Hearing tests

Tests carried out to assess hearing. Hearing tests are performed as part of a routine assessment of child development and when hearing impairment is suspected. The tests are sometimes included in a general medical examination. Hearing tests may also be used to identify the cause of tinnitus or dizziness. An audiometer (an electrical instrument) is used to test an individual’s ability to hear sounds at different frequencies and volumes. The lowest level at which a person can hear and repeat words (the speech reception threshold) is tested, as is the ability to hear words clearly (speech discrimination). The type of hearing loss (see deafness) is determined by holding a tuning fork to different parts of the ear.

 

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