The Hearing Evaluation - Introduction
The hearing evaluation is critical to obtain an accurate hearing aid
selection as discussed earlier in this section. Below is an example of
an Audiogram with an explanation of the various components.
- The top part
of the chart shows the different frequencies or “pitches” that
are tested. They are measured in Hertz and abbreviated “Hz”.
250Hz is a low frequency or “bass tone” and 8000Hz on the
far right side is a very high-pitched tone such as a bird chirping.
- Along
the left side of the chart is loudness measured in decibels and abbreviated as dB. For reference, 25dB is the loudness level of
a whisper, 55dB is the typical loudness of one-on-one conversation,
80dB is the level of someone shouting, and 110dB is the typical loudness
level of a rock concert.
- When
recording a hearing test, the hearing professional marks an “X” to
note the left ear and an “O” is used to note the right
ear.
Normal hearing is noted for an adult if all the measured frequencies
are recorded between 0 and 25dB. Some professionals will state the case
that normal hearing is between 0 and 20dB.
- Speech Audiometry has 2 main
parts – Speech Reception and Word
Recognition. Speech
Reception is
the softest loudness level a person can repeat 2-syllable words during the
hearing test. This test simply confirms the pure tone portion of the hearing
test. More important, the Word Recognition score reports in a percentage
how hearing loss affects a person’s ability to understand speech when
read at a comfortable loudness level. These words are one syllable words
with beginning and ending consonants that can easily be confused with similar
sounding words. Other speech audiometry tests that can be helpful are the
Threshold of Discomfort which is defined as the level of speech determined
by the patient to be “uncomfortable” and Most
Comfortable Loudness which means exactly as it’s stated – a subjective level
of listening comfort as noted by the patient.
Sample Hearing Test Interpretation
This
hearing test the fictional Mr. Smith shows a moderately-severe
high frequency sensorineural hearing loss. (For more information
about the 2 types of hearing loss, click
here.) Mr. Smith’s hearing ability for low frequency sounds
or “pitches” is within the normal range. This high frequency
hearing loss is among the most common type fit with hearing
aids, and definitely explains the hearing problems noted at the top
of the hearing test.
After
the pure tone portion of the hearing test was completed, speech
audiometry and word recognition revealed that he scored 80 and 84% in
his right and left ears, respectively. This means that despite the significant
high frequency hearing loss, his ears are still recognizing most of the
necessary speech sounds in a quiet environment.
Mr. Smith can definitely be helped with hearing
aids. The most appropriate style of hearing aid would most
likely be the “open-fit
BTE”, but there can also be other options. Click
here to be directed
to the “styles of hearing aids” page from this website for
more information.
Hearing loss can be essentially 2 types – sensorineural
or conductive. For adults, about 95% of hearing loss is sensorineural and
is commonly referred to as “nerve damage”. This type of
hearing loss is usually a result of the aging process, noise exposure,
or several other factors. It is rarely treated by medical intervention
and hearing aids are the most common method of treating the
hearing problems associated with it. Conductive hearing loss is not as common with adults
and almost always requires a physician to evaluate the problem and recommend
a solution, which may include hearing aids.
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Hearing Aids
