Have you been noticing changes in your hearing? Any changes in your hearing could lead to significant repercussions if not addressed right away. On the surface, the process of hearing is straightforward: you hear a sound, recognize the sound, and respond to the sound. Hearing is actually a multi-step process that involves many distinct mechanisms within the brain and ears. Any gaps or consistencies in this straightforward process can affect hearing.
Cary Audiology offers comprehensive hearing exams to provide you with a complete image of your hearing health.
Case history and visual inspection
A comprehensive case history will be gathered before the evaluation, and there will be a visual evaluation of the ear canal and eardrum. If we detect a severe cerumen impaction, we will need to perform professional earwax removal before we can proceed with the hearing evaluation.
Hearing tests in Raleigh, NC
You’ll take the test in a soundproof room. Typically, you’ll be asked to use earbuds, headphones, or a bone-conduction headband. Your hearing sensitivity will be tested at various frequencies, and the findings are displayed on an audiogram.
Pure tone testing, which measures the quietest noises you can hear at various frequencies, will be part of the hearing evaluation. Your ability to understand speech with sensitivity, clarity, and correctness will also be evaluated. We might also administer a recorded Speech in Noise test to gauge your capacity for comprehension in the presence of distracting noise.
There may also be additional examinations of middle ear functionality. These are used to assess the condition of your middle ear pressure, eardrum and middle ear bone movement, reflexes, and Eustachian tube function.
What is a full diagnostic hearing test?
Diagnostic hearing evaluations include a thorough assessment of your hearing and speech comprehension, as well as a visual inspection of your inner, middle, and outer ears. Depending on the severity of your hearing loss, the test could last up to an hour.
Which hearing test is most accurate?
The most precise test and measurement for hearing loss is an audiogram. It determines the presence of hearing loss and pinpoints the type and severity. It displays hearing loss broken down into different categories. Most individuals should be seated where they can hear normally.
What happens after a hearing evaluation?
Following the assessment, we will go over and explain the findings with you and address any concerns you may have. We may refer you to another medical specialist if we determine any sign of an underlying medical condition. Otherwise, we’ll talk about your treatment choices, which may include tinnitus control, communication techniques, hearing protection, assistive listening devices, and hearing aids.
What is the main cause of hearing loss?
The delicate hairs or nerve endings in the cochlea that transmit sound impulses to the brain may deteriorate with age and exposure to loud noise. Hearing loss results from the ineffective transmission of electrical impulses when these fragile hairs or nerve endings are damaged or broken.
Can hearing loss be cured?
While hearing loss can be managed, it cannot be reversed. Hearing aids are the most common form of treatment for hearing loss. Some types of conductive hearing loss can be cured surgically, while others are treated with various types of implants. Hearing aids are typically used to treat sensorineural hearing loss.
Hearing Diagnostic Services in Raleigh, NC
At Cary Audiology, we conduct in-depth hearing diagnostic services to assist you, your family, and other experts in understanding your communication strengths and weaknesses. We take the time required to determine the needs of you or a loved one in order to create a successful, tailored treatment plan.
Our audiologists thoroughly assess your hearing, make a precise diagnosis, and recommend the hearing aid that will best serve your needs. Additionally, we offer ongoing assistance, counseling, and hearing system maintenance.
Call us today to schedule a consultation or visit our audiology clinic at 115 Parkway Office Court Suite 100, Cary, NC.
