What Taunton Audiologists Check Before Hearing Aids
Audiologists check many things before even suggesting the use of hearing aids.
Otoscopy
In the Otoscopy test, the audiologist uses a small light and lens to look into the ear canal and eardrum. They can determine if there is any wax in the ear canal, an infection in the ear canal, or if there is a perforation in the eardrum. Any of these could affect hearing, so they would need to be cleared before any hearing aid is fitted.
Pure-Tone Audiometry
The test is carried out by playing tones of different pitch and volume through the headphones and asking the test subject to respond to them. The results are plotted on a graph to provide a clear picture of the test subject’s hearing loss. The results also provide information about the amount of hearing loss at different frequencies.
Bone Conduction Testing
This small device is placed behind the ear, it vibrates and goes straight into the inner ear, bypassing the outer ear and the ear canal entirely. This test is then compared with Pure-Tone results obtained via headphones to highlight the nature of the hearing loss, i.e. whether it is sensorineural, conductive or a mix of both.
Speech Discrimination
This test does not consist of hearing a tone. Rather, recorded words are played to the test participant at a comfortable loudness, and the speech is then distorted. The participant then attempts to recognise the speech, and this test gives an indication of how much help the participant will get from an aid, and how much help the aid will provide.
Tympanometry
For middle ear problems or fluid in the ear behind the eardrum, medical treatment may be required before an audiologist can recommend suitable hearing aid(s) for your hearing loss.
Lifestyle Interview
For an Audiologist Taunton appointment we look at your situation and of course discuss any problems that you have in your daily activities. We look at your environment, the workplace, TV, shops, for example and of course your communication in noisy situations. If you are looking for Audiologist Taunton, see https://www.imperialhearing.com/audiologist-near-me/taunton.
NHS Guidance: A Full Assessment Before a Hearing Aid is Fitted.
