The perception of sound is a part of the sensory system in human beings. Hearing is one of the five senses that are present in a normal healthy individual. The process of hearing begins with the capture of a sound wave by the ear. This sound wave vibrates the tympanic membrane which in turn moves the bones within the ear. The sound received by the ear is then transmitted to the brain through the auditory nerve system. This system terminates in the part of the brain that is responsible for the perception of sound. The perception of sound in each ear is independent to the other ear. This is why human beings are able to perceive stereo sounds that one hears in music records.
A hearing test is a diagnostic test used to determine the capacity of the auditory system to perceive sounds. Most hearing tests are conducted at specialized laboratories where outside sounds are eliminated by placing a subject in a sound proof room or enclosure. However, one can also try some hearing tests at home to find out whether there is a loss of hearing ability or not.
A hearing test at home is conducted by using a CD or sound file on a computer. When testing one's hearing at home, certain precautions must be taken to ensure that the test is as accurate as possible. The test must be conducted in as silent an environment as possible. External sounds will contaminate the test results. Even the rotating action of a fan would create enough noise and wind disturbance to contaminate test results. The subject must also follow the rules of the test regarding the volume level required on the music system or computer being used. Most tests recommend the use of headphones so that the hearing of each ear can be judged individually. The sounds being played on the home test will be described in the literature attached to the test and accordingly, the subject can note which sounds are heard and which are not heard. It is important to maintain the volume control of the device being used as per the test procedure because this will drastically affect the test results if it is wrongly set.
A home hearing test is a good way of getting a general idea about one's hearing ability. If the test results show any abnormality, the subject can follow up the test with a visit to a specialist doctor for further diagnosis.