Audiological (Hearing) Evaluation
A comprehensive audiological evaluation includes several tests of the auditory system. A measure of hearing sensitivity is conducted in a soundproof booth, through earphones. An individual will be given pure tone stimuli that assess hearing sensitivity at various frequencies. The softest intensity that the person responds to (threshold) will be plotted on a frequency-loudness graph called an audiogram. The hearing test also includes measures of word recognition (speech discrimination) ability. Other tests assess movement of the tympanic membrane (tympanometry), middle ear muscle tests, and otoacoustic emissions, the latter comprising the minimal test battery. An audiological evaluation provides information as to whether an individual has normal hearing sensitivity or if there is a hearing deficit. Results of the hearing test can provide information about whether the loss is due to mechanical involvement of the middle ear structures (conductive hearing loss), or if it involves the cochlea, auditory nerve (sensorineural hearing loss), or whether there is the possibility of auditory processing disorder (APD).
