Diagnostic Audiological Evaluation
A Diagnostic Hearing Evaluation is the first step in assessing your hearing ability, identifying the type, extent, and specifics of your hearing loss. We’ll ask a series of questions about your medical, work and personal life as it relates to your ears and your hearing. The evaluation involves several tests to better understand the unique characteristics of your hearing loss, including your ability to detect and understand speech. It can be performed on individuals of nearly all ages, from young children to seniors. Common tests included in a basic diagnostic hearing evaluation are a speech recognition threshold test, a word recognition test, and a tympanometry test.
What Should I Expect During a Diagnostic Hearing Evaluation?
The first step toward improving your hearing is simple. The evaluation itself takes about 30 minutes in length. You should also allow up to 30 minutes of discussion time with the audiologist to ask questions and receive information about your hearing loss. Prior to your appointment, a thorough medical history will be taken, and the Audiologist will ask about any hearing concerns you may have. They will focus particularly on any issues related to noise exposure, tinnitus, and balance. Be sure to bring a complete list of any medications and supplements you're currently taking to your appointment. After reviewing your medical history, the Audiologist will start by performing an otoscopy to check for any structural or physical issues in the ear canal that could affect your hearing. They will also examine the eardrum to assess its health and see if any medical attention from a physician is needed.
Bring a Hearing Partner
You will find it helpful to bring a spouse, family member or friend on your visit. Bringing a supportive person to the appointment can be beneficial in helping you better understand the information and recommendations.
