Testing for hearing loss in adults and children is a precise science that uses audiometers to measure what a person can and cannot hear. Tolerances or discomfort levels are measured as well as they provide the audiologist an idea of word recognition capabilities. All of this information is used to help correct the loss with hearing aids or other devices.
The testing room that is used with an audiometer is split into two, one is a sound-proof room for the patient and the other is where the audiologist sits. In the evaluation room are speakers, earphones, CD's, tape recorders, and the audiometer. Using earphones, various tests are sent through one or both of them to measure levels of speech that can be understood. Some testing is done using a bone-conductor vibrator.
There are various tests used to find out what a person's speech thresholds are, the lowest level that speech can be heard at is tested at a 50 percent awareness level. Words that have equal emphasis on the syllables, or spondaic words, are used because they contain information in each syllable that allows the patient to make a reasonably accurate guess and they are easy to understand. This type of testing is excellent for children, people with neurological problems, and those who speak a different language.
The speech recognition threshold test measures the lowest point at which language can be understood at least 50 percent of the time using spondaic words. The softest level of hearing and repeating is measured and it shows pure-tone thresholds. Appropriate gain is measured for proper hearing aid selection and settings.
The suprathreshold word recognition testing shows the ability to repeat and understand conversation using one syllable words, it is also known as speech or word discrimination testing. The words used are phonetically balanced and either a tape, CD, or a live person presents the test. The words are repeated by the patient to the audiologist with each correct answer receiving 2 points. When an 80 percent score is achieved the test is over, otherwise it will continue. Patients wearing their hearing aids also take this test to check improvement in their hearing.
Testing young children requires other methods of testing than with adults. They often have limited skills with language, especially with severe hearing losses. Picture cards are used that represent spondaic words. Children are asked before the testing if they understand what the cards represent for accurate results. A list of words selected especially for children is used for kindergarten through first grade.
The word intelligibility test asks children to identify pictures by pointing to them, they are given 25 pages of color pictures each representing a single syllable word. This test is great for for children who are hearing impaired and are 4 years old and up. For children 3 and up the the Northwestern University speech test is a great option. Using both words and sentences, the pediatric speech intelligibility test is for children 3 and up.
There are other tests used for children such as the Bamford-Kowal-Bench speech in noise testing, phonetically balanced kindergarten testing, and the pediatric speech intelligibility tests. Early testing can insure little loss in academic achievement and social development. Finding a good audiologist will ensure the best results and accurate testing. Audiometers provide this critical information.
The testing room that is used with an audiometer is split into two, one is a sound-proof room for the patient and the other is where the audiologist sits. In the evaluation room are speakers, earphones, CD's, tape recorders, and the audiometer. Using earphones, various tests are sent through one or both of them to measure levels of speech that can be understood. Some testing is done using a bone-conductor vibrator.
There are various tests used to find out what a person's speech thresholds are, the lowest level that speech can be heard at is tested at a 50 percent awareness level. Words that have equal emphasis on the syllables, or spondaic words, are used because they contain information in each syllable that allows the patient to make a reasonably accurate guess and they are easy to understand. This type of testing is excellent for children, people with neurological problems, and those who speak a different language.
The speech recognition threshold test measures the lowest point at which language can be understood at least 50 percent of the time using spondaic words. The softest level of hearing and repeating is measured and it shows pure-tone thresholds. Appropriate gain is measured for proper hearing aid selection and settings.
The suprathreshold word recognition testing shows the ability to repeat and understand conversation using one syllable words, it is also known as speech or word discrimination testing. The words used are phonetically balanced and either a tape, CD, or a live person presents the test. The words are repeated by the patient to the audiologist with each correct answer receiving 2 points. When an 80 percent score is achieved the test is over, otherwise it will continue. Patients wearing their hearing aids also take this test to check improvement in their hearing.
Testing young children requires other methods of testing than with adults. They often have limited skills with language, especially with severe hearing losses. Picture cards are used that represent spondaic words. Children are asked before the testing if they understand what the cards represent for accurate results. A list of words selected especially for children is used for kindergarten through first grade.
The word intelligibility test asks children to identify pictures by pointing to them, they are given 25 pages of color pictures each representing a single syllable word. This test is great for for children who are hearing impaired and are 4 years old and up. For children 3 and up the the Northwestern University speech test is a great option. Using both words and sentences, the pediatric speech intelligibility test is for children 3 and up.
There are other tests used for children such as the Bamford-Kowal-Bench speech in noise testing, phonetically balanced kindergarten testing, and the pediatric speech intelligibility tests. Early testing can insure little loss in academic achievement and social development. Finding a good audiologist will ensure the best results and accurate testing. Audiometers provide this critical information.
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