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stapedius reflex test
Loudness recruitment occurs when inner ear damage causes very soft sounds to be inaudible but slightly louder sounds become painfully loud. The Objective Metz Recruitment test detects this using your ear’s natural acoustic reflex. In healthy ears, the stapedius reflex triggers at around 70–90 dB above the hearing threshold. In ears affected by cochlear damage, the reflex occurs at a much lower increment—this is the hallmark of loudness recruitment. By comparing the reflex level to your own hearing threshold, the Metz test provides an objective and physiological measure of recruitment, confirming issues in the cochlea without relying on subjective feedback.
essential care
Confirms cochlear site of damage: A positive Metz result (reflex at ≤ 60 dB sensation level) indicates inner-ear involvement. Differentiates from neural problems: A normal or absent reflex despite hearing loss may suggest retrocochlear issues—prompting further ENT investigation. Validates patient experience: Loudness sensitivity, distortion, and tinnitus often accompany recruitment. The Metz test provides scientific confirmation. Informs personalised treatment: Hearing aids fitted with appropriate compression and sound comfort settings prevent loud discomfort caused by recruitment.
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Audiocare’s audiologists perform the Metz test with precision and care, using state-of-the-art immittance equipment. The process begins with measuring your pure‑tone audiogram thresholds at key frequencies ranging from 500 to 4,000 Hz. Next, the stapedius reflex is recorded using contralateral acoustic stimuli, allowing us to determine the reflex threshold. We then calculate the sensation level by subtracting your hearing threshold from the reflex threshold. If this value is 60 dB SL or less, it confirms loudness recruitment; if the reflex is absent or falls within a normal range despite hearing loss, it prompts further investigation for potential neural causes. The test is swift, non‑invasive and uses safe sound levels, ensuring both accuracy and your comfort throughout the session.
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years in Algarve
Benefits to your care The Metz objective recruitment test brings substantial benefits to your care by improving diagnostic precision, enabling the differentiation between cochlear and retrocochlear (neural) hearing loss. This clarity ensures that your hearing solution—such as customised hearing aid settings—is tailored to your specific needs, preventing discomfort from sudden loud sounds while promoting clear, even amplification.
Moreover, seeing your symptoms verified through objective measurement offers psychological reassurance. It demonstrates that your experiences are scientifically validated, helping to restore trust and confidence in your hearing journey. Finally, this test allows Audiocare to monitor cochlear function over time, a key aspect in managing progressive inner-ear conditions like Ménière’s disease and ensuring your care adapts as your hearing needs evolve.
Book your appointment today and take a proactive step toward maintaining and improving your hearing health.
Other Services
At first, an anamnesis is carried out by a health professional with the patient, which is intended to be an initial point in the diagnosis.
Primary and complementary tests are carried out to diagnose the type of hearing loss that will explain why it is difficult to hear.
According to the results of these tests, if hearing loss is proven, a hearing aid will be recommended, which may vary in type and model.
Testimonials
Uitstekende manueel therapeut.
Excelentes profissionais!
My husband is very pleased with his new ears.
Great service
Robert cleared my ear wax. Perfect
Very professional service. Kate was very pleasant. Unfortunately too expensive for my budget.
Sehr freundliche Bedienung und Hilfreiche Betreuung. Mir wurde mein Hörgerät trotz anderen Fabrikates repariert. Sprachliche Verständigung auch in Deutsch möglich. Kann ich nur empfehlen.
Great physiotherapist. My Family has been going there for years.
Super Service. Sehr gute Betatung
Extremely knowledgeable and friendly people gave fantastic advice & reasonably priced.
Uma simpatia e com muito conhecimento do assunto . Fácil estacionar e gratuito.
Whether you’re exploring our bespoke services, our approach, or how we can elevate your hearing experience, here are answers to the questions we’re asked most often.
Typically under 10 minutes as part of our immittance assessments.
No — stimuli are within safe diagnostic limits and testing is paused if discomfort occurs.
We’ll adjust your hearing aid fitting to manage loudness and explain coping strategies for sound sensitivity.
That may suggest cochlear preservation or a neural issue; further audiological or ENT evaluation will be recommended.
Yes — because the test relies on involuntary reflexes, it works well with all age groups and abilities.
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