Speech Audiometry: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Audiometry is a test, which is generally used to detect and determine the extent of hearing loss in a particular person. It is a known fact that hearing starts to deteriorate with age. However, the greatest damage to ears is done when a person turns 50. An audiometry tests how well a person responds to sounds of all kinds. Speech audiometry is just a portion of the larger umbrella term and this test basically looks to determine if a person can have a normal conversation in society or whether they are impeded by their hearing skills.

The human ear can hear sounds between the range 20 decibels and 180 decibels. However, loud noises can be quite damaging for the ear and prolonged experience of such high noises can even lead to complete hearing loss. Speech audiometry is conducted to determine whether the patient is able to hear sounds as low as when two people are chatting face to face. At such a time, the decibel range is around 20 dB to 30 dB.

there can be many causes behind hearing loss, such as a ruptured ear drum, injury to the ear, severe ear infections and birth defects. With the audiometry test, the problem and its extent can be established, after which doctors will start the appropriate treatment.

The speech audiometry test is a non-invasive procedure that does not involve the use of medications or other medical tools. It is simply a test where the patient has to report the different pitches of audio that is played through a headphone. No special preparation is needed prior to the test.

The patient will have to visit the audiologist’s office and put on a pair of headphones. Speech and other sounds will be played through the headphones at varying intervals. When a sound is audible, the patient will be asked to report the same. This will help the audiologist understand the overall quality of the ear and their ability to perceive any kind of sound.

Another form of the test includes separating speech from background noise. Under such a test, the patient will have to report what the recorded speech says by isolating it from the background noises.

A tuning fork may also be used to determine the patient’s ability to detect vibrations near their ear. The entire test takes around an hour to be completed and during this time the patient does not experience any pain or discomfort.

If the patient suspects that he is suffering from hearing loss, he/she can seek the help of an ENT or Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. If the specialist feels that the speech audiometry test is required to confirm the extent of the damage to the ear, the test may be recommended. Such patients such undergo the testing in order to undergo proper treatment.

People who do not suffer from hearing loss and have no other issue with their ears should not go for the audiometry. Even though the test has no side effects, an audiometry in such a case will not be beneficial in any way.

There are no side effects from the test in question. It is not an invasive process and all of the tests are conducted externally. Patients will simple need to put earphones on and report the sound that they hear.

The post treatment guidelines depend on the result of the audiometry. For instance, if the results are normal and no problem is detected, doctors will have no recommendations for the patient. However, if the test shows that the ear has undergone some damage doctors may prescribe certain medication. Apart from this, the patient may also be required to wear earplugs in noisy and crowded areas. In order to prevent further damage of the ear.

There is no need for recovery when it comes to the speech audiometry test. Since the test is a non-invasive procedure, patients are likely to return home as soon as the test has been concluded. Generally, it takes about an hour for a complete audiometry test, after which the patient is free to leave.

Price for the test is different in different parts of India. However, it ranges from Rs. 200 to Rs. 1,000, depending on the place of residence as well as where the test is being conducted.

Results are not always permanent. In some cases, with proper medication and therapy, hearing loss may be offset. However, in most cases with severe hearing loss, the results may be permanent and irreversible. Medication can only control or manage the symptoms related to the hearing loss.

Echo scan audio is often considered to be the only safe alternative for the speech audiometry test. Still such a test is rarely used and doctors prefer audiometry tests, as the latter are much more reliable.