Hearing loss is often first noticed by a family member. That’s because most hearing loss happens, so gradually the affected person doesn’t notice it. Awender Audiology performs hearing loss consultations at our offices. If you suspect you have hearing loss or think a family member has hearing loss, contact us for a complete audiologic evaluation. The assessment usually takes less than an hour. The thought of hearing loss can be scary. We understand. Hearing tests are painless, easy and we even encourage you to bring along a family member or friend for support.
Audiologic evaluation
At Awender Audiology, your hearing exam will be conducted by an audiologist. An audiologist is a Doctor of Audiology, has completed years of rigorous study and has passed a state licensing exam, so you know you are in good hands.
The hearing evaluation includes a review of your medical history, medications and supplements you take and an examination of your ear structure with an otoscope. This is a small instrument that allows the audiologist to see in your ears. An audiologic evaluation does not hurt and should not be feared.
Hearing tests are used to determine your threshold of hearing, and if you have hearing loss, the type of hearing loss can be identified.
Hearing tests
Your hearing will be tested using the latest equipment and techniques and the results captured on an audiogram. These tests may include:
Pure-tone audiometry
Pure-tone audiometry is used to identify the softest tone you can hear across a range of high and low frequencies. Each ear is tested independently. You’ll be given a series of tones and asked to respond when you hear them.
Bone conduction testing
During bone conduction testing, a small device is placed behind your ear and again on your forehead. Sounds are sent through the device to create a gentle vibration in the bones of your skull. Since these sound vibrations skip the outer and middle ear and go straight to the inner ear, this test identifies problems in the outer and middle ear and assesses inner ear function.
Speech testingWhere pure tone audiometry tests your ability to hear tones, speech testing tests your ability to process and comprehend speech in a variety of settings.
Otoacoustic emissions
This is a test of inner ear function. The cochlea has small hair cells that respond to sound by vibrating, and this vibration echoes back to the middle ear. A small probe placed in the ear vibrates the hair cells and then measures the sound coming back to the middle ear. If you have hearing loss more than 25–30 decibels (dB), your hair cells will not produce these sounds.