Hearing Testing – Types of Hearing Loss Tests and Assistive Listening Devices

It is wisely said, ‘Prevention is better than cure’. The same principle also applies to those with hearing loss circumstances. The earlier the illness is detected, the better the treatment can be. There are various types of hearing loss tests that an individual suffering from hearing impairment or hearing loss can undertake. For those who do not know what exactly does hearing testing involve, this article will definitely give you an insight into the concepts and take you through the various types of hearing loss tests and assistive listening devices.

Hearing testing is done for new born babies, for school age children as well as for adults suspected of having hearing loss. There are four different types of hearing loss tests that individuals suffering from hearing loss may undertake. Assistive Listening System are yet another option for those who want to enhance their hearing experience in different situations. But, let us first take a look at the types of hearing testing.

The most basic is the Weber Test which is used to detect hearing loss. It makes use of a tuning fork, which when struck on a surface produces vibration. It is placed on the top of media lateral skull of a person who is suffering from hearing loss. This type of hearing loss test is beneficial to detect two types of losses: unilateral conductive hearing loss and unilateral sensorineural type.

Rinne Test is just like a Weber test. It also uses a tuning fork and compares how sound is perceived as conducted through the mastoid. The only difference is that the fork is stuck on the mastoid instead of lateral skull. Although these have been quite popular, they still don’t stand the comparison of the hearing loss testing called audiometry.

Audiometry is basically the formal testing to check the individual’s hearing ability. This test is performed using an audiometer, which measures the hearing level of a person. In audiometry, otoacoustic emissions and acoustic reflex are also be measured. Therefore, it can be used to determine if subject has hearing loss or other ear problems. This type of hearing testing is usually performed in a special soundproof room.

The fourth type of hearing loss test is used to detect conductive hearing loss. Most doctors prefer using this test when nothing obvious is detected through the Rinne and Weber Test. It uses an otoscope to ensure that nothing; neither foreign object nor earwax is blocking the path to the eardrum. This is a foolproof method o test hearing loss.  The main target of this test is the eardrum's mobility, middle ear condition and conduction of bones.

A person suffering from hearing impairment can also make use of assistive listening devices. These devices are used when just wearing hearing aids is not enough. The assisted listening devices amplify the centre sound without affecting surrounding noise. These devises are usually used in noisy circumstances, and even when a hearing impaired person is at a great distance from the speaker. There are different types of ALD’s like Frequency Modulation (FM) Systems which reduces the background noise and allows the speaker's voice to heard as if he were speaking in front of you.

Then there are Infrared Systems (IR), which are used in conjunction with the TV. You also have a Telephone Amplifying Device, which allows you to talk to persons over the phone. You can adjust the volume and tone of the speaker. There are many other types like Amplified Telephones, Cochlear Implants and  Alerting Devices, which help you hear better.

Custom Newborn Ear Plugs for Effective Noise Protection

Most of you might be aware that being able to hear, in the early life of a child, is extremely crucial. Listening helps the infant to learn to speak, and, by extension, teaches him to communicate and engage in the world around us. It also helps in the social, cognitive and emotional development depending on the newborns hearing ability. Hearing is a major part, to learn not only language, but also concepts that help people associate different sounds with things and ideas. Most part of the thinking abilities are developed I the initial years of a child and if the child is hearing impaired, it might create a lifelong effect on the development.


It is essential that you get the newborn hearing test done to your baby, as soon as possible, for effective treatment of any auditory loss. When we say asap, we mean it because if you delay the process, your child might suffer from permanent hearing loss. That is one reason many hospitals have started performing mandatory newborn hearing test. There are many reasons a child can suffer from hearing impairment or hearing loss. One most common reason is birth defect. Statistics show that as many as 3 out of every 1,000 babies suffer from some degree of loss. Well, but there are other culprits too; premature births, complications at birth, repeat ear infections or certain medications are among those.


However, the urban life has become quite noisy and therefore, it becomes extremely crucial to avoid loud noise exposure to your newborn. Loud noises can do major damage to a sensitive newborn's tiny ears. That is why; you must ensure proper techniques for noise protection are used to keep your child away from hearing impairment. Performing a newborn hearing test will ensure that your child does not suffer from hearing defects and how sensitive is your child to different types of noises. There are several types of noises like, fireworks, loud music or television, bullet sound, thunderstorms, yelling and cooing very near the ears that hamper the child’s hearing ability.


Thus arises the need for ear plugs that would be perfectly fit the baby’s ears to protect it from loud noises. Custom ear plugs are just the right option, as they are made according to the needs of the newborn babies. Custom ear plugs for newborns are soft and won’t be hurtful, keeping babies and infants at ease when they are in extremely noisy places. It will also ensure that the baby gets a sound sleep, even in the urban noise. It is important for the baby to sleep well, for the physical and mental development. However, you must ensure utmost care while choosing custom ear plugs for your baby to ensure effectivenoise protection. One of the most commonly used custom ear plugs for newborns are made out of silicon, which are soft enough and tend to be less painful when plugged in the baby’s ears. These ensure comfort to the baby even when used for long hours.

Get Hearing Tests Done for your Hearing Trouble

If you face problem in hearing, then you can get hearing tests done for it. The test will indicate problem, if any and audiologist will suggest hearing loss solutions or hearing aids types for your hearing trouble.


During the time of your medical evaluation, your audiologist will ask you few questions and listen to details provided by you to learn about your health history. You should take along someone for your medical tests or evaluation.


The results of the test will provide detailed information on hearing issues or hearing problem, if any. If the results indicate that you need assistance in order to hear properly, then your audiologist will suggest suitable hearing aids types for your problem.


For getting any hearing tests done, it is advisable to visit reputed hearing center, which offers options like free personalized programming, free annual screenings, free cleanings and adjustments and lot more. All you have to do is approach a hearing center and schedule a hearing test with the audiologist. The experts at the center will help you during the entire process from consultation, evaluation to fitting hearing aids.

An individual usually opts to get a hearing test done due to social incidents faced or experienced by him/her. For example – people around the sufferer will notice diminishing of his/her hearing ability. The sufferer will also feel that he/she is missing parts of conversation or ask other person to repeat their statement. If sufferer is facing such situation, then it is very necessary to get the treatment done right away. Thus, to know more about hearing loss solutions, you can conduct an extensive online search.