Audiometry
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An audiometry exam tests how well your hearing functions. It tests both the intensity and the tone of sounds, balance issues, and other issues related to the function of the inner ear. A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating hearing loss called an audiologist administers the test. The unit of measure for sound intensity is the decibel (dB). A healthy human ear can hear quiet sounds such as whispers. These are about 20 dB.
What does audiometry involve?
An audiometry exam involves several different tests. A pure tone audiometry test measures softest, quietest sounds you can hear at different pitches. This uses an audiometer which is a special machine that plays sounds via headphones.
Why Audiometry is performed?
An audiometry test is performed to determine how well you can hear. This may be done as part of a routine screening or in response to a noticeable loss of hearing.
The common causes of hearing loss include:
- Birth defects
- Chronic ear infections
- Inherited conditions, such as otosclerosis, which occurs when an abnormal growth of bone prevents structures within the ear from functioning properly
- An injury to the ear
- Inner ear diseases, such as Ménière’s disease or an autoimmune disease that affect the inner ear
- Regular exposure to loud noises