What is a comprehensive audiology exam?
A comprehensive audiology exam, also known as a complete hearing evaluation, is a thorough assessment of a person's hearing ability and overall auditory function. It is conducted by an audiologist, a healthcare professional specializing in the diagnosis and management of hearing and balance disorders.
What does a comprehensive audiology exam entail?
Case History: The audiologist will begin by taking a detailed case history, which includes asking questions about your medical history, current symptoms, exposure to noise or ototoxic medications, and any concerns or difficulties you may be experiencing related to your hearing.
- Otoscopy: The audiologist will examine your ear canal and eardrum using an otoscope, a handheld instrument with a light. This examination helps identify any visible abnormalities, such as wax buildup or ear infections, which can affect hearing.
- Pure-Tone Audiometry: This test measures your hearing sensitivity across a range of frequencies. You will wear headphones or insert earphones, and you will be asked to respond when you hear a series of tones at different volumes. This test helps determine the softest sounds you can hear at various frequencies.
- Speech Audiometry: Speech audiometry assesses your ability to understand and repeat words or sentences presented at different volumes. It helps evaluate your speech discrimination skills and assesses the clarity of your hearing.
- Tympanometry: Tympanometry is a test that measures the movement of your eardrum in response to changes in air pressure. It helps assess middle ear function and can detect conditions such as fluid in the middle ear or eustachian tube dysfunction.
- Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs): This test measures the sounds produced by the inner ear (cochlea) in response to a stimulus. It helps determine the integrity of the cochlea and is often used in newborn hearing screenings.
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR): ABR is a test that measures the electrical activity in the auditory nerve and brainstem in response to sounds. It helps assess the overall function of the auditory pathway and can detect abnormalities or hearing loss beyond the cochlea.
- Additional Tests: Depending on your specific needs or concerns, the audiologist may perform additional tests such as speech-in-noise testing, acoustic immittance testing, or balance assessments to evaluate other aspects of your auditory function.
Once the comprehensive audiology exam is completed, the audiologist will review the results with you, explain any findings or diagnoses, and discuss appropriate treatment options or recommendations. These may include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, communication strategies, or referrals to other specialists if necessary.
It's important to note that the exact components of a comprehensive audiology exam may vary based on individual needs and the specific protocols followed The Iowa Clinic audiology providers.