Hearing loss typically occurs gradually and is simple to disregard until its effects become more severe. Whether you are having difficulty keeping up with conversation, difficulty hearing in groups, or asking people to repeat themselves frequently, audiology testing is a way for our physicians to discover and address any issues with your hearing. With the correct evaluation, you can take the initial step to improved hearing and re-joining the world surrounding you.
The Benefits of Audiology Testing
Audiology testing is a series of non-surgical diagnostic tests that serve to determine the cause and extent of hearing loss. Whether you are an adult who has experienced some change in your hearing or a parent seeking information for your child, a hearing test is the optimal method of assessing your hearing health and obtaining a clear understanding of what is going on.
What Should I Expect at a Hearing Test?
If you’re experiencing hearing difficulties, your audiologist or ENT specialist will perform a thorough evaluation, starting with a review of your medical history and a physical exam. From there, the audiology tests may include:
Tone and Frequency Testing
This significant test evaluates your reaction to a range of sounds at different pitches to establish the frequencies that you are able to hear. The results inform us whether the hearing loss is sensorineural (inner ear), conductive (middle or outer ear), or a mix of both.
Speech Understanding Test
This test evaluates your ability to hear and comprehend speech, even in the presence of background noise. It’s essential for establishing how hearing loss is affecting your daily communication.
Middle Ear Function Testing
This set of tests looks at the motion of your eardrum and measures the function of your middle ear. It can show potential problems like infections or blockages in your ears.
Nerve Pathway Testing
Acoustic reflex testing checks the automatic response of the middle ear to loud noise and gives valuable information about the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain.
Cochlear Health Check
Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing measures the function of the cochlea by quantifying how it reflects sound back. This identifies if there’s any damage to the hair cells of the inner ear that may be causing hearing loss.
Hearing Tests for Children
It’s especially important to diagnose hearing issues early in children to help with language and developmental milestones. Audiology testing in children is gentle and safe, providing a clear picture of hearing function at any age. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes in children with hearing loss, helping them succeed at school and in social situations.
Why Audiology Testing is Important
Hearing loss affects millions of people, and many don’t even realize how bad it is. Indeed, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), close to 15% of adults in America have some degree of hearing loss. Furthermore, untreated hearing loss can influence mental health, communication, and even cognitive function.
Take Control of Your Hearing Health
If you’ve been noticing a loss in hearing or are concerned about your child’s hearing development, audiology testing is the initial step on the journey to obtaining the answers you’re looking for. At Texas ENT & Allergy, our doctors offer complete hearing evaluations for adults and children to ensure each patient receives the personalized care they require.
Don’t hesitate to find out more. Book your hearing test today and take the initial step on the journey to better hearing.
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