Hearing Tests – Audiometry and Tympanometry
What is Audiometry?
Audiometry is a painless, non-invasive test that evaluates hearing ability, specifically the capacity to perceive sounds of varying intensities and frequencies. The results are shown on an audiogram, which displays the hearing threshold for different frequencies in both ears.
Pure-tone audiometry measures the quietest sound a person can hear, establishing their hearing threshold. It assesses sound intensity (in decibels, dB) and pitch (in frequencies, Hz). The test evaluates:
- Air Conduction: Sound transmission through the air via the ear canal and eardrum to the inner ear.
- Bone Conduction: Sound transmission through the bones to the inner ear, bypassing the ear canal, eardrum, and ossicles.
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SEND INQUIRYWhen is Audiometry Needed?
Audiometry is indicated in the following situations:
- When an individual notices a decline in hearing, which can occur suddenly or gradually.
- To determine the extent of hearing damage.
- To evaluate the need for a hearing aid.
- When a tumor is suspected in the ear.
- Before and after certain ear surgeries.
- In children: in cases of chronic otitis media with effusion and if there is a delay in speech development.
Audiometry can be performed on adults and children over the age of 6.
How is Audiometry Performed?
Audiometry is conducted in a quiet, soundproof chamber. The patient wears headphones connected to a device that emits various sounds. You will be asked to raise your hand or press a button when you hear a sound.
The test is performed by an audiology technician, and the results are interpreted by an otolaryngologist/audiologist. The procedure takes approximately 15 minutes.
What is Tympanometry?
Tympanometry assesses the functionality of the middle ear by measuring the compliance (elasticity) of the eardrum in response to pressure changes, indicating how well sound is transmitted to the middle ear. Pressure information is obtained based on how much sound is reflected off the eardrum and returned to the microphone.
Results are displayed on a tympanogram, which shows how much sound is reflected off the eardrum back to the microphone.
Stapedial Reflex Measurement
The tympanometry device is also used to measure the stapedial reflex. This reflex involves the contraction of the stapedius muscle in the middle ear in response to a sound stimulus, which is thought to be a protective reflex against loud noises. The muscle contraction alters the compliance of the ossicles, reducing sound transmission to the inner ear.
Stapedial reflex measurement aids in diagnosing:
- Facial nerve damage (to determine if the damage is above or below the stapedius).
- Hearing loss (to determine the location of the problem).
- Otosclerosis (abnormal bone growth and stiffening of the ossicles; in this case, the reflex cannot be triggered, indicating a positive test result).
When is Tympanometry Needed?
Tympanometry is used in diagnosing hearing loss and certain cases of middle ear inflammation with effusion (fluid in the middle ear without signs of infection).
It can detect middle ear disorders that may lead to hearing loss, such as a ruptured eardrum or Eustachian tube dysfunction.
It can be performed at any age to identify the location of hearing issues, particularly in diagnosing fluid (serous otitis) and negative pressure in the middle ear in children, which may cause an enlarged adenoid. It is suitable for children younger than 3 years (and older than 6 months) as it does not require active cooperation.
Tympanometry is also routinely used as an adjunct to audiometry.
How is Tympanometry Performed?
The measurement is carried out using a small probe placed in the ear, which contains three channels: a small speaker that emits sound, a microphone that records reflected sound, and a channel that changes and measures pressure.
During the test, it is essential for the patient to remain completely still, without speaking or swallowing. The test duration is about 2 minutes for each ear.
Preparation for Hearing Testing
No special preparation is required.
Cost of Audiometry/Tympanometry
You can check the cost of hearing tests in the current price list.
Service Location:
- Već 16 godina prvi izbor naših klijenataSinteza - Folnegovićeva