Hearing Testing
Signs You May Need A Hearing Test
- Hearing conversation but not understanding it
- Ringing or roaring in the ears
- Increasing the volume of the radio or TV to the point that others complain
- Difficulty understanding conversations in the presence of background noise
- The need to frequently ask others to repeat themselves
- Feeling that people are mumbling when they are talking
- Avoiding social settings and withdrawing from conversations
- Delayed speech development or poor articulation in children
Other Reasons To Have Your Hearing Tested:
- Pain in the ear
- Unexplained dizziness
- Sudden onset of hearing loss
- Pressure or fullness in your ears
- Chronic ear infections
- Family history of hearing loss
- Considering over-the-counter hearing aids
Elements Of A Complete Hearing Evaluation
Ear Exam
A hearing evaluation will begin by discussing your hearing concerns, including any history of ear surgeries, ear infections, or excessive noise exposure. An otoscope (a lighted instrument) will be used to look in your ear to check the health of your ear canal and eardrum. This is essential to determine if there are any disorders or structural issues causing hearing loss.
Tympanometry
This is a very simple test to check how well the middle ear and eardrum are functioning. A probe is placed in your ear and air pressure is increased and decreased. The results are presented in graph form. Tympanometry can reveal if hearing aids can aid in hearing loss or if medical treatment is available. This test can also be used to detect middle ear problems, even if there is no hearing loss.
Audiogram
While wearing earphones in our in-office sound booth, you will be instructed to repeat words back and also to respond when you hear tones. Each ear is tested individually. To test bone conduction, a small bone vibrator will be placed behind your ear. With this device the sound is transmitted through the bone to the cochlea, bypassing the middle and outer ear. This will determine what type of hearing loss, if any, is present. With these measures, a comprehensive audiogram is generated.Â
Schedule An Appointment
704-752-7575
Charlotte, Monroe,
And Indian Land
Did You Know?
According to the American Speech and Hearing Association, healthy adults should have their hearing screened at least every decade through age 50 and at three-year intervals thereafter. Having a regular hearing test can provide validation that hearing is normal and serve as a baseline of your hearing for future reference.
The Audiologist Advantage
The hearing specialists at some retail hearing aid stores may only have a few weeks or months of training. In contrast, our Doctors of Audiology have each earned a doctorate degree and have years of experience in testing for, and assessing, hearing loss. This wealth of knowledge and access to advanced testing technology ensures you will receive the most accurate hearing test results and hearing aid fitting.Â
Learn More About Hearing Loss And Hearing Aids
Schedule An Appointment
704-752-7575
