Audiometry: What it Is and Why it's Important for Your Hearing Health

Audiometry is a fundamental tool for evaluating hearing ability and detecting possible problems in the inner, middle, or outer ear. A hearing test is crucial for identifying hearing loss, balance problems, or difficulties understanding speech in noisy environments.

Discover how audiometry works, its types, how to interpret the results, and when you should get a hearing test.

What is Audiometry and How Does it Work?

Audiometry is a test that measures a person's ability to hear sounds at different volumes and intensities.

It is used to assess hearing health and determine if there are problems such as hearing loss, tinnitus, or eardrum damage.

Learn more about types of hearing loss.

Different Types of Audiometry

Pure-Tone Audiometry

Measures the ability to hear pure tones at different frequencies. It is useful for identifying the minimum hearing threshold and determining the level of hearing loss.

Speech Audiometry

Evaluates the ability to understand words at different volumes. This type of test is especially useful for fitting hearing aids or identifying speech comprehension problems.

Discover more about LUPER hearing aids.

Immittance Audiometry

Analyzes the function of the eardrum and middle ear ossicles by measuring changes in air pressure. It is key for detecting infections or eardrum perforations.

When Should You Have an Audiometry?

Common Signs of Hearing Problems

• Difficulty hearing in noisy environments.

• Feeling of pressure in the ears or ringing (tinnitus).

• Need to turn up the volume on electronic devices.

Recommended Frequency by Age

• Under 18 years: At least once during childhood.

• Between 18 and 60 years: Every 5 years if there are no symptoms.

• Over 60 years: Once a year to detect age-related hearing loss.

How is a Complete Hearing Test Performed?

Preparing for an Audiometry

It is recommended to avoid exposure to loud noises before the test to ensure accurate results.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Initial consultation: The specialist reviews medical history and symptoms.

2. Pure-tone audiometry: Headphones are placed to evaluate hearing in each ear.

3. Speech audiometry: The ability to understand words is measured.

4. Tympanometry: The function of the eardrum and bone conduction is analyzed.

Book your appointment for an audiometry.

Interpreting Audiometry Results

Normal Results

• Hearing within the range of 250 to 8,000 Hz.

• Hearing threshold below 25 dB.

Abnormal Results and Possible Causes

• Conductive hearing loss: Problems in the eardrum or middle ear ossicles.

• Sensorineural hearing loss: Damage to the inner ear or auditory nerves.

Benefits of Early Detection of Hearing Problems

Improved Quality of Life

Early treatment can improve communication ability and prevent social isolation.

Prevention of Cognitive and Social Problems

Untreated hearing loss can be linked to problems such as depression and cognitive decline.

Audiometry at LUPER: Book Your Hearing Test

Professional Services and Modern Equipment

At LUPER, we have hearing health specialists and state-of-the-art equipment to perform accurate tests and personalized diagnoses.

How to Schedule an Appointment?

1. Visit our appointment booking page.

2. Select your nearest LUPER center.

3. Choose the most convenient date. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Audiometry and Hearing Tests

How long does a complete audiometry take?

Depending on the necessary tests, it can last between 15 minutes and 1 hour.

What types of hearing loss can audiometry detect?

• Conductive hearing loss.

• Sensorineural hearing loss.

• Mixed hearing loss.