Kuulontutkimus

Kuulontutkimus, also known as a hearing test, is a medical examination designed to assess an individual's hearing ability. It involves a series of tests that measure how well a person can hear sounds at different pitches and volumes. The primary goal of a kuulontutkimus is to identify any hearing loss, determine its severity and type, and pinpoint the underlying cause.

During a typical hearing test, a specialist, often an audiologist, will use specialized equipment to present sounds to the patient. This may include pure tones delivered through headphones or a bone vibrator, as well as spoken words to assess speech understanding. The patient's responses, usually by pressing a button or indicating they heard the sound, are recorded to create an audiogram. This visual representation shows the softest sounds a person can hear at various frequencies.

Kuulontutkimus is crucial for early detection and management of hearing impairments. It can be recommended for individuals experiencing difficulty hearing, those exposed to loud noises, infants as part of newborn screening, and older adults who may be at risk of age-related hearing loss. The results of the hearing test guide treatment options, which can range from hearing aids and assistive listening devices to medical or surgical interventions, depending on the diagnosis. Regular hearing check-ups are also important for monitoring changes in hearing over time.