Diagnostic hearing evaluations involve running tests that will give the best conclusions related to a client’s hearing ability. It is a good test to take even for minor hearing loss since it gives intricate details, which Texan Renew Hearing Center uses for future treatments. There is nothing invasive about the test, and it usually involves an audiometer to conduct various hearing exercises. The good news is that there isn’t an age limit on the evaluation, so even infants can benefit from the results.
Different types of hearing tests
When going through an evaluation, some of the tests that are done can include the following:
- Video Otoscope – This gives you and the clinician a look in the ear canal to make sure there is no obstruction in the ear canal, tear of the tympanic membrane or fluid behind the ear drum.
- Air conduction/bone conduction – This is the testing with beeps and tones in different frequencies and pitches to determine the softest level of sound you can hear both through the ear canal and mastoid bone.
- Speech testing – This falls under speech audiometry and uses various tests to gauge how a patient recognizes speech.
- Tympanometry – Used as the best way to test middle ear function, it is a subset of smaller tests that gets to the bottom of hearing loss.
Diagnostic hearing evaluations
Hearing loss can be minor, yet if it is left unchecked, the condition could worsen over time. There are also a lot of other conditions related to hearing loss that can be traced with a simple evaluation. Being informed is the best way to take care of modern health, so the importance of the tests is based on how much an hearing care provider can find out. With only a little amount of personal time needed, an evaluation can be done quickly when a skilled set of professionals are involved.
The hearing test evaluation
There is a lot of information that is processed during the tests at Texan Renew Hearing Center. On average, evaluations are less than an hour, so in many cases can be fitted into a busy day when needed. The most important part is afterward, where the patient gets to discuss the results with the clinician.
Because hearing loss is a family issue, bringing along a close friend or family member is recommended. They can help absorb the information from the evaluation in case it is too much to take in. If hearing aids are required, then another appointment will be set up for the next steps. Coming prepared also helps, and that is why a complete medical history is required before making the appointment. With this information, the hearing care professional can make the correct assessment before planning the evaluation.