Hearing Test
Specialized Hearing Test
Based on the age of the patient, or on clinical findings, advanced testing will be performed. Of special interest is our office's use of otoacoustic emissions testing. This allows us to determine, at a given level, if hearing is present, for example, in a child who has not yet learned to speak. By measuring the response of the inner ear to input signals, the status of the hearing, per ear, can be determined as better than 35 dB, or worse than 35 dB. This test is useful in a case where a child refuses, or is unable to produce spoken words, or sentences. It also applies to children who speak, but, their speech cannot be understood.
A diagnostic audiogram reveals whether a hearing loss is present. The Middle Ear Test or 'impedance test' determines if the eardrum is mobile, if the middle ear is properly aerated and whether the acoustic reflexes are present. In some instances, based on the findings, advanced tests will be performed to more precisely determine the site of hearing loss.
Diagnostic Evaluations
A diagnostic audiogram determines whether the hearing loss is present. If a hearing loss is identified by audiometric testing, it is typically one of the following types: Sensorineural, Conductive, Mixed
Hearing Tests - Middle Ear Evaluations
The Middle Ear Test or 'impedance test' determines if the eardrum is mobile, if the middle ear is properly aerated and whether the acoustic reflexes are present.