Audiometry in Barranquilla, Colombia

Audiometry

What is audiometry?

Audiometry is a hearing test used to evaluate a person's ability to hear and determine whether there is any degree of hearing loss. It is a simple, painless, and non-invasive examination that measures how well a person can hear different sounds and frequencies.

Audiometry is one of the most commonly used tests to evaluate hearing in both children and adults and may be part of a comprehensive ear and hearing assessment.

What is audiometry used for?

Audiometry helps identify changes in hearing and determine the type and degree of hearing loss. It can also be used to monitor hearing problems or evaluate changes following treatment.

• Detect hearing loss
• Determine the degree of hearing loss
• Identify whether hearing loss affects one or both ears
• Evaluate the ability to hear different frequencies
• Monitor hearing-related conditions
• Evaluate hearing before or after certain treatments
• Determine whether hearing aids or other hearing devices may be needed

Which specialists can order an audiometry test?

An audiometry test may be ordered primarily by an ENT specialist, especially when a patient has symptoms related to hearing or the ears.

Depending on the reason for the evaluation, it may also be recommended by other healthcare professionals, including general practitioners, pediatricians, neurologists, occupational physicians, and audiology professionals.

When is an audiometry test recommended?

An audiometry test may be recommended when a person experiences symptoms that could be related to hearing loss or has risk factors for developing hearing problems.

• Difficulty hearing conversations
• Frequently increasing the volume of the television or phone
• A feeling of blocked or plugged ears
• Ringing in the ears or tinnitus
• Difficulty hearing in noisy environments
• Difficulty understanding what other people are saying
• Sudden or progressive hearing loss
• A history of frequent ear infections
• Regular exposure to loud noises
• Hearing evaluations in children

How is an audiometry test performed?

Audiometry is generally performed in a sound-treated booth or a specially adapted room designed to reduce external noise. The patient wears headphones and listens to sounds at different frequencies and intensity levels.

Whenever the patient hears a sound, they indicate that they have heard it by following the instructions provided by the professional. The results are recorded on a graph called an audiogram, which helps evaluate the hearing ability of each ear.

What types of audiometry are available?

There are different types of audiological tests, and the appropriate test depends on the patient's age, symptoms, and the specific aspect of hearing that needs to be evaluated.

• Pure-tone audiometry: evaluates the ability to hear sounds at different frequencies and intensity levels
• Speech audiometry: evaluates the ability to hear and understand spoken words
• Pediatric audiometry: uses age-appropriate methods to evaluate hearing in children
• Occupational audiometry: evaluates hearing in workers, particularly those exposed to occupational noise

Who performs an audiometry test?

Audiometry is usually performed by an audiologist or a speech and hearing professional trained in hearing assessment. Depending on the case, the results may be reviewed and interpreted by an ENT specialist.

What do the results of an audiometry test mean?

The results are generally displayed on an audiogram. This allows the professional to determine whether hearing is within the expected range or whether there is hearing loss.

Hearing loss can be classified according to its degree and type. The main types include conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss.

The results should be interpreted by an audiologist or ENT specialist, taking into account the patient's symptoms, medical history, and any other relevant examinations.

Where can you get an audiometry test?

Audiometry can be performed at audiology centers, ENT clinics, hospitals, medical offices, and specialized hearing diagnostic centers. Through MedicosDoc, you can find healthcare professionals and centers offering audiology and hearing evaluation services.

If you are a foreigner and need an audiometry test in Colombia

If you are a foreigner and need an audiometry test in Colombia, you can look for specialized audiology or ENT centers that provide services to international patients. It is recommended to confirm the availability of the test, language of care, cost, and how the results will be provided before scheduling your appointment.

You can also contact MedicosDoc directly through WhatsApp for guidance on finding qualified professionals or specialized centers.

MedicosDoc WhatsApp: +57 305 337 7860