Hearing Tests
Our licensed audiologist uses the latest techniques and technology to thoroughly evaluate your ability to hear. We are experts in testing the hearing for all ages and abilities. We can even perform Auditory Brainstem Response hearing tests for infants, young babies or disabled adults who cannot respond to traditional testing methods.
If a simple hearing screening indicates you have hearing loss, you should have a complete diagnostic audiologic evaluation. This series of tests is painless and helps determine the type of hearing loss and its severity. From this evaluation, we’ll be able to tell you exactly what sounds you hear and what sounds you’re missing. Because hearing loss generally occurs gradually, you may not even be aware of it.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Your hearing needs are as individual as you. We’ll take as much time as needed to understand how you live and how you feel you are hearing. It is a priority that we understand where you hear well and when you are struggling. Then, we can customize a solution just for you.
The Exam
Hearing loss can be caused by something as simple as too much ear wax. It can also be a more complex problem.
Your hearing test will begin with a review of your medical history and an examination of your ears. If you are currently taking any medications or supplements, be sure to bring a list with you.
Next, we’ll test how you hear at a variety of different tones and volumes. Here are more details on the three tests conducted:
- Pure-tone audiometry: During this test, you wear headphones and will gesture as the audiologist indicates. This test determines the softest tones that you can hear over a range of frequencies, so it measures audibility thresholds. The results are visually represented on an audiogram. This is also known as air conduction testing.
- Bone conduction testing: This test uses a different type of headset. It helps the audiologist determine if the hearing loss is conductive (middle ear) or sensorineural (inner ear).
- Speech testing: This test may be performed with and without background noise. You will repeat the words you hear through headphones. It measures your audibility threshold for speech, which may be different than for pure tones.
We encourage you to bring a family member or trusted friend with you to hearing test appointments.
The Solutions
If hearing loss is found, our audiologist will discuss the multitude of options available and customize a solution that will best suit your lifestyle, hearing difficulty, budget and cosmetic preferences.
If you think you may be experiencing hearing loss, schedule a hearing test today with The Speech & Hearing Center. Our audiologists will guide you through this simple process and make the best treatment recommendations based on the results.