Hearing Tests

Price: ₹ 400

The Tone Decay Test is a diagnostic assessment used in audiology to evaluate the function of the auditory nerve and the auditory pathway in the brainstem. It is particularly useful in diagnosing retrocochlear lesions or auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD).

During the Tone Decay Test:

• The patient wears headphones and listens to a continuous tone presented at a specific frequency and intensity. The tone is typically presented for a duration of 10 seconds.
• The audiologist at C C Saha Ltd. monitors the patient’s response to the tone throughout the presentation.

Why is The Tone Decay Test done?

It helps audiologists assess the integrity of the auditory system beyond the cochlea and identify potential abnormalities or disorders affecting the auditory nerve and brainstem pathways. It is often used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests, such as auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing, to provide a comprehensive evaluation of auditory function.

Price: ₹ 400

The Short Increment Sensitivity Index (SISI) test is a diagnostic assessment used in audiology to evaluate the sensitivity of the auditory system to slight changes in sound intensity. It is particularly useful in detecting disorders affecting the auditory nerve or central auditory pathways.

During the SISI Test:

• The patient wears headphones and listens to a series of brief tone bursts presented at varying intensities. The intensity of the tone bursts is incrementally increased by a small amount (typically 1 dB) above the patient’s hearing threshold for that frequency.
• After each tone burst, the patient indicates whether they heard the sound. The audiologist records the patient’s responses and analyzes their sensitivity to the incremental changes in intensity. Patients with normal auditory sensitivity should detect all tone bursts presented above their hearing threshold.

Why is SISI Test Done?

The SISI test helps audiologists assess the dynamic range and responsiveness of the auditory system to changes in sound intensity.

Price: ₹ 400

The Alternate Binaural Loudness Balance (ABL) Test is a diagnostic assessment used in audiology to measure the perceived loudness balance between the ears. It helps audiologists evaluate differences in loudness perception between the left and right ears, which can indicate various auditory disorders or conditions affecting hearing sensitivity.

During the ABLB Test:

• The patient wears headphones and listens to a series of tones presented simultaneously to both ears at different frequencies and intensities.
• The audiologist adjusts the intensity of the tone presented to one ear while keeping the intensity constant in the other ear.
• The patient indicates when the tone presented to both ears sounds equally loud.

Why is ABLB Test Done?

By comparing the intensity levels required for the patient to perceive equal loudness in both ears, the audiologist can assess the perceived loudness balance and identify any discrepancies between the ears. Differences in loudness perception may indicate conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, or other auditory abnormalities affecting one or both ears.

Price: ₹ 400

Speech audiometry is a diagnostic assessment used in audiology to evaluate an individual’s ability to understand and repeat spoken words at different intensity levels. It assesses the integrity of the auditory system, particularly the ability to process and comprehend speech sounds.

During speech audiometry, the individual wears headphones and listens to recorded speech stimuli presented at various intensity levels.

Speech audiometry assesses various aspects of speech perception:

• Speech Reception Threshold (SRT):
The softest level at which the individual can accurately repeat or recognize 50% of presented words.
• Word Recognition Score (WRS):
The percentage of words correctly identified by the individual at a comfortable listening level.
• Speech Discrimination:
The ability to distinguish between similar speech sounds or understand speech in noisy environments.

Why is Speech Audiometry done?

• Evaluate the severity and type of hearing loss.
• Determine the individual’s ability to understand speech in quiet and noisy environments.
• Monitor changes in speech perception abilities over time.
• Guide treatment decisions, such as hearing aid fittings, cochlear implant candidacy assessments, or auditory rehabilitation programs.

Price: ₹ 400

The Eustachian Tube Function Test is a diagnostic assessment used to evaluate the function of the Eustachian tubes, which are narrow passages that connect the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. Proper Eustachian tube function is essential for maintaining normal pressure and ventilation within the middle ear and for equalizing pressure between the middle ear and the external environment.

During ETF Test:

During a Eustachian Tube Function Test, different procedures may be conducted to assess the function of the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the nose and throat. Here’s a summary of what typically occurs:

1. History and Examination: We will first review your medical history and conducts a physical exam to gather information about your symptoms and assess ear and nasal health.

2. Tympanometry: A probe is inserted into your ear canal to vary air pressure and measure how your eardrum responds. This assesses eardrum mobility and middle ear pressure.

3. Acoustic Reflex Testing: This measures the involuntary contraction of middle ear muscles in response to loud sounds, providing insight into Eustachian tube and middle ear muscle function.

4. Nasal Endoscopy: A thin tube with a camera is gently inserted into the nose to visualize nasal passages and Eustachian tube openings.

5. Valsalva Maneuver: You may be asked to close your mouth, pinch your nose, and gently exhale to create middle ear pressure, helping identify any blockages or abnormalities in the Eustachian tubes.

6. Other Tests: Depending on your symptoms and medical history, additional tests like audiometry or imaging studies such as a CT scan may be recommended for further evaluation of the Eustachian tubes and surrounding structures.

Why is ETF Test done?

ETF tests help audiologists and otolaryngologists diagnose Eustachian tube dysfunction, which can occur due to various factors, including allergies, infections, anatomical abnormalities, or changes in air pressure. Treatment options for Eustachian tube dysfunction may include medications, nasal sprays, ear tube placement, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.

Price: ₹ 500

The Glycerol Test, also known as the Glycerin Test or Glycerin Therapy, is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function of the Eustachian tubes and to relieve symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction, such as ear fullness, pressure, or hearing loss.

