Testing Information
Audiological Evaluation
This test is performed at Lafayette Hearing and Balance Center in a sound-treated room with state-of-the-art equipment. The purpose of this assessment is to determine how well a patient can hear different pitches (frequencies) as well as how well he or she can hear normal conversational speech sounds.
Auditory Brain Stem Response (Abr) Testing
ABR testing is an evoked potential test that can be used to estimate hearing in difficult-to-test patients. it can also be used in detection, localization, and monitoring of various types of auditory nerve or auditory pathway defects.
Play Audiometry
Play audiometry is a testing technique in which a child is conditioned to respond to a sound stimulus (tone) by engaging in a game, such as dropping a block into a bucket or putting a piece in to a puzzle. Since headphones can typically be used, results obtained are generally ear-specific. Play audiometry is the preferred method of testing for children aged 3-5 years.
Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)
VRA is a technique in which a child’s behavioral response to a sound, usually a head turn toward a sound source, is conditioned by reinforcement with some type of visual stimulus. Results obtained are not ear-specific and therefore only gives information regarding the hearing status of at least the better hearing ear. VRA is the preferred method of testing for children aged 6 months through age 2-3 years.
Acoustic Immittance Test
Tympanometry – A quick and simple test that measures the status of the middle ear space and ear drum.
Acoustic Reflex Thresholds – The acoustic reflex occurs when a small muscle in the middle ear (the stapedius muscle) contracts as a results of acoustic stimulation; testing can provide information regarding middle ear function, neurological functioning of the auditory system, and an index of auditory sensitivity.
Acoustic Reflex Decay – This will test how long the stapedial reflex can be sustained; during this test, a tone is presented for 10 seconds and the muscle response is recorded; testing can provide helpful information regarding the location of a hearing problem.
