Audiometry Test in Singapore
An audiometry test is a basic hearing test that measures a person’s ability to hear sounds at different frequencies. The test results allow the audiologist to diagnose the severity of a patient’s hearing loss, if any.
At Hearing Partners Singapore, we offer Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) tests for both adults and children and Play Audiometry and Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) for children. Learn more about these tests below.
Who Needs an Audiometry Test
Anyone who experiences symptoms of hearing loss is recommended to take an audiometry test. It is important to note that these symptoms may differ for each individual.
The following are some signs of hearing loss:
Adults
- Frequently asking others to repeat their words
- Difficulty understanding conversations with more than 2 people
- Having the impression that others are mumbling
- Trouble hearing sounds clearly in crowded or noisy places
- Problems understanding women’s and children’s voices
- Increasing sound volumes far above normal levels
Children
- Trouble following instructions
- Tendency to ask others to repeat themselves
- Speech delay
- Problems speaking clearly
- Watching the television at high volumes
Preparation Required for an Audiometry Test
Feeling clueless about how to prepare for your audiometry test? Here are some tips to make your experience as smooth as possible.
- Contact our clinic at 6238 8832 or schedule an appointment online.
- Bring along your passport or identification card.
- Avoid visiting loud places* for at least 24 hours before your test as this can cause you to lose your hearing temporarily.
- Ensure that there is no wax build-up in your ears. You can see a General Practitioner (GP) or Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor to have the ear wax professionally removed.
- Try to relax and stay calm.
- Ask a friend or family member to accompany you for the test.
- If you are bringing a child to do an audiometry test, try playing a game of “pretend” to show them it is a joyful experience instead of a scary one.
*Loud places are environments where you need to raise your voice or yell to speak with somebody standing 1m away. This includes places such as nightclubs and concerts.
Preparation Required for an Audiometry Test
Feeling clueless about how to prepare for your audiometry test? Here are some tips to make your experience as smooth as possible.
- Contact our clinic at 6238 8832 or schedule an appointment online.
- Bring along your passport or identification card.
- Avoid visiting loud places* for at least 24 hours before your test as this can cause you to lose your hearing temporarily.
- Ensure that there is no wax build-up in your ears. You can see a General Practitioner (GP) or Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor to have the ear wax professionally removed.
- Try to relax and stay calm.
- Ask a friend or family member to accompany you for the test.
- If you are bringing a child to do an audiometry test, try playing a game of “pretend” to show them it is a joyful experience instead of a scary one.
*Loud places are environments where you need to raise your voice or yell to speak with somebody standing 1m away. This includes places such as nightclubs and concerts.
Types of Audiometry Tests Offered at Hearing Partners Singapore
Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA)
Suitable for: Adults, children
PTA is one of the most accurate tests used to diagnose the degree of hearing loss in a person. The results are used to determine the type and configuration* of hearing impairment so the right treatment can be administered.
How it works:
The test is usually conducted in a soundproof room and you will be required to wear headphones connected to an audiometer. A range of frequencies will be played and you will be asked to give a signal when you hear a tone.
The results provide precise information to help your audiologist diagnose and manage your hearing impairment.
*When you go for an audiometry test, your results will be recorded in the form of an audiogram. The shape of the audiogram illustrates which frequencies are best heard. This is referred to as the configuration of your hearing loss.
Play Audiometry
Suitable for: Children (2 to 5 years old)
Play Audiometry is used to measure the hearing abilities of children between 2 to 5 years old. The test is administered as a game, and helps to gauge how well a child responds to various levels of sound.
How it works:
The process begins with the audiologist showing the child some of the toys which will be used, such as balls and pegs. The child will be asked to put a toy into the basket each time a sound is heard.
Testing begins once the child understands the game. Different frequencies of sound will be tested until the audiologists have gathered data about the child’s hearing capabilities in both ears.
Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)
Suitable for: Children (6 months to 3 years old)
VRA is used to determine the hearing threshold of younger children between 6 months to 3 years old.
How it works:
The test is conducted in a soundproof room with the child sitting on the parent’s lap. Sounds will be played through 2 speakers positioned at the sides of the room.
An audiologist will guide the child to look in the direction of the sound. If the child turns their head towards the sound after hearing it, they are rewarded with visual reinforcement such as a moving toy. Sounds of different intensities will be played to assess the child’s hearing levels.
Cost of Audiometry Tests in Singapore
The following are the costs of different hearing tests at Hearing Partners:
| Type of Audiometry Test | Price* (excluding GST) |
|---|---|
| Pure Tone Audiometry | $70 |
| Play Audiometry | $130 |
| Visual Reinforcement Audiometry | $130 |
*Fees are inclusive of a consultation and a copy of the test results.
FAQs about Audiometry Tests in Singapore
Do hearing tests hurt?
Hearing tests are painless and non-invasive. The audiologist will begin with a friendly chat about your lifestyle and medical history to find out the cause of your hearing loss.
Next, they will perform a physical examination of your ear canal using an otoscope. This allows them to have a clear look inside your ears and assess any potential issues such as infections, inflammation, or other conditions that could be preventing you from picking up sounds clearly.
This is followed by diagnostic testing in a soundproof room where you will be required to wear a set of headphones. Tones at different frequencies and volumes will be played to evaluate your hearing health.
Your audiologist will use the test results to identify the degree of your hearing loss and advise you on the appropriate hearing aid or treatment.
Why is an audiometry test important?
An audiometry test can determine your ability to hear sounds of different frequencies. It is strongly advised that you have your ears tested if you experience any symptoms of hearing loss. Also, if you notice your loved ones showing signs of hearing loss, it is best to bring them for a hearing test as soon as possible.
If left undetected, hearing loss can affect the language and communication skills of a child. Early intervention allows parents and audiologists to help the child improve their speech and learning as soon as possible.
For adults, untreated hearing loss can have a detrimental impact on their daily life. It can lead to communication difficulties as they struggle to hear what others are saying. Their personal safety is also at risk as they cannot hear auditory cues well. For instance, they may not be able to hear the sound of car horns, making it dangerous when they are crossing the road.
Additionally, adults with hearing loss have an increased risk of developing dementia. Due to their inability to hear well, they tend to be less socially engaged. This has a significant impact on their intellectual stimulation, resulting in lower brain activity and a higher chance of dementia.
How often should you check your hearing?
Healthy individuals who are not experiencing any hearing loss may check their hearing every 3 to 5 years. However, the following individuals are recommended to have their hearing checked annually to detect early signs of hearing loss and take the necessary precaution or action.
- Individuals who are exposed to loud noise as they may be susceptible to noise-induced hearing loss
- Adults above 60 years old*
- Individuals at risk of hearing loss (e.g. those taking ototoxic medications)
- Individuals with hearing loss
- Hearing aid users to ensure that their hearing aids are programmed properly
*1 out of 3 adults above 60 years old have age-related hearing loss.
What happens if you fail an audiometry test?
If you fail an audiometry test, it is very likely that you have hearing loss. The degree of hearing loss is determined by how loud sounds need to be for you to hear them.
To measure this, audiologists use the decibel (dB) scale. This can range from mild hearing loss at 21 to 40 dB to profound loss at 91 dB. After identifying the degree of hearing loss you are experiencing, our audiologist will help you find the right solution.
For suitable candidates*, we will recommend the best hearing aid to suit your needs and condition. Once you have received your hearing aids, our specialists will guide you through the post-fitting processes such as maintaining, upgrading and repairing them.
*Patients with underlying medical conditions such as otitis media will first be referred to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist for treatment.
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