Accurate objective testing for comprehensive hearing care, evaluating the middle-ear muscles, auditory nerve, facial nerve and brainstem pathways.
At Welfast Hearing Australia, Acoustic Reflex Testing evaluates the natural contraction of a tiny middle-ear muscle in response to louder sounds. It provides information about the auditory nerve, facial nerve, middle ear and brainstem pathways.
Combined with Pure Tone Audiometry, Speech Audiometry and Tympanometry, it helps clinicians understand unexplained hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, facial nerve concerns and abnormal hearing results.
The test measures the involuntary contraction of the stapedius muscle inside the middle ear. This muscle responds automatically to loud sounds and helps protect the inner ear. Assessing the reflex can reveal abnormalities not detected by routine hearing tests.
Hearing requires healthy communication between the ear, hearing nerve, facial nerve and brain. Acoustic reflexes provide objective information about these pathways and support a more accurate diagnosis.
Because this is an objective test, it is highly reliable for adults and children.
Your clinician may recommend this assessment if you experience:
PTA measures hearing sensitivity from approximately 250 Hz to 8000 Hz—the range covering sounds most important for everyday communication.
Sensorineural and conductive hearing loss
Helps distinguish inner-ear or auditory-nerve loss from middle-ear conditions.
Auditory and facial nerve disorders
Assesses cranial nerves VIII and VII involved in the reflex pathway.
Otosclerosis, brainstem disorders and hyperacusis
Supports investigation of middle-ear bone changes, neural pathways and sound sensitivity.
This advanced objective assessment adds important clinical evidence to a complete diagnostic hearing evaluation and strengthens treatment planning.
Your clinician explains the results in relation to your symptoms and other hearing tests, then recommends the most appropriate next step.
We use modern audiological technology and evidence-based clinical practice to provide accurate diagnosis, individual recommendations and supportive ongoing care.
Welfast Hearing is your trusted independent hearing wellness team across the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie. We help you reconnect with the sounds and people that matter most.
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