HörbahnTests

HörbahnTests is a term that broadly refers to tests designed to assess the integrity and function of the auditory pathway. This pathway includes all the structures from the outer ear to the brain that are responsible for processing sound. These tests are crucial for diagnosing hearing loss, identifying its location and type, and guiding treatment decisions.

There are various types of HörbahnTests, each targeting different aspects of the auditory system. Basic audiological evaluations often begin with pure-tone audiometry, which measures hearing thresholds at different frequencies. Tympanometry assesses the function of the middle ear and eardrum. Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) evaluate the function of the cochlea's outer hair cells, which are vital for amplifying sound.

More advanced HörbahnTests investigate the neural components of hearing. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing measures the electrical activity in the auditory nerve and brainstem in response to sound stimuli. This test can identify problems at or beyond the cochlea. Other tests like acoustic reflexes help assess the function of the middle ear muscles and the brainstem's response to loud sounds.

The results of HörbahnTests help audiologists and otolaryngologists differentiate between conductive hearing loss, which affects the outer or middle ear, and sensorineural hearing loss, which involves the inner ear or auditory nerve. They can also detect retrocochlear pathologies, such as tumors on the auditory nerve. Comprehensive HörbahnTests are indispensable tools for understanding an individual's hearing capabilities and planning appropriate interventions.