Here you can be sure that you will receive an objective assessment of your hearing.
Testing
HEARING EVALUATIONS
We will test your hearing in our sound booth using a Diagnostic Audiometer. This evaluation tests your ability to hear very soft sounds for a variety of tones, ranging from low pitch (bass) frequencies all the way up to high pitch (treble) frequencies. In addition, we test your speech understanding ability for words presented at a normal listening level.
The combination of the tone test plus the word recognition test helps us to determine the type of hearing loss you have (a nerve loss, for example) OR whether you might have a possible medical condition which would necessitate a referral to a medical specialist. In addition, from these tests, we can determine whether hearing aids would be of benefit as well as the type of hearing aid that would be best for you.
FIBER OPTIC VIDEO OTOSCOPE EXAM
You’ll see inside your own ear canal on a color television monitor. The video otoscope gives us a large, very clear view of your ear canal and ear drum. Your hearing loss could be caused by something as simple an accumulation of ear wax. Through this quick procedure we can easily determine if there are any obstructions in your ear canal or whether there might be such middle ear problems like fluid or middle ear infections. Any time we find a potential problem, we refer our patients for the appropriate medical care.
Hearing Loss Symptoms
Because hearing loss often occurs gradually, it may go undetected for a period of time. Below are some questions relating to common symptoms of hearing loss. If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, you should have your hearing evaluated.
Do you frequently ask people to repeat themselves?
Is there a ringing or buzzing in your ear?
Do you complain that everyone around you is mumbling?
Do you have difficulty understanding conversations in noisy places?
Is it difficult to understand telephone conversations?
Do you often misunderstand what people are saying?
What Are Common Side Effects of Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss affects every area of your life. Relationships. Work. Recreation. Economic. As a result, the psychological, emotional and social impact can be great and should be a serious consideration when deciding whether to seek treatment.
People experiencing mild to severe hearing loss are more likely to report feelings of:
Sadness and depression caused by feelings of isolation from others
Stress and anxiety (especially with family and co-workers)
Loneliness due to avoiding social functions
Frustration resulting from difficulty understanding speech
However, those being treated for hearing loss experience benefits including:
Better relationships with family and friends
A heightened sense of self esteem
Improved mental health
Greater independence and security
Could My Hearing Loss Be a Symptom of Something Serious?
Yes. Sudden hearing loss, defined as rapidly decreasing hearing within 90 days, either alone or accompanied by pain and/or drainage in one or both ears, dizziness, or a feeling of fullness could be a symptom of a deeper medical condition. In cases such as this we recommend you consult your primary physician and we may refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
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