Audiometers are invaluable in the testing of hearing loss. They allow the audiologist to determine the degree and the type of loss a patient has as well as their discomfort and tolerance to speech stimuli and their ability to recognize words. Information gathered helps in the determination of amplification devices and the proper hearing aids to prescribe.

Audiometry is done in a testing room made up of 2 rooms, an equipment room and an evaluation room. The equipment room contains the audiometer, input devices such as microphones, tape recorders, and CD's for testing. Tests are performed using earphones and are sent to one or both of them. They can also be done through a bone-conductor vibrator. Materials can also be presented through loudspeakers in the sound-field.

Some techniques used are testing speech awareness thresholds to get the lowest level at which speech can be heard at least 50 percent of the time. Spondaic words are used as they have equal emphasis on each syllable, are easily understood, and contain information in each syllable that allow reasonable accurate guesses. It is a great test for younger patients, those who speak another language, or those who have neurological damage.

Speech recognition threshold measures the lowest level at which speech can be recognized at least half of the time. Spondaic words are used for this test as well. It determines the softest level that words can be heard and repeated and it validates pure-tone thresholds. It measures appropriate gain during hearing aid selection.

To estimate the ability of understanding and repeating conversation of single syllable words, the suprathreshold word-recognition test is used. This test is also referred to as speech or word discrimination testing. Phonetically balanced words are used and presented by CD, tape, or live and are repeated by the patient. A 2 percent score is given for each correct response and is stopped at 80 percent or continued if needed. Patients can be tested with their hearing aids to show improvement.

Testing young children requires other methods of testing than with adults. They often have limited skills with language, especially with severe hearing losses. Picture cards are used that represent spondaic words. Children are asked before the testing if they understand what the cards represent for accurate results. A list of words selected especially for children is used for kindergarten through first grade.

One test that is often used is the word intelligibility test, it is comprised of 25 pages filled with colored pictures representing something named by single syllable words. This test is wonderful for children who are hearing impaired ages 4 and up. The pediatric speech intelligibility test uses a combination of single syllable words and sentences and is a good fit for those 3 and up. Another good test is the Northwestern University speech test that is good for ages 3 and over.

Other testing used for children include the pediatric speech intelligibility test, the phonetically balanced kindergarten test, and the Bamford-Kowal-Bench speech in noise test. It is best to find out early that a child has a hearing loss so they can have it corrected with hearing aids and speech therapy which will enable them to do well socially and in school. Audiometers are great machines to help determine what kind of assistance is best with the help of a talented audiologist.