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Audiological test

1

Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA)

The gold standard for measuring hearing sensitivity across different frequencies.

Procedure

  • Patient sits in a soundproof booth to eliminate noise interference
  • Headphones deliver tones at frequencies from 250Hz to 8000Hz
  • Patient responds when tones are heard via button press
  • Thresholds are recorded on an audiogram for each ear
  • Bone conduction testing may follow to determine type of hearing loss
Patient undergoing pure tone audiometry test in soundproof booth

Significance

2

Immittance Audiometry

Evaluates middle ear function and detects issues affecting sound transmission.

Procedure

  • Small probe placed in the ear canal to measure eardrum movement
  • Tympanometry assesses eardrum response to air pressure changes
  • Acoustic reflex testing measures middle ear muscle contractions
  • Quick and non-invasive procedure (5-10 minutes)
  • Acoustic neuroma (in some cases, by assessing reflex decay)
  • Ossicular chain abnormalities (problems with the small bones in the middle ear
Sample audiogram showing hearing test results

Significance

3

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)

Assesses cochlear (inner ear) function by measuring hair cell responses.

Procedure

  • Small probe placed in the ear canal
  • Probe emits sounds and records cochlear responses
  • No behavioral response required from patient
  • Quick test (2-3 minutes per ear)
  • Often used for newborn hearing screening
Newborn hearing screening with OAE test

Significance

4

Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA)

Measures electrical activity in the auditory pathway from ear to brainstem.

Procedure

  • Electrodes placed on scalp and behind ears
  • Patient listens to click sounds through headphones
  • Brainwave responses recorded while patient rests/sleeps
  • Test duration 30-60 minutes
  • Screen for hearing loss in newborns and infants.
BERA test setup with electrodes on patient's head

Significance

5

Behavioral Observation Audiometry (BOA)

Specialized hearing assessment for infants and young children.

Procedure

  • Child sits with caregiver in sound-treated room
  • Audiologist presents sounds through speakers
  • Observes behavioral responses to sound stimuli
  • Responses may include eye widening, head turns, or sucking changes
  • Head turning or looking towards the sound source
Child undergoing behavioral observation audiometry

Significance

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