Each year, nearly 48 million Americans suffer from debilitating hearing loss, but 15 million of them do not seek any help. However, it is essential to have your hearing checked to improve your hearing loss and, ultimately, your overall quality of life. To do this, we recommend consulting a hearing professional, such as an audiologist. The professional will examine your ears and will probably prescribe a series of hearing tests.
The bone conduction test is a simple and painless hearing exam. However, we know that the term "hearing test" can be intimidating if you don't really know what to expect. In this article, we therefore go into detail about what exactly the bone conduction test is and how it works.
What is the bone conduction test?
The bone conduction test is very similar to pure-tone audiometry, in that "pure" sounds are played to you and you must signal each sound heard. The difference lies in how the sounds reach you. During a bone conduction test, sounds are not sent directly into the ear via headphones: they are transmitted behind your ear or on your forehead and cause slight vibrations in your skull. Hearing professionals often use the bone conduction test when something, such as earwax or fluid, is obstructing your outer or middle ear.
How is a bone conduction test performed?
During a bone conduction test, you are seated in a quiet room, such as a soundproof booth. A headband is placed on your head and a small square-shaped box is positioned behind your ear or on your forehead. This box is called a vibrator: it is used to send pure sounds to the inner ear to determine if there is a problem with any part of the outer ear. You will be asked to signal each time you hear a sound; the signal may consist of raising your hand, pressing a button, or saying "yes." Specific instructions will be given to you before the test. Each ear is tested separately, as one may have greater hearing loss than the other.
What will the results of a bone conduction test tell me?
The results of a bone conduction test will help your doctor determine if the source of your hearing loss is in the inner, middle, or outer ear. For example, if the problem is in the middle ear, it is likely that you have an ear infection. On the other hand, an inner ear problem may be related to aging, noise exposure, or another cause. A bone conduction test alone is not always enough to determine the solution to your hearing loss. It is likely that you will be prescribed several hearing tests whose results will be cross-referenced, so that your hearing professional can establish the degree, type, and underlying cause of your hearing loss, thus laying the groundwork for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Conclusion
The bone conduction test is one of the most commonly prescribed hearing exams, as it is particularly effective and simple. It is non-invasive and generally performed very quickly. After the test, your hearing professional will use your results to diagnose and treat your hearing loss.
Once the bone conduction test and other prescribed exams are completed, you will be closer to better hearing and a happier, easier life! If your hearing loss is mild to severe, your doctor may recommend hearing aids: in this case, discover CLARIA's affordable and reliable products without delay!
Thank you for reading this article,
Kathleen Williams
Editor-in-Chief, CLARIA
