HEARING EVALUTATION

Prior to the hearing test, it is advised to see one of our physicians for a complete medical evaluation.  The audiologist   performs the hearing test. The hearing test is a diagnostic evaluation to determine the overall health of your ear.   It is an important component in the diagnosis of disorders including sensorineural hearing loss, otitis media, cholesteatomas, tympanic membrane perforation, tinnitus, and balance disorders.

The Diagnostic Audiologic Evaluation includes:

• Case History
• Otoscopy
• Immittance Testing : Assessment of middle ear status
• Otoacoustic Emission Testing: Measurement of outer hair cell function of the cochlea
• Pure tone testing
• Speech and word testing

The ear is a complex system comprised of the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear.   In our office, the hearing test evaluates total ear function (outer, middle, and inner ear).

The outer ear picks up sound waves, then the tympanic membrane, or the “ear drum”, vibrates and sends these signals to the middle ear.

The middle ear contains a chain of three small bones; these bones vibrate and send the sound signals to the inner ear.

The inner ear houses thousands of sensory cells.  The sensory cells pick up the sound signal and transmit it to the VIII nerve.  The nerve sends the signal to the brain, and the brain attaches meaning to the sounds you heard.

If you experience tinnitus (ringing in the ears), fullness or a clogged sensation in your ears, ear pain, trouble understanding conversations, it is advised to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians and an audiologist.