An audiometry exam tests your ability to hear sounds. At Wake Forest Baptist Health, hearing tests are customized for each individual patient and may include one or a combination of the following tests:
Standard Audiometry Test
During a standard audiometry test you will be asked to repeat familiar bisyllabic words (e.g. baseball) at gradually decreasing intensity (loudness) levels, until the level of the softest words that can be repeated is identified.
Then, you will be asked to push a button or raise your hand when a tone is heard. A pure tone audiogram is generated, which is a graph indicating thresholds at the various pitches tested, from low to high.
Electrocochleography
This specialized test is used to assess inner ear function for patients with dizziness. During this hearing test, electrodes are placed in the ear canals near the eardrums and on the ear lobes. Sounds are presented to the ear as responses are recorded. Results can provide information regarding a possible imbalance of fluids in the inner ear.
Tympanometry
A tympanometry is a test to check middle ear function. A small earphone is placed in the ear canal, and eardrum movement is measured in response to small changes in air pressure.
Acoustic Reflex
Often performed in conjunction with tympanometry, this test checks the function of the small muscle in the middle ear in response to a sound.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Test
This hearing test can be used to determine if the tiny hair cells in the inner ear are Painless and able to be performed at any age, this objective test helps to determine responsiveness of the inner ear To measure OAEs, a miniature earphone and microphone are placed in the ear canal. Sounds are presented and a response, or "emission," from the inner ear is recorded.
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
This test is often performed on small children to assess hearing sensitivity in an objective way. Electrodes are placed on the forehead and behind the ears and the audiologist is able to interpret waveforms, similar to an EEG. This information provides an estimate of hearing sensitivity.
Tinnitus Evaluation
Tinnitus is described in many ways such as ringing, static, buzzing, and crickets in the ears. Occasionally these sounds can affect an individual’s daily quality of life. This assessment is designed to evaluate, manage, and reduce the negative effects of tinnitus on daily quality of life.
Cochlear Implant Evaluation
For individuals who feel that they struggle to understand speech, even with hearing aids, this assessment tests the ability to understand with appropriately fit hearing aids and an opportunity to discuss other options. Find out more about cochlear implants with Wake Forest Baptist.
Hearing aid Assessment
In order to provide the most appropriate recommendation for hearing aids and assistive devices, this evaluation uses both objective and subjective tools to discuss daily listening goals and measure difficulty in noise. Recommendations will guide hearing aid fitting.
Balance
A series of tests used to determine the source of dizziness or unsteadiness. Results will guide audiologists in recommendations for other subspecialties or rehabilitation. Learn more about balance disorders.
Multidisciplinary Hearing Team
At Wake Forest Baptist, our experienced audiologists use the latest hearing test technology to evaluate hearing function and determine what part of the ear may be causing hearing loss. They work closely with ENT/head and neck surgeons at Wake Forest Baptist, providing specialized diagnosis and treatment when needed.