Acoustic reflex testing

At Advocate Health Care, our dedicated team of audiologists offer the latest audiological testing to gain valuable insights into your hearing health. This includes acoustic reflex testing, often referred to as the acoustic reflex test.

Acoustic reflex testing is a pivotal diagnostic tool to gauge the health of your auditory system. Your auditory system includes the outer, middle, and inner ear, along with the connecting brain regions.

This non-invasive procedure measures the response of your stapedial muscle, a small but critical muscle in your middle ear, to loud sounds.

The importance of stapedial reflex assessment

The stapedial reflex plays a significant role in protecting our ears from excessively loud noises. When we encounter a loud sound, such as a gunshot or a loud explosion, this reflex kicks in to reduce the intensity of the sound that reaches the inner ear. It’s also known as the acoustic reflex.

Evaluating the stapedial reflex is crucial in diagnosing conditions like sensorineural hearing loss, acoustic neuroma, and other auditory system disorders. It also helps audiologists determine the threshold at which the reflex occurs.

What to expect during acoustic reflex testing

First, your audiologists will typically conduct an audiometry test to assess your baseline hearing levels. This preliminary test establishes a reference point for your hearing capabilities before the acoustic reflex test.

The acoustic reflex testing procedure involves the use of headphones and a small probe inserted into the ear canal. Sounds with varying intensities will be transmitted through the ear canal, while the reflex responses are recorded.

This examination is usually done within 10 minutes, entirely painless and will provide invaluable insights into your hearing ability.

Preparing for acoustic reflex testing

There’re a few essential steps in preparing for your acoustic reflex test. Come to the test rested and relaxed. Stress and fatigue can potentially influence the test results.

Your audiologist will review your medical history and discuss any existing medical issues and medications you may be taking. During the test, it's vital to follow your audiologist's instructions carefully to guarantee the accuracy of the results.

Interpreting acoustic reflex test results

Our audiologists will analyze the results of your acoustic reflex testing and discuss them with you. These results will reveal the threshold levels at which your stapedial reflex occurs and whether there is any reduction in the reflex over time.

This information is instrumental in diagnosing hearing disorders and providing the appropriate treatment.

Benefits of acoustic reflex testing

There are numerous benefits to acoustic reflex testing. It helps audiologists identify conditions such as auditory nerve disorders, facial nerve disorders, and brainstem lesions. Additionally, it aids in determining the type and degree of hearing loss, ultimately guiding the selection of appropriate interventions, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, or surgical procedures.