Hearing Evaluation
The purpose of an audiologic assessment is to quantify and qualify hearing in terms of the degree of hearing loss, the type of hearing loss, and the configuration of the hearing loss. A thorough assessment begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your ear and hearing.
The Assessment Itself
An audiologic evaluation is sometimes thought of as "just a hearing test," but more than "just" the ability to hear sounds is involved. The audiologic evaluation consists of a battery of tests each providing specific standalone information. Yet, the tests complement one another. The audiologic evaluation consists of several different components:
- Case History
- Physical Examination
- Tests of Middle Ear Function (Tympanometry & Acoustic Reflex Measurement)
- Test of Inner Ear Function (Otoacoustic Emissions)
- Pure-tone Audiometry
Dizziness & Balance Evaluation
Balance system assessment is conducted to detect pathology within the vestibular or balance system to: determine site of lesion; monitor changes in balance function; or determine the contribution of visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems to functional balance.
The Assessment Itself
These sophisticated tests evaluate the inner ear pathways, the central nervous system, and the connections between eye movement and the brain:
- Case History
- Comprehensive Hearing Evaluation
- Sensory Organization Performance
- Dynamic Visual Acuity
- Active Head Rotation
- Videonystagmography
- Fistula/Pressure Test
Vestibular or balance system assessment is indicated when a person has nystagmus (rapid involuntary eye movement), complaints of vertigo or dizziness, balance dysfunction, gait abnormalities, or when pathology/disease of the vestibular system is suspected.
Tinnitus Evaluation
The purpose of a tinnitus assessment is to quantify and qualify the onset, location, pattern, and characteristics of ringing in the ears or excessive head noise. A thorough assessment begins with a detailed case history and physical examination of the ear.
The Assessment Itself
These progressive diagnostic tests help to quantify and qualify the underlying neurological basis of tinnitus:
- Case History
- Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire (TRQ)
- Physical Examination
- Test of Middle Ear Function (Tympanometry & Acoustic Reflex Measures)
- Test of Inner Ear Function (Otoacoustic Emissions)
- High Frequency Audiometry
- Pitch Matching, Loudness Matching, Loudness Tolerance, Minimum Masking Level, and Residual Inhibition