Overview:

Have you recently experienced a difference in your hearing? Or have you been around loud noise and are finding it difficult to hear people clearly? A comprehensive hearing evaluation with us might be just what you need for overall wellness. Here's what you need to know about the benefits of a comprehensive audiology evaluation.

What is a Comprehensive Hearing Evaluation?

A comprehensive hearing evaluation is a diagnostic process of determining whether a patient is experiencing hearing loss and to what degree. It is also sometimes called a comprehensive audiology evaluation. They are performed by trained providers known as audiologists.

What are the Common Tests During a Comprehensive Hearing Evaluation?

A comprehensive hearing evaluation can be carried out in patients of all ages, including very young infants and children. Several hearing evaluation tests can be conducted during your appointment, including:

• Otoscopy, where the audiologist uses an otoscope to look into your ear to determine the health of the middle ear as well as your external auditory canal
• Tympanometry
• Speech recognition testing
• Word recognition ability
• Otoacoustic emissions (OAE)
• Auditory brainstem response evaluation

What Are the Benefits of a Comprehensive Hearing Evaluation?

There are multiple benefits to undergoing a comprehensive hearing evaluation. First, the process will help determine whether your hearing loss is permanent or temporary. Permanent hearing loss is caused by damage to the auditory nerve or inner ear, while temporary hearing loss may occur due to a build-up of fluid, ear wax, or a punctured eardrum. Your audiologist can evaluate the tests and determine a mode of treatment, including an aural rehabilitation plan, listening devices, or the fitting and use of hearing aids.

What to Expect During a Comprehensive Hearing Evaluation Appointment

If you've never had a comprehensive hearing evaluation, you might be wondering what to expect during your first appointment. A certified audiologist at Emanuel Kontos, DMD will begin by asking a detailed list of questions to determine your current health and past medical history. From there, your audiologist will begin the evaluation process with an otoscopy and will look into your ears using an otoscope. You may then be asked to wear headphones and repeat what you hear or respond to different sounds being played. A typical session can last anywhere from one to two hours, depending on your symptoms and the number of required tests, which can include otoacoustic emissions, acoustic reflex testing, and tympanometry.

For more information about comprehensive hearing evaluations, contact Emanuel Kontos, DMD at (727) 939-2099.