear specially designed earphones. Different tones and noises are played through the earphones and the sensors measure how the brain responds to them. 

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Test

Otoacoustic emissions testing is again used in both children and adults. A small object is placed into the ear, which then records how the inner ear responds to sounds. Both this test and auditory brainstem are typically the only two used for younger children. 

Speech Test

For slightly older children and adults, speech testing is a common part of a hearing test. Headphones are worn, with various words played through them at different volumes. The idea is for the individual to repeat the words as accurately as possible, detecting how well their ears pick up speech. 

Tympanometry

A test that helps to determine if any eardrum problems are present, which can potentially lead to hearing loss. Again, a small object is placed into the ear canal, with the aim to push air through to the eardrum. Your audiologist then uses a machine to see how the eardrum responds, recording its movements. 

The following tests are typically only reserved for adults: 

Acoustic Reflex Test

Another test that looks at the health of the inner ear. The acoustic reflex is a muscular response to loud sounds. Without you even realizing it, a small muscle in your inner ear will contract and tighten when it recognizes a loud sound. This test uses a small probe in your ear that plays a sound and measures the reflex. The louder the sound is, the worse your reflex will be. In some cases, your hearing loss can be so severe that no reflex is recorded. 

Pure-Tone Test

The reason this test is mainly only used on adults is that, as you get older, your ability to hear tones and pitches gets worse. Have you ever watched videos where a tone is played, and it gradually reaches a higher pitch until you can’t hear it? The younger you are, the higher the pitch you’ll be able to hear. 

Moreover, a telltale sign of hearing loss is an inability to hear certain pitches – even though you should technically be able to at your age. Pure-tone testing is like speech testing, only this time different tones and pitches are played through the headphones. The patient will have to raise their hand whenever they hear a tone. Your audiologist will compile the results and make sense of them. 

Bone Conduction Test

Technically, this is a type of pure-tone test, only it looks at the inner ear’s response to sounds. A special device is placed behind the ear, generating vibrations through the bone to your inner ear. Your audiologist then measures how your inner ear responds to this test, and it can help them determine what type of hearing loss you might experience. 

For instance, if there are no issues with how your inner ear responds, your audiologist can then conclude that any hearing problems might stem from your outer or middle ear instead. 

You might not have all of these tests during your hearing examination, or you could have them all. It depends on what your audiologist deems is the most appropriate for you given your age and hearing health history. 

Contact Us for a Hearing Test

When was the last time you booked a hearing test for yourself or your child, or visited an audiologist? Regular tests are essential to pick up on any changes in your ears, helping to catch hearing loss as soon as possible. Contact us today, and we can book you in for a comprehensive hearing examination. All you have to do is call GL Wyeno Hearing Specialists PC at (402) 463-2431.