Kuulotestit

Kuulotestit, or hearing tests, are medical examinations designed to assess an individual's ability to hear sounds. These tests are crucial for identifying hearing loss, determining its type and severity, and monitoring changes in hearing over time. Various types of hearing tests exist, each evaluating different aspects of the auditory system.

Pure-tone audiometry is a common test that measures hearing sensitivity across a range of frequencies. During this test, the individual listens to sounds at different pitches and volumes and indicates when they can hear them. This results in an audiogram, a graph that visually represents the person's hearing thresholds. Speech audiometry assesses the ability to understand spoken words at various loudness levels. Tympanometry measures the function of the middle ear and the eardrum's movement. Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) tests evaluate the function of the inner ear, specifically the cochlea. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing assesses the auditory nerve and brainstem pathways.

Hearing tests are recommended for newborns as part of routine screenings, for children to detect developmental hearing issues, and for adults who experience symptoms of hearing loss such as difficulty understanding speech, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or a feeling of fullness in the ear. Regular hearing checks are also advised for individuals exposed to loud noise or those with a family history of hearing loss. Early detection and intervention are vital for managing hearing loss effectively, improving communication, and maintaining overall quality of life.