What is audiometry test?

Audiometry is a non-invasive hearing test to measure your ability to hear different sounds, pitches and frequency. It helps to detect if you have sensorineural hearing loss. The tests measures intensity and tone of sound, and other issues related to the functioning of inner ear. Pure tone testing measures the softest or least audible sound a person can hear. Speech audiometry test the ability to detect and repeat the spoken words at different volume.

Audiometry also helps in measuring the ability to discriminate between different sound intensities and distinguish speech from background noise.

Why audiometry?

Audiometry is a branch of audiology and the science of measuring hearing acuity for variations in sound intensity and pitch and for tonal purity, involving thresholds and differing frequencies. Audiometry is done to understand how well you can hear. It is most often performed when a person suspects hearing loss. It is performed to measure the hearing thresholds and individual hearing sensitivity to adjust pure tones at different frequencies.

What are the benefits of audiometry?

  • To identify people who are at risk of sensorineural hearing loss.
  • Helps to know extent and type of hearing loss
  • Helps to check your ability to distinguish between speech and background noise.
  • It helps your doctor to understand what the issues are related to your inner ear.
  • It helps to detect if you have sensorineural hearing loss (damage to the nerve or cochlea) or conductive hearing loss (damage to the eardrum or the tiny ossicle bones).