Editing Stimulus modality (section)

===Tests===
[[Hearing tests]] are administered to ensure optimal function of the ear and to observe whether or not sound stimuli is entering the ear drum and reaching the brain as should be. The most common hearing tests require the spoken response to words or [[Pitch (music)|tones]]. Some hearing tests include the whispered speech test, [[pure tone audiometry]], the tuning fork test, speech reception and word recognition tests, [[otoacoustic emission]]s (OAE) test and [[auditory brainstem response]] (ABR) test.<ref name="hearing test">{{cite web|author=Healthwise Staff|title=Hearing Tests|url=http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/hearing-tests?|publisher=WebMD|accessdate=29 July 2012}}</ref>

During a whispered speech test, the participant is asked to cover the opening of one ear with a finger. The tester will then step back 1 to 2 feet behind the participant and say a series of words in a soft whisper. The participant is then asked to repeat what is heard. If the participant is unable to distinguish the word, the tester will speak progressively louder until the participant is able to understand what is being said. The other ear is then tested.<ref name="hearing test" />

In [[pure tone audiometry]], an [[audiometer]] is used to play a series of tones using headphones. The participants listen to the tones which will vary in pitch and loudness. The test will play with the volume controls and the participant is asked to signal when he or she can no longer hear the tone being played. The testing is completed after listening to a range of pitches. Each ear is tested individually.<ref name="hearing test" />

During the tuning fork test, the tester will have the [[tuning fork]] vibrate so that it makes a sound. The tuning fork is placed in a specific place around the participant and hearing is observed. In some instances, individuals will show trouble hearing in places such as behind the ear.<ref name="hearing test" />

Speech recognition and word recognition tests measure how well an individual can hear normal day-to-day conversation. The participant is told to repeat conversation being spoken at different volumes. The spondee threshold test is a related test that detects the loudness at which the participant is able to repeat half of a list of two syllable words or [[spondee (grammar)|spondees]].<ref name="hearing test" />

[[Otoacoustic emission]]s test (OAE) and [[auditory brainstem response]] (ABR) testing measures the brain's response to sounds. The OAE measures hearing of newborns by placing an emitting sound into the baby's ear through a probe. A microphone placed in the baby's [[ear canal]] will pick up the inner ear's response to sound stimulation and allows for observation. The ABR, also known as the [[Brainstem auditory evoked potentials|brainstem auditory evoked response]] (BAER) test or auditory brainstem evoked potential (ABEP) test measure the brain's response to clicking sounds sent through headphones. [[Electrodes]] on the scalp and earlobes record a graph of the response.<ref name="hearing test" />