During Glycerol Test:

The patient ingests a small amount of glycerol solution orally. Glycerol is a sweet-tasting, colorless liquid that is often used as a solvent in pharmaceutical preparations. After ingestion, glycerol is absorbed into the bloodstream and enters the middle ear through the Eustachian tubes.

Why is Glycerol Test done?

The glycerol test is considered positive under the following conditions:
• When the hearing threshold is lowered by at least 15 dB at a minimum of three frequencies.
• When there is a total pure tone threshold shift of 25 dB at three consecutive frequencies.
• When there is a 16% improvement in speech discrimination.

These criteria indicate that the glycerol test has effectively improved hearing function or speech discrimination in the individual, suggesting a positive response to the test and potentially indicating improved Eustachian tube function or relief from Eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms.

Price: ₹ 600

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) is a structured treatment approach used to manage and reduce the perception of tinnitus, which is the perception of sound in the ears or head without an external source. TRT aims to habituate the individual to the sound of tinnitus, reducing its perceived loudness and intrusiveness, and helping them cope better with the condition.

Here’s how Tinnitus Retraining Therapy typically works:

1. Assessment: The first step in TRT is a comprehensive assessment by an audiologist or healthcare professional specializing in tinnitus management. The assessment involves gathering information about the individual’s tinnitus symptoms, medical history, hearing status, and the impact of tinnitus on their daily life.

2. Education: The individual receives detailed information about tinnitus, including its causes, mechanisms, and potential contributing factors. They learn about the auditory system and the brain’s role in processing sound, as well as strategies for managing and coping with tinnitus.

3. Sound Therapy: Sound therapy is a key component of TRT. The individual is provided with wearable sound generators or other sound-generating devices that produce low-level, broadband noise or soothing sounds. These sounds are programmed to match the pitch and loudness of the individual’s tinnitus, helping to mask or partially cover up the tinnitus perception.

4. Habituation: Through consistent exposure to the sound therapy, the individual gradually habituates to the sound of their tinnitus. Over time, the brain learns to perceive the tinnitus as less bothersome and intrusive, leading to a reduction in its perceived loudness and distress.

5. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): In some cases, TRT may also incorporate elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors associated with tinnitus. CBT techniques help individuals develop coping strategies, challenge unhelpful beliefs about tinnitus, and improve their overall quality of life.

6. Follow-up and Support: Throughout the course of TRT, the individual will recieve ongoing support and guidance from the experst and specialists at CC Saha Ltd. Follow-up appointments allow for adjustments to the sound therapy settings and addressing any concerns or challenges that may arise during treatment.

How is TRT helpful?

TRT is a long-term treatment approach that requires commitment and patience from the individual. While it may not eliminate tinnitus completely, TRT can significantly reduce its impact on daily life and improve overall well-being for many individuals experiencing tinnitus.

Price: ₹ 600

Audiometry is a diagnostic test used to assess an individual’s hearing sensitivity and identify any hearing impairments or disorders. The test measures the ability to hear sounds at different frequencies (pitches) and intensity levels (loudness).

During an audiometry test:

• The individual sits in a soundproof booth or room to minimize external noise interference.
• They wear headphones connected to an audiometer, a specialized device that delivers pure-tone sounds at specific frequencies.
• The audiologist or hearing specialist presents tones at different frequencies, ranging from low to high pitches, and varying intensity levels.
• The individual responds to each tone by pressing a button, raising their hand, or indicating when they hear the sound.
• The audiologist records the softest level (threshold) at which the individual can detect each frequency.

Why is AM test done?

Audiometry tests check your hearing for problems. They’re done by audiologists to detect hearing loss, its severity, identify the disorders, check for Tinnitus, monitor overall hearing health to recomend solutions. It’s important for finding issues and getting the right help.

Price: ₹ 300

Audiometry, specifically threshold audiometry, is a diagnostic test used to measure an individual’s hearing sensitivity across different frequencies. The test helps determine the softest sounds a person can hear at various pitches or frequencies.

During threshold audiometry:

• The individual sits in a soundproof booth or room to eliminate external noise interference.
They wear headphones connected to an audiometer, a specialized device that delivers pure-tone sounds at specific frequencies.
• The audiologist presents tones at different frequencies, starting with low frequencies (e.g., 250 Hz) and progressing to higher frequencies (e.g., 8000 Hz).
• The individual indicates when they hear each tone by pressing a button or raising their hand.
• The audiologist records the softest level (threshold) at which the individual can detect each frequency.

Why is AM-T test done?

Threshold audiometry provides valuable information about an individual’s hearing sensitivity across the speech frequency range (250 Hz to 8000 Hz). Results are typically plotted on an audiogram, a graph that displays hearing thresholds for each ear at different frequencies. This helps diagnose hearing loss, determine its type (conductive, sensorineural, or mixed), and assess the severity of impairment.

Price: ₹ 600

Tympanometry is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the function of the middle ear and the mobility of the eardrum (tympanic membrane). It provides valuable information about the middle ear’s pressure, compliance, and ability to transmit sound waves effectively.

During tympanometry:

• The individual sits comfortably, usually in an upright position.
• A soft rubber tip is placed snugly in the ear canal, creating an airtight seal.
• The tympanometer, a specialized device, introduces air pressure variations into the ear canal while simultaneously measuring the eardrum’s response.
• The device emits a pure tone sound and measures the amount of sound reflected back from the eardrum.
• The results are recorded on a graph called a tympanogram, which displays the eardrum’s compliance (movement) at different air pressure levels.

Why is TM test done?

Tympanometry helps identify various middle ear conditions Like:
• Otitis media (middle ear infection)
• Eustachian tube dysfunction
• Tympanic membrane perforation
• Fluid buildup in the middle ear (effusion)