Factors That Can Affect Hearing Test Results

A multitude of factors can come into play, affecting the outcomes and interpretation of hearing test results. From physical factors such as age and earwax buildup to environmental factors like background noise and test conditions, a comprehensive understanding of these variables is essential for accurate assessment. Furthermore, individual characteristics, including psychological factors and underlying medical conditions, can also contribute to the variability in hearing test outcomes. By delving into these complex factors, we can unravel the intricate web that shapes hearing test results, ultimately leading to more precise diagnoses and tailored treatment plans.

Self-Assessment

Someone with a hearing impairment is likely to visit an audiologist for a hearing test. Hearing tests take various forms; there is a pure-tone test, a bone conduction test, speech testing and tympanometry. When a patient visits an audiologist, they will be assessed and undergo a hearing test. The result of the test can be influenced by the patient’s viewpoint.

Of course, an audiologist is interested in objective testing based on the criteria given by the patient and the outcome of the test. If a participant is convinced about their hearing loss or lack of hearing loss, they might be unwilling to accept the outcome of the test leading to further hearing loss or mismanagement of the symptoms.

Type of Hearing Loss

When it comes to hearing tests, the accuracy of the results often depends on the type of hearing loss you have and the type of test you take. Most professional audiologists will start with a broad base, perhaps a pure-tone test or a bone conduction test, to assess the general level of hearing. At other times, a hearing test can be given on the basis of a pre-assessment of the individual.

There are many forms of hearing loss, and detecting the exact cause from a single test can be tricky. A single auditory test should offer an appropriate indication of the type of hearing loss to be treated. To accurately assess the hearing loss an individual is experiencing, a range of hearing tests might be used by a professional audiologist.

Type of Hearing Test

In order to identify the correct types of hearing loss, the correct hearing test must be given. An audiologist has a choice of seven hearing tests to give to the individual; these include pure-tone testing, conductive bone testing, speech testing, tympanometry, acoustic reflex testing, auditory brainstem response and otoacoustic emissions. More testing means more accurate test results.

When someone attends an audiologist’s office, they will be given a pure-tone test to determine a baseline for their hearing. However, a pure-tone test will not tell an audiologist whether the individual has conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss or a mixture of both. For more accurate test results, more investigation is needed. It’s best to triangulate the testing.

Audiologist’s Opinion

Some forms of sensorineural hearing loss are quite similar, such as bilateral, unilateral and asymmetrical hearing loss. Depending on the type of testing carried out and the experience of the audiologist, the results may vary. With these forms of hearing loss being similar your audiologist may have to run more tests.

If you want to avoid inaccurate testing, it’s worth researching the audiologist you attend and discussing the testing methods beforehand. Remember, self-assessment can also be a factor for inaccurate testing.

Hearing Health

The way an individual takes care of their ears and hearing can have an effect on the outcome of a hearing test. For example, someone with a build-up of wax in the ear canal may not get the same accuracy on a hearing test as someone with a safe wax cleaning process. If you are concerned that it could influence the outcome of a test, discuss it with your audiologist first.

Other hearing conditions, such as tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss, can also affect the test results. These forms of hearing loss can be temporary, but if they are present at the time of a hearing test, the test results could be affected. If you think you have some noise-induced hearing loss at the time of testing, discuss it with your audiologist and book another time slot.

Getting your hearing tested is an important part of maintaining your overall health and well-being. If you’re due for a hearing test, contact Hearing & Balance Centers of West Tennessee at Jackson: (731) 256-5973 or Memphis: (901) 201-6761 to schedule an appointment with a skilled audiologist and get the personalized care you need.