If you have been referred for a diagnostic audiology evaluation, it means that your hearing needs to be further examined by a doctor of audiology who has been specifically trained to evaluate, diagnose, manage, and treat hearing and balance disorders. A diagnostic audiologic evaluation may be indicated for individuals who failed a hearing screening or for individuals presenting with symptoms such as tinnitus or difficulty understanding speech.
A comprehensive audiologic evaluation is done to evaluate an individual’s hearing system function. Diagnostic hearing testing may provide insight into the cause of the hearing loss as well as provide guidance for the audiologist in making appropriate treatment recommendations or referrals to other professionals.
What tests will be done?
The specific tests performed during the evaluation will depend on several factors including the patient’s age, symptoms reported, medical history, and reason for the appointment. A combination of various tests will help determine an individual’s current hearing ability. The audiologist may also establish if the hearing loss is conductive (middle or outer ear problem), sensorineural (inner ear problem or an issue with the auditory nerve and central auditory pathways), or a combination of the two (mixed hearing loss).
Otoscopy
Your audiologist will want to take a look at your ear. Using an otoscope, your audiologist will examine the outer ear including the pinna and ear canal along with visualizing the tympanic membrane (eardrum), checking for any abnormalities. If your audiologist spots any earwax, don’t worry, it may be normal! Having earwax in the ear canal is a good thing. It becomes a problem when it fills up the ear canal and blocks sound from passing through properly. Please do not use Q-tips to clean your ears. Using this method often pushes earwax further into the ear canal leading to a blocked ear. For a typical/average healthy ear, the earwax should work its way out of the ear on its own and you should not have to insert anything into your ear canal to remove it. Depending on the results of otoscopy, your audiologist may refer you to another specialist such as an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT) for further evaluation and treatment of the ear.
Immittance Testing
For immittance testing, your audiologist will check the function of your middle ear and integrity of the auditory pathway. Abnormal immittance testing results may prompt your audiologist to refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) for further evaluation and treatment.
Tympanometry
Tympanometry is a diagnostic audiology test that checks the function of the middle ear. When performing this test, your audiologist can determine how your eardrum is moving and the pressure inside of your middle ear. Abnormal results are often seen in individuals with an ear infection or fluid behind the eardrum.
Acoustic Reflex Threshold Testing:
Acoustic reflex threshold testing assesses the auditory pathway by sending loud tones to the ear and measuring the ear’s acoustic reflex response. Depending on the reason for your visit with your audiologist, this test may be recommended and performed. This test should not be used alone to determine the status of your hearing.
Pure-Tone Audiometry
Pure-tone testing determines the quietest tones that a person can hear at different frequencies, both low and high. This test can be performed using air conduction (headphones or ear inserts) or bone conduction. For bone conduction pure tone testing, a different type of headset is used to provide the audiologist with different information. A bone conduction test will help the audiologist determine whether the loss is conductive in nature, sensorineural, or a combination of the two (mixed hearing loss).
Additional tests:
Specialized tests exist for infants and young children, as well as children and adults with developmental and cognitive impairments. These highly specialized tests allow the audiologist to test the auditory system when the patient is not able to actively participate in the tests or evaluation. Space City Audiology does not provide auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing but may be able to recommend an alternate clinic in the greater Houston area that provides this specialized audiology testing.
Speech Audiometry
Speech Reception Threshold Testing (SRT)
A speech reception threshold (SRT) test is used to confirm the results of a pure-tone test. This test determines the lowest level of sound you can clearly identify words or speech.
Word Recognition (WR)
For word recognition testing, your audiologist will play a set of recorded words and have you repeat them back. This test may be performed at the level of normal conversational speech or at a comfortable listening level.
Speech In Noise Testing (SIN testing)
Your audiologist may perform speech in noise testing. This test will evaluate your ability to understand speech in the presence of background noise.
Otoacoustic Emissions Testing (DPOAEs)
Another section that needs updating
Visual reinforcement and conditioned play audiometry for children
For children, it is important to have a diagnostic hearing evaluation whenever a hearing loss is suspected. It is the first step in identifying hearing loss and developing a treatment plan to improve academic and social success.
Along with the evaluation, you should generally expect to have time to review the results with the audiologist. They can interpret the tests for you, answer your questions, provide you with information and referrals as needed, as well as begin planning for treatment, if indicated.
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.
What can I expect during a diagnostic hearing evaluation?
Your audiologist will explain testing instructions every step of the way throughout the diagnostic hearing examination appointment.
If the results indicate you need hearing aids, your audiologist will recommend the next steps for discussing hearing aid treatment options.
It is recommended that you bring a family member with you to the evaluation appointment. Most audiologists agree that hearing loss is a family issue. It helps to have another supportive person at the appointment to help you understand the information and recommendations.
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. They will pay special 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 are here for you and exist to help properly care for your hearing. Please give us a call, text us, or send an email through our website to schedule an appointment.