Comprehensive Hearing Test

The  diagnostic hearing evaluation will be performed by our highly qualified  Audiologist using  equipment called an audiometer. The assessment consists of a variety of  tests to determine the unique aspects of your hearing loss if it is  present, as well as the level at which you can detect and understand  speech. The evaluation will usually last about 45 to 60 minutes in  length and the results of your test are recorded on an audiogram. You  should also allow for time for discussion with the audiologist to review  test results and ask questions. Before your appointment, a complete  medical history will be completed, and the audiologist will want to hear  about any complaints you have about your hearing. 

At  The Hearing Specialist, we offer a comprehensive hearing evaluation  which consists of a consultation, physical examination, and a series of  tests. We pay attention to any concerns you have about exposure to  noise, tinnitus, and balance problems. Make sure that you take a full  list of any medications and supplements you are taking with you to your  appointment.

We perform a variety of tests to determine the  degree of hearing loss, the type of hearing loss, and the conditions of  the ear canal and middle ear. The audiologist will also determine if  the hearing loss is conductive (middle or outer ear problem) or  sensorineural (inner ear problem or central processing difficulty of the  brain).

What Tests Will Be Done?

A diagnostic hearing evaluation may include the following test: 

Pure-tone Air and Bone Conduction Testing

Pure-tone  air conduction testing determines the quietest tones that a person can  hear at different frequencies, both low and high. Bone conduction  testing is similar to pure-tone air conduction testing. A different type  of headphone is used during bone conduction testing, and the results  help the specialist determine if the hearing loss is originating from  the outer/middle ear or from the inner ear.

Speech Testing

A  speech reception threshold (SRT) test is often used to confirm the  results of a pure-tone test. This test determines the lowest level at  which the patient can recognize words or speech stimuli. 

Ear Canal Examination

Otoscopy also is performed by the audiologist to determine the health of the ear canal. 

Immittance testing

Immittance testing is a common audiological evaluation that is important in the diagnostic process to determine the health of the middle ear and to evaluate acoustic reflex pathways. It is made up of a series of tests, including tympanometry and acoustic reflex measurement.  These tests allow  the audiologist to measure how well the eardrum is vibrating when sound  strikes, how well the tiny bones of the ear are functioning to transmit  those vibrations to the organ of hearing and to further examine the  integrity of the middle ear system.

We  will then review your hearing exam results with you, answer your  questions, and design an aural rehabilitation program to help you to  achieve your hearing and communication goals if a hearing loss is found.  We may refer you to your doctor if for example, there is middle ear  fluid, asymmetrical hearing loss or unilateral tinnitus. 

Audiologists  are specialists in hearing and hearing rehabilitation. Never hesitate  to ask your audiologist for clarification or further information on  anything you do not understand.

Why a Diagnostic Hearing Evaluation is Important
Diagnostic  hearing evaluations identify hearing loss and give your audiologist  important information to help determine the best course of action for  treatment. Some types of hearing loss can be treated medically or  surgically, so it's important that these types of hearing losses be  ruled out before hearing aids or other treatments are considered. If  it is determined that you could benefit from hearing aids, the  diagnostic hearing evaluation helps your audiologist know which hearing  aids will be most appropriate for your needs.