The pure-tone hearing test is the auditory testing method you are likely to be the most familiar with. You wear headphones and raise your hand to indicate which ear you hear a beep.

While part of most hearing evaluations, a pure-tone test only measures how low sound frequencies are processed through the full phase of hearing. To pinpoint your hearing loss, a bone conduction test and other testing may be required. All auditory tests are 100% non-invasive and pain-free. 

The Role of The Outer, Middle, and Inner Ear in Processing Sound

The ear is a complex organ that translates sound via a split-second, multi-phase process. When sound waves enter the ear canal (outer ear), they cause the eardrum to vibrate. These vibrations are amplified by 3 tiny middle ear bones, the hammer, anvil, and stirrup, and sent to the cochlea. The cochlea is your inner ear’s sensory organ. It converts sound by sending electrical signals to the auditory nerve, transmitting sound waves into discernable language, music, and other sounds.

A standard pure-tone (aka. air conduction) test and visual examination may be all that is required to diagnose your auditory health. However, this test is just one of 7 audiometry tests that may be required. The most common of which is bone conduction testing. 

What Is a Bone Conduction Test?

A bone conduction test measures how well your middle ear bones and auditory nerve transmit sound to your inner ear. 

To complete the test, a headband-like apparatus is placed on your head. The headband contains a small device that comfortably rests on your forehead or behind your ear. When the device is activated, it vibrates to create sound frequencies. Just like a pure-tone test, you raise your hand (or push a button) to indicate that you have heard a sound. Unlike a pure-tone test, this test measures your middle and inner ear function.

Types of Hearing Loss

There are 3 types of hearing loss. Some causes of hearing loss are temporary, while others are permanent. If permanent, your audiologist will tailor your treatment plan. Thanks to modern advances in auditory technology, it has never been easier to restore or improve hearing. 

Conductive Hearing Loss

As the name sounds, conductive hearing loss occurs when any part of your middle ear fails to conduct or transmit sound to your inner ear. Your ears may feel plugged or full, your voice may sound louder in your ears, and you may speak in a softer voice than usual because your voice sounds louder in your head. You will not realize that you are speaking in a softer voice, but friends, family, and colleagues will increasingly ask you to repeat what you said or state that they cannot hear you. 

Conductive hearing loss can be permanent, but there could be a temporary cause. For example, wax buildup and swimmer’s ear are two temporary and treatable causes of hearing loss. If your hearing impairment is permanent, hearing aids may be prescribed. 

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

If both your pure-tone and bone conduction test results are abnormal, you may have sensorineural hearing loss. The most common causes of sensorineural hearing loss are age and overexposure to loud noises. Although permanent, hearing aids or a cochlear implant may be prescribed to improve or restore your hearing.  

Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss occurs when both conductive and sensorineural abnormalities are present. Treatment will vary depending on your individual causes and symptoms. Any combination of prescription medications, hearing aids, cochlear implants, and surgery may be required to improve your hearing. 

What Are Cochlear Implants?

Cochlear implants are an exciting technology, available to many with profound hearing loss. Unlike hearing aids that amplify and filter sound, these revolutionary implants bypass the damaged parts of the ear—stimulating the auditory nerve. This advanced technology can drastically improve hearing, communication, and quality of life.

What Does Cochlear Surgery Entail?

Cochlear implantation is an outpatient surgery administered under general anesthesia. A small incision is made behind the ear, and an electrode is gently inserted into the cochlea. The incision is closed, and the external electrode is connected to a microphone and speech processor. The external technology looks a bit like an over-the-ear hearing aid, but the functionality is far more advanced. 

Is Your Hearing on The Decline? 

Want to schedule a diagnostic hearing evaluation? If you live in or around Staten Island, New York or Holmdel, New Jersey, and your hearing is on the decline or it has been more than 3 years since your last auditory exam—schedule an appointment with Dr. Zhanneta Shapiro of Audiology Island. Dr. Shapiro will assess your hearing to determine if a bone conduction test or other hearing tests are required to diagnose your auditory concerns.